The term 'Other Backward Class' (OBC) in India refers to a collective group of castes and communities that are identified as socially and educationally disadvantaged. This classification is a crucial component of India's affirmative action policy, known as 'reservations,' aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting social equality. The concept of OBC emerged from the constitutional mandate to identify and uplift 'socially and educationally backward classes' beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The Mandal Commission, constituted in 1979, played a pivotal role in defining and identifying OBCs. Its report, submitted in 1980, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in central government jobs and public sector undertakings, in addition to the existing 22.5% for SCs and STs, bringing the total reservation to 49.5%. The implementation of these recommendations in 1990 sparked widespread protests but eventually led to the formal recognition and implementation of OBC reservations.

Identification of OBCs is primarily based on social and educational backwardness, often using caste as a primary indicator, though economic criteria are also considered. The 'creamy layer' concept was introduced to exclude individuals from OBC families who are economically well-off and socially advanced, ensuring that the benefits of reservation reach the truly deserving within the backward classes. Both the central government and individual state governments maintain separate lists of OBCs, which can vary significantly due to different criteria and political considerations.

The impact of OBC reservations has been significant. It has facilitated greater representation of these communities in government services, educational institutions, and political spheres, contributing to their social mobility and empowerment. However, the policy has also faced criticism regarding its reliance on caste, the exclusion of the 'creamy layer,' and debates over its effectiveness in achieving genuine equality. Despite these debates, the OBC category remains a cornerstone of India's social justice framework, continually evolving through judicial pronouncements and policy adjustments to address the complex realities of social hierarchy and inequality.