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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
- Aadhaar or other photo ID
- Proof of residence in the state
- Caste certificate of father or a paternal relative, if any
- School leaving certificate or old records showing caste
- Affidavit or self declaration
- Family income proof (for OBC non creamy layer)
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
Fees and portals differ by state. These are the official portals for the states we cover.
| State | Fee | Time | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Free | OBC 14 days | edistrict.delhigovt.nic.inOBC needs continuous stay in Delhi since 1993; issued by SDM |
| Maharashtra | Small fee shown on portal | 45 days (caste), 21 days (non creamy layer) | Aaple SarkarIssued by SDO or Deputy Collector; validity check by caste scrutiny committee |
| West Bengal | Free | 4 weeks | castecertificatewb.gov.inCounted from submission of hard copies; issued by SDO |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹60 | Not published | TN e-SevaiCalled community certificate; issued by Tahsildar, ST by RDO |
| Karnataka | ₹25 | Not published | NadakacheriCaste and caste cum income certificates issued by Tahsildar |
| Telangana | About ₹45 | Not published | MeeSevaIssued by Tahsildar or MRO |
| Gujarat | Free online; small charge at Jan Seva Kendra | Not published | 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.