Caste Certificate Re-verification 2026 (SC/ST/OBC): Following concerns raised regarding the ‘authenticity and veracity’ of several documents, the West Bengal government has ordered a comprehensive, state-wide re-verification of approximately 1.69 crore caste certificates—issued since 2011—for SC, ST, and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
The West Bengal government has launched a verification exercise covering caste certificates issued across the state since 2011. The move comes after concerns were raised regarding the authenticity and validity of certain documents issued over the past several years.
The state administration has directed district authorities to begin a fresh review of SC/ST &OBC certificates as part of the process.
Caste Certificate Re-verification: Around 1.69 Crore Certificates Under Review
According to official figures, the review will cover around 1 crore SC certificates, 21 lakh ST certificates, and nearly 48 lakh OBC certificates issued over the last 15 years. District authorities and verification teams have reportedly been directed to examine beneficiary records, supporting documents, and approval procedures across the state.
The move has triggered intense political reactions in Bengal, especially amid the ongoing debate over reservation policies, OBC status verification, and alleged irregularities in certificate distribution.
According to official figures, approximately 1.69 crore caste certificates issued since 2011 will come under the verification drive.
The reported category-wise breakup includes:
- Around 1 crore SC certificates
- Approximately 21 lakh ST certificates
- Nearly 48 lakh OBC certificates
A significant number of these certificates were also issued through outreach programs and government service camps over recent years.
Caste Certificate Re-verification: What Authorities Will Examine
Reports indicate that officials may review:
- Supporting documents submitted during the applications
- Beneficiary details
- Approval procedures
- Issuing authority records
- Related second-generation caste certificates
Authorities are expected to carry out the process under existing legal and administrative norms.
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How to Apply for SC/ST/OBC Certificate:
Important Note:-
- Scanned Photograph to be submitted mandatorily during online application.
2. Issuance of the Certificate is free of cost.
3. No Documents are required to be uploaded for the online application of the caste Certificate.
Step -1 (Page No. 1)
- Go to the official website of the Backward Classes Welfare Department: Click Here
- Click on ‘SC/ST’ OR ‘OBC’ (Which you want to apply)
- Then click on ‘Apply for SC/ST’ OR ‘Apply for OBC.’
- Select District, Sub-Division, Municipality, or Block and GP or Ward from the dropdown list as per your residential jurisdiction.
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- Select SC, ST, or OBC and Caste/Tribe/Community.
- Enter your Full Name.
- Enter your Father’s Name.
- Enter your Mobile Number(Phone Number Should Be Numeric Only).
- Enter your Email ID.
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Documents Required(At least one).
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- Enter Your Epic No.
- Enter your Adhar Number(Adhar Number Should Be Numeric Only).
- I- Select Category from the drop-down list.
- II- Enter your Khadya sathi No.
5. a. Enter Your Date of Birth.
b. Please enter your Place of Birth(STATE, DISTRICT, POLICE STATION, VILLAGE/CITY).
6. Fill in your Address.
a. Please fill up your Present Address for the last 6 months (C/O, State, District, Police Station, Ward/Gp, Village/Para/House No./Road,
Post Office, Pin Code.
b. Please fill in your Permanent Address. If the Permanent Address same as the Present Address, then click on YES; otherwise, click on NO and fill in
Your Permanent Address.
7. Nationality will be automatically updated as Indian.
8. Select Your Religion.
9. Select Your Gender.
10. Do you have any relatives (Paternal side) who are certificate holders? If YES, then give details:
a. Fill up the Certificate holder’s name.
b. Enter Certificate Number.
c. Enter the date of issue of the Certificate.
d. Select relation with the applicant.
e. Select the name of your Issuing Authority.
11. Please enter the details of two (2) local referees.
a. Enter the Name of Referee-I.
b. Address of Referee-I.
c. Name of Referee-II.
d. Enter the Address of Referee-II.
e. Select the name of your Issuing Authority.
12. Please fill in whether the applicant or his family migrated from another State/Country?
If selected NO -> Don’t need to fill anything.
If selected YES -> Please fill up (Migration Certificate No, Date of Issue, Country, State, District, Police Station, Village/Ward, Year of Migration).
Step -2 (Page No. 2)
- Please enter your parent service details and click on the Continue button.
The rest of the form will be loaded. - Please fill out the Agricultural land holding (Owned by the mother, father, and minor children).
- Please fill in the parents’ Income/Wealth details.
Step -3 (Page No. 3)
- Upload the photograph of the applicant(Maximum Size – 150kb).
2. Select the document type and enter the details/no of documents below:-
a. Document establishing relationship with applicant.
b. Age Proof.
c. Photo Identity Document.
d. Proof of Citizenship.
e. Proof of residence in West Bengal.
f. Proof of Local Residence.
3. Enter voter ID details:-
a. Relationship with the voter card holder.
b. Voter ID No.
c. Assembly No/Name.
d. Part No.
e. Serial No.
Then click on the Submit button and download the auto-generated Application form, Acknowledgement, and Service Details.
How to check SC/ST/OBC Application Status:
- Go to the official website of the Backward Classes Welfare Department: Click Here
- Click on ‘SC/ST’ OR ‘OBC’ (Which you want to check)
- Then, click on ‘Application Check.’
- Now, enter your application number and click on ‘Search.’
- AT last, you can see your application status
Caste Certificate Re-verification: Political Reactions Begin Across Bengal
The decision has already sparked discussions and political reactions across the state, especially amid ongoing debates surrounding reservation policies, OBC status verification, and allegations related to irregularities in certificate distribution.
Different political groups are expected to closely monitor the implementation of the verification process in the coming days
