Community certificate – Important information you should know

When you are applying to an institute for higher education, an important aspect to keep in mind is that you have all the relevant documents. Without the right documents, it could be difficult to secure a seat in some of the top universities in the country. Some of the most important documents you may be required to submit include bona fide certificates (where applicable), proof of funds, and provisional certificates. Among some other ‌documents, another certificate is essential as a community certificate. Keep reading to learn more about a community certificate and how you can submit the right document! 

What is a community certificate? 

A community certificate is a document that is a proof of candidates who belong to a particular category or caste. The major reserved categories in the country include – 

• Scheduled caste (SC) 
• Scheduled tribes (ST)
• Other backward classes (OBC)

These documents are very crucial as the primary use is for documentation of an individual who does not fall under the ‘general’ category. Community certificates are also referred to as caste certificates by the government. 

What is the purpose of obtaining a community certificate?

There are several reasons why you should consider obtaining a community certificate. Such a document plays an important role in helping you gain access to educational infrastructure, financial assistance, and different schemes. 

Here are some common purposes of a community certificate – 

• To receive relevant government subsidies 
• To get scholarships sponsored by the government 
• To get quotas in education institutions 
• To waive off the fees for admission to higher education institutions 

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a community certificate, you will have to meet the following criteria – 

• You should be at least 3 years of age and above 
• You should be an Indian citizen 
• You should belong to any reserved category, such as SC, ST, or OBC
• You should submit official proof of reserved category from paternal family members 

Information requirement for application

When filling out the application form for a community certificate, you will have to provide the following details – 

• Name 
• Passport size photograph 
• Father’s name or husband’s name 
• Gender 
• Date of birth 
• Ration card number 
• Date of application 
• Application number 
• Signature of applicant 

Community certificate for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) 

If you are from a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe, you can apply for a community certificate for a wide number of reasons (primarily educational purposes). 

Some of the important documents that you will need to submit for an application include – 

• Proof of date of birth (can be provided with a passport, birth certificate, or bonafide certificate)
• Present residential proof (can be provided with telephone bills, water, bills, electricity bills, and voters’ cards) 
• Marriage certificate (for eligible applicants) 
• Self-declaration in case if it is issued outside Delhi in a prescribed Performa rate 
• If the applicant is below the age of 18, a self-declaration document from the guardian has to be provided 
• Copy of the community certificate of a relative from the paternal side of the family 
• Aadhar number, driving license, passport, PAN card, or voters’ card 
• Duly filled application form 

Community certificate for Other Backward Classes (OBC) 

If you are applying for a community certificate for Other Backward Classes, you will need to submit the following documents – 

• Proof of family income (ITR/Form-16/salary slip, etc.) 
• Residency certificate 
• 2 attestations by gazetted officers, councilors, MLA, or MP declaring the caste of the applicant 
• A copy of the OBC community certificate from the paternal side of the family 

Processing time for a community certificate 

Once your application has been successfully submitted, the District Caste Certificate Scrutiny Committee takes a decision. This decision is often taken within three months from the date of submission of the application. 

In exceptional circumstances, the Scrutiny Committee can take two months to come to a mutual agreement on the decision. 

Your community certificate will be posted to you at the permanent address that you have shared in your application. If you are applying online, it is important to note that not every state provides this document

Key takeaways

• The education industry requires a wide range of official documents to successfully handle every admission process. 
• Some of the different certificates required for admission to higher education institutions include bonafide certificates and provisional certificates. 
• A caste or community certificate is one such document that can help you gain access to a wide range of schemes and benefits. 
• When applying for a community certificate, it is important to ensure that you have all relevant details and documents prepared in advance. 
• All the information on the application form should be correct and provide opportunities for official inspection. 
• The processing time for community certificates can range between 2-3 months, depending on your circumstances. 

Was this blog informative? If yes, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on community certificates. We would be happy to assist you with your queries! 

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FAQs 

Q1. Is a category certificate the same as a caste certificate? 

Answer – A category certificate is proof of your class category. It is not a certificate for eligibility for SC/ST/OBC reservations. 

Q2. How long is the OBC certificate valid? 

Answer – The OBC certificate is valid for only one year, as the caste list changes every year. 

Q3. If I am a government employee, how can I make use of my caste certificate? 

Answer – With your caste certificate, you can apply for a promotion in the reserved category or a new appointment in the reserved category.