Meaning of SC/ST Certificate: Eligibility, Benefits, & Application Process

India's caste-based reservation system promotes social equality. It offers opportunities to underprivileged communities through Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. These certificates help individuals from historically marginalised groups access reserved seats in education, government jobs, and other welfare schemes. 

Here, we will discuss how to obtain/apply for SC and ST certificates, their eligibility and application process, and the differences between them.

Education:

Government Jobs:

Welfare Schemes:

ST individuals are eligible for benefits such as housing schemes, healthcare, financial assistance, and subsidies that aim to improve their living conditions.

The process for obtaining the ST certificate is similar to that of the SC certificate, with community records verified and approved by the relevant local authority.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for online SC/ST certificate application:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website of your state's Backward Classes Welfare Department. For example, if you're in West Bengal, visit the castcertificatewb.gov.in website.

Step 2: If you don't already have one, create an account. You can create one by entering your info i.e. name, phone number and email address.

Step 3: Enter your credentials to log in.

Step 4: From the services list, select 'Caste Certificate Option' and select 'SC Certificate' or 'ST Certificate'.

Step 5: Fill out the application form with your name, address, caste and family details.

Step 6: Upload all required documents, such as identity proof and caste proof, as instructed on the portal.

Step 7: When completed, review and submit the online application.

Step 8: Processing costs vary by state; some may charge a small fee.

Step 9: You can monitor the application status after submission through the portal.

Step 10: After the processing of your application and approval, you can go to the designated office and collect or have your certificate delivered to you. Ensure all details on the certificate are correct.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for offline process for SC/ST certificate application:

Step 1: You must visit your Tehsildar, Revenue Office, District Magistrate (DM), Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office, or CSC/SETU centres.

Step 2: Get the SC/ST certificate application form at the respective office.

Step 3: Complete the application with the required details, such as names, addresses, castes, etc.

Step 4: Attach photocopies of identity proof, address proof, caste proof, and any other documents required.

Step 5: Submit the application form to the office and collect the acknowledgment receipt.

Step 6: Check out the details and documents submitted. This can include a physical verification of your residence and your community background.

Step 7: If the verification is successful, the certificate will be issued. You can collect it in person or have it sent to you by post.

Follow the given steps to submit your SC/ST certificate application online:

Step 1: Fill out the application form and submit it through the state government portal. Always upload scanned copies of all required documents.

Step 2: After submission, you can check your details on the application’s tracking system. You’ll be notified via SMS or email if there's a discrepancy.

Step 3: Depending on the state, you may have to pay a nominal fee to issue the SC or ST certificate. You can pay it online during the application process.

Step 4: Once your application is processed and approved, you can download the digital copy from the official portal if you applied online.

Given below are the steps to submit your application for SC or ST certificates offline:

Step 1: Complete the form and submit it to the Tehsildar or DM office, along with all the required documents.

Step 2: After you submit your application, the authorities will let you know if you have missing documents or if there is any problem during the verification process.

Step 3: Depending on the state, you may have to pay a nominal fee to issue the SC or ST certificate. You can pay it through a challan.

Step 4: Get the certificate from the office or receive it by post for offline applications.

SC/ST certificates are usually valid for a lifetime unless there are significant changes in an individual’s caste status or personal details. Also, the validity might differ from state to state. 

The certificate does not require periodic renewal; however, updates may be required if you change your name, address, or other personal details. That said, no renewal is needed in case of an inter-caste marriage as per Indian law, which states that a person’s caste status does not automatically change after marriage based on the spouse’s caste.

Change in Personal Details:

Loss of Original Certificate:

If you lose your original certificate and need a duplicate.

Conversion to Digital Format:

Administrative Requirement:

Step 1: Go to your state’s designated portal for caste certificate applications. Such portals include the Maharashtra Caste Certificate or Delhi Caste Certificate.

Step 2: Register with your details if you are a new user. If you are already registered, log in with your credentials.

Step 3: Look for the option to renew or update the caste certificate.

Step 4: Complete the online application with necessary details, such as an updated name, address, or other relevant information. Upload supporting documents, such as the old certificate, updated address proof, or name change affidavit.

Step 5: Submit the form after reviewing the details. If applicable, pay a nominal fee online.

Step 6: Use the portal’s tracking system to monitor the progress of your renewal or update request.

Step 7: Once approved, the updated certificate will be available for download on the same portal.

Step 1: Go to your nearest Tehsildar, District Magistrate (DM), or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office, depending on your area of residence.

Step 2: Request the form for renewal or update of SC/ST certificates.

Step 3: Provide details of the changes needed, such as name change, updated address, or lost certificate replacement. Attach the required documents, including proof of identity, old certificate, updated address, etc.

Step 4: Submit the completed form and documents to the relevant authority. For certain updates (such as a name change), you may need to submit an affidavit.

Step 5: The authorities may verify the updated details by cross-checking the submitted documents or performing a field visit.

Step 6: The renewed or updated SC/ST certificate will be issued after successful verification. You can collect it in person or receive it by post.

Local government authorities are responsible for issuing Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. The specific authorities issuing these certificates may vary slightly depending on the state, but the general hierarchy remains the same.

Here is an overview of the authorities responsible for issuing SC and ST certificates:

District Magistrate (DM):

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM):

Tehsildar/Naib Tehsildar:

The Tehsildar or Naib Tehsildar (Deputy Tehsildar) is a local revenue officer at Tehsil or Taluka level. Tehsildar is a key person in processing and issuing SC and ST certificates in rural and semi-urban areas in many states. They are usually the first faces the applicants meet.

The caste verification is done by the Tehsildar, who forwards the necessary applications for higher-level approval.

Revenue Officer or Additional District Magistrate (ADM):

Panchayat or Municipal Authorities:

Caste Scrutiny Committee (in Some States):

Certain states, including Maharashtra, also have established Caste Scrutiny Committees to prevent SC/ST certificates from being fraudulently issued. The committees verify the caste or tribal status of the applicant before the certificate is given out.

In India, SC and ST certificates are issued by the Tehsildar, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and District Magistrate (DM). The authority level is based on the region and complexity of the application. In sensitive cases, verification may be by special Caste Scrutiny Committees or higher authorities like the DM. 

Understanding the hierarchy of issuing authorities guarantees that applicants know where to apply and what to do when their application is submitted.

The Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate is not required for the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. The Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) concept is used only in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. It differentiates two economically advanced OBC individuals (Creamy Layer) from one still not economically sound(OBC Non-Creamy Layer). 

Scheduled Castes (SC) do not have any economic limits or distinction of income. Thus, everyone in the SC community, irrespective of family income, is entitled to these reservation benefits provided by the government. Reservations and affirmative actions based on historical and social disadvantages, caste-based discrimination, and poverty do not apply to economic status.

Thus, applying for an SC or ST certificate is vital for individuals from these communities to access numerous benefits. It is available online and offline and requires a simple submission, verification, and issuance process. 

Understanding the eligibility criteria, the documents needed, and the submission process can help streamline a long application process and ensure a timely receipt of these important certificates.