The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has significantly enhanced its status and powers with the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2018, which granted it constitutional status under Article 338B. This makes it a more empowered body, akin to the National Commissions for SCs and STs. It now has the power to investigate complaints and monitor safeguards for socially and educationally backward classes, with powers of a civil court. It advises the Union and State Governments on socio-economic development policies for OBCs and presents annual reports to the President.

However, its recommendations are advisory, and the ultimate decision-making power rests with the government. In the context of rising demands for backwardness status from dominant communities (e.g., Jats, Patels, Marathas, Kapus), the NCBC faces a complex and politically charged role. While it provides a formal mechanism for examining such claims based on socio-economic criteria, its ability to resist political pressure and ensure genuine backwardness is assessed can be challenging. These dominant communities often leverage their political and economic influence to push for reservations, sometimes blurring the lines of actual backwardness. The NCBC's role is to objectively evaluate these demands, ensuring that the benefits of reservation reach the truly deserving, but it operates within a broader political landscape where such decisions are often contentious and subject to intense lobbying.