Caste Certificate in India 2026

Why do You Need a Caste Certificate in India?

If you belong to any particular caste, then you need to have a caste certificate to avail various scholarships, government schemes, and admissions in government or private institutions. A Caste certificate is also vital to access various services offered by the state or central government.

What is the Central Caste Certificate Document in India?

• A Central Caste Certificate in India is an official document that certifies an individual's caste, such as SC (Schedule Caste), ST (Schedule Tribe), or OBC (Other Backward Class), and is recognized for central government purposes.
• The certificate is issued by state authorities, but it is required for various purposes related to Central Government, such as welfare schemes, jobs, educational institutions for seeking employment opportunities, educational quotas and other government programs that aims at promoting social equity.

What are the Factors to Consider for Issuing a Caste Certificate?

The following are the factors that need to be considered for issuing a caste certificate:

• The caste or tribal group the applicant belongs to
• State or region of residence of the applicant
• The caste certificate or tribe certificate along with the presidential orders issued in accordance with Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution

Benefits of a Caste Certificate

The following are the benefits of a caste certificate:

• People belonging to certain caste can use caste certificate as identity proof
• Offers legal protection in case of any discrimination or harassment based on caste
• Helps in availing reservation in various government schemes, government jobs, or educational institutions
• Helps students to avail themselves of scholarships in private and government institutions.

What Information is Required to Apply for a Caste Certificate?

The following are the vital information required to apply for a caste certificate:

• Personal details

• Contact information

• Residential address

• Information of their parents
• Other details from the certificate, such as information from local reference, blood relative, and some other information as required

Documents Required to Apply for a Caste Certificate?

The following are the documents required to apply for a caste certificate:

✔️Proof of address, such as voter ID card, Aadhar card, etc. Identity proof, such as water bill, electricity bill, etc.

✔️Other documents such as income certificate, ration card, etc., specified by issuing authority.

✔️Caste certificate of parents or close relatives Passport sized photographs Affidavit of caste issued by competent authority

✔️Copy of ration card 

✔️Copy of birth certificate

How to Obtain a Caste Certificate?

You can obtain a caste certificate through both online and offline mode. For offline mode, you need to visit the Revenue Department’s local office or the SDM office, where a local inquiry will be conducted if certificate is issued for the first time.

Here are the documents you will be asked for to receive caste certificate:

• Affidavit in support of the caste of the applicant

• Proof of state residence for a specific period

• Fee of specified court stamp

How to Check Caste Certificate Status?

The following are the steps to check the status of a caste certificate:

• Step 1: Visit the e-seva portal of the respective state government or Union Territory
• Step 2: Select the option that enables users to check the status of the caste certificate
• Step 3: Enter the reference number or the application number of the certificate
• Step 4: Enter other required details as mentioned

• Step 5: You can check the status after submitting the application

How to Download Caste Certificate?

The following are the steps to download a caste certificate:

• Step 1: Visit the official website to apply for caste for the respective state
• Step 2: On the homepage, click on ‘Caste Certificate’ or ‘Online Services’

• Step 3: Enter the required details, such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to register yourself
• Step 4: After registration, login using your credentials
• Step 5: Select option for Caste Certificate
• Step 6: Fill in the form with required details, such as income details, address, caste details, and personal information
• Step 7: Upload the scanned documents, such as caste certificate (if available), proof of address, and proof of identity

• Step 8: Make the payment
• Step 9: Submit the application

Take the printout of the acknowledgments slip. You will inform through SMS or email ID after the successful completion of application of caste certificate. After approval, you can download the caste certificate from the official website.

Which Authority Issues Caste Certificate Online in India?

Each state has their own set of rules for issuing online caste certificates. The following are the officials who can issue the Scheduled Tribe certificate:

1. Sub-divisional officer and revenue officer with at least the rank of tehsildar of the candidate and/or their family
2. Some other significant government officials are:
   1. Sub Divisional Magistrate
   2. Executive Magistrate
   3. Deputy Commissioner
3. Additional Deputy Commissioner
4. Deputy Collector
5. District Magistrate
6. Additional District Magistrate
7. First Class Stipendiary Magistrate
8. Taluka Magistrate
9. Additional Assistant Commissioner
10. Collector
11. Deputy Collector
12. Other officials, such as:
    1. Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate
    2. Chief Presidency Magistrate, or
    3. The Presidency Magistrate

Format of Caste Certificate

The following is the format of a typical caste certificate, though it may vary depending on the state government:

• Applicant’s name
• Husband or father’s name of the applicant
• Permanent address
• Date of birth
• Birthplace of the applicant, including the state and district

• Applicant’s caste or tribe that they belong to
• Authority issuing certificate
• Certificate number
• Issuing date
• Identification mark

Legal Penalties for Submitting a Fake Caste Certificate

Here are the details about disciplinary or penal action taken against the certificate producer and holders in case of any discrepancies:

• Caste certificates are issued, verified, and canceled by State Government authorities.
• The procedures for handling caste certificates vary depending on being issued by the state government.
• Action must be taken as per Department of Personnel and Training’s O.M. No.11012/7/91-Estt. (A) dated 19-5-93, if a government servant is found to have obtained a job using a false caste certificate.
• If a person used false information or was ineligible for the position, they should not remain in service.
• The individual should be discharged or terminated, if they are probationer or temporary government employees.
• An inquiry under Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 must be conducted for the employees who are on permanent role.
• The permanent employee should be removed or dismissed from service If the charges are proven, and they are found guilty of providing false caste certificate.

Caste Certificate Issuance for Those Who have Migrated from One State to Another

Here are some of the vital details regarding issuance of caste certificate to those who have migrated from one state to another:

• Individuals migrating between states/union territories (UTs) for caste certificates, clarifications are issued to address the challenges faced by Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• Instructed all state governments and UT administrators are instructed regarding this matter by the Ministry of Home Affairs, through letters dated 18.11.1982 and 06.08.1984.
• Based on a valid certificate issued to the person's father or mother from their state/UT of origin, the person can be issued a caste certificate by the state of UT to which they have migrated.
• If deemed necessary, the issuing authority may require a detailed inquiry through the state of origin before providing the certificate.
• The certificate is issued regardless of whether the person’s caste is scheduled in the state/UT they have migrated to.

Legal Framework

The details about the legal framework of caste certificate are given below:

• As per Articles 341 and 342, the statutory lists of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were first notified under the Indian Constitution Orders of 1950.
• These lists were established through the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, and the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
• Over time, the lists have been modified, amended, and supplemented.
• The SC and ST lists were implemented from October 29, 1956, following the reorganization of states.
• The additional orders concerning the SC and ST lists for specific states also came into effect.