The Government of Gujarat, on June 12, 2026, issued a circular regarding the verification/scrutiny of Scheduled Tribe (ST) caste certificates to obtain a Validity Certificate.
The following has been stated:-
•The circular and government resolution mandate compulsory verification of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates by the designated Scrutiny Committees before appointments, educational admissions, promotions, elections, and other reservation benefits are granted.
•Under the Gujarat Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (Reservation of Appointments in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2018 and the 2020 Rules, applicants must obtain a caste validity certificate through Form "Gh" supported by Form "Ch" affidavit, with the burden of proving ST status resting entirely on the applicant.
•The verification process requires detailed personal, family, educational, ancestral, and tribal information along with documentary evidence such as school records, revenue records, pedigree, and previously validated family certificates.
•Benefits under reservation can only be availed after the Scrutiny Committee issues a validity certificate, and any benefits obtained using fraudulent or fake certificates are liable to be withdrawn.
•The guidelines also prescribe additional district-specific documentary requirements for the four regional Scrutiny Committees in Gujarat based on the applicant's jurisdiction and tribe.
The detailed circular is given in the document below.
[Circular No.: Vi/JapaSha/Fa.No.5183/2026/138]
