How to Get Income Certificate Online — Step-by-Step Guide

What is an Income Certificate?

An Income Certificate (Aay Praman Patra) is an official document issued by the state government that certifies the annual income of a person or family. It is essential for availing various government benefits, scholarships, and fee waivers.

Why Do You Need It?

• Educational fee waiver and concessions
• Scholarship applications (central and state)
• Government scheme eligibility (BPL, EWS benefits)
• OBC non-creamy layer certification
• Subsidized housing and government allotments
• Legal aid (free legal services)
• Medical treatment concessions at government hospitals
• EWS reservation (10% quota — requires income below ₹8 lakh)

Who is Eligible?

• Any resident of the state where they are applying
• Can be issued to individuals or families (head of household)
• No restriction on income level — the certificate simply states your income

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card
• Self-declaration / Affidavit on stamp paper declaring income sources
• Salary slip (for salaried individuals)
• ITR acknowledgment (if filed)
• Ration Card (shows family details)
• Bank statement (last 6 months)
• Proof of Address (Voter ID, utility bill)
• Passport-size photographs

If you are a farmer or self-employed, the self-declaration/affidavit is the primary proof. Revenue officer may verify.

Step-by-Step Process — Online

Step 1: Visit Your State e-District Portal

Common portals:

• 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
• Tamil Nadu: tnedistrict.tn.gov.in
• Other states: Search "[your state] income certificate apply online"

Step 2: Register / Login

Create account with mobile number and Aadhaar OTP.

Step 3: Select "Income Certificate"

Navigate to Certificate Services → Income Certificate / Aay Praman Patra

Step 4: Fill Application Form

• Personal details (name, father's name, DOB)
• Address (permanent and current)
• Income details — list all sources:
  • Salary/wages
  • Agriculture income
  • Business income
  • Rental income
  • Pension
  • Other sources
• Total annual income of the family

Step 5: Upload Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Self-declaration/affidavit
• Salary slip or ITR (if applicable)
• Ration Card
• Address proof
• Photograph

Step 6: Pay Fee and Submit

Pay nominal fee online. Note application/reference number.

Step 7: Verification

• Tehsildar/Revenue Inspector verifies the declared income
• May involve field enquiry for self-employed/farmers
• Cross-verification with tax records

Step 8: Certificate Issued

• Download from portal after approval
• Physical copy available at Tehsil office

Offline Process

1. Visit Tehsil Office / SDM Office
2. Collect income certificate application form
3. Fill and attach required documents + affidavit
4. Submit at the counter with fee
5. Revenue officer verifies
6. Certificate issued after approval (7-15 days)

Fees

Processing Time

• Online: 7-15 working days
• Offline: 15-30 working days
• Express/Tatkal (some states): 3-7 days (additional fee)

Validity

• Typically: 6 months to 1 year (varies by state)
• For specific purposes: Issuing authority may specify validity
• EWS certificate: Valid for 1 financial year
• Always check with the institution requesting the certificate

Important Tips

1. Declare income honestly — False declaration is a criminal offence
2. Include ALL family members' income — Family income certificate covers the entire household
3. Apply fresh each year for recurring needs (scholarships, etc.)
4. Keep affidavit on stamp paper ready — Most states require this
5. For EWS: Income must be below ₹8 lakh per annum for the certificate to be useful for reservation benefits

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for income certificate online? A: Yes. Visit your state's e-District portal to apply online with document upload.

Q: What documents are needed for income certificate? A: Aadhaar, self-declaration/affidavit, salary slip or ITR (if applicable), ration card, address proof, and photographs.

Q: How long is an income certificate valid? A: Typically 6 months to 1 year. For EWS certificates, validity is 1 financial year. Check with the requesting institution.

Q: What is the fee for income certificate? A: ₹10-₹50 in most states. Some states issue it for free.

Q: What is the difference between income certificate and EWS certificate? A: Income certificate states your income regardless of amount. EWS certificate specifically certifies that your family income is below ₹8 lakh for availing 10% EWS reservation.

Q: Can I get income certificate if I don't file ITR? A: Yes. A self-declaration/affidavit is sufficient. ITR filing is not mandatory for getting an income certificate, though it helps speed up verification.