Kunbi Certificate in Maharashtra: Eligibility, Documents, Application Process and Benefits in 2026

A Kunbi certificate is an official document in Maharashtra that certifies an individual’s caste as Kunbi, classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. It enables members of the Maratha-Kunbi community to access reservation benefits in education, government employment, and social welfare schemes. Obtaining the certificate often requires historical records, and in cases of missing or conflicting proof, a legal affidavit may be necessary. This ensures eligibility, protects rights, and facilitates access to government entitlements and social justice initiatives.

Quick Info Table – Kunbi Certificate

Here is a quick overview of the essential details regarding the Kunbi caste certificate to help understand the process at a glance.

Historical Background

The demand for the Kunbi certificate in Maharashtra is deeply rooted in the Marathwada region. Before Independence, this region was part of the Hyderabad State under the Nizam's rule. During that period, official records, most notably the Hyderabad Gazette of 1918 and earlier documents, listed many Marathas as "Kunbis," a designation commonly associated with agrarian or farming communities. These historical gazettes and other regional records like the Satara Gazette have now become vital pieces of evidence for individuals to trace their lineage and establish their Kunbi identity to qualify for OBC status. [1]

Why is the Kunbi Certificate Important?

The Kunbi certificate is critically important because it serves as the official link between the Maratha community and the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation quota in Maharashtra. The Kunbi community has been historically recognised as an OBC group. By obtaining a Kunbi certificate, eligible Marathas can formally establish their lineage to this agrarian community. This recognition unlocks access to significant benefits, including reservations in educational institution admissions, government job recruitments, and eligibility for various state and central welfare schemes designed to uplift backward classes.

Eligibility for Kunbi Certificate

To successfully obtain a Kunbi caste reservation certificate, applicants must meet the specific criteria set by the Maharashtra government. [2]

• Primary Eligibility: The most crucial criterion is the ability to prove that ancestors (father, grandfather, or great-grandfather) were recorded as "Kunbi" in official documents before 1967. 
• Residency: The applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra. A domicile certificate is often required as proof. For more details, read about how to get a domicile certificate.
• Genealogical Proof: One must provide a family tree (Vanshaval) that clearly connects one to the ancestor whose Kunbi records are being used as proof.
• Income Criteria (for OBC benefits): To avail reservation benefits, one will also need a non-creamy layer certificate, which requires the family's annual income to be below ₹8 lakhs.

Documents Required for Kunbi Certificate

Having the correct documents required for the Kunbi certificate is the most critical part of the application process. A complete and organised set of documents will ensure a smoother verification. [2]

• Identity Proof and address proof like Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
• Ancestral Proof (Primary Document):
  • An old official record (dated before 1967) that mentions the applicant’s ancestor's caste as "Kunbi." This can be a birth/death certificate, land record (Satara Gazette, Hyderabad Gazette), school leaving certificate, or an entry in the village register.
• A self-declared family tree (Vanshaval) connecting to the ancestor.
• School-leaving certificate or birth certificate, preferably mentioning the applicant’s caste.
• Affidavits:
  • An affidavit is required to attest to the authenticity of the family tree.
  • Another affidavit may be needed if there are spelling mistakes or discrepancies in names or surnames across documents.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.

How to Apply for the Kunbi Certificate in Maharashtra?

The certificate can be applied for through both online and offline channels. The process for obtaining a Kunbi certificate is designed to be thorough, ensuring authenticity. [2]

Online Process

The kunbi certificate online application method is convenient and allows for easy tracking.

• Step 1: Visit the Maharashtra government's Aaple Sarkar portal and register by creating a user profile.
• Step 2: After logging in, navigate to the Revenue Department services and select "Caste Certificate."
• Step 3: Fill in all the required personal and ancestral details accurately in the Kunbi certificate application form.
• Step 4: Scan and upload clear copies of all the required documents, including identity proof, address proof, ancestral records, and the necessary affidavits.
• Step 5: Pay the nominal application fee online through the available payment methods.
• Step 6: After submission, one will receive an application number, which can be used to track the status of the application on the portal.

Offline Process

• Step 1: Visit the local Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Tehsildar's office and collect the application form for the caste certificate.
• Step 2: Fill out the form carefully and attach all the required documents and photographs.
• Step 3: Keep all the necessary affidavits, such as the one for the family tree, duly notarised. Understanding the difference between a notary and registration can be helpful here.
• Step 4: Submit the completed form and all documents to the designated counter at the SDO office or a Setu Kendra.
• Step 5: Receive an acknowledgement receipt with an application number for future reference. The authorities will then initiate the verification process.

How to Download Kunbi Certificate?

Once the application is approved, it is easy to download it. A Kunbi certificate can be downloaded upon successful online application.

• Step 1: Log in to the Aaple Sarkar portal with credentials.
• Step 2: Go to the application tracking section or dashboard.
• Step 3: Once the status displays "Approved" or "Certificate Issued," you will have access to the download link.
• Step 4: Click the link to download the digitally signed Kunbi certificate. 

Verification and Approval Process

The kunbi certificate verification is a meticulous process to ensure the authenticity of claims.

• Initial Scrutiny: The SDO's office first checks if the application form and all attached documents are complete.
• Committee Verification: The application is then sent to a local inquiry committee, often headed by a Talathi.
• Field Inquiry: The committee conducts a field inquiry, which may involve visiting a native village, verifying the family tree with local elders, and checking local government records.
• Report Submission: The committee submits a detailed report of its findings to the SDO.
• Final Decision: Based on the committee's report and the documentary evidence, the SDO makes the final decision to approve or reject the application.

Benefits of the Kunbi Certificate

The Kunbi certificate offers significant benefits, providing access to various government schemes and reservations.

• Educational Reservation: Access to reserved seats in schools, colleges, and professional courses like engineering and medicine.
• Government Jobs: Reservation in recruitment for central and state government jobs, as well as public sector undertakings.
• Welfare Schemes: Eligibility for various government schemes related to scholarships, financial aid, and entrepreneurship for OBCs.
• Political Reservation: The ability to contest elections from seats reserved for the OBC category.
• Fee Concessions: Availing concessions on application fees for exams and tuition fees for educational courses.

Role of Affidavit in Kunbi Certificate

An affidavit is a sworn statement made on stamp paper and is a legally binding document. It plays a critical role in the Kunbi certificate application process, especially when documentary evidence is not straightforward.

• To Attest the Family Tree: An affidavit is mandatory to declare that the provided family tree (Vanshaval).
• To Bridge Gaps in Documents: It is used to explain and legally state any discrepancies in names, surnames, or dates across different documents.
• To Declare Missing Documents: If a crucial document is lost or unavailable, an affidavit can be submitted to declare this and present alternative evidence formally.
• To Establish Relationships: It is used to prove one’s relationship with a blood relative who already possesses a valid Kunbi certificate.

Challenges in Obtaining a Kunbi Certificate

Applicants often face several hurdles during the application process.

• It can be challenging to trace the Ancestral Documents back to 1967, especially for families who have migrated or were landless.
• Applications are often rejected if the documents provided do not conclusively prove the Kunbi lineage.
• The field inquiry and verification by the local committee can be a time-consuming process, resulting in prolonged delays.
• Complex cases with numerous discrepancies may necessitate multiple affidavits, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the application.

Scenarios Where Affidavits Are Needed

An e-affidavit or a notarised one becomes essential in many specific situations. Here are some common scenarios where it is needed.

• In case of ancestral name discrepancies across various documents, a name change affidavit or a one-and-the-same-person affidavit is required.
• Many Maratha and Kunbi families use different surnames (e.g., Patil, Deshmukh, More). An affidavit is needed to establish that these different surnames belong to the same family lineage.
• If an ancestor's old document is available but the caste column is blank or unreadable, an affidavit is needed to support the claim with other circumstantial evidence.
• If an original document, such as a school leaving certificate, is lost, one must file an FIR and submit an affidavit declaring the loss.
• If one’s family migrated from another district or region (like from Marathwada to Western Maharashtra), an affidavit is needed to explain the migration and link documents from both places.

How NoBroker Can Help with Affidavit Services

Navigating the legal requirements for a Kunbi certificate, especially the drafting of affidavits, can be challenging. NoBroker offers a straightforward and reliable solution through its online e-affidavit and notary services. One can easily get various types of affidavits, such as those for name changes or proof of address, drafted by legal experts and delivered to the doorstep, making the application process smoother and hassle-free.