A Caste Certificate is an essential government-issued document that certifies the social category or community of a citizen. The Kerala caste certificate is a mandatory requirement for citizens belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC), the Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Eligible Communities (OEC), and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) to access constitutional reservations and social welfare benefits.
The Kerala Caste Certificate is widely used for educational admissions, government jobs, competitive examinations, scholarships, fee concessions, hostels, pensions, housing schemes, and welfare programs operated by both the state and central governments. It is also required for scheme verification on national platforms such as MyScheme.
To promote transparency, digital governance, and ease of access, the Government of Kerala provides online and offline mechanisms for applying for caste certificates through officially notified portals and local administrative offices.
Official Kerala State Portal: https://kerala.gov.in
What is the Kerala Caste Certificate?
Table of Contents
The Kerala Caste Certificate is an official document issued by the state administration confirming that an applicant belongs to a caste or community recognized by the Government of Kerala and, where applicable, by the Government of India.
The certificate is issued after verification of family lineage, residential status, and caste records, under the authority of the Revenue Department, Government of Kerala. In most cases, the certificate is approved by the Village Officer / Tahsildar of the applicant’s jurisdiction.
Purpose of Kerala Caste Certificate
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To claim reservation benefits in education and public employment
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To apply for Kerala and Central Government scholarships
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To access SC/ST/OBC/OEC welfare schemes
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To receive benefits under social justice and empowerment programs
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To apply for the services listed on MyScheme
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To support verification for competitive exams and recruitment processes
Departments Involved
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Revenue Department, Government of Kerala
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Department of Scheduled Castes Development, Kerala
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Department of Scheduled Tribes Development, Kerala
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Backward Classes Development Department, Kerala
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District Administration and Village Offices
Eligibility Criteria for Kerala Caste Certificate
Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility conditions to apply for a caste certificate in Kerala:
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Age Requirement
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No minimum or maximum age limit
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Parents or legal guardians may apply on behalf of minors
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Residential Requirement
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Applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala
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Residence must be verifiable through official state records
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Caste / Community Requirement
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Applicant must belong to a community recognized by the Government of Kerala:
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Scheduled Caste (SC)
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Scheduled Tribe (ST)
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Other Backward Class (OBC)
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Other Eligible Communities (OEC)
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Income / BPL Requirement
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Income proof is not mandatory for issuing a caste certificate
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Income criteria apply separately for scheme eligibility
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Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Children of single parents
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Orphans
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Inter-caste marriage cases (as per Kerala rules)
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Persons with disabilities (for scheme-linked benefits)
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Documents Required for Kerala Caste Certificate Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying:
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Aadhaar Card of the applicant
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Aadhaar Card of parents/guardians (for minors)
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Proof of residence in Kerala:
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Ration Card
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Voter ID
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Electricity / Water Bill
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Residence Certificate
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Birth Certificate or school certificate
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School Bonafide / Study Certificate
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Parents’ caste certificate or ancestral caste proof
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Passport-size photograph
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Self-declaration / affidavit (if required)
How to Apply for Kerala Caste Certificate Online
Kerala provides online caste certificate services through its official e-governance portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Kerala Government portal: https://kerala.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 correct category (SC / ST / OBC / OEC)
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal details
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Enter family and address details
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Select Village, Taluk, and District
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
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Upload documents in PDF/JPEG format
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Ensure clarity and legibility
Step 6: Submit Application
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Verify all entered details
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Submit the application
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Note the application reference number
Step 7: Verification & Approval
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Field verification by Village Officer
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Approval by Tahsildar
Step 8: Download Certificate
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Log in after approval
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Download the digitally signed caste certificate
How to Apply for Kerala Caste Certificate Offline
Applicants who are unable to use online services may apply offline.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit the nearest:
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Village Office
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Taluk Office
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Akshaya Centre
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District Collector’s Office
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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 supporting documents
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Apply to the concerned authority
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Receive an acknowledgment receipt
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Verification is conducted by revenue officials
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The certificate is issued after approval
Track Kerala Application Status
Applicants can track the status of their Kerala caste certificate application online.
Steps to Track Status
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Visit https://kerala.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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Possible status messages:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected (with reason)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process
Kerala caste certificates are generally valid for a lifetime. However, re-verification or correction may be required in specific situations.
When Re-Verification is Required
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Correction of name or caste spelling
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Change of address or Taluk
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Court-ordered verification
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Discrepancy in ancestral caste records
Re-Verification Process
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Apply online or visit the Village/Taluk Office
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Submit a correction request with supporting documents
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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 Community Category Selected
Solution: Verify official Kerala caste/community classification 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 details.
Problem: Delay in Verification
Solution: Contact the Village Office or Akshaya Centre for follow-up.
Important Government Links
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Kerala Official State Portal: https://kerala.gov.in
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MyScheme Portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Kerala caste certificate online?
A. Apply through the official Kerala government portal by submitting the online application.
Q. Is a caste certificate mandatory in Kerala?
A. Yes, it is mandatory for reservation and welfare benefits.
Q. How long does it take to get a caste certificate in Kerala?
A. Usually 7–21 working days, depending on verification.
Q. Can I download the Kerala caste certificate online?
A. Yes, after approval, it can be downloaded digitally.
Q. Is the Kerala caste certificate valid for a lifetime?
A. Yes, unless correction or re-verification is required.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for a caste certificate in Kerala?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is generally required for identity verification.
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 Kerala?
A. At Village Office, Taluk Office, or Akshaya Centre.
Conclusion
The Kerala Caste Certificate is a critical document for citizens seeking access to educational reservations, government employment, scholarships, and social welfare schemes. With the availability of online and offline application channels, the Government of Kerala has made the process efficient, transparent, and inclusive.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply only through official government portals, ensure document accuracy, and regularly track application status to avoid delays.
For the latest notifications and updates, always refer to the official Kerala government portal.