EWS, LIG, MIG, HIG: Income Groups Explained

Almost every government housing scheme divides applicants into income groups so that cheaper, smaller homes go to lower-income families. The names are standard across India. The rupee limits are not.

The four groups

• EWS: Economically Weaker Section, the lowest income group.
• LIG: Low Income Group.
• MIG: Middle Income Group (sometimes split into MIG-I and MIG-II).
• HIG: Higher Income Group, usually no upper limit.

Why limits differ between schemes

The central PMAY-Urban 2.0 scheme uses ₹3 lakh (EWS), ₹3–6 lakh (LIG) and ₹6–9 lakh (MIG) of annual household income. State boards set their own limits for their own flats. For example, MHADA's Mumbai board revised its limits in 2023 to up to ₹6 lakh for EWS, ₹6–9 lakh for LIG, ₹9–12 lakh for MIG and above ₹12 lakh for HIG.

So the same family can be 'MIG' for one scheme and 'LIG' for another. Always use the limit printed in that specific brochure.

How household income is counted

Most schemes count the combined income of the applicant and spouse for the latest financial year. Proof is normally an income tax return, Form 16, salary certificate or a tehsildar-issued income certificate. Some schemes ask for gross income and others for taxable income, and the brochure will say which.

Practical advice

• Get your income certificate for the correct financial year before the lottery opens.
• Don't under-report income to fit a lower group. Mismatches are caught at verification and your allotment can be cancelled.
• Use our Eligibility Checker to see which group you fall in for major schemes.