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+{{htmlmetatags>
+metatag-keywords=(apply caste certificate, sc st obc certificate, caste certificate online, jati pramaan patra, caste certificate apply)
+metatag-description=(Apply for SC/ST/OBC certificate at state e-District / Tehsildar. Free under most states. Required for reservation, scholarships, government jobs.)
+}}
+====== How to apply for caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) ======
+{{:social:auto:how-to-apply-caste-certificate.png?direct&1200 |How to apply for caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) — RTI Wiki}}
+<WRAP info>
+**Quick Reply:** Caste certificates are issued by **Tehsildar / SDM** under state-specific procedures. Aadhaar-linked online application via **e-District portal** in 32 states. Required for reservation in education + government jobs + scholarships. Free or Rs 30–50 fee. Issued in **30 days statutorily** (state RTPS act).
+</WRAP>
+===== Who can apply (eligibility) =====
+  * 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)
+===== Step-by-step process =====
+  - **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.
+  - **Register on portal** — Sign up with mobile + OTP. Aadhaar e-KYC if portal supports.
+  - **Choose Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)** — Select your category. NB: SC list = central; OBC = state list (state-specific castes).
+  - **Fill application form** — Family caste history (father + grandfather caste + village + occupation). Critical for verification.
+  - **Upload supporting docs** — Father's caste certificate (if exists), school record showing caste entry, ration card, Aadhaar, residence proof, income affidavit (OBC).
+  - **Field verification** — Patwari/VLW/Tehsildar may visit village. Confirm with grandparents/elderly neighbours about caste history.
+  - **Tehsildar/SDM signature** — Final signing officer = Tehsildar (most states) or SDM. Some states have caste-scrutiny committee.
+  - **Download/collect certificate** — e-Certificate from portal; physical from Tehsildar office. Has a unique 14-digit number for verification.
+===== Where to apply, fee, and timeline =====
+  * **Online portal:** [[https://edistrict.gov.in|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.
+===== What documents to keep ready =====
+See our complete checklist: [[:documents:caste-certificate|Documents required for caste certificate]] — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.
+===== Common issues + how to handle =====
+  * **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.
+===== If your application is delayed or rejected — file an RTI =====
+Most "delays" or "rejections" clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
+<code>
+. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
+. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
+. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
+. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
+. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.
+</code>
+**Auto-fill the PIO details + your case:** [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Open the RTI Drafter →]]
+**Or browse state-wise scheme procedures:** [[:scheme-state:caste-certificate:start|All state portals + RTI templates]]
+===== Frequently asked questions =====
+==== Is caste certificate state-specific? ====
+For OBC: yes (state list). For SC/ST: largely yes (same Presidential notification but each state has minor variations).
+==== Can I use my father's caste certificate? ====
+Only as evidence — you need a separate certificate in your own name. But father's cert speeds up your verification.
+==== How long is caste certificate valid? ====
+SC/ST: lifetime. OBC: must reapply every 6 months for jobs / 3 years for education (creamy layer recheck).
+==== What if I converted religion? ====
+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).
+==== My application stuck >30 days. What now? ====
+File RTI to Tehsildar + SDM. Use our [[:citizen-rti-playbook|RTI Playbook]] template for caste certificate delays.
+===== Summary + what to do next =====
+<WRAP center round tip 90%>
+**Quick Reply:** Apply at **State e-District / RTPS portal** (https://edistrict.gov.in). 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.. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
+  * **Start your application:** [[https://edistrict.gov.in|State e-District / RTPS portal]]
+  * **Document checklist first:** [[:documents:caste-certificate|Required documents]]
+  * **If stuck — RTI Drafter:** [[:citizen-rti-playbook|File an RTI in 5 minutes]]
+  * **Talk to other citizens:** [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI community]]
+  * **Browse all how-to-apply guides:** [[:how-to-apply:start|All 25 application guides]]
+</WRAP>
+===== Related reading =====
+  * [[:check-status:start|How to check status — 25 high-traffic services]]
+  * [[:documents:start|Documents required — 30 checklists]]
+  * [[:state-rti-portals-directory|All state RTI portals]]
+  * [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios]]
+===== Sources =====
+  * Official portal: https://edistrict.gov.in
+  * Citizen feedback collected via [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]] (composite, identifying details removed).
+  * Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.
+//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
+{{tag>how-to-apply caste-certificate citizen-services rti-fallback}}