Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, specifically to give identity and rights to the tribal communities of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and Santhal Pargana. The state has one of the largest tribal populations in India, and the ST caste certificate is among the most frequently applied-for documents in the state. The process uses the same JharSewa portal and Pragya Kendra network as the SC certificate, but tribal applicants in Jharkhand must know the specific communities notified and the unique PVTG status of several groups that entitles them to additional benefits.
Scheduled Tribes Notified in Jharkhand
The following communities are notified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Jharkhand under the applicable constitutional provisions. Individuals belonging to these notified tribal communities may apply for an ST Caste Certificate, subject to verification by the competent authority.
- Asur
- Baiga
- Banjara
- Bathudi
- Bedia
- Binjhia
- Birhor
- Birjia
- Chero
- Chik Baraik
- Gond
- Gorait
- Ho
- Karmali
- Kharia
- Dhelki Kharia
- Dudh Kharia
- Hill Kharia
- Kharwar
- Khond
- Kisan
- Nagesia
- Kora
- Mudi-Kora
- Korwa
- Lohara
- Lohra
- Mahli
- Mal Paharia
- Kumarbhag Paharia
- Munda
- Patar
- Oraon
- Dhangar (Oraon)
- Parhaiya
- Santal
- Sauria Paharia
- Savar
- Kawar
- Kol
- Tharu
Santal is the largest tribal community in Jharkhand, concentrated across Santhal Pargana (Dumka, Jamtara, Godda, Sahebganj, Pakur, Deoghar) and other districts. Oraon (Kurukh) is the second largest, spread across Ranchi, Lohardaga, and Gumla districts. Munda communities are prominent in Ranchi, Khunti, and West Singhbhum. Ho communities dominate the Kolhan region of West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
Important: Applicants should ensure that their tribe name matches the name recorded in official documents and government notifications. If there is any doubt regarding the spelling, sub-group, or classification of a tribal community, contact the concerned authority before submitting the application for an ST Caste Certificate.
Jharkhand's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
Jharkhand has several tribal communities classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. These communities face extreme vulnerability due to pre-agricultural economy, very small and declining population, and geographic isolation. Key PVTGs in Jharkhand include:
- Birhor: Traditional rope-makers and hunters living in forest areas across multiple Jharkhand districts. One of the smallest tribal communities in India.
- Asur: Traditional iron-smelters with an ancient knowledge of forest metal-working, found in Gumla and Lohardaga districts.
- Sauria Paharia: Hill-dwelling community of the Rajmahal Hills in Sahebganj and Godda districts.
- Mal Paharia: Another hill community of the Rajmahal Hills, related to Sauria Paharia.
- Korwa: Found in Garhwa, Palamu, and Latehar districts. Concentrated in remote forest areas.
- Parhaiya: Small community found in Palamu and Garhwa districts.
- Savar: Another small PVTG community in Jharkhand.
Members of all PVTG communities are eligible for all standard ST benefits plus additional targeted development support under central and state PVTG programmes. An ST Caste Certificate is the primary document to access both.
No Religion Restriction for ST Certificate
There is no religion restriction for the ST Caste Certificate. Any member of a notified tribal community in Jharkhand can apply regardless of their religion. This is different from the SC certificate which requires the applicant to profess Hinduism or Sikhism.
Certificate Name and Portal
In Jharkhand, the document is called the Caste Certificate for both SC and ST communities. The JharSewa portal at jharsewa.jharkhand.gov.in lists it as "Issue of Caste Certificate" under Certificate Services. When applying, select Scheduled Tribe (ST) as your category.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of tribal community: old ST caste certificate of father or grandfather, school certificate showing tribal community, or any government document mentioning your tribe
- Jharkhand Ration Card
- Jharkhand Local Resident Certificate
- Birth certificate or matriculation marksheet
- Passport-size photograph
- Self-declaration as required (form available at jharsewa.jharkhand.gov.in)
How to Apply: Three Methods
Method 1: Online Through JharSewa Portal
- Visit jharsewa.jharkhand.gov.in and register or log in.
- Under Certificate Services, select Issue of Caste Certificate.
- Select Scheduled Tribe (ST) as your category and enter your tribe name exactly as it appears in the Jharkhand ST notification.
- Fill in your district, block, and personal details. Upload required documents.
- Submit the application and note your Application Reference Number.
- Track the application status on the portal.
- Once issued, verify and download the certificate using your Application Reference Number and Token on the "Verify your Certificate" feature on the JharSewa home page.
Method 2: Through Pragya Kendra
Pragya Kendra is Jharkhand's name for Common Service Centres (CSC). They are present at block and panchayat level across the state. Visit the nearest Pragya Kendra with all documents. The operator submits your ST Caste Certificate application through the JharSewa portal, collects the applicable fee, and gives you an acknowledgement with your Application Reference Number.
Method 3: In Person at the Concerned Office
Download the application form from jharsewa.jharkhand.gov.in and submit it at the concerned government office in your block or district. You can also collect the form directly from the office. Track your application using the reference number given at the time of submission.
ST Coaching Scheme in Jharkhand
The Jharkhand Department of Welfare runs a Scheme of Coaching and Allied for Scheduled Tribes (with effect from 2015-16 onwards). This scheme provides pre-examination training at quality coaching institutions for ST candidates from deprived backgrounds, to help them compete in public and private sector competitive examinations. A valid ST Caste Certificate is required to avail this scheme.
Certificate Verification
Go to jharsewa.jharkhand.gov.in, click Verify your Certificate, enter your Application Reference Number and Token, and click Get Certificate to confirm the certificate is genuine.
Benefits of ST Certificate in Jharkhand
- Reservation in Jharkhand state government jobs under the ST quota
- 7.5% reservation in central government jobs and central educational institutions nationally
- Reserved seats in government colleges for engineering, medicine, and professional courses in Jharkhand
- Pre-matric and post-matric tribal scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal
- 5 years age relaxation in JPSC, Jharkhand Police, and central competitive examinations
- Access to ST coaching scheme for competitive examinations
- Additional PVTG support for Birhor, Asur, Sauria Paharia, Mal Paharia, Korwa, Parhaiya, and Savar communities
- Forest Rights entitlements under the Forest Rights Act 2006
- Access to tribal welfare schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
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