How to apply for caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) — state-wise guide (2026)

• Family belongs to SC/ST/OBC as per Presidential Notification (state-specific list)
• Domicile in the issuing state (SC list differs by state)
• For OBC NCL: family income < Rs 8 lakh/year (creamy layer ceiling)

1. Find your state e-District portal — UP — edistrict.up.gov.in · Bihar — serviceonline.bihar.gov.in · MH — aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in · KA — sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in. State portal map: nsp.gov.in/portal/state-portals.
2. Register on portal — Sign up with mobile + OTP. Aadhaar e-KYC if portal supports.
3. Choose Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) — Select your category. NB: SC list = central; OBC = state list (state-specific castes).
4. Fill application form — Family caste history (father + grandfather caste + village + occupation). Critical for verification.
5. Upload supporting docs — Father's caste certificate (if exists), school record showing caste entry, ration card, Aadhaar, residence proof, income affidavit (OBC).
6. Field verification — Patwari/VLW/Tehsildar may visit village. Confirm with grandparents/elderly neighbours about caste history.
7. Tehsildar/SDM signature — Final signing officer = Tehsildar (most states) or SDM. Some states have caste-scrutiny committee.
8. Download/collect certificate — e-Certificate from portal; physical from Tehsildar office. Has a unique 14-digit number for verification.

• Online portal: State e-District / RTPS portal
• Offline: Tehsildar office, SDM office, or designated CSC. Some states accept applications via Lok Seva Kendra.
• Fee: Free under RTI/RTPS in most states · Some charge Rs 30–50 stationery
• Timeline: RTPS statutory: 30 days · Real-world: 15–60 days depending on state and verification queue.

See our complete checklist: Documents required for caste certificate — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.

• Father's caste cert missing — file RTI to Tehsildar for father's record OR submit father's school leaving certificate (caste field).
• Caste not in state SC list — SC list is constitutional; check Presidential SC Order 1950 amendments. May qualify in another state.
• OBC creamy layer issue — income certificate must show <Rs 8L. NB: Salary excludes agricultural income.
• >30 days delay — RTPS state acts mandate appeal to next-level officer; file RTI parallel.

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.

Auto-fill the PIO details + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →

Or browse state-wise scheme procedures: All state portals + RTI templates

For OBC: yes (state list). For SC/ST: largely yes (same Presidential notification but each state has minor variations).

Only as evidence — you need a separate certificate in your own name. But father's cert speeds up your verification.

SC/ST: lifetime. OBC: must reapply every 6 months for jobs / 3 years for education (creamy layer recheck).

Christians/Muslims of SC origin — can use SC reservation only in some states (TN, Kerala, AP, KA via state SC list). Centrally, conversion deletes SC status (Constitution Sch).

File RTI to Tehsildar + SDM. Use our RTI Playbook template for caste certificate delays.

• How to check status — 25 high-traffic services
• Documents required — 30 checklists
• All state RTI portals
• Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios

• Official portal: https://edistrict.gov.in
• Citizen feedback collected via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
• Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.

Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.