If you belong to a backward class community in Kerala and search for an OBC certificate, the first thing to know is that Kerala does not issue a document called an "OBC Certificate." The official term in Kerala is Community Certificate. This is the document that backward class communities - Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava, Vishwakarma, Nair (where eligible), Latin Catholics, Muslim backward classes, and others - need for state reservations and central OBC purposes. Kerala's e-District portal confirms Community Certificate as a distinct service, separate from the Caste Certificate which is for SC and ST communities. This guide covers the Community Certificate for backward class communities in Kerala.
Community Certificate vs Caste Certificate in Kerala
Kerala issues two different documents depending on your category:
- Caste Certificate: For Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. Used for SC/ST reservations.
- Community Certificate: For Other Backward Classes (OBC) and all other socially and educationally backward communities in Kerala. Used for backward class reservations and central OBC purposes.
If you belong to a backward class community and apply for the Caste Certificate by mistake, you will get the wrong document. Always select Community Certificate when applying.
State Backward Class Certificate vs Central OBC Certificate in Kerala
For Kerala State Government purposes
Kerala's state backward class list includes communities like Ezhava, Thiyya, Billava, Vishwakarma, Muslim (Mappila) backward classes, Latin Catholics, and others as notified by the Kerala government. Your Community Certificate from the Village Officer is valid for Kerala state government jobs (KPSC, Kerala Police, state universities), state college admissions, and state welfare schemes.
For Central Government purposes
The Central OBC List for Kerala has 83 entries maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes. This list applies for UPSC, SSC, railways, banking (IBPS), defence, and admissions to IITs, NITs, AIIMS, and central universities. Your community must be in this central list to claim OBC reservation in central services. Check the central list at ncbc.nic.in before applying for central government positions.
The same Community Certificate from the Village Officer or Tahsildar is submitted for both state and central purposes. The institution checks whether your community is in the relevant list for their requirement.
Creamy Layer Condition
The creamy layer income restriction applies for OBC reservation in central government services. Your parents' annual income from non-agricultural sources must be below Rs. 8 lakh per annum. Agricultural income from parents' land is excluded. Group A and Group B central government employee parents make the child creamy layer regardless of income. For Kerala state services, check the specific recruitment notification for state-level income conditions.
Issuing Authority
The Community Certificate in Kerala is issued by the Village Officer (VO) of your village/ward or the Tahsildar of your Taluk. The Village Officer handles the initial verification and issues the certificate for most standard backward class applications.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card
- Proof that your community is in the Kerala backward class list: old Community Certificate of father, school record showing community, or any government document mentioning your community
- Income certificate of parents for non-creamy layer declaration
- Kerala ration card
- Residence proof (utility bill or similar)
- Birth certificate or SSLC marksheet
- Passport-size photograph
How to Apply: Three Methods
Method 1: Online Through e-District Kerala Portal
- Visit edistrict.kerala.gov.in and create an Aadhaar-linked account (one account per person allowed).
- Log in and select the Community Certificate service. Do not select Caste Certificate - that is for SC and ST communities only.
- Fill the form with your community name exactly as it appears in the Kerala backward class notification. Enter your income details for non-creamy layer declaration.
- Upload required documents and pay the applicable fee through internet banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Submit and note your application number. SMS updates will be sent to your registered mobile at each processing stage.
- Track your application using the "Track Application" feature on the portal.
- Once the Village Officer or Tahsildar issues the certificate, download it from your account. The certificate has a QR code for verification at edistrict.kerala.gov.in and is also available on DigiLocker.
Method 2: Through Akshaya Centre
Akshaya centres across all 14 Kerala districts provide the Community Certificate service. Visit the nearest centre and specify that you need a Community Certificate (not Caste Certificate) for backward class purposes. Carry all original documents and income proof. The Akshaya operator submits the application through the e-District portal. For helpline and centre location: visit akshaya.kerala.gov.in or call Toll Free 155300 (BSNL), 0471-2335523, or 0471-2525443.
Method 3: At Village Office or Taluk Office
Visit the Village Officer's office in your panchayat or the Tahsildar's office at your Taluk headquarters. Submit the Community Certificate application with all required documents. The Village Officer verifies your community and income details before issuing the certificate.
Scholarships for OBC Students in Kerala
With a valid Community Certificate, Kerala backward class students can access:
- Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships through E-Grantz (Kerala's scholarship portal, available through Akshaya centres)
- National Scholarship applications through the National Scholarship Portal
- 3 years age relaxation in KPSC, Kerala Police, and central competitive examinations
- OBC welfare schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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