Certificates in India: time limits, and what to do if your certificate is late

Last checked: 26 October 2026

For anyone waiting on an income, domicile or caste certificate from a state government office.

Many states set a legal time limit for certificates under a Right to Services law. In Maharashtra, income and domicile certificates are due within 15 days of a complete application. If yours is late, file a first appeal within 30 days, then a second appeal, then go to the State Commission.

Time limits we have checked

How the clock works in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Right to Public Services Act, 2015 has been in force since 28 April 2015. Under section 5, the time limit counts from the date the complete application is received. The officer must issue the certificate or reject it with reasons in writing. The Act does not say whether the days are working days, so our calculator counts calendar days and says so.

See every Revenue Department certificate and its limit on the Maharashtra page.

The appeal ladder in Maharashtra

1. 1. First appeal

   Official contact

   To the first appellate authority named for your certificate, in Form II, online or on paper.

   Deadline

   Within 30 days of the time limit running out or of a rejection. Up to 90 days for sufficient cause. Decision within 30 days.

2. 2. Second appeal

   Official contact

   To the second appellate authority, in Form III, online or on paper.

   Deadline

   Within 30 days of the first appeal order, or after 45 days if there is no order. Decision within 45 days.

3. 3. Third appeal

   Official contact

   To the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Service, in Form V.

   Deadline

   Within 60 days of the second appeal order. Disposal within 90 days.

Bihar and other states

In Bihar the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 applies. The General Administration Department gives the Circle Officer 10 working days for a caste, income or residence certificate, and public holidays are not counted. A first appeal goes to the Sub-Divisional Officer within 30 days, and a second appeal to the District Magistrate within 60 days. See certificates in Bihar under RTPS.

In Uttar Pradesh the Uttar Pradesh Janhit Guarantee Adhiniyam, 2011 applies. A Revenue Department notification of 15 January 2011 gives the Tehsildar 20 working days for an income or caste certificate. A first appeal goes to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate within 30 days, and a second appeal to the District Magistrate within 60 days. See the income certificate in Uttar Pradesh.

For the EWS Income and Asset Certificate used for central government jobs, each State or UT decides who issues it and sets the time limit. See the EWS certificate guide.

We publish a state only after checking its own official list of services and appeal rules. Karnataka is next in our queue. Until then, look for your state's Right to Services list on its official portal.

Not a certificate problem?

For a complaint against a bank, insurer, telecom company or other business, our sister site Where to Complain lists who to write to, in what order, and by when.