Verification of Caste/Category Certificates through QR Code/Online Portals for GDS Online Engagement

No. 17-03/2024-GDS

भारत सरकार/Government of India

संचार मंत्रालय/Ministry of Communications

डाक विभाग/Department of Posts (GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110001

Date: 07-09-2026

All Heads of Circles

Subject: Verification of Caste/Category Certificates through QR Code/Online Portals for GDS Online Engagement – reg.

Madam/Sir,

References have been received from several Postal Circles regarding difficulties faced in obtaining physical verification reports of caste/category (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) certificates from state authorities—particularly from the State Government of Haryana—resulting in procedural delays in issuing regular engagement orders within the prescribed timeline.

The matter has been examined. It has been decided that Caste certificates may be verified using official state online mechanisms, QR codes, or DigiLocker when available, provided the legitimacy of the issuing portal’s domain is thoroughly authenticated. Engaging authorities must cross-reference portal data with the physical document and retain a verifiable digital record of the check. The detailed guidelines on the issue are attached as Annexure to this letter.

As different State Governments/UTs Administrations may have different mechanisms for online verification of caste/category certificates, Circles are requested to obtain and furnish to this Directorate the official communication/instructions issued by the concerned State/UT Government regarding such online verification facilities. The information so received may be examined and, where found appropriate, incorporated in the GDS Online Engagement SOP and shared with all Circles.

Further, Circles are requested to take up the matter with the concerned State/UT authorities, wherever such facility is not presently available, for providing an authenticated online mechanism for verification of caste/category certificates, as it will facilitate faster verification and reduce delays in issue of regular engagement orders.

Necessary amendments reflecting these provisions will be incorporated in the SOP for subsequent GDS Online Engagement schedules.

This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.

Yours faithfully, (Digitally signed)

Gurvinder Singh Assistant Director General (GDS)

Email: adggds426@gmail.com Date: 07-09-2026

Copy to (For information):

GM, CEPT, Mysuru 2-3. AD, CEPT Mysuru and Hyderabad Units
CEPT Portal Upload Team – for uploading the document on India Post website

📎 Annexure to letter no. 17-03/2024-GDS dated 07-09-2026

Guidelines on Verification of Caste/Category Certificates through QR Code/Online Portals/DigiLocker under GDS Online Engagement

Existing instructions for verification of caste/category certificates from issuing authorities may be followed. However, where the concerned State/UT Government has introduced an online mechanism for verification, the same may be utilised. For Haryana Government certificates, online verification through QR code/verification URL may be used, as physical verification is no longer required.

Mere availability of a QR code/barcode or web link should not be treated as sufficient evidence. Engaging authorities must ensure the QR code/verification link redirects to the official website/portal of the concerned State/UT Government or competent issuing authority. Verification through unauthorised/private websites should not be accepted.

Details displayed on the official verification portal (certificate number, candidate name, category, date of issue, etc.) must match the certificate submitted by the candidate.

Wherever the caste/category certificate is available in DigiLocker and verification through DigiLocker is possible, the same may be utilised.

In cases where physical verification is not prescribed but online verification is available, Circles may accept such verification and keep a record of the verification result or downloaded report.

Where downloading of verification reports is not possible, the engaging authority/IP/ASP (HQ) should record the date of verification, name of portal/website used, certificate number verified, and certify that verification was carried out through the official portal and found genuine. A screenshot/printout of the verification result should be kept on record.

Pending issue of the revised SOP, Circles may utilise the online verification mechanism officially prescribed by the concerned State/UT Government, subject to verification through the official portal and compliance with safeguards. For Haryana Government certificates, the existing QR code/online verification facility may be used.