Category certificates unlock age relaxation, fee waivers, reserved vacancies, and lower cut-offs in government exams. Getting the right certificate in the right format is critical.
OBC (Other Backward Class) Certificate
Who Issues It?
Tehsildar / Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Executive Magistrate
Format
Must be in Central Government format (not state format). The certificate must specifically state:
"…does not belong to Creamy Layer…"
Validity
OBC certificates are generally valid for 1 financial year for Central Government jobs. Get a fresh one if yours is more than a year old.
Non-Creamy Layer Income Limit (2026)
The income limit for Non-Creamy Layer is ₹8 lakh per annum (gross annual income of both parents combined from salary/profession/trade - excluding agricultural income).
SC/ST Certificate
Who Issues It?
Revenue Officer / District Magistrate / Sub-Divisional Officer / Tehsildar
What It Must Contain
- Full name of the applicant
- The specific caste name as listed in the Schedule to the Constitution
- Village/town and district
- State
Validity
SC/ST certificates have no expiry - they are valid for life.
EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Certificate
EWS reservation (10%) is for General category candidates whose family income is below the threshold.
Income Limit
Gross annual family income below ₹8 lakh from all sources.
Who Issues It?
Tehsildar / District Magistrate / SDM / any other Competent Authority
Validity
EWS certificate is valid only for the financial year in which it is issued. You must obtain a fresh certificate every year before the application deadline.
Property Condition
You are NOT eligible for EWS if your family owns:
- 5 acres or more agricultural land
- Residential flat of 1000 sq ft or more
- Residential plot of 100 sq yards or more (notified municipalities)
- Residential plot of 200 sq yards or more (non-notified areas)
PwD (Person with Disability) Certificate
Issued by a Medical Board constituted by the Central/State Government. Specifies the type and percentage of disability.
For central government reservation, minimum 40% disability is required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a state format OBC certificate for a central government job - always get the Central List certificate
- Submitting an expired EWS certificate - check the financial year
- Spelling discrepancy between certificate and other documents - must match exactly
- Getting certificate from wrong authority - check the notification for accepted issuing authorities
Carry original + self-attested copies to document verification. See the complete documents checklist.
See also: Age Relaxation Rules | Document Verification Guide | Latest Govt Jobs