Karnataka's tribal communities span three distinct geographic zones: the dense forests of the Western Ghats where the Jenu Kuruba, Soliga, and Kadu Kuruba communities have lived for generations; the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada where the unique Koraga and Siddi communities reside; and the tribal pockets of northern Karnataka and the Kodagu highlands. The ST certificate process in Karnataka uses the same Nadakacheri and Seva Sindhu portals as the SC certificate, but tribal applicants in Karnataka need to be especially careful about district-specific restrictions that apply to several communities.
Scheduled Tribes Notified in Karnataka
The following communities are notified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Karnataka under the applicable constitutional provisions. Individuals belonging to these communities may apply for an ST Certificate subject to the applicable eligibility and verification requirements.
Major Scheduled Tribe Communities
- Adiyan
- Barda
- Bavacha
- Bamcha
- Chenchu
- Chenchwar
- Chodhara
- Dubla
- Talavia
- Halpati
- Gamit
- Gamta
- Gavit
- Mavchi
- Padvi
- Valvi
- Gond
- Naikpod
- Rajgond
- Gowdalu
- Hakkipikki
- Hasalaru
- Irular
- Iruliga
- Jenu Kuruba
- Kadu Kuruba
- Kattunayakan
- Koraga
- Kota
- Koya
- Kudiya
- Melakudi
- Kurumans
- Maha Malasar
- Malaikudi
- Malasar
- Malayekandi
- Maleru
- Palliyan
- Paniyan
- Patelia
- Rathawa
- Sholaga
- Soligaru
- Toda
- Varli
- Vitolia
- Kotwalia
- Barodia
- Yerava
Bhil and Related Communities
- Bhil Garasia
- Dholi Bhil
- Dungri Bhil
- Dungri Garasia
- Mewasi Bhil
- Rawal Bhil
- Tadvi Bhil
- Bhagalia
- Bhilala
- Pawra
- Vasava
- Vasave
Kathodi / Katkari Communities
- Kathodi
- Katkari
- Dhor Kathodi
- Dhor Katkari
- Son Kathodi
- Son Katkari
Kokna Communities
- Kokna
- Kokni
- Kukna
Koli Communities
- Koli Dhor
- Tokre Koli
Kolcha Communities
- Kolcha
- Kolgha
Nayaka / Valmiki Communities
- Naikda
- Nayaka
- Cholivala Nayaka
- Kapadia Nayaka
- Mota Nayaka
- Nana Nayaka
- Naik
- Nayak
- Beda
- Bedar
- Valmiki
Pardhi Communities
- Pardhi
- Advichincher
- Phanse Pardhi
- Haranshikari
District-Specific Scheduled Tribes
- Kammara (Dakshina Kannada district and Kollegal Taluk of Mysuru district only)
- Kaniyan / Kanyan (Kollegal Taluk of Mysuru district only)
- Kuruba (Kodagu district only)
- Maratha (Kodagu district only)
- Marati (Dakshina Kannada district only)
- Siddi (Uttara Kannada district only)
Important: Some communities in Karnataka are recognised as Scheduled Tribes only in specific districts or taluks. Applicants belonging to these communities should verify the applicable area restrictions before submitting an ST Certificate application.
The Siddi Community: Karnataka's Unique African-Origin Tribe
The Siddi community of Uttar Kannada district is one of the most unique tribal communities in India. The Siddis are descendants of Bantu-speaking communities from East Africa who came to India over several centuries. Concentrated in the forests of Yellapur, Haliyal, and Ankola taluks in Uttar Kannada district, they are notified as Scheduled Tribe only in this district. Siddi community members from Uttar Kannada are eligible for the ST certificate and associated benefits.
Koraga Community: Karnataka's Coastal Tribal Community
The Koraga community is one of the most marginalised tribal groups in Karnataka, concentrated in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada (South Kanara) and Udupi. The Koragas historically performed basket weaving and were subjected to severe social discrimination. They are notified as ST across Karnataka (not district-specific). Koraga community members receive all standard ST benefits plus targeted government support programs.
No Religion Restriction for ST Certificate
The Karnataka ST caste certificate has no religion restriction. A member of any notified tribal community in Karnataka can apply regardless of their religion.
How to Apply: Three Methods
Method 1: Online Through Nadakacheri Portal
Apply at nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in.
- Open nadakacheri.karnataka.gov.in and register or log in.
- Select Caste Certificate from the services list.
- Choose Scheduled Tribe (ST) as your category.
- Enter your tribe name exactly as it appears in the Karnataka ST notification. For district-specific tribes (Kammara, Kuruba, Siddi, etc.), ensure you are applying from the correct district.
- Fill personal details, taluk, and district.
- Upload required documents and pay the fee.
- Submit and note your application number.
- The Village Accountant (VA) verifies your tribal identity and residence. The Tahsildar issues the certificate.
- Download the signed certificate once issued.
Method 2: Online Through Seva Sindhu Portal
Apply at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in as the alternative official portal.
- Register or log in at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in.
- Search for Caste Certificate under Revenue Department services.
- Select ST and fill the application form with your tribe name, district, and personal details.
- Upload documents, pay the fee, and submit.
- Track status and download the issued certificate.
Method 3: Through CSC or Nada Kacheri Centre
Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or Nada Kacheri centre in your taluk or gram panchayat. Carry Aadhaar card, tribal identity proof, residence documents, and photograph. The operator submits your application through the official portal and gives you an acknowledgement slip.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Proof of tribal community: old ST certificate of father or grandfather, school transfer certificate showing tribal community, or government record mentioning your tribe
- Ration Card as residence proof
- Karnataka Domicile certificate
- Birth certificate or SSLC marksheet
- Passport-size photograph
Benefits of ST Certificate in Karnataka
- Reservation in Karnataka state government jobs under the ST quota
- 7.5% reservation in central government jobs and central educational institutions nationally
- Reserved seats in government engineering, medical, and professional colleges in Karnataka
- Pre-matric and post-matric tribal scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal
- 5 years age relaxation in KPSC, Karnataka Police, and central competitive examinations
- Access to tribal welfare schemes under the Social Welfare Department at swd.karnataka.gov.in
- Forest Rights entitlements for tribal families in forest areas under the Forest Rights Act 2006
- Access to tribal welfare schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
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