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Caste Certificate (SC, ST, OBC)
A certificate from the state revenue authority confirming that a person belongs to a notified Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class. It is needed to claim reservation in education, jobs and schemes.
Official fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Delhi (OBC) | Free |
| Other states | Free to ₹60, see state table |
Checked 27 Sep 2026
Documents to keep ready
Tick what you already have. The shared list shows each one as ready or pending.
How to apply
- Log in to your state portal or visit a service centre
- Choose SC, ST or OBC certificate
- Fill in family and caste details
- Upload proofs, especially a paternal relative's certificate
- Attend verification by the revenue officer
- Download the digitally signed certificate
By state
This fee is set by each state, so it differs. Each row shows whether we matched it to the official government site.
| State | Fee | Time | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | FreeChecked on official site Source | OBC 14 days, SC/ST 60 days | edistrict.delhigovt.nic.inOBC needs continuous stay in Delhi since 1993; issued by SDM |
| Maharashtra | ₹40 + service chargeChecked on official site Source | 45 days (caste), 21 days (non creamy layer) | Aaple SarkarIssued by SDO; validity check by caste scrutiny committee. Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra adds a service charge (about ₹33.60 total online; charges revised Apr 2025) |
| West Bengal | FreeChecked on official site Source | 4 weeks | castcertificatewb.gov.inCounted from submission of all papers; issued by SDO |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹60Checked on official site Source | Not published online | TN e-SevaiCalled community certificate; issued by Tahsildar, ST by RDO |
| Karnataka | ₹25Checked on official site Source | 21 days (Sakala) | NadakacheriCaste and caste cum income certificates issued by Tahsildar; 21 day limit from a secondary source |
| Telangana | ₹45To confirm Source | Not published online | MeeSevaIssued by Tahsildar or MRO; official MeeSeva charge list did not load |
| Gujarat | ₹20To confirm Source | Not published online | digitalgujarat.gov.inIssued by Mamlatdar; OBC is called SEBC in the state |
Good to know
- For central government jobs and central institutions, OBC candidates need the non creamy layer certificate in the central format
- The central creamy layer income limit is ₹8 lakh a year, as set by DoPT
- A state OBC list and the central OBC list can differ; check your caste is in the list you are applying under
- Giving false caste details is an offence and the certificate can be cancelled
Common questions
Is an OBC certificate valid for central jobs?
Only if it is in the central government format and shows you are not in the creamy layer. A state format certificate may not be accepted.
Does a caste certificate expire?
SC and ST certificates are usually valid for life. OBC non creamy layer status depends on income, so a recent certificate is often asked for.
Can a married woman get a caste certificate?
Yes, caste is based on birth, so it is issued based on her father's caste, not her husband's.