How to Create Caste Certificate Affidavit (Form-17 and Form-3) in Maharashtra

Obtaining a caste certificate in Maharashtra involves a scrutiny process where specific affidavits must be submitted in the prescribed format. Form-17 (Rule 14) and Form-3 with family tree (वंशावळ) are two critical documents in this process.

What is Form-17 (Rule 14)?

Form-17 is the affidavit required under Rule 14 of the Maharashtra Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, De-notified Tribes (Vimukta Jatis), Nomadic Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Special Backward Category (Regulation of Issuance and Verification of) Caste Certificate Act, 2000.

This affidavit is submitted during the caste certificate scrutiny process. The applicant declares their caste, sub-caste, and that the information provided is true and correct. It must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and notarized.

What is Form-3 with Family Tree?

Form-3 is an affidavit that includes a genealogy (वंशावळ / family tree) tracing the applicant's caste lineage through their family. This document demonstrates the caste continuity from ancestors to the present generation. It is a key document for caste validity verification.

The family tree typically traces three to four generations — from the applicant's grandparents (or great-grandparents) down to the applicant. Each generation's names, relations, and relevant details are listed in a structured tree format.

How to Generate These Documents

Our tools generate both Form-17 and Form-3 in the official Maharashtra Government format with correct Marathi text:

1. Choose the form — Select Form-17 or Form-3 with Family Tree.
2. Fill in details — Enter the applicant's name, caste, sub-caste, address, and family details.
3. For Form-3, build the family tree — Add family members across generations. Our Family Tree Maker has a visual drag-and-drop interface for this.
4. Preview in A4 format — See exactly how the document will look when printed.
5. Download as PDF — Print on stamp paper or plain paper as required.

Important Requirements

Stamp paper: Both affidavits must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper. The denomination depends on current government rates — usually 100 or 500 rupees. Check with your local court or stamp vendor for the current rate.

Notarization: The affidavit must be signed before a Notary Public or a First Class Judicial Magistrate. The notary will verify the applicant's identity and stamp the document.

Supporting documents: Along with these affidavits, you typically need to submit school leaving certificates, older family members' caste certificates, ration card copies, and other supporting evidence of caste.

Language: In Maharashtra, these documents are primarily in Marathi (Devanagari script). Our tools generate text in proper Marathi with correct legal terminology used in government forms.

For CSC Operators

Caste certificate applications are among the most common services at CSCs in Maharashtra. The affidavit generation process can be time-consuming when done manually. Our tools automate the formatting, ensuring every document follows the exact government-prescribed layout. This saves time and reduces errors, allowing you to serve more customers efficiently.