How to Get Caste Certificate Online ā Step-by-Step Guide
Complete guide to apply for SC/ST/OBC caste certificate online. State-wise process, documents, eligibility, and verification.
What is a Caste Certificate?
A Caste Certificate (Jati Praman Patra) is an official document issued by the state government that certifies a person belongs to a particular caste ā Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Class (OBC). It is essential for availing reservations in education, jobs, and government schemes.
Why Do You Need It?
- Government job reservations (SC/ST/OBC quota)
- Educational admissions (reserved seats in schools, colleges, IITs, IIMs)
- Scholarship applications
- Government scheme benefits
- Election candidature (reserved constituencies)
- Age relaxation in competitive exams
Who is Eligible?
- Any person belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories as per the Central or State list
- Must be a resident of the state where applying
- The caste must be listed in the official gazette of the Central/State government
Note: OBC certificates need to include the non-creamy layer clause for central government benefits. Annual family income must be below ā¹8 lakh (central) ā threshold varies by state.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of Address (Voter ID, ration card, utility bill)
- Father's/Family's Caste Certificate (if available ā makes process faster)
- Affidavit/Self-Declaration (on stamp paper)
- Ration Card (shows family details)
- School Leaving Certificate (if caste is mentioned)
- Passport-size photographs (2-3)
If father's caste certificate is available, the process is significantly faster. Without it, a detailed investigation may be conducted.
Step-by-Step Process ā Online
Caste certificates are issued by state governments. Each state has its own portal. Below is the general process.
Step 1: Visit Your State's e-District Portal
- Uttar Pradesh: edistrict.up.gov.in
- Bihar: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
- Delhi: edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
- Maharashtra: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
- Rajasthan: emitra.rajasthan.gov.in
- Madhya Pradesh: mpedistrict.gov.in
- Other states: Search "[your state] caste certificate apply online"
Step 2: Register / Login
Create account with mobile number, Aadhaar, and email.
Step 3: Select "Caste Certificate" Service
Navigate to Certificate Services ā Caste Certificate / Jati Praman Patra
Step 4: Fill Application Form
- Personal details (name, father's name, DOB)
- Caste details (caste name, sub-caste)
- Address (permanent and current)
- Purpose of certificate
Step 5: Upload Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Address proof
- Father's caste certificate (if available)
- Affidavit
- Photograph
Step 6: Pay Fee and Submit
Pay nominal fee online. Note application/reference number.
Step 7: Verification
- Tehsildar/SDM office verifies the application
- Revenue officer may conduct field enquiry
- Police verification in some states
Step 8: Certificate Issued
- Download from the portal after approval
- Physical copy available at Tehsil/SDM office
Offline Process
- Visit Tehsil Office / SDM Office / District Collectorate
- Collect application form
- Fill and attach required documents
- Submit with applicable fee
- Verification by revenue officer
- Certificate issued after approval
Fees
| State | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Most states | ā¹10 - ā¹50 |
| Some states | Free |
| Via CSC center | ā¹25 - ā¹75 (including service charge) |
Processing Time
- With father's certificate: 7-15 days
- Without father's certificate: 15-45 days (investigation required)
- During peak season (exam/admission time): May take longer
Validity
- State level: Usually valid for 3-5 years or lifetime (varies by state)
- Central government: OBC non-creamy layer certificate must be renewed periodically
- Check with the authority requesting the certificate for their validity requirement
Important Tips
- Apply well before deadlines ā Don't wait until exam/admission last date
- Keep father's caste certificate safe ā It speeds up your application dramatically
- For OBC: Ensure the certificate mentions "non-creamy layer" if applying for central benefits
- Verify your caste is listed in the official gazette ā State and Central lists can differ
- Digital certificates from e-District portals are legally valid
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for caste certificate online? A: Yes, most states have e-District portals where you can apply online. Visit your state's portal.
Q: How long does it take to get a caste certificate? A: 7-15 days with father's certificate, 15-45 days without. Processing time varies by state.
Q: What documents are needed for caste certificate? A: Aadhaar, address proof, father's caste certificate (if available), affidavit, ration card, and photographs.
Q: Is there a fee for caste certificate? A: Nominal fee of ā¹10-ā¹50 in most states. Some states issue it for free.
Q: What is the difference between state and central caste certificate? A: State certificates are valid within the state. For central government jobs and admissions, you may need a certificate from the District Magistrate/Collector that follows central government format.
Q: Can I get OBC certificate if my family income is above ā¹8 lakh? A: You can get an OBC certificate, but it won't include the "non-creamy layer" clause. Without non-creamy layer, you cannot avail central government reservations.