Apply for OBC Certificate Online: Know the Process and Documents Required

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How to Apply for an OBC Certificate in India: A Complete Guide

Suman Saurav

Updated on 14th November, 2024 , 6 min read

apply for obc certificate online

Find out in detail about the online OBC Certificate registration process in India, as well as all the other information pertaining to online form completion.

Applying for an OBC certificate is the need of the hour for those who want to access government facilities and opportunities specifically reserved for the benefit of the OBC community. This certificate allows for the eligibility of various schemes in education, employment, and welfare sectors aimed at uplifting and supporting members of the OBC community. It has been somewhat streamlined over the recent years in most states. Today, an OBC certificate can be applied for through many states with an online application system, which makes the entire process easier and faster without having to visit government offices.

Online process for an OBC certificate provides convenience and accessibility to eligible people across India. From filling up an application form to submitting all the required documents, applicants are able to perform the entire process at the comfort of their homes. With this guide, you'll step by step walk through the online process, covering eligibility criteria and documentation required while applying for an OBC certificate. Finally, tips will be provided to smoothen the process.

What does "OBC" or "Other Backward Class" mean?

The "OBC" is the terminology referred to for the classification of Other Backward Class, which was conceived in India to provide uneven disadvantages socially, educationally, and economically for some sections. India's affirmative action policies took into consideration this classification in its establishment as a bridging point between the privileged groups and those groups who, from lack of political, social, or economic power, had fewer opportunities. It consists of various castes and communities under the OBC category that do not belong to those more disadvantaged groups called SCs and STs, but many of them have faced problems in accessing education, jobs, and other social resources.

Understanding Section 340: India’s Constitutional Provisions for OBC

The provision to identify and fulfill the needs of "Other Backward Classes" of India is founded in Article 340 of the Indian Constitution. According to Article 340, the government can set up a commission to examine the social and educational conditions of the communities and identify their problems and difficulties for satisfactory amelioration. These are crucial for identification and advancement of social justice for historically disadvantaged communities, which, in this case, include those excluded from education and employment opportunities.

The government-appointed commission reviews the various aspects-including socio-economic conditions and education access of these groups-under Article 340. These reports suggest a number of measures to improve the situation, including quotas in educational institutions and employment opportunities in the public sector, so as to equalize opportunities. Of all the outcomes of Article 340 was the report of the Mandal Commission established in 1979. Suggesting that OBCs be reserved for 27 percent posts in government employment and educational institution, this one radically altered how affirmative action is used in India today. Article 340 remains the bedrock foundation on which efforts for achieving equality and upholding the uplifting of communities who were sidelined from mainstream opportunities are bases.

Why is an OBC Certification Significant Online?

The reasons and benefits are tabulated below: 

Significance of an OBC Certificate   

 Purpose or Benefit

Avenues in Education 

Required for school enrollment, college admissions, and entrance exams under reserved seats for OBC candidates.

Monetary Help

Needed to access grants and scholarships available for OBC category students.

Employment Help in Reserved Categories    

 Essential for applying to jobs in the OBC/reserved category across various government and public sectors.

Benefits by the government 

Allows eligibility for rewards and benefits from government-sponsored programs.

Housing and Self-Employment Support

Provides assistance with home purchasing and self-employment initiatives designed for the OBC community.

Voice in Politics 

Enables eligibility for participation in political programs and registrations.

Land Assignment Programs

Supports eligibility for land assignment benefits offered to OBC applicants.

Healthcare Advantages 

Eligibility for subsidized healthcare services and access to specific medical assistance programs 

Lower Interest Rates on Loans

Affordable credit for education, business, or personal needs.

Documents Demanded

Documentation is an essential prerequisite to get an OBC certificate online. Make sure it is up to date and fulfills the criteria. 

Document    

Purpose   

 Format Required

Ration Card Photocopy        

Proof of residence and eligibility

Photocopy

Applicant’s ID and Address Proof   

 Identity and address verification

Photocopy

Passport-Sized Photograph    

Visual identification

Passport-sized photo

Income Certificate Copy 

   Income verification for eligibility

Photocopy

Parent’s OBC Certificate or Academic Record   

 Confirmation of OBC status or academic history

Photocopy

Completed Application Form    

Formal request for certification

Filled online or in-person

Migration/Graduation Certificate    

Educational history

Photocopy

The Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Digital OBC Certificate


 With the increasing reliance on online services, many are now aware of the convenience the internet offers. The following steps outline the process to seamlessly create your Digital OBC Certificate:

  • The first step is to visit the official web page of your state.
  • You will be required to open an account in order to create an OBC Certification digitally. This is done on the official web page of the state. 
  • Once your account has been created, go in and choose to download the OBC Certification Online Application.
  • Next, visit your profile by entering your account. Now, the services option is visible.
  • After that, you have to open and submit an OBC certificate application. Additionally, a number of state websites include a direct link to the OBC Certification online application form, which you must click to download.
  • Right now, look for the Certification Option. We should all be reminded that the tax authorities owns the majority of the websites that include the OBC Certification online link.
  •  After clicking the link, an official OBC certification document is available. Just download it and fill out the complete form.
  • On an OBC online application, you must provide your identity, parent names, dates of birth, places, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and PAN numbers.
  • All you have to do is submit an application in the state-specific language, such Hindi, English, etc.
  • Similar to specific locations, websites let you select your language and start the registration process.
  • Following application completion, you must send all pertinent documents, either as instructed on the portal or as mentioned above.
  • After that, you simply click apply, and your application will be uploaded. https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-caste-certificate.  
     

How to Verify Your OBC Certification Online?

In the following part, let us explain how to check online about OBC Certification verification. These are some basic steps you follow after submitting an application for getting an OBC certificate. Now, this verification of your application is even equally important so that you may have assurance that your application has gone through verification. Four basic steps are involved in the verification procedure: 
 

  • Attaining the Portal: First of all, you need to proceed to a portal linked to the state or area you belong to. The portal hosts the entire system of online verification.
  • Login to Your Account: Provide your login credentials that comprise your passcode so as to access your profile account.
  • Enter Necessary Information :Provide the mandatory information such as the name, date and place of birth, age, and the name of the parent. This enables the tracing of your application and presenting its status.
  • Verify Status of the OBC Certificate: If your OBC certificate is verified then you may obtain it directly, but else in case if not verified then you have to apply for the OBC certificate first, then should proceed further with the verification process. Your OBC Certificate will be issued only when approved.

You can search for it, view, download, and even print the verified OBC certification on the online portal. No fee is charged for the service. The service allows you to make corrections in your form, such as providing the names of your parents. However, ensure that you fill in all relevant information correctly in the application to allow verification. 
 

How to Track the Status of Your OBC Certification Online?

If you want to know the status of your OBC Certification online, you can stay updated about your application by following these easy steps:

  • Go to the official e-portal of your respective state government.
  • For tracking your request, you would enter your unique Application or Transaction Number.
  • Click on the "Search" button to retrieve the information.
  • Your screen should have a status of your OBC certificate application showing the most current updates.

Follow these steps, and you'll easily be able to track the progress of your OBC certificate application from anywhere. The important aspects you must keep in mind are tabulated below: 

Aspect 

Details

Timeframe for Issuance    

The OBC Certificate is generally processed and issued within 15 days from the date of application submission.  

Cost of the Certificate

  The fee for obtaining an OBC certificate typically ranges from INR 60 to INR 120, depending on the state. 
   

Certificate Validity 

The validity of the OBC Certificate may vary by state but is often valid until March 31st of the year it was issued. For example, a certificate issued on March 15, 2019, would remain valid until March 31, 2019.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get an OBC certificate in India?

There is a process to apply for OBC certificate in India. There are stages: Application, Verification and Status Track.

How is an OBC certificate issued?

You should search for the Revenue office, Tehsil office, SDM Office, or SETU/CSC centers which issue Other Backward Class certificates. Once you locate those offices, you demand for a form of an application for the Other Backward Class certificate. You fill up all the details that may be required in the application form carefully.

Which documents are required for a central OBC certificate?

The following documents are required: Ration Card Photocopy, a photocopy of the applicant’s identification and proof of address, a passport-sized photograph, income certificate copy, a photocopy of the parent’s OBC Certification or any other academic certification. Completed online or in-person application form. and a copy of your school’s migration or graduating certificate is also needed.

What is the difference between state OBC and central OBC?

The main difference between a state and central caste certificate is the authority issuing it. A state caste certificate is issued by the government of the state to which the applicant belongs, whereas a central caste certificate is issued by the Government of India. The other difference is the scope of validity.

Who is eligible to apply for OBC certification online?

If you fulfill the conditions of eligibility and prerequisites, you can apply.

Are there any fees associated with the online application for OBC certification?

A normal fee is there. You can pay it on the official website.

How long does it typically take to receive the OBC certificate after applying online?

It can take 15 to 45 days as there are stages of verification, confirmation and other formalities.

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