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ST Certificate (Scheduled Tribe)

Scheduled Tribe certificate for reservations and tribal welfare schemes

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📝 Reviewed by: India Docs Portal Editorial Team📅 Last updated: May 2026Sources: Official .gov.in portals

Quick Answer

💡 The ST (Scheduled Tribe) Certificate is issued to members of communities notified as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution of India. It is mandatory for availing ST reservations in education, government employment, and tribal welfare schemes. The certificate is issued by the Tehsildar or District Tribal Welfare Officer and requires verification of tribal identity and residence.

Quick Information

⏱️ Processing Time

7 to 30 days

💵 Fees

Free

✅ Eligibility

Applicants must belong to a Scheduled Tribe as notified under Article 342 of the Constitution and must be listed in the state/UT ST list for the area where they or their ancestors have been traditionally residing.

Who Needs This Document?

Members of Scheduled Tribes notified under Article 342 of the Constitution of India who need the certificate for educational admissions, government jobs, scholarships, and tribal welfare schemes.

Required Documents

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Parent's ST Certificate (if available)
  • Ration Card
  • School records / Transfer Certificate
  • BPL Card (if applicable)
  • Tribe Identity Letter from village authority (if available)
  • Passport-size photographs

How to Apply for ST Certificate (Scheduled Tribe)

1

Verify ST Listing

Confirm your tribe is listed in the Scheduled Tribes list for your state/UT under Article 342 of the Constitution.

2

Obtain Application Form

Get the ST certificate application from the Tehsildar, SDMs, or the state tribal welfare department.

3

Attach Evidence of Tribal Identity

Include birth certificate, school records, parent's ST certificate, or a tribe identity letter from the village patwari/headman.

4

Submit to Certifying Authority

Submit the application to the Tehsildar, SDMs, or the District Tribal Welfare Officer.

5

Verification

Verification may include inquiry with local tribal leaders, verification of residence, and document checking.

6

Receive Certificate

Collect the ST certificate in person or download from the portal when approved.

📝 How to Update ST Certificate (Scheduled Tribe)

Update details in an ST certificate by submitting a correction application with documentary proof to the issuing authority.

1

Obtain Correction Form

Get the correction form from the Tehsildar or tribal welfare office.

2

Attach Supporting Documents

Submit proof showing the correct information (original certificate + supporting document).

3

Submit and Collect

Submit to the issuing authority and collect the corrected certificate.

⬇️ How to Download ST Certificate (Scheduled Tribe)

Many states with tribal populations have online portals for ST certificate applications with track-and-download facilities. However, physical verification by the tribal welfare department is typically required.

1

Apply Online

Submit the application on the state tribal welfare portal.

2

Physical Verification

Attend verification at the District Tribal Welfare office.

3

Download Certificate

Download the digitally signed certificate from the portal using the reference number.

🔍 How to Check ST Certificate (Scheduled Tribe) Application Status

Track ST certificate application status on the state tribal welfare department portal or by visiting the issuing office.

1

Use Reference Number

Enter your application reference number on the state portal.

2

Contact District Office

Visit or call the District Tribal Welfare Officer for status updates.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying in a state where the tribe is not listed in the ST list for that state
  • Not providing tribal community identity evidence
  • Missing the residential verification requirement specific to ST certificates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a person belong to multiple ST lists?

A person can be on the ST list of multiple states if they can prove their tribe is notified in multiple states and they have a genuine claim of origin/ancestry there.

What is a tribe identity letter?

A tribe identity letter is issued by the village headman, patwari, or concerned District Tribal Welfare Officer confirming that the applicant belongs to a specific tribe. It is especially useful when formal documents are not available.

How long is the ST certificate valid?

The ST certificate is generally valid for life. However, for certain schemes, a fresh certificate may be required.

📄 Related Documents

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