Maharashtra is the only state in India that officially recognises four separate backward class categories, each with its own certificate and its own set of benefits. Most states have just one OBC category. In Maharashtra, when someone says they need an "OBC certificate," the first question you need to answer is: which of the four categories does your community actually belong to? Getting this wrong means applying for the wrong certificate and missing out on the benefits meant specifically for your category.
This guide explains all four categories, how to identify which one applies to you, and how to apply for the correct certificate in Maharashtra.
Four Backward Class Categories in Maharashtra
Maharashtra's Other Backward Class Bahujan Welfare Department at obcbahujankalyan.maharashtra.gov.in manages four distinct backward class categories:
1. OBC: Other Backward Class (इतर मागास वर्ग)
This is the standard OBC category, similar to OBC in other states. Communities in this list are socially and educationally backwards as per the Maharashtra state OBC notification. The OBC certificate is called the Ittar Magas Varg Praman Patra. This category has the creamy layer income condition: your parents' annual income must be below Rs. 8 lakh per annum from non-agricultural sources to be eligible for reservation benefits.
2. VJ: Vimukta Jati (विमुक्त जाती)
Vimukta Jati means Denotified Tribes. These are communities that were historically listed under the Criminal Tribes Act during the British period and were "denotified" after Independence. They face a unique form of historical injustice and have a separate certificate called the Vimukta Jati Praman Patra. The Vasantrao Naik Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes Development Corporation provides specific financial support for this category.
3. NT: Nomadic Tribes (भटक्या जमाती)
Nomadic Tribes are communities with a traditional lifestyle of seasonal or perpetual movement. Maharashtra has further subdivided this into NT-B, NT-C, and NT-D categories based on their specific communities. The certificate is called the Bhatakya Jamati Praman Patra. VJ and NT communities have a combined certificate in some contexts, which is why they are often referred to together as VJNT.
4. SBC: Special Backward Category (विशेष मागास प्रवर्ग)
The Special Backwards Category was created to include communities that were left out of both the OBC and VJNT lists but were still socially and educationally backwards. The Dhangar community is the most prominent group in this category. The certificate is called the Vishesh Magas Pravargh Praman Patra.
To find out which category your community belongs to, the Maharashtra government has published a complete state list of all VJ, NT, OBC, and SBC communities on the OBC Bahujan Welfare Department website. This list is also available as a downloadable PDF from the official department portal.
The Complete List of Denotified Castes, Nomadic Tribes, Other Backwards Classes and Special Backwards Classes in the Maharashtra State can be checked here.
How to Identify Your Category Before Applying
Before you apply for any certificate, you must confirm your community's category in the Maharashtra state list. Here is how to do it:
- Visit obcbahujankalyan.maharashtra.gov.in and download the Maharashtra state list of VJ, NT, OBC, and SBC communities from the Abhilekh (Records) section
- Search for your community name in the list. Your community will appear under one of the four categories: VJ, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, OBC, or SBC
- If you cannot find your community or the name appears differently, contact the Tahsildar's office in your taluka for clarification
State OBC Certificate vs Central OBC Certificate in Maharashtra
Maharashtra issues one Jati Praman Patra from the Tahsildar but its validity depends on which list your community appears in. This is an important distinction:
For Maharashtra State Government purposes
Your certificate is valid for Maharashtra state government jobs (MPSC, state police, state teachers recruitment), state college and university admissions, and state welfare schemes if your community is listed under Maharashtra's state OBC, VJ, NT, or SBC categories. The state list is maintained by the Other Backwards Class Bahujan Welfare Department at obcbahujankalyan.maharashtra.gov.in.
For Central Government purposes
Your certificate is valid for UPSC, SSC, railways, banking (IBPS), central PSUs, and admissions to IITs, NITs, AIIMS, and central universities only if your community is in the Central OBC List for Maharashtra. Maharashtra has 256 entries in the Central OBC List, the highest of any state in India, maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes at ncbc.nic.in. A community may be in the Maharashtra state list but not in the central list. Check the central list at ncbc.nic.in before applying for central government jobs or central institution admissions.
The same Tahsildar-issued certificate serves both purposes. There is no separate application for a "central OBC certificate" in Maharashtra. The same Jati Praman Patra is submitted everywhere, and the accepting institution checks whether your caste is in the relevant list for their purposes.
The Creamy Layer and Which Categories It Applies To
The creamy layer income restriction applies only to OBC and SBC candidates when claiming reservations in central government services and central educational institutions. The income limit is Rs. 8 lakh per annum of parents' non-agricultural income.
For VJ and NT categories, the creamy layer concept does not apply in Maharashtra state services based on the state's specific policies for these communities. However, for central government reservations, the OBC non-creamy layer rules may apply differently. Always check the specific terms of the recruitment or admission you are applying for.
Documents Required
The documents are the same regardless of whether you are applying for OBC, VJ, NT, or SBC certificate:
- Aadhaar Card for identity and address proof
- Proof that your community is in the correct backward class category: old certificate of your father or grandfather, school record showing community, or government document mentioning your community name
- Ration Card showing Maharashtra address
- Maharashtra domicile certificate
- Income Certificate of parents (required for OBC non-creamy layer declaration)
- Birth certificate or school leaving certificate
- Passport-size photograph
- Self-declaration affidavit about community and income
How to Apply for Backward Class Certificate in Maharashtra
Online Through Aaple Sarkar Portal
All four types of backward class certificates (OBC, VJ, NT, SBC) are applied through the Aaple Sarkar portal at aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in under the Revenue Department services.
- Visit aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in and log in or register using your mobile number.
- Go to Revenue Department services and select the caste or community certificate service.
- Select the correct category: OBC, VJ, NT, or SBC. Do not select OBC if your community is actually listed under VJ or NT. The category matters because it determines which reservation you can access.
- Enter your community name exactly as it appears in the Maharashtra state backward class list.
- Fill the form with your personal and family details, upload all required documents, and pay the fee online.
- Submit and note your application number for tracking.
- The Talathi of your area will conduct field verification of your residence and community status.
- The Tahsildar reviews the report and issues the certificate.
- Download the digitally signed certificate from your Aaple Sarkar account once approved.
Through Setu Suvidha Kendra
Maharashtra's Setu Suvidha Kendras (Common Service Centres) handle backward class certificate applications. Visit the nearest Kendra with all original documents and photocopies. The operator files the application through Aaple Sarkar on your behalf. You pay the government fee plus a small facilitation charge and collect your acknowledgement slip.
At the Tahsildar Office
Walk into the Tahsildar's office in your taluka, collect the application form for the relevant backward class certificate (OBC/VJ/NT/SBC), fill it with your community name and supporting documents, and submit it at the counter. Collect the receipt and track your application.
How Long Does It Take to Get an OBC, VJ, NT or SBC Certificate in Maharashtra?
The processing time depends on document verification, field inquiry, and workload at the Tahsildar office. Applications submitted through Aaple Sarkar or Setu Suvidha Kendra are generally processed after verification by the concerned revenue authorities. Applicants can track the status online using their application number.
How to Track Maharashtra Backwards Class Certificate Status Online
Applicants can track the status of their OBC, VJ, NT or SBC certificate application through the Aaple Sarkar portal using the application reference number received after submission. Status updates are also reflected in the applicant dashboard after login.
Grievances and Helpline
The OBC Bahujan Welfare Department has a WhatsApp helpline at 8976298950 for queries related to schemes and certificates. For complaints about denial of backward class benefits, contact the department through obcbahujankalyan.maharashtra.gov.in. For grievances about central OBC rights, the National Commission for Backwards Classes at ncbc.nic.in accepts online complaints.
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