<!doctype html>
How to Apply for a Caste Certificate from the Central Government (Full Guide 2025)
If you want to apply for a Central Government valid caste certificate, this article gives a complete, step-by-step guide covering eligibility, documents, online/offline processes, fees, timelines and FAQs.
1. Who Can Apply for a Central Government Caste Certificate?
- You belong to the SC / ST / OBC / EWS community.
- Your caste is listed in the Central Government list (important for OBC).
- You are an Indian citizen.
- You have proof that you belong to that caste (family certificate, local proofs).
2. Types of Caste Certificates Used in the Central Government
| Category | Certificate Name | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| SC | SC Caste Certificate | State/UT Government |
| ST | ST Caste Certificate | State/UT Government |
| OBC | OBC Certificate + Non-Creamy Layer Certificate | State/UT Government |
| EWS | EWS Certificate | State/UT Government |
Important: The Central Government does NOT issue caste certificates directly. Central authorities accept caste certificates issued by State/UT authorities when they follow the prescribed format.
3. Why Is a Central Government Format Needed?
Central-format certificates are required for:
- UPSC, SSC and other central competitive exams
- Central government jobs (Railways, Postal, Ministries)
- Central scholarships and welfare schemes
- Admissions in Central universities (DU, JNU, IITs, NITs)
4. Documents Required (All-India List)
Prepare the following documents before applying:
- Personal: Aadhaar Card, passport-size photo, mobile number, email ID
- Address proof: Ration Card, Voter ID, Electricity bill, Passport, Rental agreement
- Identity proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN (optional)
- Caste proof: Father/mother caste certificate, old family caste certificate, Panchayat/Tehsildar caste proof, school leaving certificate mentioning caste, birth certificate with caste (if applicable)
- Income proof (OBC/EWS): Income certificate, salary slip, IT returns (if applicable)
5. How to Apply – Step-by-Step (State Portal Method)
Although intended for central use, caste certificates must be applied through State/UT portals. Follow these steps:
- Visit your State/UT portal (e.g. edistrict.up.gov.in, edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in, aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in, tnesevai.tn.gov.in, serviceonline.bihar.gov.in).
- Register using mobile number & Aadhaar (OTP verification).
- Search for the “Caste Certificate” service (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Non-Creamy Layer).
- Fill the online form with personal, family, and purpose details — select purpose as Central Government Use if available.
- Upload scanned documents (ID, address, caste proof, income proof).
- Pay the fee (varies by state; typically ₹10–₹100).
- Submit and save the application/tracking number.
- Verification by Tehsildar/SDM (field or police verification may occur).
- Download a digitally signed PDF certificate when issued.
6. Offline Method (If Online Portal Is Not Available)
Visit your local Tehsil / Block / SDM / DM office or a Common Service Centre (CSC):
- Collect the caste certificate application form.
- Attach photocopies of the required documents and passport photo.
- Submit the form to the Tehsildar/SDM and take an acknowledgement.
- After verification, collect the certificate from the office or receive by post.
7. Validity of Caste Certificate
| Category | Validity |
|---|---|
| SC | Lifetime |
| ST | Lifetime |
| OBC (NCL) | Often 1 year (varies by state) |
| EWS | Typically 1 year |
8. Fees for Caste Certificate
- Online: ₹10–₹100 (varies by state)
- Offline: ₹20–₹100
- CSC centres: Service charge ₹30–₹50 (approx.)
9. Time Taken for Approval
Processing typically takes 7–30 days, depending on the state and verification requirements. Delays occur if documents are incomplete or verification is pending.
10. How to Make Your Certificate Valid for the Central Government
Ensure your state-issued certificate follows Central Government-prescribed formats. Download the central formats for SC/ST/OBC (NCL) and EWS from your state revenue portal or SDM office and request issuance on that format.
FAQs – Caste Certificate for Central Government
1. Does the Central Government issue caste certificates directly?
No. Certificates are issued by State/UT authorities, but must often follow Central guidelines to be accepted for central purposes.
2. Which certificate is valid for SSC, UPSC & Govt Exams?
A state-issued caste certificate in the Central Government-prescribed format is valid.
3. Is income proof necessary for SC/ST?
No income proof is usually required only for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) and EWS categories.
4. Can I apply without my father’s caste certificate?
Yes. Provide alternative proofs like school-leaving certificate mentioning caste, panchayat/SDM verification, or an older family certificate.
5. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Most portals use Aadhaar for verification. If you do not have Aadhaar, check your state portal for acceptable alternate IDs and expect manual verification.