Caste Certificate (ST / OBC / EWS)

A Caste Certificate is an official document issued by the Revenue Department, Government of Punjab, certifying that a person belongs to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Class (OBC/BC), or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. It is one of the most frequently required certificates in Punjab, used to claim reservation benefits in government jobs, college admissions, scholarships, and welfare schemes.

Why You Need a Caste Certificate

• Reservation in government job recruitment under the SC/ST/OBC/EWS quota
• Admission under reserved category in colleges, universities, and professional courses
• Central and state government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students
• Fee concessions and age relaxation in competitive exams
• Access to welfare schemes run by the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Punjab

Who Issues It in Punjab

Caste certificates in Punjab are issued by the Tehsildar / Naib-Tehsildar, with final sanction from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), after field verification by the Revenue Patwari. You can apply online through e-Sewa Punjab or eServices Punjab (e-District), or in person at your nearest Sewa Kendra / Suwidha Centre. Punjab Saathi helps you prepare and submit this application correctly the first time, so it isn't rejected for missing documents or a wrong format.

ST, OBC and EWS — What's the Difference

• ST (Scheduled Tribe): Based on birth into a tribe notified in the Central and State ST list. Once issued, this status is lifetime — it never expires. Looking specifically for an SC certificate? See our dedicated SC Caste Certificate page.
• OBC / BC (Other Backward Classes): Based on birth into a caste notified as backward. For reservation benefits you also need an OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, which depends on current family income and must be renewed periodically — a plain OBC caste certificate alone is usually not enough for central government jobs or admissions.
• EWS (Economically Weaker Section): For the general/unreserved category only — it cannot be claimed by anyone already covered under SC, ST, or OBC. It is really an income and asset certificate, valid only for the current financial year, and must be renewed every year.

If you also need a related document, see our pages for Character Certificate and Birth Certificate — both are commonly requested together with a caste certificate for job and admission applications. Already applied? Track your application status anytime using your reference number.

1. Confirm the Right Category — Establish whether you need an SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or EWS certificate.
2. Apply Through e-Sewa Punjab — Submit your application along with proof of caste and residence.
3. Tehsildar Review — Your application is reviewed and forwarded on by the Tehsildar or Naib-Tehsildar.
4. Field Verification — A Revenue Patwari verifies your details where required.
5. SDM Approval and Issuance — Once the SDM signs off, your certificate is issued and available to download.

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

• Applicant's tribe must be notified in the Central or Punjab State ST list
• Proof of tribe through father's/paternal lineage certificate or revenue records
• Permanent resident of Punjab (for a Punjab-issued certificate)

Other Backward Classes (OBC / BC)

• Caste notified as backward in the Punjab OBC/BC list
• For reservation benefit in jobs and admissions, family must fall in the Non-Creamy Layer — below the current creamy-layer income ceiling notified by the government
• Non-Creamy Layer certificate must reflect the applicant's current financial year family income

Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

• Must belong to the general/unreserved category — not already covered under SC, ST, or OBC reservation
• Annual family income below ₹8 lakh (as per current central EWS norms)
• Family should not own assets/land/residential property above the notified EWS limits

Not sure which category applies to you, or need help gathering the right proof documents? Contact Punjab Saathi and our team will guide you before you apply.