Himachal Pradesh ST Caste Certificate: Apply Online, Documents & Eligibility

If you belong to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) community notified for Himachal Pradesh, you will need an ST Caste Certificate to claim reservation benefits in government jobs, educational institutions, scholarships, and various welfare schemes. The certificate is issued by the competent revenue authority after verifying that your tribe is included in the Scheduled Tribes list applicable to Himachal Pradesh under the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.

In Himachal Pradesh, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or the Tehsildar issues the ST Caste Certificate. You can submit your application online through the official HimSeva Portal or apply offline at a Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK), Sub-Divisional Office, or Tehsil office, depending on your convenience.

Who Can Apply for HP ST Caste Certificate

You can apply for an ST Caste Certificate in Himachal Pradesh if you satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Revenue Department and belong to a Scheduled Tribe notified for the state.

• You are a bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh.
• Your tribe is included in Part V of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, as applicable to Himachal Pradesh.
• Your Scheduled Tribe status is established through your parentage or family lineage in accordance with the prescribed rules.
• If you belong to the Hattee community, your permanent residence must be within the notified Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district, as Scheduled Tribe status for this community is restricted to that area.
• Scheduled Tribe status cannot be claimed solely on the basis of marriage.

Scheduled Tribe Communities Notified for Himachal Pradesh

Only communities notified as Scheduled Tribes for Himachal Pradesh under Part V of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 are eligible for an ST Caste Certificate. Before applying, make sure your tribe appears in the official list below.

The Hattee community was included in the Scheduled Tribes list for Himachal Pradesh through the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act No. 14 of 2023), which received the President's assent on 4 August 2023. This recognition applies only to persons belonging to the Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district. Where multiple names are mentioned in a single entry, all notified names and recognised sub-groups are covered under that entry.

Documents Required for HP ST Caste Certificate

Keep the following documents ready before applying for an ST Caste Certificate in Himachal Pradesh. Depending on your case, the issuing authority may ask for additional supporting documents during verification.

Basic Documents

• Completed application form for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) Caste Certificate.
• Residence proof such as Ration Card, Voter ID, electricity bill, telephone bill, or any other acceptable address proof.
• Aadhaar Card or another valid identity document for identity verification.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Certificate from the employer, Gram Panchayat, local community body, or any other competent authority, wherever applicable.

Additional Supporting Documents (If Required)

• Existing ST Caste Certificate of your father or another close blood relative, if available.
• Document establishing your relationship with the ST certificate holder, wherever applicable.
• Self-declaration or affidavit supporting your tribal community and permanent residence, if required by the competent authority.
• Bonafide Himachali Certificate or other residence-related documents, if asked during verification.

If you belong to the Hattee community, you should also keep documentary proof showing that your permanent residence falls within the notified Trans Giri area of Sirmaur district, as Scheduled Tribe status for this community is recognised only for that area.

Application Fee and Processing Time

• Application fee: Rs. 7 (as applicable on the HimSeva portal). Lok Mitra Kendras may charge a small additional service fee.
• Processing time: 15 days from the date of application submission.
• Certificate validity: Lifetime. The ST caste certificate in Himachal Pradesh is issued on parentage basis and is permanent. No renewal is required.
• Issuing authority: Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Tehsildar of the applicant's sub-division or tehsil.

How to Apply for HP ST Caste Certificate Online through HimSeva Portal

You can apply for an ST Caste Certificate online through the official HimSeva Portal without visiting the office for the initial application. Before starting, keep your identity proof, address proof, passport-size photograph, and other supporting documents ready in digital format for uploading.

Step 1: Register or Sign In to the HimSeva Portal

1. Visit the official HimSeva Portal.
2. If you are a new user, click New Registration and create your account by entering your basic details such as your name, mobile number, email address, district, tehsil, and other required information.
3. If you already have an account, simply sign in using your registered credentials.

Step 2: Select the ST Caste Certificate Service

1. After logging in, search for Application for Caste (SC/ST) Certificate from the list of available citizen services.
2. Open the service and read the eligibility conditions and document requirements before proceeding with the application.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

1. Enter all the required details carefully, including your name, parents' details, date of birth, gender, address, Scheduled Tribe community, and other information requested in the application form.
2. Ensure that the information entered matches your supporting documents to avoid delays during verification.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

1. Upload scanned copies of all the required documents in the prescribed file format and size.
2. Review each uploaded document to ensure it is clear and readable before proceeding.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

1. Complete the online payment through the payment gateway available on the HimSeva Portal.
2. As per the current HimSeva service details, the government application fee is ₹20 and the processing fee is ₹23.60. Additional service charges may apply if you submit the application through a Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK) or other authorised service centre.

Step 6: Submit the Application

1. Review all the information entered in the application form.
2. If everything is correct, submit the application online.
3. After successful submission, note down or save the application reference number. You will need this number to check your application status later.

Step 7: Track Your Application and Download the Certificate

1. Visit the Application Status page on the HimSeva Portal.
2. Enter your application reference number to view the latest status of your application.
3. SMS notifications may also be sent to your registered mobile number whenever there is an update in the application process.
4. Once the competent authority approves your application and issues the certificate, you can log in to the HimSeva Portal and download the digitally signed ST Caste Certificate.

Tip: Before submitting the application, double-check your Scheduled Tribe community name, personal details, and uploaded documents. Incorrect or incomplete information may delay verification or require you to submit additional documents.

How to Apply Through Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK)

If you do not want to apply online yourself, you can visit the nearest Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK). The operator will submit the application through the official HimSeva Portal on your behalf and assist you throughout the application process.

1. Visit your nearest Lok Mitra Kendra with all the required documents, including the original documents and self-attested photocopies.
2. Inform the LMK operator that you want to apply for an ST Caste Certificate.
3. The operator will enter your details in the HimSeva Portal, upload the required documents, and complete the online application on your behalf. Check all the information carefully before giving your final confirmation.
4. Pay the prescribed government application fee, processing fee, and the applicable Lok Mitra Kendra service charge.
5. After the application is submitted successfully, collect the acknowledgement receipt or application reference number. Keep it safe, as it will be required to track your application status.
6. You will receive updates on your registered mobile number during the processing of your application. Once the certificate is approved, you can either collect it from the Lok Mitra Kendra, if this facility is available, or download the digitally signed certificate from the HimSeva Portal.

How to Check HP ST Certificate Application Status

After submitting your application, you can check its status online through the official HimSeva Portal using your application reference number.

1. Visit the Application Status page on the HimSeva Portal.
2. Enter your application or reference number in the required field.
3. Complete the security verification, if prompted, and click Track.
4. The portal will display the latest status of your application, including whether it is under verification, approved, or ready for download.

You may also receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number during different stages of the application process, wherever this facility is available.

How to Verify or Download the Issued ST Certificate

Once your ST Caste Certificate is approved, you can verify its authenticity or download the digitally signed copy through the official HimSeva Portal.

Verify the Certificate

1. Visit the Certificate Verification page on the HimSeva Portal.
2. Select Application for Caste (SC/ST) Certificate from the list of available services.
3. Enter your application number or certificate number along with the captcha code.
4. Click Verify to check whether the certificate has been issued and to confirm its authenticity.

Download the Certificate

1. Log in to your account on the HimSeva Portal.
2. Open your submitted applications or approved services section.
3. Select your approved ST Caste Certificate application.
4. Download the digitally signed certificate and save it for future use.

The digitally signed ST Caste Certificate issued through the HimSeva Portal can be verified online and is accepted by government departments and other authorities wherever digital certificates are recognised.

Helpline and Contact Details

If you need assistance with your ST Caste Certificate application, certificate verification, or document requirements, you can contact the concerned authorities through the following official channels:

• HimSeva Portal: himseva.hp.gov.in
• Tribal Development Department, Himachal Pradesh: tribal.hp.gov.in
• Issuing Authority: Contact the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Tehsildar having jurisdiction over your area for application-specific queries.
• District Assistance: You can also visit your nearest Lok Mitra Kendra (LMK) for help with online application submission, status tracking, or downloading the issued certificate.