Caste Certificate - Overview
A caste certificate, as mandated by the Indian Constitution, serves as a documentary proof of a person's caste, allowing them to avail benefits reserved for their specific community. This community certificate is an essential document that stands as testament to one's background and identity.
The government believed that in order for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to advance at the same rate as the rest of the population, they needed special support and chances. This set of citizens has received some unique rights as a result of India's protective discrimination regime. These benefits include quotas for jobs, reserved positions in the government and in legislatures, full or partial waivers of college and school admission costs, lowered age restrictions when applying for certain occupations, and more. A citizen must be a member of one of the following groups: schedule castes, schedule tribes, and other regressive classes. As further verification, he must have a current caste certificate.
Why Is a Community/Caste Certificate Required in India?
The primary goal of issuing a caste certificate in India is to make it easier for genuine candidates who belong to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes to obtain positions and services that are reserved for the State and Central governments. It is also required for them to obtain admittance into the educational facilities and other services given to them by the State or Central Government.
Checklist Required for Central Caste Certificate Online Apply
- Personal information
- Address specifics
- Contact information
- Parent information
- Details from caste certificates for blood relatives, information about local references, etc.
SC/ST/OBC Caste Certificate Status Check
- Access the official website of the Department of Backward Classes Welfare for your state
- On the home page select the ‘Application status’ button
- Now a new page pops open
- Enter the issued caste certificate online application number in the relevant field
- Select the ‘Search‘ option
- Another new tab will open
- The caste certificate online status will appear on your screen
- Take note of the status
- You can also take a printout for future reference.
How to Avail an Online Caste Certificate?
In India, the OBC certificate online can be obtained online, at the SDM office or the regional office of the revenue department. When an OBC caste certificate is given to a specific household for the first time, a neighbourhood investigation is carried out. The following documents should be readily available:
- Proof of state residency for a given time period
- A predetermined court stamp price and an affidavit in caste support.
This caste certificate must be sent to or uploaded to the appropriate institute in the exact format specified by that institution.
Caste Certificate Documents Required
- Proof of identity (such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of address (such as electricity bill, water bill, etc.)
- Birth certificate or school leaving certificate
- Passport size photographs
- Caste certificate of parents or close relatives
- Affidavit of caste issued by a competent authority
- Any other document specified by the issuing authority, such as a ration card, income certificate, etc.
What Is an NCL Certificate for OBC?
The 'NCL' certificate stands for 'Non-Creamy Layer' certificate for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India. It is issued to individuals who belong to the OBC category but do not fall under the creamy layer criteria. This certificate is important for providing government benefits and reservations to OBC individuals.
Benefits Of A Caste Certificate
- Reservation: One of the key benefits of a caste certificate online is that it provides the holder with access to reservation in educational institutions, government jobs, and other government schemes.
- Scholarships: Many government and private institutions offer scholarships to students belonging to certain castes. An OBC NCL certificate can help the student in availing such scholarships.
- Legal Protection: In case of any discrimination or harassment based on caste, a caste certificate can provide legal protection to the holder.
- Identity: A caste certificate can serve as a proof of identity for people belonging to certain castes.
How to Download Caste Certificate Online?
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the respective state government where you want to apply for the caste certificate
- Step 2: Look for the ‘Caste Certificate’ or ‘Online Services’ section on the homepage. Register yourself by providing your basic details like name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. If you have already registered, then log in with your credentials
- Step 3: After logging in, select the option for applying for a Caste Certificate Fill in the application form with all the required details like personal information, caste details, income details, and address
- Step 4: Upload the necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and caste certificate if available
- Step 5: Pay the application fee if required. The fee amount may vary from state to state
- Step 6: Submit the application form and take a printout of the acknowledgement slip for future reference
- Step 7: Your application will be processed, and you will receive an SMS or email regarding the status of your application
- Step 8: Once your caste certificate online application is approved, you can download the caste certificate online from the same website.
Difference Between Creamy and Non Creamy Layer Certificate
| Creamy Layer Certificate | Non-Creamy Layer Certificate |
|---|---|
| Issued to individuals belonging to OBC category | Issued to individuals belonging to OBC category |
| Includes individuals who are relatively affluent | Includes individuals who are not economically advanced |
| Not eligible for certain government benefits | Eligible for government benefits and reservations |
| Excluded from OBC reservations in education & employment | Can avail OBC reservations in education & employment |
| The income threshold for creamy layer is higher | The income threshold for non-creamy layer is lower |
| Often requires higher income to disqualify | Requires lower income to qualify |
| Purpose is to ensure targeted benefits reach those who need them the most | Ensures equitable distribution of opportunities |
Which Authority Issues an Online Caste Certificate in India?
Community/Caste certificates must be issued by the state government, and both the state governments and the UT administration have established the procedures for doing so. The administration of a union territory or each state government has its own set of rules for awarding certificates. In India, SC ST OBC Certificate is also multilingual, It is available in both English and in vernacular languages. The following officials can provide ST caste certificate online.
- First Class Stipendiary Magistrate, Taluka Magistrate, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Executive Magistrate, Additional Assistant Commissioner, District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Collector, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Collector, First Class Stipendiary Magistrate.
- The Presidency Magistrate, Chief Presidency Magistrate, or Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate.
- The candidate's and/or their family's sub-divisional officer and a revenue officer with at least the rank of tehsildar.
According to instructions published in vide 0.M.No.36011/1/2012-Estt. (Res.) dated 8 October 2015, a candidate who belongs to a specific Scheduled caste, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes may be appointed provisionally based on whatever prima-facie evidence they can produce in support of their claim, subject to the furnishing of the prescribed certificate within the specified time frame.
What Factors are Taken into Consideration while Issuing the SC ST OBC Caste Certificate?
The certifying body will confirm and guarantee that:
- The presidential orders that are occasionally issued in accordance with Articles 341 and 342 of the constitution include the caste certificate or tribe certificate that claims to belong
- The applicant is of the aforementioned caste or tribe
- They typically reside in the relevant state or a region thereof.
Disciplinary or Penal Action Taken Against the Holders and the Producers of False Caste Certificates
The representatives of the individual State Governments are in charge of issuing, verifying, and cancelling the Caste Certificates. For this each state government has its own method or approach. The Department of personnel and training's 0.M.No.11012/7/91-Estt. (A) dated 19-5-93, mandates that action must be taken against a government employee who is discovered to be in possession of a false SC caste certificate in order to obtain an appointment but who was not qualified or eligible under the terms of the recruitment rules etc. for initial recruitment. If the person is a probationary or temporary government employee, their employment should be terminated. If the person has been hired as a permanent government employee, a CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, Rule 14 inquiry may be conducted, and if the charges are found to be true, the government employee should be fired.
The Issuance of the SC ST OBC Caste Certificate for Those Who Have Moved From One State to Another
It is intended to eliminate the challenge faced by members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who have moved from one state or union territory to another in obtaining the SC caste certificate from the state or UT to which they have moved.
They have migrated, and it has been made clear to all state governments and UT administrators via Ministry of Home Affairs letters dated 18.11.1982 and the 06.08.1984 that the prescribed authority of the State Government/UT may request information about them from another state/UT upon production of a genuine certificate that is issued to the father or the mother by the concerned State or UT of the father's mother's origin, with the exception of cases where the prescribed authority feels that a thorough investigation is necessary to determine their eligibility. Whether or not a question concerning the State/UT that the individual has relocated to is scheduled, the certificate is nevertheless issued.
Similar directives for OBC are given to the States and UTs in a letter from the Ministry of Welfare dated April 8, 1994.
Caste Certificate Format
The format of OBC NCL caste certificate may vary depending on the issuing authority and the state government. However, a typical caste certificate format may include the following details:
- Name of the applicant
- Father's name/husband's name
- Date of birth
- Caste or tribe to which the applicant belongs
- District and state of the applicant's birthplace
- Permanent address
- Identification marks
- Date of issuance
- Issuing authority
- Certificate number
The format may also include a declaration by the issuing authority that the applicant belongs to the particular caste or tribe and is a resident of a particular state or district. It may also include the official seal and signature of the issuing authority.
How to Check Caste Certificate Status?
The process to check the status of a community certificate may vary depending on the issuing authority and location. Here are some general steps that may apply:
- Step 1: Visit the website of the respective State Government, Union Territory or e-seva portal
- Step 2: Look for the section that allows you to check the status of the certificate
- Step 3: Enter the application or reference number of the certificate
- Step 4: Enter other details
- Step 5: Submit the application and check the status.
How to Get OBC Non Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate Online?
Each state has a different process for requesting a non-creamy layer certificate. Some states allow you to download the form online or get it from local government bodies, while others have an online application process.
- Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have a completely online process with a small fee
- The VAO must receive the signed documentation, which must be provided by the applicant's parent or legal guardian
- The VAO, RI, and Tahsildar must also sign the documents
- The government-run Common Service Centers (CSCs) are important in making the online service accessible throughout the country.
How to Get Caste Validity Certificate?
To get a caste validity certificate, you can follow the below steps:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the caste validity certificate issuing authority of your state
- Step 2 : Look for the 'Caste Validity Certificate' link on the website and click on it
- Step 3: Register yourself on the website by filling up the required details
- Step 4: Fill in the application form with the required details such as personal details, caste details, education details, etc
- Step 5: Upload all the necessary documents as mentioned in the application form
- Step 6: Submit the application form and pay the necessary fee online
- Step 7: Once the application is submitted, you will receive an application ID, which you can use to track the status of your application
- Step 8: After verifying all the documents and details, the concerned authority will issue the caste validity certificate
How to Verify Caste Validity Certificates?
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Visit your state's Department of Backward Classes Welfare's official website. On the home page, click the ‘Application status’ button. Now a fresh page appears.
Step 2: Provide the Requested Application Number
Put the application number that was issued in the appropriate field. Choose 'Search' from the menu and open a new tab.
Step 3: Verify Caste Certificate Status
Your caste certificate's status will be shown on your screen. Keep track of the situation and you can print the page out for your records later.
How to Check Caste Certificate Number Online?
- Go to the official website of the Department of Backward Classes Welfare in the state or visit the state's official e-services or e-seva portal
- On the homepage, look for the ‘Application Status’ option
- Enter the application number that you were provided when you submitted your caste certificate application
- Click the ‘Search’ or ‘Check’ button
- The system will display the current status of your caste certificate application, providing you with detailed information about its progress
- If needed, you can also print a hard copy of the application status for your records or future reference.
How to Get RD Number of Caste Certificates?
The RD Number can be found at the upper-right corner of the certificate. It has 12 digits and has the structure: XX/YYYYYYY/ZZZ. In this format, XX denotes the state code, YYYYYYYY represents the serial number of the certificate, and ZZZ signifies the code for the issuing authority.
Recent Updates
The Common Service Centers (CSCs) are used by the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) to deliver a variety of citizen-centric services from government departments to the general public online. The e-Sevai sc st obc online application for Citizens was created to provide citizens with 24/7 access to government services at their doorsteps. The citizen must create their own user ID and password and register their profile by clicking the 'sign up' button before they may utilise these services (one time registration). They can then 'sign in' and submit an caste certificate online application for the services using these user credentials. Because all government services are computerised from beginning to end, it makes it easier for citizens to apply for them.
Why Vakilsearch?
Seasoned Attorneys
We will put you in touch with knowledgeable attorneys who will obtain all the necessary reports from the sub-registrar office.
Application Submission
After receiving the necessary paperwork, the attorneys will apply for the SC ST OBC caste certificate on your behalf and complete the process.
Vakilsearch gives you legal counsel and aid in the application process. Our team of professionals will assist you at every stage of the procedure by offering advice and providing you with solutions. Contact us as soon as possible to submit a community/caste certificate.
Caste Certificate FAQs
1. Check the eligibility criteria as per government guidelines.
2. Gather required documents like caste proof, income certificate, address proof, etc.
3. Visit the local or district-level authorities (Tehsildar or Revenue Department) to obtain the application form.
4. Fill out the application form with accurate information and attach necessary documents.
5. Submit the completed application form to the appropriate authority.
6. The authorities will process your application, verify the details, and if eligible, issue the NCL OBC certificate.
1. Check if you meet the NCL eligibility criteria based on income and other guidelines.
2. Obtain updated income and caste-related documents to establish eligibility for the NCL category.
3. Follow the same application process for obtaining a new NCL OBC certificate (as described in Q2) and submit the required documents.
1. Receiver's Address: Mention the authority's address who will receive the application.
2. Subject: Clearly state the purpose - 'Application for OBC-NCL Certificate.'
3. Introduction: Introduce yourself with name, father's/mother's name, and identification details.
4. Purpose: State that you are applying for the OBC-NCL certificate and mention your caste details.
5. Eligibility: Briefly explain how you meet the eligibility criteria for the OBC-NCL category.
6. Supporting Documents: Mention the enclosed supporting documents validating your claim.
7. Conclusion: Express gratitude and request the authorities to issue the OBC-NCL certificate.
8.Closing: Use a polite closing phrase like 'Yours sincerely' or 'Thank you.'
9. Signature: Sign the application and mention the date.
