Updated for 2026 · For Bihar residents. Confirm current steps on the official RTPS / ServicePlus portal.
- Apply on serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (RTPS); no fee.
- Issued in about 7–15 days; permanent validity.
- Covers SC / ST / BC / EBC per the Bihar state list.
- NCL and EWS certificates also come through RTPS.
- Caste proof: a blood relative's caste certificate or old records.
What a Bihar caste certificate is for
A caste certificate officially records your reserved category, and in Bihar it's essential to claim reservation — reserved seats in admissions, state job quotas, scholarships and welfare schemes. Because it's permanent, one certificate serves for life. Bihar's reservation structure is broad, so getting the correct category on the certificate matters.
Bihar's categories — including EBC
| Category | Notes |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | State + central reservation |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | State + central reservation |
| Backward Class (BC) | State list; central OBC needs NCL |
| Extremely Backward Class (EBC) | A distinct Bihar category with its own reservation |
Bihar notably has an EBC (Extremely Backward Class) category in addition to BC, so make sure your certificate reflects the correct list your community belongs to — it decides which quota you can claim.
Documents you need
- Identity proof (Aadhaar or government photo ID)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, ration card, voter ID)
- Caste proof — a father's/blood relative's caste certificate, or old school/land records showing caste
How to apply on RTPS — step by step
- Go to serviceonline.bihar.gov.in and register with your mobile + OTP.
- Log in and click Apply for Services → RTPS Services.
- Choose Caste Certificate (Jati Praman Patra) and the issuing level.
- Fill the form and upload ID, address and caste proof.
- Submit (no fee) and save the acknowledgement number.
Permanent — but note the central OBC exception
A Bihar caste certificate never expires. But for central government jobs and central colleges, a state BC certificate isn't enough for OBC reservation — you also need a Non-Creamy-Layer (NCL) certificate that reflects current income, valid one financial year. Conveniently, RTPS Bihar issues NCL and EWS certificates through the same portal. See our OBC non-creamy-layer guide for how that differs.
How to check status and download
On serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, use Track Application Status, then download the certificate from the portal or DigiLocker, or via the SMS/email link. Use the verification option to confirm authenticity.
Common mistakes
- Wrong category (e.g., BC vs EBC) — the caste must match the correct state list.
- Caste proof mismatch with the family record.
- Name/address inconsistencies across documents.
- Using a state certificate for central reservation — get the NCL for that.
Why the right category matters in Bihar
Bihar has one of the more layered reservation systems in the country, which is exactly why getting the correct category on your certificate is so important. A candidate entitled to EBC benefits who is wrongly certified as BC (or vice-versa) is claiming from the wrong quota — and a mismatch can mean losing a reserved seat or a job selection. Before you apply, confirm which of the state's lists (SC, ST, BC, EBC) your community falls under, using your family's existing caste record as the reference. If you're unsure, the Tehsil/RTPS office or an existing family certificate is the authoritative guide.
Correcting a caste certificate
If an issued certificate has a spelling error, wrong category, or a mismatch with your Aadhaar or school records, apply for a correction through RTPS with supporting proof before you use it. Since the certificate is permanent, a small error now can follow you across every future admission and job form — so it's genuinely worth checking every field the moment it's issued and fixing anything wrong straight away, rather than discovering the problem at a counselling counter later.
Related Bihar guides
See our Bihar guides on the income certificate, the residence certificate, and the Bihar ration card.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Bihar caste certificate?
On serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (RTPS) — register, Apply for Services → Caste Certificate, upload documents, submit (free).
Is it permanent?
Yes — it never expires (central OBC reservation needs a separate NCL certificate).
Which categories does it cover?
SC, ST, BC and EBC per the Bihar state list; NCL and EWS also via RTPS.
What documents are needed?
ID, address proof, and caste proof (a relative's caste certificate or old records).
About ComplyKraft. Built by Dinesh Kumar S in Chennai — B.Sc. Mathematics, M.Sc. IT. Plain-language guides to Indian government services.
Disclaimer: Informational guide, updated 2026. RTPS documents, categories and timelines are set by the Government of Bihar and can change — confirm at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.