In Tamil Nadu, the caste certificate is officially called the Community Certificate (சாதிச் சான்றிதழ்). To apply, go to the TN e-Sevai portal (tnesevai.tn.gov.in ), create a CAN (Citizen Access Number), open Revenue Department → REV-101 (Community Certificate), fill the form, upload your Aadhaar, birth/TC, parents’ community certificate, and address proof, pay about ₹60, and submit to get an Acknowledgement Number.
The Revenue Department (Tahsildar) issues the certificate in 7 to 30 days. It is valid for life and is available for SC, ST, MBC, DNT, and BC communities. After approval, download your certificate from the portal.
What is the Tamil Nadu Caste (Community) Certificate?
In Tamil Nadu, the document people call the “caste certificate” is officially named the Community Certificate — in Tamil, சாதிச் சான்றிதழ். It is an official paper that proves your caste or community.
It is issued by the Revenue Department of the Tamil Nadu Government, signed by the Tahsildar or Zonal Deputy Tahsildar. This certificate is very important, because it lets you claim reservation and welfare benefits meant for your community.
You need a Community Certificate for:
- School and college admissions under the reserved category
- Government jobs under reserved quota
- Scholarships and fee concessions
- Welfare schemes and subsidies
- Caste-based reservation in education and employment
The certificate is issued for the main communities in Tamil Nadu — SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), MBC (Most Backward Class), BC (Backward Class), and DNT (De-notified Tribes).
Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Overview 2026
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Community Certificate (சாதிச் சான்றிதழ்) |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Issued By | Revenue Department (Tahsildar) |
| Apply Online | TN e-Sevai (tnesevai.tn.gov.in ) |
| Form Used | REV-101 |
| Needs | CAN (Citizen Access Number) |
| Communities | SC, ST, MBC, BC, DNT |
| Fee | About ₹60 |
| Processing Time | 7 to 30 days |
| Validity | Lifetime |
| Status Check | SMS to 155250 |
| Helpline | 1800-425-6000 |
Who is Eligible for the Tamil Nadu Community Certificate?
You are eligible if:
- You are a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- You belong to a notified community — SC, ST, MBC, BC, or DNT.
- You are more than 3 years old (a child aged 3+ with Aadhaar can also get one through the parent’s account).
- Your family (usually the father’s side) already has caste/community records.
Note: The OC / Forward Class (FC) community certificate is not issued online. If you belong to the OC/FC category, you must contact your Taluk office directly.
What is a CAN Number and Why Do You Need It?
To apply for any e-Sevai certificate, you first need a CAN (Citizen Access Number).
- CAN is a unique ID linked to your Aadhaar, used for all Tamil Nadu e-governance services.
- Without a CAN, you cannot apply for the Community Certificate online.
- You create the CAN once, and then use it for all future certificate applications (income, nativity, etc.).
So the first step is always to register and create your CAN. We explain this below.
Documents Required for the Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate
Keep these scanned documents ready before applying.
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate or School Transfer Certificate (TC); for age and community proof
- Parents’ Community Certificate (father’s certificate is the main proof)
- Residence / Address proof (ration card, EB bill, etc.)
- Passport-size photograph
- Self-Declaration Form; this is auto-generated by the portal after CAN registration; download it, sign it, scan it, and upload it.
- Ration Card (family details)
Tip: Make sure your name and community details match across all documents, or your application can be rejected.
How to Register and Create Your CAN on TN e-Sevai (Step-by-Step)
First, register on the portal and create your CAN. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the official TN e-Sevai portal (tnesevai.tn.gov.in).
Step 2: Click on “New User” / “Registration”.
Step 3: Enter your name, district, taluk, mobile number, email, and Aadhaar number, and create a User ID and password.
Step 4: Verify with the OTP to finish registration.
Step 5: Log in, go to Services → Revenue Department → REV-101, and click “Register CAN”.
Step 6: Fill your personal details and verify with OTP to generate your CAN number.
Step 7: Download the auto-generated Self-Declaration Form, sign it, and scan it for later upload.
How to Apply for the Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Online (Step-by-Step)
Once you have your CAN, follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Log in to the TN e-Sevai portal and go to Revenue Department → REV-101 (Community Certificate).
Step 2: Enter your CAN number and click Search — your saved details appear.
Step 3: Click Proceed. Your permanent address, current address, and contact details are shown (these are non-editable).
Step 4: Enter your family member details and community details.
Step 5: Click Submit, then upload the documents in the correct format and file size.
Step 6: Click “Make Payment” and pay the fee (about ₹60).
Step 7: After payment, you get an Acknowledgement Number ; save it to track your application.
Your application then goes to the Revenue officials (VAO/RI/Tahsildar) for verification, and after approval, the certificate is issued.
How to Apply Offline (Taluk Office / e-Sevai Centre)
If you cannot apply online, you can apply offline:
- Visit your nearest Taluk office or an e-Sevai / CSC centre (Tamil Nadu has over 10,000 CSCs).
- Ask for the Community Certificate application form.
- Fill the form and attach your documents (Aadhaar, birth/TC, parents’ certificate, address proof).
- Submit it and pay the fee.
- Collect your acknowledgement to track the status.
The operator at the e-Sevai centre can also help you create your CAN and apply online.
How to Check Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Status
After you apply, you can track your application in two easy ways:
1. By SMS :
- Type your Acknowledgement Number and send it to 155250.
- The first SMS is free; the next ones cost about ₹1 each (charged by your telecom).
2. On the portal:
- Log in to the TN e-Sevai portal (or the Tamil Nadu e-District portal).
- Click on “Check Status”.
- Enter your Application / Transaction Number and click Search.
- Your status — pending, under process, approved, or rejected — is shown.
When the status shows “Approved”, your certificate is ready to download.
How to Download the Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate
Once your application is approved, download your certificate:
- Log in to the TN e-Sevai portal (or the e-District download page).
- Click on “Check Status” or the download option.
- Enter your Application Number and registered mobile number.
- Click Search, then select “Download Certificate”.
- Save the PDF and take a printout.
The certificate is digitally issued and valid for all official uses. You can also verify it on the Tamil Nadu e-District portal using the certificate details.
Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Fee and Processing Time
Here is the cost and processing time:
- Fee: The fee is about ₹60. e-Sevai Centres may also charge a small service fee.
- Processing time:
- Online (TNeGA/e-Sevai): usually 7 to 14 working days.
- Offline (Taluk office): up to 30 days (about 2 to 3 weeks).
Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Validity: Is It Lifetime?
Tamil Nadu Community Certificate is valid for lifetime.
- Since your caste or community does not change, the certificate stays valid permanently.
- You do not need to renew it every year (unlike an income certificate).
- However, some recruitment boards, colleges, or offices may ask for a recently issued copy for verification. If so, you can download a fresh copy or apply for a duplicate.
Community Certificate for a Child (New Digital Format with Photo)
Tamil Nadu now issues the Community Certificate in a new digital format with a photo. Here are two useful points:
- For a child (aged 3+): You can apply online through your account. Create a separate CAN for your child, then submit the REV-101 with the child’s CAN details.
- Old certificate without photo: If you have an old community certificate without a photo, you can update it to the new digital (with photo) format through the e-Sevai portal or TNeGA.
This new format is now widely accepted for admissions and jobs.
Inter-Caste Marriage: Which Community for the Child?
If the parents are from different castes:
- The child’s community certificate is usually issued based on the father’s community.
- If the father does not have a community certificate (only a school TC), it can be tricky.
In such cases, it is best to contact your local Tahsildar office for the correct guidance, as each case is checked on its own facts.
Why is My Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Application Rejected?
If your application is rejected, here are the common reasons:
- Missing parents’ community certificate — the father’s certificate is the main proof.
- Details mismatch between Aadhaar, TC, and the form.
- Wrong or unclear documents uploaded.
- Self-declaration form not signed/uploaded correctly.
- OC/FC category — this is not issued online.
- Verification issue at the field level.
If rejected, visit the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) office with the rejection notice and correct documents to appeal, or reapply with the fixes.
Tamil Nadu Caste Certificate Helpline Number
If your application or download problem is not solved, you can get help here:
- TN e-Sevai Helpdesk (Toll-Free): 1800-425-6000
- Email: tnesevaihelpdesk@tn.gov.in
- Nearest e-Sevai / CSC Centre (for apply, status, and download)
- Taluk Office / VAO (for old records and verification)
Always use only the official portals (tnesevai.tn.gov.in and tnedistrict.tn.gov.in ). Avoid fake websites and middlemen.
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu caste certificate ; the Community Certificate is easy to get online. First register on the TN e-Sevai portal and create your CAN, then apply using the REV-101 form, upload your Aadhaar, birth/TC, parents’ certificate, and address proof, pay about ₹60, and submit to get an Acknowledgement Number.
Track your application on the TN e-Sevai portal or by SMS. After approval, download your community certificate. It is valid for life, while OC/FC certificates must be obtained from the Taluk Office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the caste certificate called in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, the caste certificate is officially called the Community Certificate (சாதிச் சான்றிதழ்). It is issued by the Revenue Department and proves your caste or community for reservation and welfare benefits.
2. How do I apply for a caste (community) certificate in Tamil Nadu online?
Register on the TN e-Sevai portal (tnesevai.tn.gov.in), create a CAN, open Revenue Department → REV-101, enter your CAN, fill the form, upload documents, pay about ₹60, and submit to get an Acknowledgement Number.
3. What is a CAN number in Tamil Nadu?
CAN (Citizen Access Number) is a unique Aadhaar-linked ID used for all Tamil Nadu e-governance services. You must create a CAN before applying for the Community Certificate or any other e-Sevai certificate.
4. What documents are needed for the Tamil Nadu community certificate?
You need your Aadhaar, birth certificate or school TC, parents’ community certificate father’s, address proof, a passport photo, the auto-generated self-declaration form, and your ration card.
5. How can I check my Tamil Nadu community certificate status?
Send an SMS with your Acknowledgement Number to 155250 (first SMS free), or log in to the TN e-Sevai / e-District portal, click “Check Status”, and enter your Application or Transaction Number.
6. How do I download my Tamil Nadu caste certificate?
After approval, open the TN e-Sevai portal, enter your Application Number and registered mobile number, and click “Download Certificate” to save the PDF.
7. What is the fee and processing time for the community certificate?
The fee is about ₹60. Online applications take 7–14 working days, while offline applications may take up to 30 days.
8. Is the Tamil Nadu community certificate valid for lifetime?
Yes. The community certificate is valid for life. If an office asks for a recent copy, you can get a new one anytime.
9. Can I get a community certificate for my child?
Yes. If your child is aged 3 or above and has Aadhaar, create a separate CAN for the child and submit the REV-101 with the child’s CAN details through your account.
10. What is the helpline number for the Tamil Nadu community certificate?
The TN e-Sevai toll-free helpline is 1800-425-6000, and the email is tnesevaihelpdesk@tn.gov.in. You can also visit your nearest e-Sevai centre or Taluk office.
Read our article:Community Certificate in Tamil Nadu
