Category Certificate Delay Self-Declaration Affidavit Format | Free Reference

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This is a reference format, not legal advice. Whether this kind of self-declaration is accepted at all, its exact wording, and the stamp paper value required vary by exam body and by state. Always check your specific exam's official notification first and use their prescribed format if one is provided. Confirm final wording with a notary before signing.

When You Need This

Category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) certificates are issued by a state revenue authority and the process can take weeks or months - often longer than the gap between an exam notification and its application deadline. Many exam bodies recognise this and allow candidates who have already applied for their certificate, but not yet received it, to submit a self-declaration affidavit instead, provisionally claiming the category benefit until the actual certificate can be produced - usually by the document verification or counselling stage.

Reference Format

Fill in the blanks with your own details before printing. The bracketed instructions are for you - remove them once filled in.

AFFIDAVIT

I, [your full name], S/o. / D/o. [parent's name], aged about years, residing at [your full address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

That I belong to the [SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / EWS] category by birth, community, and caste.
That I have applied for my category certificate to the competent authority, namely [Tehsildar / SDM / Revenue Office, with location], vide application dated , and the certificate has not yet been issued to me as of the date of this affidavit.
That I undertake to submit the original category certificate, once issued, to [name of exam body / institution] within the timeline they prescribe, and I understand that my candidature / admission under the reserved category will remain provisional until then.
That I understand my claim to reservation benefits will be cancelled, and I may be liable for such action as deemed fit, if the certificate is not produced within the prescribed time or does not support this declaration.
That the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed herein.

DEPONENT

VERIFICATION

Verified at [place] on this day of , 20 , that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therein.

DEPONENT

Solemnly affirmed and signed before me on this day of , 20 , by the abovenamed deponent, who is identified by me / known to me personally.

NOTARY PUBLIC
[Signature, Seal & Registration No.]

How to Use This Format

Check your exam's official notification first - some accept a plain self-declaration, others require a notarized affidavit on stamp paper. Use whichever your notification actually asks for.
If stamp paper is required, buy the value specified by your notary or the exam body - this varies by state.
Keep a copy of your category-certificate application receipt/acknowledgement - you'll likely need to reference or attach it.
Sign it in front of a Notary Public if notarization is required - do not sign it beforehand - and carry a valid ID proof with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When an exam or admission form's category-reservation deadline arrives before your official SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate has been issued by the competent authority (Tehsildar/SDM/revenue office) - many exam bodies allow you to submit a self-declaration affidavit confirming you have applied and belong to the category, provisionally, until the actual certificate is produced.

No. This is only a provisional, self-sworn declaration. Almost every exam body that accepts it requires you to submit the actual certificate from the competent authority by a later deadline (often at document verification or counselling) - your candidature is provisional until then and can be cancelled if the certificate isn't produced or doesn't match your claim.

This varies by state, but is typically the Tehsildar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), District Magistrate, or a designated Revenue Officer. Check your specific state government's notification for the exact designated authority and application process.

This varies by state and by exam body - some accept a plain self-declaration on ordinary paper, while others require a notarized affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (commonly Rs. 10 or Rs. 100). Always check the specific exam notification's instructions before choosing.