NEET Category Certificate Format 2025 For OBC, SC, EWS, and General Category

NEET UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is responsible for setting the reservation criteria for various categories. NEET caste certificate 2025 serves as proof for the caste of candidates through which they can avail of benefits like seat reservations and relaxations in age limits. For candidates seeking reservation benefits under the SC, ST, OBC, and EWS, the submission of a valid NEET category certificate is mandatory.

This certificate helps authenticate the claims of aspiring candidates and ensures that they can avail of the reservation quotas during the NEET admission process. In this article, we have discussed the important NEET caste certificate, its role in the application process, the steps to obtain one, and the documents required.

What is a NEET category certificate?

A NEET category certificate is an official document issued by the government that verifies an individual’s caste or social Caste. This certificate is required to avail of the benefits associated with the reservation system in NEET UG. The caste certificate in NEET 2025 serves as proof that the candidate belongs to a particular Caste, and based on this document, they may be eligible for benefits like a reduced minimum qualifying score, reserved seats, and other concessions during the NEET admission process. The NEET category certificate is applicable for the following categories -

• SC – For candidates from historically disadvantaged castes.

• ST – For candidates from tribal communities.

• OBC – For candidates from communities recognised as socially and educationally backward.

• EWS – For candidates from the general Caste who come from economically weaker backgrounds.

Types of category certificates for NEET 2025

The types of NEET Caste Certificate 2025 for various categories is as follows -

SC/ST certificate in NEET

This certificate is issued to candidates from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In NEET 2025, SC candidates are given a reservation of 15% of seats in every course, whereas, 7.5% of seats are reserved for the ST students. This certificate certifies that the candidate is from a particular caste or tribe recognised by the Government of India.

NEET OBC certificate

This certificate is for candidates from the Other Backward Classes. OBC candidates are given a reservation of 27% of seats in every course under NEET exam. It identifies the candidate as belonging to a class recognised as backward socially and economically by the government. Candidates must also be eligible under the "non-creamy layer" status to avail themselves of the benefits.

EWS certificate in NEET

This certificate is for candidates from the general Caste but who fall under the Economically Weaker Sections. Candidates belonging to the EWS Caste are given a reservation of 10% of seats in each course in NEET. EWS certificate in NEET must be issued by the government of the respective state or union territory and needs to fulfil specific income and asset criteria.

Can I fill NEET form without caste certificate?

No! Candidates cannot fill the NEET application form 2025 without a category certificate. Candidates belonging to the SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories are required to submit their caste certificate number, the date of issuance of the NEET caste certificate, and the name of the authority from which the certificate is issued.

How to get category certificate for NEET application form?

Obtaining a category certificate for NEET 2025 requires several steps and may differ slightly depending on the state or union territory. However, the general process for obtaining a NEET Caste certificate 2025 is as follows -

• Before applying for a caste certificate, ensure that the candidate belongs to one of the categories recognised by the government (SC, ST, OBC, EWS).

• Gather all the necessary documents required for a NEET Caste certificate which includes - proof of identity, proof of residence, and any other documents required by the state's authorities.

• Fill out the NEET caste certificate application form, which can be obtained from the local district office, the revenue department, or online on the state government portal.

• Submit the duly filled application form for NEET caste certificate and required documents to the local government office (like the Tehsildar or District Magistrate’s office) or online through the state government’s portal.

• The authorities will verify the submitted documents and may ask for additional information if necessary. Once verified, the authorities issue the caste certificate for NEET.

Documents required for NEET caste certificate

The documents required for obtaining a NEET Caste certificate are as follows -

• Government-issued identity cards like Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport.

• Ration card, electricity bill, or bank statement to confirm that the applicant is a resident of the state.

• Birth certificate

• Documents like income tax returns, salary slips, and a certificate from the employer verifying income may be required for EWS candidates.

• Passport-size photographs

Important points to remember regarding NEET category certificate

• The caste certificate for NEET must be authentic and issued by the appropriate authorities. Any discrepancy can result in the cancellation of the candidate’s NEET 2025 application or admission.

• OBC candidates must ensure that they belong to the non-creamy layer. This means that their family’s income should not exceed a certain limit as per the latest government guidelines.

• NEET caste certificates are usually valid for a certain period. Candidates should ensure their certificate is up to date before submitting it with their NEET application. The EWS certificate in NEET is valid for only one year.