SC certificate application: Meaning, benefits, and application process

India adheres to several laws and standards concerning marriage, food habits, and religious beliefs as a country with a rich cultural heritage. Thus, there are different norms and rules for other groups in society. Dalits, another name for India’s Scheduled Castes (SC) certificate, are one example of such regulations.

Besides being useful for education, it can also help people find jobs, particularly those from lower castes who lack access to adequate employment. They can access services according to state requirements if they have this certification.

It may seem intimidating for someone with no previous experience in this field, but you can handle everything yourself. With this article, you will learn everything you need to know about obtaining your SC certificate and reaping its benefits immediately.

What is an SC certificate?

It is also often called a “community certificate.” If an individual wants to verify their caste status, they can present a caste certificate, which is legal documentation based on the Indian Constitution’s definition of caste. This will enable them to qualify for reservations. 

Only legal residents of the state can obtain SC certificates from it. Those seeking SC certificates must apply to their state government in person or digitally to get them. Applicants are required to contact a state government office to submit an SC certificate application. Each state’s backwards-class welfare department maintains its website.

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According to the government, scheduled castes and tribes need support and access to resources to advance at the same rate as the rest of the population.

It is, therefore, a common practice for citizens to receive unique benefits, including quotas at schools and universities, tuition waivers for college admissions, lowering age restrictions for specific occupations, etc.

However, these benefits are only available to citizens of scheduled castes with valid caste certificates.

In India, why is an SC certificate necessary?

Generally, an SC certificate is issued to the members of Scheduled Castes in India. This allows them to apply for positions and services reserved by the Central and State governments.

In the same way, it is also possible to gain access to educational institutions or other resources of the central or state governments.

SC certificate: Benefits

• Education quota- An SC certificate may be used to obtain admission to public institutions of higher education under government-mandated quotas.
• Preferred in admission and scholarship- Students holding certificates from the SC category are given preference in admissions and scholarship programs.
• Reserved seats- In both the public and private sectors, there are reserved positions for members of the SC community.
• Grants and subsidies- They are eligible to receive government grants and subsidies.
• Eligible for several schemes- SC applicants are qualified for housing and business assistance programs.
• Priority in acquiring house sites- Those belonging to the SC caste are given priority when acquiring a house lot.
• Land grants- The Indian government provides land grants to holders of scheduled caste certificates.
• Voting power- A candidate with an SC certificate can vote in elections.

What is the process for applying for an SC certificate?

The SDM office, any regional Revenue Department office, or the internet are all possible locations to obtain an SC certificate. A local inquiry is conducted when a caste certificate is awarded for the first time to a specific family.

To get an SC certificate, you have two different methods.

• Online
• Offline

Documents required for SC certificate application

If you want to apply for an SC certificate, you’ll need to submit your application with the necessary documentation for verification to the appropriate authorities. Below is a list of the required documents:

• Birth certificate
• Residential proof (voter ID, water or electricity bill, Aadhar card, ration card, etc.)
• Identity proof (driving licence, PAN card, etc.) 
• Parent SC certificate
• Adoption proof, if applicable (court order/registered adoption deed)
• SC proof from another state (SC proof of either parent)

Online process of SC certificate application

Following the steps outlined here can help you apply online for SC certification:

Step 1 – Select the “Apply for Caste Certificate Online” link on the State Backward Class Welfare Portal.

Step 2 – Complete the registration form by providing the required information.

Step 3 – Upon registration, a user ID and password will be generated and sent to your registered email address and phone number.

Step 4 – Log in with your account credentials.

Step 5 – Complete the form with your name, current address, permanent address, gender, date of birth, father’s name, nationality, religion, contact information, blood relationship information, local reference information, and so on.

Step 6 – Ensure that the information you entered is correct and click the ‘Submit’ button.

Step 7 – Upload the original documents as specified in the next step.

Step 8 – If your application is successful, you will receive an acknowledgement slip, which you can save for future reference.

Step 9 – To check or track the status of your application, make sure you save your application number as well.

Step 10 – Once the verification process is complete, you will be notified by SMS or email that your SC certificate has been issued.

Offline process of SC certificate application

To apply for an SC certificate, individuals may go to a nearby tehsil office, SDM office, revenue office, or CSC centre run by government officials. The following steps should be followed:

Step 1 – Complete the application form at the nearest tehsil or SDM office. You must provide your full name, address, contact information, etc.

Step 2 – Provide the name of your blood relative with the scheduled caste certificate.

Step 3 – Make a mark next to the SC category.

Step 4 – Complete and sign the self-declaration form.

Step 5 – For verification, attach a photo of yourself in passport size and provide a local reference address.

Step 6 – Attach the self-attested documents to the application form after completing the application form.

Step 7 – Finally, you should apply to the appropriate officer and wait 30-35 days for a reply.

Factors considered when issuing a caste certificate

As part of the certification process, the certifying authority will verify and ensure the following:

1. According to Articles 341 and 342 of the constitution, the caste certificate or tribal certificate is included in the Presidential Orders issued from time to time.
2. This candidate is a member of that caste or tribe.
3. Candidate ordinarily lives in or part of the state concerned. 

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