How to Apply for Caste Certificate

Disclaimer:
The sample Application form shown below is only for illustration purposes and has been taken from the Delhi Government portal, and it is for an SC Caste Certificate to give a general idea of the format and information typically required.
Each State/UT has its own prescribed application form, eligibility criteria, authority, fee, and procedure. Applicants must use only the official form and process notified by their respective State/UT government through government portals.

What is Caste Certificate

A Caste Certificate is an official document issued by the State/UT government certifying that a person belongs to a notified Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Class (OBC) of that State/UT.
It is used for reservations in education, government jobs, scholarships, hostels, welfare schemes, and local benefits.

Issued by: SDM / Tehsildar / Revenue Authority / District Magistrate

Important Points

• State-specific: A caste recognised in one state may not be recognised in another.
• One Caste Certificate per state
• Central vs State use: Some purposes require a Central format OBC certificate (issued by state authorities but in central format).
• Forms, fees, documents, and timelines vary by state.

How to Apply

Online Method

Step 1

Visit your State e-District / Citizen Services portal (gov.in/nic.in).

Step 2

Register/Login as Citizen.

Step 3

Select Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC).

Step 4

Fill the application and upload documents.

Step 5

Pay fee (if applicable).

Step 6

Submit - note acknowledgement number.

Step 7

Track status – download certificate after approval.

Offline Method

Step 1

Visit SDM / Tehsildar / Revenue Office / CSC.

Step 2

Collect the state-specific application form.

Step 3

Submit the filled form with documents and fee.

Step 4

Receive an acknowledgement slip.

Step 5

Collect the certificate after verification.

Documents Commonly Required

• Identity proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
• Residence proof
• Caste proof of father/mother (old caste certificate, school record, revenue record)
• Self-declaration/affidavit
• Passport-size photograph

State-Wise (Official Portals)

FAQs

1. Is a caste certificate valid all over India?

No. It is state-specific. Validity depends on where the caste is notified.

2. Can I apply online in every state?

Most states support online applications via e-District portals, but offline options still exist.

3. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

Often required, but some states accept alternate government IDs. Check your state portal.

4. What if my parents' caste certificate is from another state?

You may need proof that the caste is notified in your current state and additional verification.

5. How do I get a duplicate certificate?

Apply for a duplicate/reissue through the same state portal or revenue office.

6. Is OBC certificate different for central government jobs?

Yes. Central OBC certificate (with non-creamy layer status) is required for central services.

7. Can students apply independently?

Yes, usually with parent/guardian caste proof and residence documents.