Updated for 2026 · For Bihar residents. Confirm current steps on the official RTPS / ServicePlus portal.
- Apply on serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (RTPS / ServicePlus).
- No fee for the income certificate under RTPS.
- Issued in about 7–15 days (Right to Public Service).
- Documents: ID, address proof, income proof/self-declaration.
- Download via portal, DigiLocker, SMS link, email or ServicePlus inbox.
What a Bihar income certificate is used for
An income certificate states your family's annual income and is issued by the Bihar government under the Right to Public Service (RTPS). It's needed for scholarships and fee concessions, EWS reservation, reserved-seat admissions, welfare schemes, pensions and many government applications. Because so much depends on it — especially for students — it's worth keeping a current one ready before the admission season.
Documents you need
| Purpose | Accepted documents |
|---|---|
| Identity proof | Aadhaar or government photo ID |
| Address proof | Aadhaar, ration card, voter ID, electricity bill |
| Income proof | Self-declaration of income; salary slips where applicable |
How to apply on RTPS — step by step
- Go to serviceonline.bihar.gov.in and open Citizen Login / Registration.
- Register with your mobile number, OTP, name, email and a password.
- Log in and click Apply for Services → RTPS Services, then choose Income Certificate (Aay Praman Patra) — and the level (Block / Sub-division / District).
- Fill the form carefully and upload the documents above.
- Submit (no fee) and save the acknowledgement number.
Fee, time and delivery
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Government fee | Nil (RTPS) |
| Processing time | About 7–15 days |
| Delivery | Portal download, email, SMS link, ServicePlus inbox, or DigiLocker |
The free and fast nature of RTPS is a genuine advantage over some other states — there's no reason to pay an agent for something the government issues at no cost within a fortnight.
How to check status and download
On serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, use Track Application Status with your acknowledgement number. Once issued, download the digitally signed certificate from the portal (or find it in DigiLocker). You can also verify a certificate's authenticity using the verification option — handy when an institution wants to confirm it.
Validity and common mistakes
- Validity: generally 6 months to a year — apply close to when you need it.
- Wrong service level — pick the correct issuing authority (Block/SDO/DM) for your need.
- Name/address mismatch across documents causes rejection.
- Blurry uploads slow verification — scan clearly.
Don't pay for a free certificate
It's worth repeating because agents rely on people not knowing: the Bihar income certificate is free under RTPS. The Right to Public Service Act guarantees delivery within a set time (about 7–15 days) at no government charge. If you apply at a Common Service Centre (CSC) for help, the operator may add a small service charge for the assistance — but nobody should charge you hundreds of rupees. If you're comfortable online, applying yourself on the portal costs nothing.
Verifying a certificate
Institutions increasingly ask applicants to submit a verifiable certificate, and RTPS makes this easy. Every issued certificate carries a barcode / application number that can be checked using the verification option on serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (or through DigiLocker). This means a college or office can confirm your income certificate is genuine without you carrying a stack of attested photocopies. When you download your certificate, keep the digital copy — a DigiLocker version is accepted as equivalent to the original for most purposes.
Related Bihar guides
Building your paperwork? See our Bihar guides on the caste certificate, the residence (domicile) certificate, and the Bihar ration card — all through the RTPS / EPDS portals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Bihar income certificate?
On serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (RTPS) — register, Apply for Services → Income Certificate, upload documents, submit (free).
Is there a fee?
No — RTPS charges nothing for the income certificate.
How long does it take?
About 7–15 days under the Right to Public Service.
How do I download it?
From the RTPS portal, DigiLocker, SMS link, email or your ServicePlus inbox.
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, timelines and delivery are set by the Government of Bihar and can change — confirm at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.