Hello,

Hope you are doing well.

Since the validity for EWS certificate remains for one financial year from the time of its approval therefore you can apply for it in the month of January- March 2022 so as to remain under safe zone.

EWS certificate is needed at the time of counselling and NEET UG 2022 counselling would probably take place in July 2022 and therefore your certificate will be valid at that time and even later if some unforeseen event happens like the current pandemic.

Hope this helps you. All the best!