Caste Certificate

How to Apply for the Meghalaya Caste Certificate: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Meghalaya Caste Certificate

A Caste Certificate is a crucial legal document issued by the state government that certifies the social category of an individual. The Meghalaya Caste Certificate is primarily used to confirm whether a person belongs to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, which form the majority of the population, or any other recognized category as notified by the Government.

The Meghalaya Caste Certificate is essential for accessing educational reservations, government jobs, scholarships, hostels, competitive examinations, welfare schemes, and social security benefits provided by both the Government of Meghalaya and the Government of India.

To ensure transparency and easy access, the Meghalaya government allows citizens to apply for caste certificates through online portals as well as offline revenue offices.

Official Meghalaya State Portal: https://meghalaya.gov.in

What is Meghalaya Caste Certificate?

The Meghalaya Caste Certificate is an official government document that certifies an individual’s caste or tribal status based on records maintained by the state revenue authorities.

The certificate is issued under the authority of the Revenue Department, Government of Meghalaya after verification by designated officers such as the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Deputy Commissioner (DC).

Purpose of Meghalaya Caste Certificate

The certificate is required for:

  • Reservation in schools, colleges, and universities

  • Admission into professional and technical courses

  • Government job recruitment and promotions

  • Competitive examinations (UPSC, SSC, state PSC)

  • Scholarships and stipends

  • Welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribes

  • Hostels and residential institutions

  • Benefits listed on the MyScheme portal

Departments Involved

  • Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya

  • Tribal Affairs Department, Meghalaya

  • District Administration

  • Sub-Divisional Offices

  • Revenue Circles

Eligibility Criteria for Meghalaya Caste Certificate

Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions for Meghalaya Caste Certificate:

  • Age Requirement

    • No minimum or maximum age limit

    • Parents or guardians may apply on behalf of minors

  • Residential Requirement

    • Applicant must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya

    • Residency must be verifiable through official documents

  • Caste / Community Requirement

    • Applicant must belong to a community recognized by the Government of Meghalaya, primarily:

      • Scheduled Tribe (Khasi, Garo, Jaintia, and other notified tribes)

  • Income / BPL Requirement

    • Income proof is not mandatory for issuance

    • Income criteria apply only for specific schemes

  • Special Categories (If Applicable)

    • Orphans

    • Children of single parents

    • Persons with disabilities

    • Families affected by displacement or rehabilitation

Documents Required for Meghalaya Caste Certificate Application

Applicants should keep the following documents ready for Meghalaya Caste Certificate:

  • Aadhaar Card of the applicant

  • Aadhaar Card of parents/guardians (for minors)

  • Proof of residence in Meghalaya:

    • Domicile Certificate

    • Voter ID

    • Ration Card

  • Birth Certificate or School Certificate

  • School Bonafide Certificate

  • Parent’s caste certificate or clan certificate

  • Affidavit (if required)

  • Passport-size photograph

How to Apply for Meghalaya Caste Certificate Online

The Meghalaya government provides online facilities through its official citizen service portals.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to: https://meghalaya.gov.in

Step 2: Register or Login

  • Register using Aadhaar-linked mobile number

  • Login using OTP or credentials

Step 3: Select Caste Certificate Service

  • Choose “Caste Certificate” from citizen services

  • Select the appropriate community category

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

  • Enter personal and family details

  • Provide address and district information

Step 5: Upload Documents

  • Upload scanned copies in PDF/JPEG

  • Ensure clarity and correct file size

Step 6: Submit Application

  • Review details carefully

  • Submit and note the application reference number

Step 7: Verification & Approval

  • Field verification by revenue officials

  • Approval by SDO or Deputy Commissioner

Step 8: Download Certificate

  • Login after approval

  • Download digitally signed caste certificate

How to Apply for Meghalaya Caste Certificate Offline

Applicants can also apply offline.

Offline Application Steps

  1. Visit the nearest:

    • Sub-Divisional Office (SDO)

    • Deputy Commissioner Office

    • Revenue Circle Office

  2. Collect the caste certificate application form

  3. Fill the form accurately

  4. Attach photocopies of required documents

  5. Submit to the concerned authority

  6. Receive acknowledgment receipt

  7. Verification by officials

  8. Certificate issued after approval

Track Meghalaya Caste Certificate Application Status

Applicants can track their Meghalaya Caste Certificate application online.

Steps to Track Status

  • Visit https://meghalaya.gov.in

  • Click on Track Application Status

  • Enter application number and registered mobile number

Application status may show:

  • Submitted

  • Under Verification

  • Approved

  • Rejected (with remarks)

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

In Meghalaya, caste certificates are generally valid for lifetime.

When Re-Verification is Required

  • Name or spelling correction

  • Address or district change

  • Discrepancy in records

  • Legal or departmental requirement

Re-Verification Procedure

  • Apply online or visit revenue office

  • Submit correction request

  • Fresh verification conducted

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Aadhaar Mismatch

Solution: Update Aadhaar details via UIDAI before applying.

Problem: Wrong Community Selected

Solution: Verify recognized tribal list of Meghalaya carefully.

Problem: Document Upload Failure

Solution: Upload documents in 200–300 KB PDF/JPEG format.

Problem: Application Rejected

Solution: Check rejection remarks and reapply with corrected documents.

Problem: Delay in Verification

Solution: Contact SDO or Deputy Commissioner office.

Important Government Links

FAQ:

Q. How to apply Meghalaya caste certificate online?
A. Apply through the official Meghalaya government portal.

Q. Who can apply for caste certificate in Meghalaya?
A. Permanent residents belonging to recognized communities.

Q. How long does it take to get caste certificate in Meghalaya?
A. Usually 15–30 working days.

Q. Is income proof required?
A. No, income proof is not mandatory.

Q. Is caste certificate valid for lifetime?
A. Yes, unless correction is required.

Q. Can parents apply for children?
A. Yes, guardians can apply for minors.

Q. Can I download caste certificate online?
A. Yes, after approval.

Q. What if my application is rejected?
A. Reapply after correcting mistakes.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A. Generally yes.

Q. Where to apply offline?
A. At SDO or Deputy Commissioner office.

Conclusion

The Meghalaya Caste Certificate is a vital document for accessing reservations, scholarships, government jobs, and welfare schemes. With both online and offline application facilities, the Meghalaya government ensures a transparent and citizen-friendly process.

Applicants should always rely on official portals, submit accurate information, and regularly track application status for timely approval.

Always check the official Meghalaya portal for the latest updates and notifications.