OBC Certificates New Guidelines:  The Government of West Bengal has introduced a new set of guidelines for the revalidation and reissuance of OBC certificates, impacting both previously issued and newly eligible communities. This directive is aimed at ensuring that only eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits of reservation in education and government employment.

Why Is Revalidation or Reissuance of OBC Certificates Necessary?

An OBC certificate serves as proof of a candidate’s social and economic status and is mandatory to avail of reservation benefits in state and central government jobs and higher education institutions. Additionally, Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status must be verified for OBC candidates to access such benefits.

Recently, the West Bengal government amended the OBC list, resulting in the addition, removal, and reinstatement of various communities. Therefore:

• Communities previously listed must undergo revalidation.
• Communities temporarily removed but now reinstated need reissuance of their OBC certificates.

Revalidation vs. Reissuance: What’s the Difference?

The process has been divided into two categories, depending on the status of the community:

Revalidation (For 66 Communities)

• These communities were already listed under the OBC category.
• Their Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) status is still active.
• Only renewal of the current certificate is required.
• The entire process can be done online with minimal documentation.

 Reissuance (For 74 Communities)

• These communities were removed previously but have now been reinstated.
• A fresh application for the OBC certificate must be submitted.
• The process includes both online application and offline document submission at the local BDO office.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applicants need to apply through the official portal:
 https://castcertificatewb.gov.in/

Website Access & Initial Step

1. Visit the official site and click on “Apply for OBC.”
2. You will be asked if you already have a digital certificate – select “Yes” or “No.”

 Application Form Filling

• If “Yes,” provide the old certificate number and date of birth.
• Enter income details, community name, district, sub-division, block/municipality.
• Provide personal information including name, father’s name, mobile number, email, EPIC or Aadhaar number.
• Mention place of birth, religion, and parent’s occupation.

 Upload Required Documents

• Income Certificate: Must be issued by the BDO (for rural areas) or Executive Officer (for municipalities).
• Service Record (if the parent is a government employee).
• Ensure all documents are clearly scanned and valid.

 Final Submission

• After verifying all information, click “Submit.”
• A unique Application Number will be generated – save it for future reference.

Next Steps After Application

For 66 Communities (Revalidation)

• No hard copy submission is required.
• After online submission, the system will process and verify the data.
• Once approved, the updated digital certificate will be issued online.

For 74 Communities (Reissuance)

• Applicants must take a printout of the submitted form.
• Submit it along with all necessary documents to the local BDO office.
• After official verification, a new OBC certificate will be issued.

Important Points to Remember

1. Ensure all information is accurate and matches official documents.
2. Submit a recent and valid income certificate.
3. Carefully scan service records or any official documents before submission.
4. Make sure your mobile number and Aadhaar/EPIC number are active, as OTP verification may be required.

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