How to Apply for OBC / EWS Certificate Online — Complete Guide

If you belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) or fall under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of the general category, you are entitled to reservation benefits in government jobs, education, and schemes. To avail these benefits, you need an OBC certificate or EWS certificate issued by the competent authority.

This guide covers everything — eligibility, documents, online application process, fees, validity, and renewal — for both certificates.

What Is an OBC Certificate?

An OBC certificate (Other Backward Classes certificate) is an official document that proves you belong to a community listed in the OBC category. It entitles you to:

• 27% reservation in central government jobs and educational institutions
• State-level reservation (percentage varies by state)
• Benefits under various government welfare schemes
• Fee concessions in colleges and universities
• Age relaxation in competitive exams

The OBC list is maintained both at the central level (by the National Commission for Backward Classes) and at the state level. A community may be in the state OBC list but not in the central list, or vice versa. Make sure you apply for the correct one based on where you need the certificate.

OBC Creamy Layer vs Non-Creamy Layer

This is an important distinction:

• Creamy Layer: OBC families with annual income above ₹8 lakh (as per current central government norms). They are not eligible for OBC reservation in central government jobs and institutions.
• Non-Creamy Layer: OBC families with annual income below ₹8 lakh. They are eligible for all OBC reservation benefits.

For most government jobs and college admissions, you need an OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, not just an OBC certificate.

Note: Some states have different creamy layer income limits. Always check your state's latest notification.

What Is an EWS Certificate?

The EWS certificate (Economically Weaker Section certificate) was introduced after the 103rd Constitutional Amendment (2019). It provides 10% reservation to economically weaker individuals from the general/unreserved category — those who do not fall under SC, ST, or OBC.

With an EWS certificate, you can avail:

• 10% reservation in central and state government jobs
• 10% reservation in educational institutions
• Benefits under various welfare schemes

Eligibility for OBC Certificate

To get an OBC certificate, you must meet these criteria:

1. Community must be listed in the OBC list (central or state, depending on purpose)
2. You must be a resident of the state where you are applying
3. For Non-Creamy Layer certificate: Your family's gross annual income must be below ₹8 lakh (central norms)
4. Your parent/guardian should not hold certain high-level government positions (Group A/B officers, constitutional posts, etc.) — this is part of the creamy layer exclusion

Central OBC List vs State OBC List

Tip: If you're applying for a central government job or UPSC exam, ensure your community is in the central OBC list and get a certificate in the prescribed central format.

Eligibility for EWS Certificate

To get an EWS certificate, all these conditions must be met:

1. You must belong to the general/unreserved category (not SC, ST, or OBC)
2. Gross annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh in the financial year preceding the application
3. Your family should not own any of the following:
   • Agricultural land of 5 acres or more
   • Residential flat of 1000 sq. ft. or more
   • Residential plot of 100 sq. yards or more (in notified municipality)
   • Residential plot of 200 sq. yards or more (in non-notified municipality)

"Family" for EWS includes the applicant, parents, spouse, and children below 18 years. Siblings are generally not counted.

Documents Required for OBC Certificate

1. Filled application form (online or offline)
2. Aadhaar card of the applicant
3. Proof of residence — ration card, voter ID, electricity bill
4. Caste certificate of father/family member (if available, for reference)
5. Income certificate or salary slip (for non-creamy layer)
6. Birth certificate or school leaving certificate (for age and name proof)
7. Passport-size photographs (2-3 copies)
8. Self-declaration / affidavit (for non-creamy layer status in some states)
9. Ration card (for family details)

Already have a caste certificate? It can serve as supporting proof. And for income verification, you may need an income certificate.

Documents Required for EWS Certificate

1. Filled application form
2. Aadhaar card
3. Income certificate or ITR (Income Tax Return) of the previous financial year — get your income certificate if you don't have one
4. Self-declaration / affidavit stating you don't belong to SC/ST/OBC
5. Proof of residence — voter ID, ration card, electricity bill
6. Land/property documents (to verify you are under the property limit)
7. BPL card (if applicable)
8. Passport-size photographs
9. Bank statement (some states require this)

How to Apply for OBC Certificate Online — Step by Step

The process varies by state, but the general flow is similar across most e-District portals:

General Process (All States)

1. Visit your state's e-District portal (links below)
2. Register / Login — Create an account using mobile number, Aadhaar, or email
3. Select service — Look for "OBC Certificate" or "Caste Certificate (OBC)" under the Certificates section
4. Fill the application form — Enter personal details, caste/community name, family details, income (for NCL)
5. Upload documents — Scanned copies of Aadhaar, photo, income proof, etc.
6. Pay the fee (if applicable) — Usually ₹10 to ₹50 via online payment
7. Submit the application — Note down the application/reference number
8. Track status — Use the reference number on the portal to check progress
9. Download certificate — Once approved, download the digitally signed certificate from the portal

Processing time: Usually 7 to 21 days, depending on the state and verification process.

State-Wise Portals

CSC/Jan Seva Kendra: If you don't have internet access or find the online process difficult, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Jan Seva Kendra. They will fill the form and submit it on your behalf for a small service charge (₹20–₹50).

How to Apply for EWS Certificate Online — Step by Step

The process is nearly identical to OBC:

1. Visit your state's e-District portal (same portals as above)
2. Register / Login
3. Select "EWS Certificate" from the services list
4. Fill the form — Personal details, income details, property details, self-declaration
5. Upload documents — Income proof, Aadhaar, affidavit, property papers
6. Pay fees — Typically ₹10 to ₹50 (free in some states)
7. Submit and note the reference number
8. Track and download once approved

Processing time: 7 to 15 days in most states.

Fees

Fees at CSC/Jan Seva Kendra may be slightly higher due to service charges.

Validity and Renewal

OBC Certificate Validity

• Varies by state and purpose. Some states issue OBC certificates with no expiry, while others are valid for 1–3 years.
• For central government jobs, OBC NCL certificates must usually be recently issued (within the financial year or as specified in the job notification).
• The Non-Creamy Layer status must be verified periodically as income can change.

EWS Certificate Validity

• Valid for 1 financial year only (April to March).
• Must be renewed every year by applying fresh with updated income proof.
• For example, an EWS certificate issued in 2025-26 is valid only till 31st March 2026.

How to Renew

• OBC NCL: Apply fresh through the same e-District portal with updated income details. Attach the previous certificate for reference.
• EWS: Apply again every financial year. The process is the same as a new application — submit fresh income proof and self-declaration.

OBC Non-Creamy Layer Certificate — Special Notes

The Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate is the most commonly required version of the OBC certificate. Key points:

• Income limit: Family gross annual income must be below ₹8 lakh per year (central norms; some states differ)
• Who is excluded from NCL (i.e., creamy layer):
  • Children of Group A/B government officers
  • Children of constitutional post holders (President, Governors, judges, etc.)
  • Children of public sector undertaking board-level officers
  • Families with agricultural income + other income exceeding ₹8 lakh
• Format: For central government purposes, the NCL certificate must be in the format prescribed by the DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training)
• Issuing authority: Tehsildar / SDM / District Magistrate (varies by state)

Offline Application (Alternative)

If online application is not available in your area:

1. Get the application form from the Tehsil office, SDM office, or District Collectorate
2. Fill the form and attach all required documents
3. Submit at the Tehsil/SDM office
4. Verification — A field inquiry may be conducted
5. Collect the certificate from the office after processing (15–30 days)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for both OBC and EWS certificates?

No. EWS is only for the general/unreserved category. If you belong to OBC, you should apply for an OBC certificate. You cannot hold both simultaneously.

2. Is OBC certificate and caste certificate the same thing?

Not exactly. A caste certificate proves your caste/community. An OBC certificate specifically certifies that your caste falls under the OBC category. In many states, the same certificate serves both purposes, but for central government jobs, you need the OBC certificate in the prescribed format.

3. How long does it take to get an OBC/EWS certificate online?

Typically 7 to 21 days for OBC and 7 to 15 days for EWS. Times vary by state and workload at the issuing office.

4. Do I need to renew my EWS certificate every year?

Yes. EWS certificates are valid for one financial year only. You must apply fresh each year with updated income documents.

5. What is the income limit for OBC Non-Creamy Layer?

The current limit set by the central government is ₹8 lakh per annum (gross family income). Some states may have different limits for state-level reservations.

6. Can I use my state OBC certificate for central government jobs?

Only if your community is also listed in the central OBC list. The certificate must also be in the format prescribed by the DoPT. If your caste is only in the state OBC list, it won't be valid for central government reservations.

7. What if my OBC certificate application is rejected?

Common reasons for rejection include incorrect details, missing documents, or community not being in the OBC list. You can re-apply with corrected information or approach the issuing authority for clarification. You also have the right to appeal at the district level.

8. Is there any fee for EWS certificate?

In many states, the EWS certificate is issued free of charge. Some states charge a nominal fee of ₹10–₹50. Check your state portal for exact fees.

Summary

Both certificates are essential for accessing reservation and welfare benefits. Apply through your state's e-District portal for a quick, paperless experience.