Meghalaya has two separate residence-related certificates. The Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) is specifically for Scheduled Tribe (Khasi, Garo, Jaintia) and Scheduled Caste community members. The Residential Certificate (RC) is issued to all residents by the district or civil sub-divisional authority. Both are available through megedistrict.gov.in - the official eDistrict Meghalaya portal. Both certificates are completely free - no payment required. Once approved, a digitally signed, system-generated certificate is downloaded after receiving an SMS notification. To use the portal, every applicant needs a CAN ID (Citizen Access Number) - Meghalaya's unique portal identifier. Three application channels exist: directly online at megedistrict.gov.in, through a CSC (Common Service Centre), or at a Public Facilitation Centre (PFC) at the DC's office. The Deputy Commissioner's office handles both PRC and RC issuance across all 12 districts of Meghalaya.
- eDistrict Meghalaya: megedistrict.gov.in
- PRC Service (serviceId=3150002): megedistrict.gov.in/PRC
- East Khasi Hills Online Services: eastkhasihills.gov.in/online-services
- West Khasi Hills PFC: westkhasihills.gov.in/residence-certificate
- East Jaintia Hills DC: eastjaintiahills.gov.in/PRC
- West Garo Hills DC: westgarohills.gov.in/PRC
- West Khasi Hills PFC Contact: +91-3654-280221 | [email protected]
- East Jaintia Hills DC: Khliehriat 793200 | [email protected]
PRC vs Residential Certificate - Which One Do You Need
| Certificate | Who It Is For | Issuing Authority | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) | Scheduled Tribe (Khasi, Garo, Jaintia) and Scheduled Caste residents of Meghalaya | Deputy Commissioner | Higher education admissions under ST/SC quota, government job reservation, scholarships |
| Residential Certificate (RC) | All residents of Meghalaya including non-ST/SC communities | Deputy Commissioner or Civil Sub-Divisional authority | Proof of residence for non-tribal community residents for admissions, schemes, and identity purposes |
The West Khasi Hills district defines the Residential Certificate as: "issued by the district or civil sub division authority for resident locals belonging to the Schedule Tribe of Khasi or Garo Community of the region." For armed forces, paramilitary, and police recruitment, a separate variant of the PRC is also issued - also free of charge.
What is CAN ID in Meghalaya eDistrict
The CAN ID (Citizen Access Number) is the unique identifier used on the megedistrict.gov.in portal. Every citizen must have a CAN ID to apply for any service including PRC and Residential Certificate. To get a CAN ID:
- Go to megedistrict.gov.in
- Click on the Citizen Registration tab on the upper right-hand corner of the citizen login page, or use the eForm link on the homepage
- Enter your full name, email ID, mobile number, password (8-15 characters), and state. Enter the captcha and submit
- A CAN ID is generated and assigned to your account
The CAN ID stays with you for all future applications on megedistrict.gov.in.
Important: megedistrict.gov.in Has a Specific Note on PRC
The megedistrict.gov.in homepage clearly states: "This service is NOT for issuance of Hailing Certificate, Passport, Driving License, IMFL, EWS Certificate, Income Certificate, Permanent Residence Certificate, Recruitment into Armed, Paramilitary and Police Forces, Trading License, or Service Verification." This note appears in the context of the Marriage Certificate and general service section. The PRC is handled through its own dedicated service (serviceId=3150002) on the portal - not through the general certificate section. When applying, navigate directly to the PRC service from the service list.
Documents Required
For Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC):
- Birth Proof: Birth Certificate
- Residential Proof (any one): EPIC/ Voter's Card, Electricity Bill, Patta (land allotment document), Ration Card, or any other residential proof
- Identity Proof: Self/Parent/Guardian EPIC Card
- Caste Proof: ST/ SC Certificate of Self or Parent
- Education Proof: Highest educational qualification document
- Supporting Document: Document explaining why PRC is required - may be a prospectus of the institution or a letter addressed to the DC
- Government Servant Proof: Parent's ID proof from the Department (only if parent is in government service)
For Residential Certificate (RC):
- Birth Proof: Birth Certificate (for those born before 1989: SSLC Admit Card or other birth proof accepted)
- Residential Proof (any one): EPIC/Voter's Card, Electricity Bill, Patta, Ration Card, or any other residential proof
- Supporting Document: Document stating why RC is required
- Identity Proof: Self/Parent/Guardian EPIC Card
- Certificate issued from this office: Any document previously issued by the DC/Civil Sub-Division office (ST or SC certificate etc.)
- Two passport-size photographs
What is Patta and Why It Is Accepted
A Patta is a land allotment or land ownership document in Meghalaya, issued under the tribal land tenure system. In Meghalaya, where a significant portion of land is community or clan-owned under tribal customary law, a Patta serves as proof of land possession. It is listed as an accepted residential proof for both PRC and RC applications because it establishes long-term presence and rooting in a locality.
How to Apply Online at megedistrict.gov.in
- Go to megedistrict.gov.in.
- If new, click Citizen Registration on the upper right and create your account to get a CAN ID. Enter name, email, mobile, password (8-15 characters), state, and captcha.
- Log in with your CAN ID credentials.
- Click the three stacked lines (menu) on the top left. Click Apply for Services → View all available services.
- Select Permanent Residence Certificate or Residential Certificate from the list.
- Fill the application form with your details. Enter the captcha and click Submit. The Reference Number is generated.
- Click Attach Annexure and upload all scanned documents. Maximum 1 MB per PDF. For EPIC, scan both sides and upload as one PDF.
- Click Save Annexure.
- No fee is required. Submit the application.
- Receive SMS when certificate is ready. Log in and download the digitally signed certificate.
How to Apply via CSC or PFC
- Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) or the Public Facilitation Centre at your district's DC Office.
- For West Khasi Hills: PFC at O/o Deputy Commissioner, Nongstoin PIN 793119. Phone: +91-3654-280221. Email: [email protected].
- For East Jaintia Hills: O/o Deputy Commissioner, Khliehriat PIN 793200. Email: [email protected].
- For West Garo Hills: O/o Deputy Commissioner, Tura PIN 794001.
- Carry all required documents as attested copies.
- The CSC or PFC operator applies on megedistrict.gov.in on your behalf.
- No fee is charged. Collect the acknowledgement with your Reference Number.
- Receive SMS when certificate is issued. Download from megedistrict.gov.in.
Official Links
- eDistrict Meghalaya - megedistrict.gov.in
- PRC Service - megedistrict.gov.in
- East Khasi Hills Online Services - eastkhasihills.gov.in
- West Khasi Hills RC - westkhasihills.gov.in
- East Jaintia Hills PRC - eastjaintiahills.gov.in
- West Garo Hills PRC - westgarohills.gov.in
Related articles:
Domicile Certificate in India - Complete Guide
Meghalaya Income Certificate Guide
Meghalaya Ration Card Apply Guide
Disclaimer: Always verify latest details at megedistrict.gov.in before applying.
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