What is a Domicile Certificate? (Clear Explanation)

A domicile certificate is an official document that proves a person is a permanent resident of a particular state or Union Territory (UT) in India.
It is issued by the respective state government authorities, such as:

• Tehsildar
• Revenue Officer
• District Magistrate (DM)
• Sub Divisional Officer (SDO)
• Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
• Circle Officer

Why is a Domicile Certificate Needed?

A domicile certificate is used to:

• Apply for government schemes
• Avail benefits like reservations, subsidies, or welfare programs
• Get admission or scholarships in schools and colleges
• Apply for state-level competitive exams or jobs

Eligibility for a Domicile Certificate

To obtain a domicile certificate:

• The applicant’s parentsmust be permanent residents of the state/UT OR
• The applicant must have livedin the state/UT for 10–15 years, depending on state rules