The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was initially established by the Central Government through the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 (27 of 1993), enacted on April 2, 1993. Since its inception, the Commission has been reconstituted seven times up to the year 2016.

In 2018, the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 was repealed by the Central Government. This led to the establishment of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) through the National Commission Backward Classes Act, 2018 (10 of 2018).

The NCBC under the new Act consists of a Chairperson, three Vice-Chairpersons, and six other members appointed by the Central Government. The Commission is responsible for identifying and recommending socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs) to the Central Government for inclusion in the Central List of OBCs.

The NCBC also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of SEBCs and addressing their grievances. It receives complaints and representations from individuals and organizations belonging to SEBCs and takes appropriate action to redress their concerns.

In addition to its core functions, the NCBC also undertakes research and studies related to the issues faced by SEBCs and makes recommendations to the Central Government for policy formulation and implementation.