Reserved constituencies are constituencies in which seats are reserved for specific groups of the population, such as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), based on the size of their population. These groups are considered to be backward and may not have the required resources, education, or contacts to contest and win elections against other candidates. The need for reserved constituencies arises to give these marginalized individuals a chance to directly contest polls and participate in the politics of the country.

In India, about 25% of the population belongs to SC/ST communities, and about the same ratio of seats are reserved for them in the Parliament. In each state, the number of reserved constituencies will depend on the percentage of population and percentage of SC/ST amongst them. In local body elections, such as municipal polls, in addition to SC/ST, other Backward Class candidates also have reserved seats. The constituencies are allotted by a lottery system.

It is important to note that in reserved constituencies, only candidates belonging to the specific community for which the seat is reserved can contest the election. The Delimitation Commission, an independent body appointed by the President of India, makes the decision about the reserved constituencies. The Commission works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India and draws up the boundaries of constituencies all over the country.

Reserved constituencies are necessary to ensure that all classes are represented in the legislature and to provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their social status.