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How to Get a Caste Certificate in Bangalore (2026): Process, Documents, Timeline and New Internal Reservation Rules
TL;DR
In 2026, applying for a Caste Certificate in Bangalore is done online through the Nadakacheri (AJSK) portal, but accuracy is more critical than ever. A major update now requires Scheduled Caste (SC) applicants to select a specific sub-category (Group A, B, or C) under Karnataka’s internal reservation system. Most rejections today happen due to Aadhaar and revenue record mismatches, weak caste proof, or using expired OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificates. Getting documents aligned before applying saves weeks of delay.
Applying for a caste certificate in Bangalore often looks straightforward online, but many applicants realise the complexity only after facing objections or verification delays. With the implementation of new SC internal reservation rules in 2026, even small errors can affect eligibility for education or jobs.
This guide explains the full caste certificate process in Bangalore, including what has changed in 2026, which documents matter most, and how to avoid common rejection reasons.
What Is a Caste Certificate and Why It Matters
A caste certificate (also called a community certificate) is an official document issued by the Government of Karnataka confirming that a person belongs to a specific caste category such as:
Scheduled Caste (SC)
Scheduled Tribe (ST)
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
Category 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B (Karnataka classification)
Why people need a caste certificate
In Bangalore, a caste certificate is required for:
School and college admissions under reservation
Government jobs, KPSC recruitment, and promotions
Scholarships and fee concessions
Competitive exams and hostels
Welfare schemes and housing benefits
Without a valid caste certificate, reservation benefits are not granted even if you belong to an eligible community.
What Is New in 2026: SC Internal Reservation Rules Explained
In 2026, Karnataka implemented sub-classification within Scheduled Castes to ensure equitable distribution of the 17 percent SC reservation.
SC Internal Reservation Structure (6:6:5 Formula)
If you are applying as an SC candidate, your caste certificate must now clearly mention one of the following groups:
Group A (6 percent) – Includes Madiga and 15 related castes
Group B (6 percent) – Includes Holeya and 18 related castes
Group C (5 percent) – Includes Lambani, Bhovi, Korcha, Korma, and 59 nomadic or backward communities
Important note for AK, AD, AA applicants
Applicants historically identified as Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida, or Adi Andhra must now select either Group A or Group B, based on ancestral lineage.
This choice is final and affects future reservation benefits.
Note: Many applicants are unsure which group they belong to. DocuPro helps SC applicants identify the correct sub-group based on family records and past certificates.
Who Can Apply for a Caste Certificate in Bangalore?
You can apply if:
You are a resident of Karnataka
Your caste is recognised by the Karnataka government
You can provide acceptable caste proof (self or family-based)
Special note for OBC applicants
If you are applying under OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), your family income must be within the prescribed limit. Income and Non-Creamy Layer certificates are separate services and are often required together.
Need help with Income Certificate?
Contact DocuPro now.
Documents Required for Caste Certificate in Bangalore (2026)
Accuracy in documents is the single biggest factor deciding approval speed.
1. Identity and Address Proof
Aadhaar card (mobile number linked for OTP)
Address proof such as ration card, voter ID, or recent electricity bill
In Bangalore, Gruha Jyothi–linked electricity bills are often preferred for residency proof.
2. Caste Proof (Critical)
At least one of the following is required to avoid long verification:
Old RD number of a family member’s caste certificate
School Transfer Certificate or cumulative record mentioning caste
Father’s or blood relative’s caste certificate
Vamshavali (family tree), especially for first-time applicants
If caste proof is weak, the application is sent for manual field verification, which can take up to 30 days.
Note:
DocuPro’s Caste Certificate Service in Bangalore audits caste proof before submission to reduce rejection risk.
Aadhaar Name and Record Matching: Why Applications Get Flagged
In 2026, Nadakacheri applications are cross-verified with:
Aadhaar database
Revenue and ancestral village records
Bhoomi land records (in some cases)
If your Aadhaar name is “Suresh Kumar” but your school record says “Suresh K”, the system often flags the application.
In such cases,
DocuPro’s Aadhaar correction service helps align records before applying, preventing rejection.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Online in Bangalore
Login to Nadakacheri Portal – Login using your mobile number and OTP.
Select the Correct Service – Choose “Caste Certificate” under New Request.
Category and Sub-Category Selection – SC applicants must select Group A, B, or C correctly.
Aadhaar Authentication – Details are fetched from Aadhaar. Check spellings carefully.
Upload Documents and Pay Fee – Pay the nominal fee (around ₹40).
RD Number Generation – Used for tracking and future certificates.
Validity of Caste and Related Certificates
Certificate Type
Validity
SC / ST Caste Certificate
Lifetime
OBC Caste Status
Lifetime
OBC Non-Creamy Layer Certificate
One financial year
Income Certificate
One financial year
Why Many Bangalore Applicants Use DocuPro
In a high-volume city like Bangalore, a small error can mean multiple visits to the Tahsildar office.
Pre-auditing documents before application
Guiding SC applicants on correct Group A, B, or C selection
Handling combined caste and income certificate applications
Assisting after rejection with proper corrections
Visit DocuPro’s Bangalore Caste Certificate Service Page
Final Advice for 2026 Applicants
In 2026, a caste certificate is not just a formality. With SC sub-classification and stricter verification, accuracy matters more than speed.
If you are applying for college admissions, KPSC jobs, or scholarships, ensure your RD number is generated correctly the first time.
If you are unsure, let DocuPro audit your documents before you apply and avoid unnecessary delays.
Contact DocuPro for expert assistance.