Official Tamil Nadu Revenue Department & TNeGA e-Sevai Framework (2026)
In Tamil Nadu, digital Community Certificates (சாதிச் சான்றிதழ் / Service Code: REV-101) are sanctioned under the statutory authority of the Revenue Department through the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA) on the e-Sevai portal (tnesevai.tn.gov.in) and verified via edistricts.tn.gov.in. The state operates a mandatory 13-digit CAN (Citizen Access Number) system and a legally stratified three-tier issuing authority based on community classification.
Tamil Nadu's 69% Reservation Architecture & Community Categories
Tamil Nadu enforces India's landmark 69% constitutional reservation model protected under the Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (Tamil Nadu Act 45 of 1994). The reservation schedule divides communities into specific statutory classes:
Backward Classes (BC - 26.5%) & BC Muslims (BCM - 3.5%)
Notified non-creamy layer backward communities. Valid for state higher educational admissions (TNEA engineering, TN Medical Selection) and public recruitment (TNPSC, TNUSRB).
Most Backward Classes (MBC) & Denotified Communities (DNC)
Comprising most backward traditional artisan, maritime, and agrarian communities, as well as notified denotified tribes enjoying state welfare benefits and scholarship quotas.
SC (15%), Arunthathiyar (SCA - 3%) & ST (1%)
Constitutional Scheduled Castes, including a 3% preferential sub-quota for the Arunthathiyar community under Tamil Nadu Act 4 of 2009, and Scheduled Tribes subject to RDO verification.
Statutory Issuing Authority: ZDT, Tahsildar & RDO Jurisdiction
Unlike northern states where a single officer handles all categories, Tamil Nadu revenue law designates three distinct statutory sanctioning authorities:
The Zonal Deputy Tahsildar or Headquarters Deputy Tahsildar (HQDT) of the concerned Taluk Revenue Office holds statutory authority to sanction and sign certificates for Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes.
For Scheduled Castes and Arunthathiyar communities, the application must be sanctioned directly by the substantive Taluk Tahsildar following field mahazar from the Village Administrative Officer.
Under binding Madras High Court rulings and G.O. Ms. No. 235, Tahsildars cannot issue Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. The RDO or Sub-Collector must personally inspect community habitat, verify anthropological traits, and examine historical lineage before granting sanction.
Citizen Access Number (CAN): The Universal Digital Identity
The Citizen Access Number (CAN) is a 13-digit digital profile established by the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA). It eliminates repetitive demographic data entry across all revenue services:
Permanent Profile Vault
Once registered using Aadhaar e-KYC and mobile OTP, the CAN stores applicant name in English & Tamil, parents' names, date of birth, and native village. It automatically links Community, Income, Nativity, and First Graduate certificates.
State Portal & TNEA / TNPSC Sync
During college single-window admissions (Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions - TNEA, TN Medical Selection) and public recruitment (TNPSC), entering your approved TN Application Number (TN-7202XXXXXXXXX) enables instant automated validation.
Revenue Field Hierarchy: VAO, Revenue Inspector & Sanctioning Desk
TN-7202XXXXXXXXX tracking number.Tamil Nadu Rules for Married Women: Strict Biological Paternal Lineage
In Tamil Nadu, caste identity is determined exclusively by biological birth. A woman cannot claim her husband's community under any circumstance:
- Forward Caste woman marrying BC/MBC/SC/ST: Retains her forward caste status and cannot obtain a reserved community certificate.
- Reserved woman marrying Forward Caste: Retains her constitutional reservation rights, but must submit her biological father's school TC, land records (Patta/Chitta), and prior community certificate.
- Jurisdiction: The application must be filed under the Revenue Village and Taluk where her biological parents reside, not her husband's marital residence.
Apply Online
CAN ID registration, REV-101 filing & ₹60 fee payment
Track Status
Check TN Application Number verification & VAO inquiry
Download PDF
Download digitally signed certificate with 2D barcode
Required Documents
CAN ID, TNEPDS Smart Card, School TC & Patta/Chitta
