A caste certificate is an essential government document in India, especially for citizens belonging to certain social categories. It officially confirms that an individual belongs to a specific caste or community. This certificate plays a crucial role for people from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

The main purpose of a caste certificate is to help socially and educationally disadvantaged groups access benefits provided by the government. On the basis of this document, eligible candidates can claim reservation benefits in schools, colleges, and universities. It is also required while applying for government jobs, competitive examinations, scholarships, and various welfare schemes launched by central and state governments.