Caste Certificate

How to Apply for the Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate: Complete Step-by-Step Guide Online & Offline

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Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate

A Caste Certificate is a government-issued document that officially proves the caste or community status of an individual. The Tamil Nadu caste certificate is commonly issued for people belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Backward Classes (BC/MBC/DNC) communities as recognized by the state government.

The Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate is an essential document to access several important benefits, such as reservation in education, government jobs, scholarships, fee concessions, hostel admissions, welfare schemes, and competitive examinations.

Tamil Nadu has made the caste certificate application process easier for citizens by providing both online and offline modes. Citizens can apply online using the Tamil Nadu government citizen services portal, and offline through local government offices such as the Taluk office or e-Sevai centres.

Official Tamil Nadu Government Portal: https://www.tn.gov.in/

What is a Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate?

The Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate is an official certificate issued by the state government confirming that an applicant belongs to a particular caste/community category. This includes:

  • SC Caste Certificate Tamil Nadu

  • ST Certificate Tamil Nadu

  • BC Certificate Tamil Nadu

  • MBC/DNC Certificate Tamil Nadu

The caste certificate is issued by revenue authorities under the administrative control of the **Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, in coordination with the district administration.

Why the Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate is Important

The caste certificate is required for:

  • Reservation in schools and colleges

  • Admission to professional courses like engineering, medical, nursing, etc.

  • Applying for government jobs and promotions

  • Competitive exams (TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking)

  • Scholarships and post-matric benefits

  • Fee concession schemes and hostel admission

  • State and central welfare schemes

  • Various schemes listed on the MyScheme portal

Government Departments Involved

  • Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Tamil Nadu

  • District Collector’s Office

  • Taluk Office

  • e-Sevai Centres

  • Citizen Service Portals

Eligibility Criteria For Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate

To apply for the Tamil Nadu caste certificate, the applicant must meet these eligibility rules:

  • Age Requirement

    • No minimum or maximum age limit

    • Guardians can apply for minor children

  • Income / BPL Requirement

    • Income proof is generally not required for caste certificate issuance

    • However, for specific welfare schemes, an income certificate may be required separately

  • Residential Requirement

    • Applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu

    • Proof of residence must match official government records

  • Special Categories (If Applicable)

    • SC (Scheduled Caste)

    • ST (Scheduled Tribe)

    • BC (Backward Class)

    • MBC (Most Backward Class)

    • DNC (Denotified Communities)

Important Note: Tamil Nadu has strict community classification rules, and the caste/community should match the state’s notified list.

Documents Required For Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Application

Applicants should arrange the following documents:

  • Aadhaar Card of the applicant

  • Aadhaar Card of parents/guardian (if minor)

  • Proof of residence in Tamil Nadu:

    • Voter ID

    • Ration Card

    • Electricity/Water Bill (if accepted)

    • Community certificate of parents (if available)

  • Birth Certificate / School Certificate

  • Bonafide Certificate (for students)

  • Parents’ caste/community certificate (if available)

  • Passport-size photograph

  • Self-declaration or affidavit (if required)

How to Apply for Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Online

Tamil Nadu offers online application through its official citizen service portals and e-Sevai platforms.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to: https://www.tn.gov.in/

Step 2: Register / Login

  • Register using mobile number and Aadhaar (if required)

  • Log in using OTP or credentials

Step 3: Choose Caste Certificate Service

  • Search and select Community / Caste Certificate

  • Choose category: SC / ST / BC / MBC / DNC

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

  • Enter personal information (name, DOB, gender)

  • Provide address details

  • Select your caste/community category carefully

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

  • Upload supporting documents in PDF/JPEG format

  • Ensure documents are clear and readable

Step 6: Submit Application

  • Verify details before submitting

  • Submit the form

  • Save the application reference number

Step 7: Track Status

  • Use the reference number to check the application status

Step 8: Download Certificate

  • After approval, download the digitally signed caste certificate online

How to Apply For Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Offline

Offline application is still widely used in Tamil Nadu, especially with support from e-Sevai centres.

Offline Application Steps

  1. Visit the nearest:

    • Taluk Office

    • Revenue Office

    • e-Sevai Centre

  2. Collect the caste/community certificate application form

  3. Fill in all details carefully

  4. Attach photocopies of the required documents

  5. Apply to the officer/service centre

  6. Receive acknowledgment receipt

  7. Verification by village/municipal authorities

  8. Certificate issued after approval

Tip: e-Sevai centres provide offline-to-online assistance for faster application submission.

Track Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Application Status

Applicants can track Tamil Nadu caste certificate status online.

Steps to Track Status

  • Visit https://www.tn.gov.in/

  • Click on Track Application Status

  • Enter:

    • Reference/application number

    • Registered mobile number

Possible status results:

  • Submitted

  • Under Verification

  • Approved

  • Rejected (with reason)

Renewal / Re-Verification Process

Tamil Nadu caste certificates are generally valid for a lifetime, but re-verification/corrections may be required in some situations.

When Re-Verification is Required

  • Name spelling corrections

  • Address update

  • Certificate lost/damaged

  • Wrong community entry in records

  • Department verification for jobs/admissions

Documents Needed for Re-Verification

  • Old caste certificate copy (if available)

  • Aadhaar card

  • Correct supporting documents

  • Affidavit (if required)

Common Issues & Solutions

Applicants often face these issues while applying:

Problem: Aadhaar Mismatch

Solution: Update Aadhaar through UIDAI before applying.

Problem: Wrong Community Category Selected

Solution: Confirm community classification (BC/MBC/DNC/SC/ST) from the government list.

Problem: Document Upload Failure

Solution: Use 200–300 KB PDF/JPEG documents and ensure they are clear.

Problem: Application Rejected

Solution: Check the rejection remark and reapply with the correct details.

Problem: Delay in Verification

Solution: Follow up at the Taluk office or e-Sevai centre with reference number.

Important Government Links

FAQ:

Q. How to apply Tamil Nadu caste certificate online?

A. You can apply online through the Tamil Nadu official citizen portal or via e-Sevai services.

Q. What is the Tamil Nadu caste certificate eligibility?

A. Applicants must be residents of Tamil Nadu and belong to recognized SC/ST/BC/MBC/DNC communities.

Q. How to download the Tamil Nadu caste certificate form?

A. You can download the form from the Tamil Nadu official portal or get it from the Taluk or e-Sevai offices.

Q. How many days does it take to get a caste certificate in Tamil Nadu?

A. Generally, it takes 15–30 working days, depending on verification.

Q. Is an income certificate required for a caste certificate in Tamil Nadu?

A. No, an income certificate is not mandatory for caste certificate issuance, but it may be needed for scholarship schemes.

Q. Can I apply for my child’s caste certificate in Tamil Nadu?

A. Yes, parents/guardians can apply for minors.

Q. How to track Tamil Nadu caste certificate application status?

A. Use your reference number on the citizen portal to track status.

Q. What if my Tamil Nadu caste certificate application is rejected?

A. Check the rejection reason, correct your documents/details, and reapply.

Q. Is the Tamil Nadu caste certificate valid for a lifetime?

A. Yes, it is usually valid for a lifetime, unless corrections are required.

Q. Where can I apply offline for a Tamil Nadu caste certificate?

A. You can apply offline at Taluk offices, revenue offices, or e-Sevai centres.

Conclusion:

The Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate is a crucial document for citizens who want to access reservation benefits, scholarships, government schemes, and employment opportunities. With both online and offline methods, the Tamil Nadu government ensures the process remains accessible and citizen-friendly.

Applicants should choose the correct community category, upload clear documents, and ensure their Aadhaar details match. Always check the official Tamil Nadu portal for updates and the latest service rules.

Final Tip: Save your reference number safely to track and download your certificate easily.