Bihar Caste Certificate — How to Apply Online, Documents, Fee and Time
Sarkari Naukri Khabar • Bihar
A Bihar caste certificate is issued free of cost by the Circle Officer through the RTPS / ServicePlus portal. Normal delivery is 10 working days and Tatkal is 2 working days. This guide covers the documents, the exact online steps, what to do if the deadline is missed, and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
The short answer
A caste certificate in Bihar is completely free. You apply online at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (RTPS / ServicePlus), and the certificate is issued by the Circle Officer.
Normal processing takes 10 working days. Tatkal service does the same in 2 working days. If the deadline passes without your certificate, you have a legal right to appeal, not merely to complain.
Where you will need it
Almost every government recruitment requires it to claim reserved-category benefit. BPSSC, BSSC, CSBC and BPSC all ask for it at document verification.
You do not need the certificate when you fill the application form, but you must have it by document verification. Candidates clear the exam and then lose the post because they never counted the two weeks it takes to obtain.
Documents required
The strongest supporting document is an existing caste certificate belonging to a family member. Where a father's or grandfather's certificate exists, verification moves considerably faster.
- Aadhaar card: Aadhaar OTP verification happens during the application
- Proof of residence: ration card, electricity bill or voter ID
- Family ration card, or an older caste certificate of your father or grandfather if available
- Self-declaration: the format is available on the portal
- Passport-size photograph
- A working mobile number, since the OTP and status updates go there
How to apply, step by step
- Open serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
- Log in through MeriPehchaan (Jan Parichay): mandatory since March 2026
- Go to the Right to Public Services section
- Select General Administration Department
- Choose "Issuance of Caste Certificate"
- Pick your level: Circle, Sub-division or District. Circle level is normally sufficient
- Enter name, father's name, address and caste exactly as they appear on Aadhaar
- Upload the documents and complete Aadhaar OTP verification
- Submit and save the Application ID
What it costs
Nothing. The Bihar government provides this service free, for both normal and Tatkal applications.
If a common service centre or cyber café charges you, that is their typing fee, not a government charge. You can complete the whole application yourself from a phone.
Be cautious of anyone offering to "get it made quickly" for money. Tatkal service already exists, and it is also free.
How long it takes
Working days exclude Sundays and government holidays, so 10 working days is closer to two calendar weeks. Do this arithmetic before a recruitment deadline, not after.
- Normal service: 10 working days at Circle Officer level
- Tatkal service: 2 working days
- In practice most applications are settled within 7 to 10 days
If the deadline passes
Under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act this service is time-bound. Missing the deadline is not a matter for a complaint. It triggers a legal right.
Appeal to the First Appellate Officer through the same portal, quoting your Application ID and the date of application. The Act provides for a penalty on the defaulting public servant, which is why appeals are taken seriously.
Checking status and downloading
Use the application-status option on the portal with your Application ID. Once approved, the certificate can be downloaded from the same place.
The digitally signed copy is fully valid: no office visit or stamp is needed. Print it and keep it for document verification.
Mistakes that get applications rejected
- Spelling of your name or father's name differing from Aadhaar
- Blurred or incomplete document uploads
- Selecting the wrong Circle: choose the one where you permanently reside
- A married woman applying on the basis of her husband; caste is determined by birth, not marriage, and commissions cancel candidature on exactly this ground
- Losing the Application ID: without it you can neither track nor appeal
- Applying a day or two before a recruitment deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bihar caste certificate take?
Ten working days at Circle Officer level, or 2 working days under Tatkal service. Working days exclude Sundays and government holidays, so ten working days is closer to two calendar weeks.
What is the fee for a caste certificate in Bihar?
Nothing. The Bihar government provides the service free, for both normal and Tatkal applications. Anything a cyber cafe or common service centre charges is their own typing fee.
Where do I apply for a caste certificate online?
At serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, under the Right to Public Services section of the General Administration Department. Log in through MeriPehchaan and choose Issuance of Caste Certificate at Circle level.
Can a married woman use her husband’s caste for the certificate?
No. Caste is determined by birth, not by marriage, and commissions cancel candidature on exactly this ground. The certificate must be raised on her father’s caste and address.
What happens if the office misses the ten working days?
Under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act this is a legal right, not a complaint. Appeal to the First Appellate Officer through the same portal, quoting your Application ID and the date you applied.
ℹ️ Government rules, fees and processing times can change. Always confirm the current position on the official portal or at your block office before acting.
Last updated: 23 Aug 2026