Have questions about getting a caste certificate online? Here are some of the most asked questions and detailed answers. Read on to know more.
A caste certificate is very important for everyone, especially those who belong to the reserved categories such as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC). It serves as proof of caste and can also be used to prove their eligibility for government benefits and programs. A caste certificate gives you benefits in school/college admissions, competitive exams, jobs, government subsidies, and scholarships. How to get my caste certificate online? Where can I apply for it? What are the necessary documents for getting a caste certificate? If you are someone looking for answers to these questions, you’re at the right place!
Steps To Get a Caste Certificate Online
What are the steps for getting a caste certificate online? Where can a student find a caste certificate application form? Is it possible to apply for a caste certificate offline as well?
These are some of the typical questions people have while applying for a caste certificate. The application process is different in different states as the certificate is provided by the governments of the individual states and union territories. While some states allow people to apply online and offline, others only accept online applications for caste certificates.
How To Apply for Caste Certificate Online?
Currently, only a few state governments provide online applications for caste certificates. To apply for a caste certificate online, go to your state’s Official Backward Class Welfare Department’s website and follow the steps below:
- Go to the official Backward Class Welfare website of your state.
- To apply for a caste certificate online, visit the “Apply for Caste Certificate Online” link.
- You can either create a new account on the website or directly fill out the online application form.
- After creating an account, head to the portal and log in with your username and password.
- Fill out the online form with your address, phone number, personal information, and local reference details.
- Verify all the information you entered into the online form, and then click the submit button if you agree to the terms and conditions.
- After submitting, you must select the type of document you are uploading for proof.
- Upload the required documents, then click “submit” to proceed further.
- After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an acknowledgment slip with your application number on it.
- You can print the acknowledgment sheet or save it to your computer. Save the application number as well, just in case you wish to check on the status of your application.
- You can get the certificate immediately from the portal after completing the verification.
- Once the process is complete, you may also receive an email or SMS notification.
How To Apply For a Caste Certificate Offline?
Few people prefer the offline form of application because the online application is more convenient for them. However, some states require you to fill out online and offline forms.
You can apply for a caste certificate by submitting an offline application at one of the following offices:
- Tehsildar Office
- SDM Office
- Revenue Office
- CSC (Citizen Service Centers)/SETU centers
- Collector Office
The process to apply for a caste certificate offline is outlined here.
- Visit the Tehsil or SDM office in your area.
- Get a caste certificate application form and fill in the details such as your address, personal information, and contact details. You must fill out your father’s caste certificate details in the caste detail box. You must submit your blood relatives’ caste certificate/documentation if he is no longer alive.
- Then select the caste option you want to apply for. You must declare this on the application if you have relocated from another state.
- After that, you must fill out and sign the self-declaration section. Paste your passport-size photo into the application form and provide a local reference for the verification procedure.
- After completing the application form, hand it over to the officer and the requisite self-attested documents. Always keep the original documents with you if officers need to double-check them. Generally, getting a caste certificate from the office will take 30-35 days.
What Are The Key Documents Required?
You must attach certain supporting Caste Certificate documents to your application for a caste certificate, or your application will be refused. The list of documents that must be submitted when applying for a caste certificate is different for every state. Below is a common list of needed documents to submit with your caste certificate application.
Identity proof
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Passport
- MGNREGA card
- RSBY card
- Driving license
- Identity card
Address proof
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Ration card
- Driving license
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Property tax receipt
- Telephone bill
- Rent receipt
- Passport
- Affidavit for Caste certificate
- Proof of Caste
- Extract from the primary school register of the applicant’s/father/grandfather.
- Extracts from the applicant’s parent or relative’s Government Service Record (book) that specify caste/community/category.
- Validity certificate of any of your father’s or relatives’ (issued by the scrutiny committee).
- Village panchayat records/revenue records
- Any other relevant documents.
- Income proof
- Land related proof
How Long Is The Caste Certificate Valid?
The validity of a caste certificate varies by state. A caste certificate is typically valid lifelong. However, in some places, the validity of a caste certificate is restricted to a selected period of time, for example, three years. The validity of the caste certificate can be seen on the certificate itself by those who receive it. People must also get their caste certificates validated by the local Tehsil or SDM office to verify that they are valid.
Where Can An Individual Use The Caste Certificate?
A caste certificate can be beneficial in the following situations:–
- School/College admission
- Scholarships
- Competitive examinations
- Employment opportunities in the reserved category
- Election
- Government subsidies
- Self-employment and housing schemes
Is There Any Application Fee To Be Paid For A Caste Certificate?
The application fee for a caste certificate varies from state to state. While some states impose an application or processing fee, others do not charge anything.
How Much Is The Application Fee To Get a Caste Certificate
The application fee to apply for a caste certificate varies from state to state. This amount could be anywhere between INR 10 and INR 500.
Conclusion
So, after applying online, candidates can check the status of their application through the same website. Additionally, if the certificate is accepted, it can be downloaded directly from the website. And with Vakilsearch by your side, you can do it online: https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-caste-certificate from the comfort of your home. Our consultants will help you get a caste certificate in the most straightforward manner.
FAQs
Can I apply for a Caste Certificate online, or is it only available through offline mode?
You can apply for a Caste Certificate online in some states, such as Kerala, through the e-district portal. However, the process may vary depending on the state and its specific regulations.
What is the processing time for issuing a Caste Certificate?
The processing time for issuing a Caste Certificate varies depending on the state and its specific regulations. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Can I track the status of my Caste Certificate application online?
Yes, you can track the status of your Caste Certificate application online. For example, in Kerala, you can use the 'Track Application' feature on the e-district portal to check the status of your application
Is there a fee for obtaining a Caste Certificate, and how much does it cost?
The fee for obtaining a Caste Certificate varies depending on the state and its specific regulations. In Kerala, SC/ST families are exempted from this fee
Can I appeal or file a complaint if my Caste Certificate application is rejected?
If your Caste Certificate application is rejected, you can appeal or file a complaint depending on the state's regulations. It is advisable to consult with a legal expert or the relevant government authority for guidance on the next steps.
How do you convert SC caste to general caste?
It is not legally possible to convert SC caste to general caste in India. Some states have made efforts to convert their SCs to general, but have had trouble doing so because they are not able to get enough supporting material or people to sign the conversion forms.
How do I convert one caste to another caste in India?
It is not legally possible to convert one caste to another caste in India.
Can a SC apply in the general category?
Yes, a SC can apply in the general category. However, they will not be eligible for any reservation benefits.
Which castes come under general?
The General Caste category includes all castes that are not considered part of the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes.
Can I change my caste from OBC to SC?
It is not legally possible to change one's caste from OBC to SC or any other caste in India.
How do I change my surname and caste?
It is not legally possible to change one's caste in India. However, one can change their surname through a legal process by submitting an affidavit and publishing a notice in a newspaper.
How can I update my caste certificate online in India?
The process of updating a caste certificate online in India varies from state to state. Generally, you can visit the official website of your state's government and apply for a caste certificate update. You may also need to provide supporting documents and pay a fee.
