Get your form right the first time.

Certificate from the competent revenue authority (SDM/Tahsildar/DM etc.) that you belong to a Scheduled Caste/Tribe notified for that state.

Who can apply

SC/ST candidates claiming reservation, age relaxation, fee exemption. RRB also asks for an upload (PDF <400 KB) only if you want the free train pass.

Central or state format

For central jobs the certificate must be in the Government of India format given in the notice (e.g. RRB CEN Annexure-I). SC/ST status is recognised only in the state where you are a native; a migrant is SC/ST of the origin state.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Using a state-format certificate where the central notice prescribes its own annexure format
• Name spelling/father's name different from 10th certificate
• Caste name not matching the notified list spelling
• In Maharashtra, needing a caste VALIDITY certificate (CCVIS/BARTI) for state reserved posts and not applying early - validity takes months

Caste certificate for OBC with a clause that you do NOT belong to the 'creamy layer' (family income/status test).

Who can apply

OBC candidates claiming reservation. Creamy-layer OBCs must apply as General/UR.

Central or state format

CENTRAL jobs (SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, SBI, central PSUs): certificate must be in the Government of India format, must cite DoPT OM No. 36012/22/93-Estt.(SCT) dated 08.09.1993 as modified by OM 36033/1/2013-Estt.(Res.) dated 13.09.2017, and your caste must be in the CENTRAL list of OBCs (https://ncbc.nic.in). A caste only in the STATE OBC list gets NO reservation in central jobs (RRB CEN 09/2025 para 8.7). STATE jobs need the state-format certificate (e.g. Maharashtra NCL on Aaple Sarkar, UP OBC certificate) and the state's own creamy-layer rules.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Submitting a state-format OBC certificate for a central job
• Caste in state list but not in central NCBC list
• Certificate issued before the notice's cut-off date (e.g. before 1 April of the current FY)
• No NCL clause on the certificate
• Ticking OBC while being creamy layer (should tick UR)

Certificate for Economically Weaker Sections (not SC/ST/OBC) with family gross annual income below Rs 8 lakh from ALL sources AND no excluded assets.

Who can apply

General-category candidates claiming 10% EWS reservation/age benefits.

Central or state format

Central jobs need the Government of India 'Income & Asset Certificate' format (DoPT OM 36039/1/2019-Estt(Res) dated 31.01.2019; RRB Annexure III) issued by DM/ADM/Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Addl DC/1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/SDM/Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/Extra Asst Commissioner, or Chief/Addl/Deputy Presidency Magistrate, or Revenue Officer not below Tehsildar, or SDO of the area. State EWS certificates (e.g. Maharashtra, some states with different income tests) are for state jobs only.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Using last year's EWS certificate (wrong FY)
• Using a state-format EWS certificate for a central job
• Counting only salary and forgetting agricultural income
• Ignoring the asset test (flat/plot/land) which disqualifies even if income is low
• Confusing EWS with EBC (EBC in RRB is only a fee concession, not reservation)

Proof that you are a permanent resident of the state (Maharashtra: 'Age, Nationality and Domicile').

Who can apply

State government jobs with domicile reservation (MPSC, Maharashtra Police, ZP, UP/Bihar/Rajasthan state jobs, state police). Not needed for central jobs.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Using a residence certificate from the state you study in, not your native state
• Name/DOB not matching 10th certificate

Certificate of family annual income from Tahsildar/revenue office.

Who can apply

Fee concession (e.g. RRB EBC fee concession needs income certificate - Annexure III A), state scholarships, some state reservations. NOT a substitute for EWS or OBC-NCL certificates.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Submitting a plain income certificate where EWS Income & Asset format is required
• Out-of-date certificate

Some states (e.g. Maharashtra) issue NCL as a separate certificate that must accompany the caste certificate for OBC/VJ-NT/SBC.

Who can apply

State OBC/VJNT/SBC candidates; also needed in central format for central jobs (see obc_ncl).

Where

Mistakes people make

• Having state NCL only and applying to a central job

Unique Disability ID and certificate under RPwD Act 2016, issued by a medical board.

Who can apply

PwBD candidates (40%+ benchmark disability) for reservation, age relaxation, fee exemption, scribe, compensatory time.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Using an old non-RPwD format when the notice asks for Form V/VI (RRB Annexure V)
• Not uploading the certificate in the SSC form (SSC requires upload at application)
• For scribe: need a separate CMO/Civil Surgeon certificate in the notice's format

No Objection Certificate from your present government/PSU employer.

Who can apply

Candidates already in government/PSU service. Central notices usually ask you to inform the employer in writing at application and produce NOC at DV/interview.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Applying without informing employer - candidature can be cancelled at DV

Certificate of good conduct from the head of the last educational institution or a Gazetted officer; for police/defence jobs, police antecedent verification.

Who can apply

Asked at DV/joining by most recruiters; police & defence ask for police verification.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Certificate older than the validity the notice specifies (often 6 months) Check the official notice

Discharge book / PPO / service certificate; for those still serving, certificate of probable date of discharge.

Who can apply

ESM claiming reservation/age relaxation/fee exemption.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Discharge date falling after the permitted window
• Using ESM status after joining a civil job with ESM benefit already availed

Affidavit (on stamp paper, notarised or before Executive Magistrate) explaining different spellings of name/DOB across documents; for a legal change, a Gazette notification.

Who can apply

Anyone whose name/DOB/father's name differs between 10th certificate, Aadhaar and category certificates.

Where

Mistakes people make

• Filling the name as in Aadhaar when it differs from 10th
• Initials expanded differently in different documents
• Changing surname after marriage without gazette/marriage proof

Re-issue of lost or damaged marksheets/certificates by the board or university.

Who can apply

Anyone missing originals needed at DV (originals are mandatory at DV; RRB gives no extra time).

Where

Mistakes people make

• Waiting till DV call to apply - duplicates can take weeks

1. Keep ready: your own mobile number and email (both OTP-verified), Aadhaar number (or Voter ID/PAN/Passport/DL/school ID), 10th board, roll number and passing year, disability certificate number if PwBD, and a scanned signature JPG 10-20 KB (~6 x 2 cm).
2. Go to https://ssc.gov.in (or the mySSC app from Google Play) and click 'Login or Register'. Old ssc.nic.in registrations do not work - register fresh.
3. Choose Aadhaar authentication if you can: it protects your form from photo/signature rejection and removes the need for photos/ID at the exam. Otherwise upload proofs of name, DOB, address, gender and a photograph.
4. Fill Basic Details. Name, DOB, father's and mother's names EXACTLY as in the 10th certificate (critical fields are typed twice; red text = mismatch). Record any name change after 10th in 3a/3b.
5. Save, confirm mobile and email; note the Registration Number. Password comes by SMS/email. Complete OTR within 14 days or the data is deleted.
6. Log in, change password, fill Additional Details (category, nationality, visible identification mark, disability, permanent and present address).
7. Preview/print draft, then Final Submit with OTP and accept the declaration. OTR CANNOT be edited later - check every field.
8. Apply for the exam from your login: fill exam-specific details and posts, let the portal capture your LIVE photo (plain background, eye-level camera, no cap/mask/specs), upload the signature.
9. Pay the fee (e.g. CGL 2026: Rs 100; women, SC, ST, PwBD, ESM exempt) by BHIM UPI, net banking or debit card before the fee deadline. Check 'Payment Status' in login: if fee not received, the form shows 'Incomplete' and is rejected.
10. Print the submitted application and keep it (SSC advises keeping forms for 3 years).
11. Correction window (CGL 2026: 3 days after closing): you may resubmit twice - Rs 200 first time, Rs 500 second time, payable by all. The latest paid version is the valid one; if correction fee is not paid, the old application stays.

Sources ↗

1. Go to https://upsconline.nic.in (as named in the CSE 2026 notice; https://upsconline.gov.in also opens the portal) and read the general, module-wise and upload instructions first.
2. Card 1 - Account creation with your own email and mobile (OTP).
3. Card 2 - Universal Registration (URN): personal details and ONE photo ID (Aadhaar strongly advised). URN is once in a lifetime; you get a one-time chance to update it later, which applies only to applications submitted after re-locking.
4. Card 3 - Common Application Form (CAF): education, category, documents. Upload a photo (JPG 20-300 KB, 350-1000 px, white background) AND capture a live photo. Upload a signature image with THREE signatures one below the other in black ink. Check the official notice
5. Upload supporting documents asked (DOB proof, qualification, category, PwBD, etc.). Missing documents = candidature cancelled.
6. Card 4 - Examination-specific module during the notified window: choose exam, optional/centre, pay fee.
7. Pay fee online (CSE: Rs 100; women/SC/ST/PwBD exempt) (verify per exam). Note the Application Number (changes every exam) with your URN.
8. Check everything BEFORE submission: UPSC allows no withdrawal and no correction after submission.
9. At the exam, face authentication is mandatory; carry the same photo ID given in URN.

Sources ↗

1. Use ONLY the link on an official RRB website (list in the CEN) - rrbapply.gov.in. Beware of fake payment sites.
2. If you created an account for any 2024/2025 CEN, log in with the same account. Otherwise 'Create an Account' with your own mobile and email (OTP).
3. Authenticate with DigiLocker or Aadhaar during account creation (other IDs get stricter scrutiny at every stage).
4. Check account details three times: name, DOB, mobile, email and chosen RRB can NEVER be changed later, even in the modification window.
5. Fill the application once for ONE RRB only - more than one application for the same CEN = all rejected and debarment.
6. Capture the live photo (webcam or phone front camera; dark non-white clothes, no cap/mask/specs; retake allowed until submission). Upload signature JPG 30-49 KB, min 140x60 px, black ink, running handwriting. SC/ST wanting free train pass: upload certificate PDF under 400 KB.
7. Choose exam language and zone/post preferences, then submit.
8. Pay fee online (net banking/card/UPI). Group D CEN 09/2025: Rs 500 (Rs 400 refunded after appearing in CBT); Rs 250 for SC/ST/ExSM/PwBD/Female/Transgender/Minorities/EBC (refunded after CBT, minus bank charges). The form is accepted only after payment confirmation by SMS/email.
9. Modification window (after closing): pay Rs 250 non-refundable per occasion to change anything except account details and chosen RRB. If a change moves you to a higher-fee category, pay the fee difference too.
10. After the window closes no representation is entertained; keep the payment confirmation.

Sources ↗

1. Prepare: photo 200x230 px 20-50 KB, signature 140x60 px 10-20 KB, left thumb 240x240 px 20-50 KB, handwritten declaration 800x400 px 50-100 KB (English, not capitals), 10th certificate PDF (A4, max 500 KB), category certificate PDF if applicable.
2. Go to https://www.ibps.in, open the CRP link (e.g. 'CRP PO/MT') and click 'Click here for New Registration'.
3. Enter basic information; note the Provisional Registration Number and password (also sent by SMS/email).
4. Optionally link DigiLocker to pull Aadhaar and education details.
5. Upload the four images + PDFs; capture the live photo via webcam ('Capture Photo') or phone QR ('Click here to Scan'). The system blocks you until specs are met.
6. Use 'Save and Next' to review; nothing can be changed after 'Complete Registration'.
7. Pay fee/intimation charges online (cards, net banking, UPI, wallets). Do NOT press Back/Refresh while paying.
8. Print the e-receipt and the application. If no e-receipt, the payment probably failed - log in again with registration number and password and pay.
9. Edit window (2 days after closing, once only): correct the form except Name, Email, Mobile, State/UT, Permanent address, Post and Nationality; category changes only in allowed combinations.

Sources ↗

1. Prepare: working email and mobile; photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm, max 50 KB, JPG, SOLID COLOUR background (blue/green/red preferred), formals; signature 3.5 x 1.5 cm, max 50 KB, black ink on white; file names max 10 characters.
2. Keep Aadhaar, domicile, caste, non-creamy layer / EWS, and any sports, ex-serviceman, disability or orphan certificates ready.
3. Register/log in at https://mpsconline.gov.in with email/mobile, OTP and password.
4. Create profile in six steps: Personal, Address, Other, Qualification, Experience, Upload photo/signature. Save each step (red turns green).
5. Tick terms and submit - the profile gets LOCKED. To change later, use Unlock/Update in My Account (changes do not alter already-submitted applications). Check the official notice
6. Online Application: open the advertisement, check eligibility, set post preferences, choose district exam centre.
7. Agree to the declaration, enter the place of filing, pay the fee and submit.
8. Download the fee receipt from My Account > Fee receipt; check the applied list.

Sources ↗

1. Download the form ONLY from the official notice (department website or Employment News). Use the exact format; a photocopy of the notice format is usually OK if the notice says so. Check the official notice
2. Fill in CAPITAL letters with black/blue ballpoint, no overwriting; name, DOB and parents' names exactly as in the 10th certificate. Leave no mandatory box blank - write 'NA'.
3. Paste (do not staple) a recent passport photo in the box; sign across the photo only if the notice asks. Sign in full, same signature everywhere.
4. Attach SELF-ATTESTED photocopies (sign + write 'self-attested' on each): 10th (DOB proof), qualification, caste/OBC-NCL/EWS in the notice's format, domicile, PwBD, ESM, NOC. Never send originals.
5. Fee: pay exactly as the notice says - Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft in favour of the named officer payable at the named place, or online challan. Write your name and post on the back of the DD/IPO. SC/ST/PwBD/women are often exempt - attach proof instead.
6. Self-addressed envelopes with stamps if asked (for admit card).
7. Write on the envelope exactly what the notice says, e.g. 'APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ____ (Advt No. ____)'.
8. Send by Registered Post or Speed Post (not ordinary post/courier unless allowed) well before the last date; the RECEIPT date is what counts.
9. Keep the postal receipt, tracking number (India Post track), and a full photocopy of the filled form and enclosures.
10. Track delivery; if not delivered, keep proof - requests after the deadline are usually rejected.

1. Do not press Back or Refresh during payment (IBPS warns this causes double charge). Wait for the server response.
2. Check the portal's own 'Payment Status' (SSC) or e-receipt (IBPS/SBI) - if there is no e-receipt or status shows 'Incomplete', the recruiter has NOT received the fee.
3. If the portal allows, log in again and pay again (IBPS explicitly says this). Do it before the fee deadline, which may be 1-2 days after the application deadline (SSC CGL 2026: form 22.06, fee 23.06).
4. If money was deducted but status is unpaid: note the bank/UPI transaction ID; failed transactions usually auto-reverse to the account in a few working days (verify with bank). Raise a ticket/email to the recruiter helpdesk with registration number and transaction ID the same day.
5. Never pay through links received on WhatsApp/SMS; RRB and IBPS warn about fake payment sites.
6. Fees are almost never refunded or adjusted to another exam (SSC, GDS). RRB refunds (part) fee only if you sit the CBT.
7. Correction windows (all paid-for, all after the closing date): SSC 3 days, Rs 200 then Rs 500, 2 chances; RRB ~10 days, Rs 250 per occasion (account details and RRB choice never changeable); IBPS 2 days, once only (name, email, mobile, state, post not changeable); India Post GDS 3 days; UPSC: no correction after submission.
8. Only fully submitted AND paid applications can use a correction window.
9. After the window closes, requests by post/email/fax are rejected - so fix mistakes inside it.
10. Keep screenshots/prints of every final page, e-receipt and correction receipt.

• What

  Aadhaar-based authentication at OTR (optional, strongly advised)

  Spec

  If you authenticate with Aadhaar, the application will NOT be rejected for non-standard photo/signature, and you need not carry photos/original photo-ID to the CBT venue. Without Aadhaar you must upload proof of name, DOB, address, gender and a photograph during OTR.

• What

  Old OTR

  Spec

  OTR made on old ssc.nic.in does not work; register afresh on ssc.gov.in. The new OTR stays valid for all future SSC exams and cannot be edited, so fill name/DOB/parents' names exactly as in the Class 10 certificate.

• What

  PwBD certificate

  Spec

  Upload Certificate of Disability (Annexure-I/IA/XII-XIII as applicable) in the application if claiming reservation/scribe.

Sources ↗

• What

  Photo ID

  Spec

  Give details of one photo ID (Aadhaar strongly advised; or Voter ID/PAN/Passport/DL/State or Central Govt photo ID) in the URN profile; carry the same ID to every stage.

• What

  Face authentication

  Spec

  Mandatory face authentication at the exam venue (CSE 2026 notice para 11).

• What

  No correction after submission

  Spec

  Applications cannot be withdrawn or corrected after submission; the URN profile allows a one-time update that applies only to applications submitted afterwards.

Sources ↗

• What

  SC/ST certificate (only if you want the free train-travel pass)

  Spec

  PDF only, under 400 KB, legible, latest and valid on the closing date.

• What

  PwBD who cannot sign

  Spec

  Upload one fingerprint instead, in this order of preference: left thumb, right thumb, any finger of hands, any toe.

• What

  Create an Account

  Spec

  Name, DOB, mobile, email and chosen RRB entered in 'Create an Account' can NEVER be changed. Reuse your 2024/2025 account; do not make a second one. Authenticate with DigiLocker/Aadhaar (other IDs get 'significantly stricter scrutiny').

• What

  Multiple applications

  Spec

  More than one application to any RRB for the same CEN = all rejected + debarment.

Sources ↗

• What

  Left thumb impression

  Spec

  240x240 px at 200 DPI (3 cm x 3 cm), 20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG, black or blue ink on white paper. No left thumb: right thumb, then left fingers from forefinger, right fingers, then left toe; name which one in the upload.

• What

  Handwritten declaration

  Spec

  800x400 px at 200 DPI (10 cm x 5 cm), 50-100 KB, JPG/JPEG, in English, own handwriting, black ink, NOT in capitals. Text: "I, ______ (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required." Written by someone else or in another language = invalid.

• What

  10th certificate + category certificate

  Spec

  PDF, A4, max 500 KB each (10th/SSLC certificate; category certificate per clause J(ix) if applicable).

• What

  Scanning

  Spec

  Scanner at min 200 dpi, true colour, crop to the edge.

Sources ↗

• What

  Left thumb impression

  Spec

  240x240 px at 200 DPI (3x3 cm), 20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG, black or blue ink.

• What

  Handwritten declaration

  Spec

  800x400 px at 200 DPI (10x5 cm), 50-100 KB, JPG/JPEG, English, black ink. SBI text differs from IBPS: "I, ______ (Name of the candidate), Date of Birth ______, hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required. The signature, photograph and left thumb impression is of mine."

Sources ↗

• What

  Category/PwD certificate

  Spec

  Some NTA exams ask for category/PwD certificate PDF 50-300 KB Check the official notice

Sources ↗

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• What

  Registration

  Spec

  Register with own mobile + email (OTP), Aadhaar if available, 10th board and year. One mobile/email = one applicant. Duplicate registrations by altering details = all cancelled.

• What

  Fee

  Spec

  Rs 100 (exempt: women, SC/ST, PwD, transwomen). Fee not refundable.

• What

  Correction window

  Spec

  3 days after closing date; if a category change needs fee, pay it.

Sources ↗

• What

  Registration

  Spec

  Register with Aadhaar or Class 10 certificate details Check the official notice

Sources ↗

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• What

  Left thumb impression

  Spec

  50-100 KB JPG/JPEG; ink the thumb on a stamp pad, press on blank paper, scan only the impression.

• What

  Parent's/guardian's signature

  Spec

  Required if candidate is under 18 on the date of filling the form (size not stated). Check the official notice

• What

  Live image capture

  Spec

  Live photo captured at registration and face-matched to the uploaded photo; you can submit ONLY if they match. Keep a webcam ready.

• What

  Registration data is final

  Spec

  Data entered at registration cannot be changed later; wrong data disqualifies.

Sources ↗

• What

  Keep ready

  Spec

  Aadhaar, domicile certificate, non-creamy-layer certificate, caste/EWS certificate, sports verification, ex-serviceman discharge, disability, orphan certificate as applicable.

Sources ↗

• What

  Documents

  Spec

  Domicile, caste + NCL/EWS, caste validity (if claimed), MS-CIT not required at apply; bring originals to ground test Check the official notice

Sources ↗

• What

  Left thumb + handwritten declaration

  Spec

  As IBPS where IBPS is the agency Check the official notice

Sources ↗

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• What

  OTR

  Spec

  UPPRPB moved to One Time Registration for 2025-26 recruitments Check the official notice

Sources ↗

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• What

  Handwritten specimen

  Spec

  Uploaded at OTR KYC for size/text Check the official notice

• What

  One-time OTR edit

  Spec

  One-time edit allowed for fields incl. live photo, handwritten specimen, signatures; category change may need fee; OTP to mobile.

Sources ↗

• What

  Profile registration

  Spec

  MPESB profile registration with Aadhaar e-KYC before applying Check the official notice

Sources ↗

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