The Government of Karnataka has decided to allow citizens to download their caste certificates free of cost through the Nadakacheri portal.
This decision has been taken because caste certificates are playing an important role in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) verification conducted by the Election Commission of India and the Gruha Jyothi application verification process carried out by Karnataka ESCOMs.
Earlier, citizens had to pay ₹40 to download a caste certificate. However, this service is now available completely free through the Nadakacheri portal.
Below, you can find the complete process to search and download your caste certificate online in Karnataka for free in 2026.
How to Search and Download a Caste Certificate in Karnataka for Free?
Citizens can search and download their caste certificates using any of the following methods:
- RD Number (Certificate Number)
- Ration Card Number
- Aadhaar Number
Note: You can download your certificate using your Ration Card Number or Aadhaar Number only if they were linked while applying for the certificate. Otherwise, you must use the RD Number to access your certificate.
Using RD Number or Ration Card Number
Step 1: Visit the official Nadakacheri portal and open the AJSK Certificates page, or use the direct link provided below.
Step 2: Select Certificate Number if you have the RD Number, or choose Ration Card Number if you want to search using your ration card. Enter the required number, fill in the security code displayed on the screen, and click Search.
Step 3: The certificate details, including the Applicant Name, Certificate Type, and Issue Date, will be displayed. Verify that the information belongs to you, then click the Download icon to save the certificate as a PDF.
Using Aadhaar Number
Step 1: Visit the official Nadakacheri portal and open the AJSK Certificates page, or use the direct link provided below.
Step 2: Select the Aadhaar Number option and click Proceed.
You will be redirected to the Aadhaar authentication page. Enter your Aadhaar number, choose OTP Authentication, and click Generate OTP.
Step 3: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click Submit.
Step 4: If your Aadhaar number is linked to your caste certificate, the certificate details will be displayed. Click the Download icon to save the certificate in PDF format.
If no certificate details are shown, it means your Aadhaar number is not linked to the certificate. In such cases, you must use the RD Number or Ration Card Number to download your certificate.
FAQ’s
Is it free to download a caste certificate from Nadakacheri in 2026?
Yes. The Government of Karnataka has made the caste certificate download service completely free. Citizens no longer need to pay the earlier fee of ₹40.
What details can I use to search for my caste certificate?
You can search using any one of the following:
1.RD Number (Certificate Number)
2.Ration Card Number
3.Aadhaar NumberCan I download my caste certificate using my Aadhaar number?
Yes, but only if your Aadhaar number was linked to the certificate during the application process.
What should I do if my Aadhaar search does not show any certificate?
If no certificate is found, your Aadhaar is most likely not linked to the certificate. In that case, use your RD Number or Ration Card Number to search and download it.
Is the RD Number mandatory to download Caste Certificate?
The Certificate RD Number is mandatory only if your Aadhaar number or Ration Card Number is not linked to your certificate.
In which format is the caste certificate downloaded?
The certificate is downloaded as a PDF document, which you can save or print for future use.