How to find your community certificate number?

A community certificate number is a unique identification code made of letters and words.

Applicants for government jobs and students in India must present a community certificate as evidence of their community affiliation. The three main reserved categories in India—Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes—all require community proof. These certificates are necessary for the documentation of every person who doesn’t fit into the General category. They must be provided by the state government.

Caste certificates are a must for accessing welfare schemes and for filling up government jobs. This certificate is required to avail of the benefits of various schemes. Below we will look at everything you need to know about a community certificate number and how you can find it. 

 

What is a community certificate?

Also known as a caste certificate, a community certificate proves that an individual is a member of a specific community. According to Indian reservation law, members of the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Castes (OBC) are granted special provisions to protect their interests. These privileges include reserved seats in government positions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), bank exams,  railway exams, and other state jobs. In addition, they have a relaxed cut-off for applicants to colleges such as Delhi University, IIMs, and IITs.

There are certain opportunities that are available to specific communities in order to help them improve their economic and social standing. The castes and communities that are included in this list are published annually by the Indian government. However, the quotas and mark relaxations vary among the different castes and communities.

 

Community certificate number: Why do you need it?

A community certificate number is a unique code which is used to verify your caste certificate and identity. If you want to avail the benefits of reservation and other relaxations available to the members of your caste (SC, ST, OBC), then you must obtain a caste certificate. You will be required to mention your community certificate number while filling out forms for reservation benefits in order to verify your identity.

Caste certificates are important for a number of reasons. Here are some of the reasons why you need a caste certificate if you fall in a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) : 

  • As proof of identity
  • To avail reservation of legislative assembly seats
  • To avail of government job reservation
  • For availing several government education scholarships
  • For less/nominal fee for school or college admissions
  • To get marks relaxation for entrance examinations
  • To claim government subsidies under various programs
  • To apply for welfare schemes by the government

 

Community certificate number on caste certificate

The Indian government provides every ST, SC, or (OBC) backward caste candidate with a special community certificate number as proof of their caste. You can always download the caste certificate using this number. Additionally, the officials will be able to easily verify the validity of the caste certificate you submitted, thanks to this number. This number is special and cannot be repeated under any circumstances. Therefore, it will be very simple to identify anyone using a fake caste certificate number.

How to look for your community certificate number:

If you already have a caste certificate, look at the bottom left corner of your copy of the certificate. There you will spot a unique identification code made of letters and words. This community certificate number is also called the serial number. This number usually resembles something like XY/YZ/123456. 

If you do not have a caste certificate, read below to find out the procedure to apply for a community certificate.

Source: Pinterest

 

Community certificate number: Applying for a caste certificate

The process of obtaining a caste certificate and certificate number is the same regardless of which state you reside in, whether it be Telangana or Maharashtra.

If you wish to obtain a caste certificate, you must first go to the Tahsildar, Collector Office, or Revenue department in person and request a caste certificate application form. It is important that the form is filled out completely and accurately. Along with the application form, you will need to submit a few additional documents as supporting proof, including but not limited to one document each of address proof and identity proof.

The following documents are accepted as proof of identity: 

  • Aadhar card
  • Driver’s license
  • PAN card
  • Voter ID card

The following documents are accepted as proof of address: 

  • Electricity bill
  • Voter ID
  • Ration card
  • Aadhar card

You will also need to provide proof of income, panchayat records, and an affidavit for the caste certificate. All of the aforementioned documentation must be submitted to the government office along with the application. Following the completion of the verification process, you will be given the caste certificate.

If you want to apply for a caste certificate online, you can do so on the National Government Service website. You’ll need to submit all of the same documents that you would if you were applying in person, but you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. Just make sure that you have scanned copies of your address proof, identity proof, and other required documents.

Only after the caste certificate number has been verified will all caste certificates be accepted. To avoid receiving a fake or worthless caste certificate, you must ensure that you are applying for it at an official government website or location.

 

Community certificate number: Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible for the community certificate, you must meet the requirements listed below. Failing to prove either of these will lead to the cancellation or lapsing of your caste certificate application.

1.Reserved class lineage (SC/ ST/ OBC)

To obtain a caste certificate in India, one must first identify which caste they belong to. This can be done by looking at family history, occupation, and regional origins. Once the caste is identified, the individual can then apply for a caste certificate from their local government office. 

2.Citizen of India

A person must have Indian Citizenship to obtain a caste certificate in India. By using these caste certificates, you can get reservation benefits in institutions like jobs, educational institutions, and housing.

3.Minimum age requirement 

To apply for a temporary community certificate, a person must be 3 years or older in age. For this, you would have to produce your birth certificate

4.Intermediate qualification

If you are applying for a permanent Community Certificate, the minimum required educational qualification is that of an intermediate degree or class 12.

 

FAQs

Why do I need a caste certificate?

Firstly, they can be used as proof of identity. Next, they can be used to claim certain benefits and privileges. For example, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe members are entitled to certain reservations in education and government jobs.

Do general category people have a caste certificate number?

No, people belonging to the general category do not need to show or have a caste certificate, and hence they do not have a caste certificate number.

Is a community certificate the same as a caste certificate?

Yes, a community certificate is the same as a caste certificate, and it serves as an identification document to verify your caste.

Where can I download the community certificate form?

You can download the community certificate form from your state’s official e-governance websites.

Was this article useful?
  • 😃 (0)
  • 😐 (0)
  • 😔 (0)

Recent Podcasts

  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 39Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 39
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 38Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 38
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 37Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 37
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 36Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 36
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 35Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 35
  • Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 34Keeping it Real: Housing.com podcast Episode 34