BharatNotes OBC-NCL certificates are valid for one financial year (1 April to 31 March). The income ceiling is ₹8 lakh per annum (all sources except agricultural income). Certificates are issued by District Magistrate, SDM, Tehsildar, or equivalent gazetted officers. Only castes on the Central OBC list are accepted by UPSC.
OBC Non-Creamy Layer Certificate for UPSC
Income Ceiling
The Non-Creamy Layer income limit is ₹8,00,000 per annum (gross family income from all sources except agricultural income). This was last revised in 2017 by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Validity
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Valid period | One financial year (1 April to 31 March) |
| Practical advice | Get a fresh certificate in the financial year of your interview |
| Applicable year | Income assessed over the three previous consecutive financial years |
Issuing Authority
Competent authorities include:
- District Magistrate / Additional District Magistrate / Collector / Deputy Commissioner
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Taluka Magistrate / Executive Magistrate
- Chief Presidency Magistrate / Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate
- Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar
Format
The certificate must be in the UPSC-prescribed format (Form OBC-NCL as notified by DoPT). Certificates not in this format are liable to be rejected.
Important: Central List Only
For UPSC, your caste must appear in the Central Government's OBC list for your state (maintained at ncbc.nic.in), not merely the state OBC list. State-only OBC recognition does not confer central reservation benefits.
