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

Nagaland Caste Certificate

A Caste Certificate is an essential government-issued document that officially certifies the social category or tribal status of a citizen. The Nagaland caste certificates are primarily issued to confirm membership in Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, as the entire indigenous population of the state is constitutionally recognized as Scheduled Tribes.

The Nagaland Caste Certificate plays a vital role in enabling citizens to access educational reservations, government jobs, scholarships, competitive examinations, welfare schemes, hostels, and social security benefits provided by the Government of Nagaland and the Government of India.

To ensure transparency and citizen convenience, the Nagaland government provides offline application facilities through district and sub-divisional offices, and in selected services, online tracking and digital facilitation through official portals.

Official Nagaland State Portal: https://nagaland.gov.in

What is Nagaland Caste Certificate?

The Nagaland Caste Certificate is an official document issued by state revenue authorities certifying that an individual belongs to a Scheduled Tribe recognized in Nagaland, such as Angami, Ao, Sema, Lotha, Konyak, Chakhesang, Zeliang, Phom, Rengma, and other notified tribes.

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

Purpose of Nagaland Caste Certificate

The caste certificate is required for:

  • Reservation in schools, colleges, and universities

  • Admission to professional and technical courses

  • Government job recruitment and promotions

  • Competitive examinations (UPSC, SSC, state PSCs)

  • 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 Nagaland

  • Tribal Affairs Department, Nagaland

  • District Administration

  • Sub-Divisional Offices

  • Revenue Circles

Eligibility Criteria for Nagaland Caste Certificate

Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

  • Age Requirement

    • No minimum or maximum age limit

    • Parents or legal guardians may apply on behalf of minors

  • Residential Requirement

    • Applicant must be an indigenous resident of Nagaland

    • Residency must be verifiable through official documents

  • Caste / Community Requirement

    • Applicant must belong to a Scheduled Tribe recognized in Nagaland

    • Tribe must be notified by the Government of Nagaland

  • Income / BPL Requirement

    • Income proof is not required for issuance of caste certificate

    • Income criteria apply only for scheme-specific benefits

  • Special Categories (If Applicable)

    • Orphans

    • Children of single parents

    • Persons with disabilities

    • Families affected by displacement or rehabilitation

Documents Required for Nagaland Caste Certificate Application

Applicants should prepare the following documents for Nagaland Caste Certificate:

  • Aadhaar Card of the applicant

  • Aadhaar Card of parents/guardians (for minors)

  • Proof of residence in Nagaland:

    • Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate

    • Domicile Certificate

    • Voter ID

  • Birth Certificate or School Certificate

  • School Bonafide Certificate

  • Parent’s tribe/caste certificate

  • Village Council or Tribal Council certificate (if required)

  • Affidavit (if required by authority)

  • Passport-size photograph

How to Apply for Nagaland Caste Certificate Online

In Nagaland, caste certificate applications are primarily processed offline; however, application status tracking, information access, and digital facilitation may be available through official portals.

Online-Assisted Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

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

Step 2: Check Caste Certificate Guidelines

  • Review eligibility and document requirements

  • Download application format if available

Step 3: Login / Register (If Applicable)

  • Login using Aadhaar-linked mobile number

  • Access service information or tracking module

Step 4: Submit Application Offline (Linked Digitally)

  • Fill the application form offline

  • Submit to local authority

  • Reference number may be used for online tracking

Step 5: Track Application Status

  • Use application/reference number to check progress online

How to Apply for Nagaland Caste Certificate Offline

The offline mode is the primary method for obtaining a caste certificate in Nagaland.

Offline Application Steps

  1. Visit the nearest:

    • Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Office

    • Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Office

    • Deputy Commissioner (DC) Office

  2. Collect the caste certificate application form

  3. Fill in all details carefully

  4. Attach photocopies of required documents

  5. Submit the application to the concerned authority

  6. Receive an acknowledgment receipt

  7. Field verification by revenue officials

  8. Certificate issued after approval

Track Nagaland Caste Certificate Application Status

Applicants may track the status of their Nagaland Caste Certificate application through official portals or by visiting the concerned office.

Steps to Track Status

  • Visit https://nagaland.gov.in

  • Click on Track Application Status

  • Enter:

    • Application/reference number

    • Registered mobile number

Status may display:

  • Submitted

  • Under Verification

  • Approved

  • Rejected (with remarks)

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

In Nagaland, caste certificates are generally valid for lifetime.

When Re-Verification is Required

  • Name or spelling correction

  • Change in address or district

  • Discrepancy in tribal records

  • Legal or departmental requirement

Re-Verification Procedure

  • Apply through the same issuing authority

  • Submit correction request with supporting documents

  • Fresh verification conducted before reissue

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Aadhaar Details Mismatch

Solution: Update Aadhaar information via UIDAI before applying.

Problem: Wrong Tribe Mentioned

Solution: Verify the officially notified tribal list of Nagaland carefully.

Problem: Document Upload Failure

Solution: Upload documents in 200–300 KB PDF/JPEG format (where applicable).

Problem: Application Rejected

Solution: Check rejection remarks and reapply with corrected details.

Problem: Delay in Verification

Solution: Contact the EAC, SDO, or Deputy Commissioner office directly.

Important Government Links

FAQ:

Q. How to apply Nagaland caste certificate online?
A. Information and tracking are available online; application is mainly offline.

Q. Who can apply for caste certificate in Nagaland?
A. Indigenous residents belonging to recognized Scheduled Tribes.

Q. How long does it take to get caste certificate in Nagaland?
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. In some cases, digitally signed copies may be available.

Q. What if my application is rejected?
A. Reapply after correcting errors mentioned by authorities.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A. Generally yes, for identification.

Q. Where can I apply offline?
A. At EAC, SDO, or Deputy Commissioner office.

Conclusion:

The Nagaland Caste Certificate is a critical document for accessing reservations, scholarships, government employment, and welfare schemes. With a structured offline application system supported by online facilitation and tracking, the Nagaland government ensures authenticity and transparency in certification.

Applicants are advised to submit accurate documents, follow official procedures, and regularly track application status to avoid delays.

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