Odisha is home to the largest number of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of any state in India, with 13 PVTGs living across its forested districts and remote highlands. From the Bondo communities of the Malkangiri hills to the Juang of Keonjhar and the Dongria Kondh of the Niyamgiri ranges, Odisha's tribal communities are among the most culturally distinct in the world. The ST certificate process in Odisha runs through the same e-District portal as the SC certificate, is completely free, and must be processed within 15 working days. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a Scheduled Tribe certificate in Odisha, with details confirmed directly from the official portal.
Scheduled Tribes Notified in Odisha
The following communities are officially notified as Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. If your tribe is included in this list, you can apply for an Odisha Scheduled Tribe Certificate, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
- Bagata
- Banjara
- Bathudi
- Bedia
- Binjhal
- Binjhia
- Birhor
- Bondo
- Chenchu
- Dal
- Desua Bhumij
- Dharua
- Didayi
- Gadaba
- Gandia
- Ghara
- Gond
- Ho
- Holva
- Jatapu
- Juang
- Kandha Gauda
- Karia
- Kharia (including Kharia Thar and Budu Kharia)
- Kharwar
- Khond
- Kisan
- Koli
- Kolha
- Kondadora
- Kora
- Korua
- Kotia
- Koya
- Kulis
- Lodha
- Lodhi
- Lohara
- Lohar (only in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Deogarh, and Jharsuguda districts)
- Madia
- Mirdha
- Munda
- Mundari
- Nagesia
- Naik
- Nag
- Oraon
- Pao
- Paraja
- Parenga
- Pentia
- Rajuar
- Santal
- Saura
- Sounti
- Tharua
Note: Enter your tribe name exactly as it appears in the official notification while applying. If your community has multiple spellings or sub-groups, use the officially notified name to avoid delays during verification.
Important: Enter your tribe name exactly as it appears in the official Scheduled Tribe notification while applying for the certificate. Using a different spelling or an unofficial community name may delay the verification process.
Important: Religion Restriction Does NOT Apply to ST in Odisha
The Odisha e-District portal explicitly states: "If a person claims to be a Scheduled Tribe, they may profess any religion." This is confirmed directly from the official service description. Unlike the SC certificate which requires Hindu or Sikh faith, the ST certificate has no religion restriction. A member of any notified tribal community in Odisha can apply for the ST certificate regardless of whether they follow Sarna, Hinduism, Christianity, or any other faith.
Key Facts About the ST Certificate in Odisha
- Fee: No government service charge. Completely free.
- Processing time: 15 working days under ORTPSA
- Department: Revenue and Disaster Management Department
- Average actual time: 25 days (based on portal statistics)
- Total ST applications received: Over 20 lakh applications processed through the portal
- Portal: edistrict.odisha.gov.in (Service ID 949)
- DigiLocker: Certificate available on DigiLocker once issued
- Android App: Available on Google Play Store
Odisha's 13 PVTGs: Additional Benefits for Vulnerable Communities
Odisha has 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, the highest of any state in India. These are tribal communities identified as facing extreme vulnerability due to low literacy, declining or stagnant population, and pre-agricultural economy. The 13 PVTGs in Odisha are:
- Birhor (concentrated in Sundergarh, Keonjhar districts)
- Bondo (Malkangiri district)
- Chuktia Bhunjia (Nuapada and Balangir districts)
- Didayi (Malkangiri district)
- Dongria Kondha (Rayagada and Kalahandi districts)
- Juang (Keonjhar district)
- Hill Kharia (Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts)
- Kutia Kondha (Kandhamal district)
- Lanjia Saura (Rayagada and Gajapati districts)
- Lodha (Mayurbhanj district)
- Mankirdia (Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts)
- Paudi Bhuyan (Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Angul, Sambalpur districts)
- Saura (Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal districts)
Members of these 13 PVTG communities receive all standard ST benefits plus additional targeted programs including special habitation development, nutrition support, and livelihood assistance through dedicated PVTG development projects. An ST certificate is the essential document to access both standard ST benefits and PVTG-specific schemes.
District-Specific Restriction: Lohara and Lohar
The Lohara and Lohar communities are notified as Scheduled Tribes in Odisha only in the specific districts of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Deogarh, and Jharsuguda. If your family belongs to the Lohara or Lohar community but resides in other districts of Odisha, check your eligibility with the local Tahsildar before applying.
Documents Required
At least one or more of the following documents is required:
- Copy of finally published settlement ROR or Consolidation ROR (primary document in Odisha)
- Self-declaration
- Voter ID (EPIC)
- Land Pass Book
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Driving Licence
- Recommendation from a people's representative (MLA, MP, Sarpanch)
- Copy of ST certificate already issued to parents or siblings
How to Apply for an Odisha ST Certificate
You can apply for an Odisha Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate in three different ways. If you are comfortable using the internet, you can apply directly through the official e-District portal. If you need help, you can visit a Common Service Centre (CSC), where the operator will complete the application on your behalf.
Method 1: Apply Online Without Creating an Account
The Odisha e-District portal allows citizens to apply directly without creating a user account. This is the quickest option if you already have scanned copies of your required documents.
- Open the official Odisha e-District Portal on your computer or mobile phone.
- Go to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department services and select Issuance of Scheduled Tribe Certificate.
- Click the Proceed button to open the online application form.
- Fill in all the required details carefully, including your name, address, district, sub-division, Tahasil, and your tribe name exactly as it appears in the official Scheduled Tribe list.
- Upload the required supporting documents. Make sure the files are clear, readable, and in the format accepted by the portal.
- Before submitting, review all the information carefully. Incorrect details or spelling mistakes may delay the verification process.
- Click Submit. After successful submission, the portal will generate an Application Reference Number and a Token Number. Save or print these details because you will need them later to track your application and download the certificate.
Method 2: Apply Online After Creating an Account
If you plan to use Odisha e-District services regularly, creating an account is a convenient option. Your account allows you to manage applications and track their progress from one dashboard.
- Visit edistrict.odisha.gov.in and create a new user account using the required details.
- After registration, log in with your User ID and Password.
- Select the Scheduled Tribe Certificate service from the list of available services.
- Complete the online application form by entering your personal details and tribe information.
- Upload all the required documents and verify that every detail entered is correct.
- Submit the application and note down the generated Application Reference Number.
- Whenever you want to check the progress of your application, log in to your account, open View Status of Application, and click Track Application Status.
- Once the application status changes to Delivered, click Output Certificate to download your digitally signed ST Certificate.
Method 3: Apply Through a Common Service Centre (CSC)
If you do not have internet access or are not comfortable filling out the online application yourself, you can visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC). The CSC operator will submit the application through the official Odisha e-District portal on your behalf.
- Carry all your original documents along with photocopies to the nearest CSC.
- Tell the operator that you want to apply for an Odisha Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate.
- The operator will fill in the online application form, upload your documents, and submit the application using the official portal.
- After submission, collect the acknowledgement slip containing your Application Reference Number and Token Number.
- You can use these details to track the application status online or download the certificate after it is issued.
Tip: Keep your Application Reference Number and Token Number safe until you download your certificate. These details are required for tracking the application and verifying the issued certificate online.
How to Track and Verify Your Certificate
Track your application at edistrict.odisha.gov.in by clicking "Check Your Application Status" on the home page and entering your Application Reference Number. To verify or download after issuance, click "Verify your Certificate," enter your Application Reference Number and Token, and click "Download Certificate."
Benefits of ST Certificate in Odisha
- Reservation in Odisha state government jobs under the ST quota
- 7.5% reservation in central government jobs and central educational institutions nationally
- Reserved seats in government medical, engineering, and professional colleges in Odisha
- Pre-matric and post-matric tribal scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal
- 5 years age relaxation in OPSC, Odisha Police, and central competitive examinations
- Additional PVTG support for 13 PVTG communities in Odisha
- Forest Rights entitlements for tribal families under the Forest Rights Act 2006
- Access to tribal welfare schemes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
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