Caste Certificate

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

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Gujarat Caste Certificate

A Caste Certificate is an official document issued by the government that certifies the caste or community to which a person belongs. The Gujarat Caste Certificate is a mandatory document for citizens belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC/OBC), and other notified communities to avail reservation benefits and welfare schemes.

The Gujarat Caste Certificate is required for admission to schools and colleges, government jobs, competitive examinations, scholarships, hostels, fee concessions, housing schemes, pensions, and social security programs. It is also essential for verification on platforms such as MyScheme, Gujarat scholarship portals, recruitment boards, and departmental databases.

To make citizen services transparent and accessible, the Government of Gujarat provides both online and offline facilities for applying for caste certificates through official portals and local offices.

Official Gujarat State Portal: https://www.gujaratindia.gov.in

What is the Gujarat Caste Certificate?

The Gujarat Caste Certificate is a government-issued certificate that officially confirms an individual’s caste or community status as recognized by the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India.

The certificate is issued under the authority of the Revenue Department, Government of Gujarat, generally through the Mamlatdar / Taluka Development Officer (TDO) after verification of residence, family lineage, and community records.

Purpose of the Gujarat Caste Certificate

  • To establish SC / ST / SEBC (OBC) community identity

  • To claim reservation benefits in education and employment

  • To apply for state and central government scholarships

  • To access social welfare and development schemes

  • To avail the benefits listed on MyScheme

  • To support applications for competitive examinations and recruitment

Departments Involved

  • Revenue Department, Government of Gujarat

  • Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Gujarat

  • Tribal Development Department, Gujarat

  • District and Taluka Administration

Eligibility Criteria for Gujarat Caste Certificate

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility conditions to apply for a caste certificate in Gujarat:

  • Age Requirement

    • No minimum age limit

    • Parents or legal guardians may apply on behalf of minors

  • Residential Requirement

    • Applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat

    • Residence must be verifiable through official state records

  • Caste / Community Requirement

    • Applicant must belong to a caste recognized by the Government of Gujarat:

      • Scheduled Caste (SC)

      • Scheduled Tribe (ST)

      • Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC / OBC)

  • Income / BPL Requirement

    • No income limit for issuing a caste certificate

    • Income criteria apply separately for scholarships and welfare schemes

  • Special Categories (If Applicable)

    • Tribal and forest area residents

    • Orphans and children of single parents

    • Inter-caste marriage cases (as per Gujarat government rules)

    • Migrants within Gujarat districts (subject to verification)

Documents Required for Gujarat Caste Certificate Application

Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying online or offline:

  • Aadhaar Card of the applicant

  • Aadhaar Card of parents/guardians (for minors)

  • Proof of residence in Gujarat:

    • Ration Card

    • Voter ID

    • Electricity or water bill

    • Residence certificate (if available)

  • Birth Certificate or school leaving certificate

  • School Bonafide / Study Certificate

  • Parent’s caste certificate or ancestral records

  • Passport-size photograph

  • Self-declaration / affidavit (if required)

How to Apply for a Gujarat Caste Certificate Online

The Government of Gujarat provides online application facilities through its official citizen service platforms.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the Gujarat Government portal: https://www.gujaratindia.gov.in

Step 2: Register or Log in

  • Register usingan  Aadhaar-linked mobile number

  • Log in using OTP or credentials

Step 3: Select Caste Certificate Service

  • Choose “Caste Certificate” from citizen services

  • Select the SC / ST / SEBC category carefully

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

  • Enter personal details

  • Enter family and address details

  • Select the concerned Taluka / Mamlatdar Office

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

  • Upload documents in PDF/JPEG format

  • Ensure documents are clear and readable

Step 6: Submit Application

  • Review all details carefully

  • Submit the application

  • Note the application reference number

Step 7: Verification & Approval

  • Field verification by revenue staff

  • Approval by Mamlatdar / TDO

Step 8: Download Certificate

  • Log in after approval

  • Download the digital caste certificate

How to Apply for a Gujarat Caste Certificate Offline

Applicants who cannot access online services may apply offline.

Offline Application Steps

  1. Visit the nearest:

    • Mamlatdar Office

    • Taluka Development Office

    • District Collector’s Office

    • Jan Seva Kendra / e-Gram Centre

  2. Collect the Caste Certificate application form

  3. Fill in all required details clearly

  4. Attach photocopies of the required documents

  5. Apply to the concerned authority

  6. Receive an acknowledgment receipt

  7. Verification is carried out by local revenue officials

  8. The certificate is issued after approval

Track Gujarat Caste Certificate Application Status

Applicants can track the status of their Gujarat caste certificate application online.

Steps to Track Status

Status messages may include:

  • Submitted

  • Under Verification

  • Approved

  • Rejected (with reason)

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

Caste Certificates in Gujarat are generally valid for a lifetime. However, re-verification or correction may be required in certain cases.

When Re-Verification is Required

  • Correction of name or caste spelling

  • Change in address or district

  • Court-ordered verification

  • Discrepancy in records

Re-Verification Process

  • Apply online or visit the Mamlatdar Office

  • Submit supporting documents

  • Fresh verification by the Revenue Authority

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Aadhaar Name Mismatch

Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the UIDAI portal before applying.

Problem: Wrong Caste Category Selected

Solution: Verify the official Gujarat caste list before submission.

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 the Mamlatdar or Taluka Office for follow-up.

Important Government Links

FAQ

Q. How to apply Gujarat Caste Certificate online?
A. Apply through the official Gujarat government portal by submitting the online application.

Q. Is caste certificate mandatory in Gujarat?
A. Yes, it is required for reservation and welfare benefits.

Q. How many days does it take to get a caste certificate in Gujarat?
A. Usually 15–30 working days, depending on verification.

Q. Can I download the Gujarat caste certificate online?
A. Yes, after approval, it can be downloaded digitally.

Q. Is a Gujarat caste certificate valid for a lifetime?
A. Yes, unless correction or re-verification is required.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required.

Q. Can parents apply for a child’s caste certificate?
A. Yes, parents or legal guardians may apply.

Q. What if my application is rejected?
A. You can reapply after correcting the issues mentioned.

Q. Is income proof required for a caste certificate?
A. No, income proof is not required for issuance.

Q. Where can I apply offline in Gujarat?
A. At Mamlatdar Office, Taluka Office, or Jan Seva Kendra.

Conclusion:

The Gujarat Caste Certificate is a crucial document that enables eligible citizens to access educational reservations, government employment opportunities, scholarships, and welfare schemes. With the availability of online and offline application systems, the Government of Gujarat has made the process transparent and citizen-friendly.

Applicants are advised to apply only through official government portals, ensure document accuracy, and track application status regularly.

For the latest notifications and updates, always refer to the official Gujarat government portal.