Caste Certificate
An official document certifying that a person belongs to a Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class.
A Caste Certificate is issued by state revenue authorities to confirm that an individual belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC) or another category recognised under central or state reservation policy. It is required for admissions, government jobs, scholarships and other benefits reserved for these categories.
What Is It?
A Caste Certificate is issued by state revenue authorities to confirm that an individual belongs to a Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC) or another category recognised under central or state reservation policy. It is required for admissions, government jobs, scholarships and other benefits reserved for these categories.
Who Needs It?
Students and job applicants seeking category-based reservation benefits, and applicants for schemes such as Stand-Up India or PM Vishwakarma that consider caste category.
Eligibility
- Applicant, or their family, must belong to a caste/community notified as SC, ST or OBC in the relevant central or state list
- Proof of caste is generally required through family lineage documents or an existing caste certificate of a relative
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card or other identity proof
- Residence/address proof
- Proof of caste (such as a father’s or relative’s existing caste certificate, or school records showing caste)
- Passport-size photograph
How to Apply
- 1.Apply online through your state’s e-District portal, or offline at the Tehsil/Taluk office or Common Service Centre
- 2.Submit the application with identity, residence and caste-lineage proof
- 3.Field verification may be conducted by local revenue officials before the certificate is issued
- 4.Once approved, the certificate can typically be downloaded online or collected from the issuing office
Where to Apply
Your state’s e-District / Revenue Department portal, or the local Tehsildar / Sub-Divisional Magistrate office
Fees and processing time are set by each state and are not listed here \u2014 check the official source below for current details.
Official Source
National Government Services Portal (services.india.gov.in)
Visit Official SourceImportant Notes
This service is administered by state or local authorities, so exact steps, fees and timelines can vary by location. Always confirm current details on the official source above, and never pay any unofficial agent to access a government service.
FAQs
Which castes are eligible for a Caste Certificate?
Eligibility depends on whether the community is notified as SC, ST or OBC in the central list and/or your specific state’s list — these lists can differ by state, so check your state’s official notification.
Do I need my father’s caste certificate to apply?
Many states ask for proof of caste through a parent’s or relative’s existing certificate or historical family records. Exact requirements vary by state — check your state’s e-District portal.
Related Services
Related Schemes
Stand-Up India
Bank loans of ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for SC, ST and women entrepreneurs setting up a new (greenfield) enterprise.
View scheme detailsPM Vishwakarma
Skill training, toolkit support and collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh for traditional artisans and craftspeople.
View scheme details