A Caste Certificate is one of the most important identity and eligibility documents issued by the government in India. The Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate officially certifies that an individual belongs to a specific caste category, such as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Backward Class (BC), or other notified communities recognized by the state government.
The Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate is essential for availing various educational reservations, scholarships, fee reimbursements, government jobs, promotions, social welfare schemes, pensions, housing benefits, and other state and central government schemes. It also plays a critical role in competitive examinations, admissions, and financial assistance programs.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has digitized the process of issuing caste certificates through its citizen service platforms to ensure transparency, faster processing, and easy access for citizens across urban, rural, and tribal areas.
Official Andhra Pradesh Portal: https://www.ap.gov.in
What is the Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate?
Table of Contents
The Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate is an official government document issued to residents of Andhra Pradesh that certifies the caste or community to which a person belongs, as recognized under state laws and notifications.
The certificate is issued by the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Department, generally through the Tahsildar / Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO), based on verification of family records, residential proof, and community status.
Purpose of the Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate
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To establish caste identity for SC, ST, BC, and other communities
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To avail of reservation benefits in education and employment
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To apply for scholarships, fee reimbursement schemes, and hostels
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To access social welfare schemes and pensions
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To claim benefits under MyScheme and state welfare portals
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To support applications for competitive exams, admissions, and recruitment
Departments Involved
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Revenue Department
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Social Welfare Department
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Backward Classes Welfare Department
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Tribal Welfare Department
Eligibility Criteria for Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to apply for a Caste Certificate in Andhra Pradesh:
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Age Requirement
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No minimum age limit
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Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors
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Residential Requirement
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Applicant must be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh
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The family must be residing in Andhra Pradesh for a prescribed period as per state rules
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Caste / Community Requirement
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Applicant must belong to a caste recognized by the Andhra Pradesh Government under:
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Scheduled Caste (SC)
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Scheduled Tribe (ST)
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Backward Classes (BC – A, B, C, D, E categories)
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Other notified communities
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Income / BPL Requirement
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No income limit for caste certificate issuance
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Income criteria may apply separately for scholarships or welfare schemes
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Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Orphans
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Children of single parents
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Migrant families (subject to verification)
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Converted communities (as per government rules)
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Documents Required for Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying online or offline:
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Aadhaar Card of the applicant
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Aadhaar Card of parents (for minors)
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Ration Card / Family Card
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Residential proof:
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Voter ID
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Electricity bill
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Water bill
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House tax receipt
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School Bonafide Certificate or Study Certificate
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Birth Certificate (if available)
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Parents’ caste certificate (if available)
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Self-declaration or affidavit (if required)
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Passport-size photograph
How to Apply for Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate Online
The Government of Andhra Pradesh allows citizens to apply online through official service delivery portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Andhra Pradesh government portal: https://www.ap.gov.in
Step 2: Register or Log in
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Register usingan Aadhaar-linked mobile number
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Log in using OTP or credentials
Step 3: Select Caste Certificate Service
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Choose “Caste Certificate” from citizen services
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Select the appropriate department
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal details
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Enter family and residential details
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Select the caste category carefully
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
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Upload scanned copies in PDF/JPEG format
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Ensure clarity and correct file size
Step 6: Submit Application
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Review details carefully
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Submit the application
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Note down the application reference number
Step 7: Verification & Approval
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Field verification by the Village/Ward Secretariat
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Revenue Officer verifies records
Step 8: Download Certificate
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Log in after approval
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Download the digital caste certificate
How to Apply for Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate Offline
Applicants who cannot access online services can apply offline.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit the nearest:
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Village Secretariat / Ward Secretariat
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Mandal Revenue Office (MRO)
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MeeSeva Centre
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Collect the Caste Certificate application form
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Fill in all required details clearly
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Attach photocopies of the required documents
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Submit the application to the concerned official
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Obtain an acknowledgment receipt
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Verification is conducted by the Revenue authorities
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The certificate is issued after approval
Track Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate Application Status
Applicants can track the Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate status online.
How to Track Status
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Visit https://www.ap.gov.in
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Click on Track Application Status
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Enter:
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Application reference number
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Registered mobile number
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Status may show:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected (with remarks)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificates are generally permanent. However, re-verification or correction may be required in certain situations.
When Re-Verification is Required
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Correction of name, caste spelling, or parent details
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Migration from another state
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Change in family records
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Court or department-ordered verification
Re-Verification Process
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Apply through the official portal or MeeSeva
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Submit supporting documents
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Verification by Revenue Officer
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Aadhaar Name Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through UIDAI before applying.
Problem: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Upload documents in PDF format with a 200-300 KB file size.
Problem: Application Rejected
Solution: Check rejection remarks and reapply with the correct documents.
Problem: Delay in Verification
Solution: Contact the Village/Ward Secretariat or Mandal Revenue Office.
Problem: Incorrect Caste Category Selected
Solution: Verify the caste category carefully before submission.
Important Government Links:
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Andhra Pradesh Official Portal: https://www.ap.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate online?
A. Apply through the official AP portal or MeeSeva by submitting the application and documents.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for AP Caste Certificate?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification.
Q. How long does it take to get a caste certificate in AP?
a. Usually 7–21 working days, depending on verification.
Q. Can I download an AP Caste Certificate online?
A. Yes, approved certificates can be downloaded digitally.
Q. Is a caste certificate valid for a lifetime in AP?
A. Yes, unless re-verification or correction is required.
Q. Can parents apply for a child’s caste certificate?
A. Yes, parents or guardians can apply.
Q. What if my application is rejected?
A. You can reapply after correcting the issues mentioned.
Q. Is an income limit required for a caste certificate?
A. No, the income limit applies only to welfare schemes.
Q. Can I apply offline in Andhra Pradesh?
A. Yes, through MeeSeva or Mandal Revenue Office.
Q. How to correct mistakes in a caste certificate?
A. Apply for correction through the official portal or MeeSeva.
Conclusion:
The Andhra Pradesh Caste Certificate is a crucial identity and eligibility document that enables citizens to access educational reservations, employment opportunities, scholarships, and social welfare schemes. With the introduction of online and offline application facilities, the Andhra Pradesh Government has made the process transparent, accessible, and citizen-friendly.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply only through official Andhra Pradesh government portals, keep all documents accurate, and regularly check application status to avoid delays.
Always refer to the official Andhra Pradesh portal for the latest rules, notifications, and updates.