SarkariData is an independent public information reference portal and is NOT an official government agency, portal, or representative of any Central or State Government department. We do not collect fees, process document applications, or issue certificates.
All applications, statutory fee payments, and official queries must be submitted directly through designated government departments or the authoritative portal.
Caste Certificate (Community Certificate)
What It Is:
A statutory proof certifying that an individual belongs to a recognized Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC), or state-notified category under presidential orders.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) / Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Tehsildar Office.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) / District Collectorate
State e-District Portals & Caste Scrutiny Committees
Official Purpose & Who Generally Needs It
Essential document for availing constitutional reservations in public employment, legislative representation, educational admissions, fee remissions, and social welfare schemes.
- Candidates seeking admission under reserved categories in schools, colleges, IITs, and universities
- Applicants appearing for UPSC, State PSC, SSC, and banking competitive examinations
- Beneficiaries of welfare grants, subsidies, and scholarships sponsored for SC/ST/OBC communities
Common Supporting Documents Required
General statutory proofs accepted across state and central application gateways.
- Father's or paternal relative's caste certificate
- School leaving certificate showing caste entry
- Pre-independence land or genealogy records (for SC/ST proof)
- Affidavit in prescribed format
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Voter ID Card
- Electricity or landline bill
General Application & Issuance Process
Standard operational workflow for obtaining Caste Certificate (Community Certificate) via designated channels.
Online Application on State Revenue Portal
Fill out the state caste certificate form on the e-District portal or submit via a local citizen facilitation centre.
Upload Paternal Community Records
Upload paternal genealogy records, father's caste certificate, and applicant's school leaving certificate proving caste pedigree.
Field Inquiry & Genealogical Verification
Revenue circle officers and Talathi verify ancestral domicile, customary traditions, and revenue records.
Issuance by SDM / Competent Authority
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate issues the formal certificate under official seal and digital signature.
Caste Validity Verification (Where Required)
For professional admissions and public service appointments, the certificate is submitted to the District Caste Scrutiny Committee for a Validity Certificate.
Related Public Online Services
Related Government Departments & Ministries
All DepartmentsGovernment of Maharashtra (Mantralaya)
The Government of Maharashtra is the supreme executive authority for Maharashtra, administering state public administration, revenue, law and order, healthcare, and infrastructure across 36 districts from the Mantralaya in Mumbai.
View Department Profile →MinistriesMinistry of Home Affairs (MHA)
The Ministry of Home Affairs is an apex ministry responsible for internal security, domestic policy, border management, Centre-State relations, administration of Union Territories, and the National Disaster Management Authority.
View Department Profile →Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Clarifications
Q: Can caste certificate be issued based on mother's caste?
In customary patrilineal succession in India, caste is normally derived from the biological father. However, the Supreme Court has recognized exceptions where a child was exclusively brought up by a single mother under deprivation.
Q: What is the difference between Caste Certificate and Caste Validity Certificate?
A Caste Certificate is issued by the SDM upon initial inquiry; a Caste Validity Certificate is issued by a statutory Scrutiny Committee after rigorous forensic verification, mandatory for engineering/medical admissions and government jobs in states like Maharashtra.