Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for verification of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/ EWS/ PwBD certificates in Direct Recruitment in KVS

Subject: Adoption of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for verification of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/ EWS/ PwBD certificates in Direct Recruitment — reg.

In pursuance of the instructions issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, from time to time regarding reservation policies and verification of caste/category/disability certificates in Central Government services, and with a view to ensuring uniformity, transparency, objectivity and legal compliance in recruitment processes, the competent authority hereby approves the enclosed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for verification of SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / EWS / PwBD certificates in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).

2. The SOP shall be strictly followed by all Appointing Authorities, Regional Offices and Vidyalayas in respect of all direct recruitment processes.

3. Any deviation from the SOP shall be viewed seriously and may invite administrative action.

4. This Office Order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall apply to all ongoing and future recruitments in KVS.

(Deepesh Gehlot)
Additional Commissioner (Administration)
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGATHAN
(An Autonomous Organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India) Headquarters, New Delhi

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

Verification of SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / EWS / PwBD Certificates in Direct Recruitment

1. Objective and Purpose

This Standard. Operating Procedure (SOP) lays down a uniform, transparent, objective and time-bound mechanism for verification of caste, category and disability certificates submitted by candidates claiming reservation benefits in direct recruitment and selection processes in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).

2. Scope and Applicability

This SOP shall apply to all direct recruitment examinations/selections conducted by KVS, to all candidates claiming reservation under SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS and PwBD categories, and to verification at application, document verification, pre-appointment and post-appointment stages.

3. Responsibility Matrix

Authority Responsibility	Responsibility
Candidate	Timely submission of correct, complete and valid certificates.
Verification Committee	Scrutiny and verification of original certificates and recording discrepancies.
Issuing Authority	Confirmation of genuineness of certificates, if referred by KVS.
Appointing Authority	Final decision in disputed/doubtful cases and cancellation of candidature/termination of services, where required.
KVS (HQ/RO)	Policy oversight, monitoring and interpretation of SOP.

4. Stage-wise Verification Procedure

4.1 Application Stage:

i. Candidates shall declare their category at the time of online application only.

ii. Certificates must be in the prescribed Government of India format.

iii. OBC (NCL), EWS and PwBD certificates must be valid as per terms and conditions given in the relevant advertisement.

iv. No change of category shall be permitted after the closing date of application except as per extant instructions.

4.2 Document Verification Stage:

i. Original certificates shall be produced by shortlisted candidates.

li. Certificates shall be examined for format, issuing authority, validity and inclusion in Central List.

ii. Discrepancies shall be recorded in writing and communicated to the candidate.

4.3 Pre-Appointment / Post-Appointment Stage:

i. KVS may undertake independent verification through issuing authorities or digital platforms.

ii. Appointment shall be purely provisional subject to final verification.

The timelines and responsibilities for above stages is placed at Appendix-I.

5. Category-wise Verification Norms

SC/ST: Certificate must be issued by competent authority and caste/tribe must be included in the Presidential Order.

OBC (NCL): Caste must be included ir the Central List of OBCs and certificate must mention Non-Creamy Layer status.

EWS: Certificate must be issued for the relevant financial year and strictly conform to Government of India norms.

Pw3D: Certificate must indicate benchmark disability (40% or more) and functional Suitability for the post.

6. Handling of Discrepancies / Fraudulent Cases

In case of false, forged or invalid certificates, candidature shall be cancelled or service terminated and further legal/administrative ection including debarment shall be initiated as per rules.

7. Record Management and Audit

All verification records shall be properly documented and preserved for audit, vigilance and judicial scrutiny.

8. Power of Interpretation

The Commissioner, KVS shall be the competent authority to interpret or relax provisions of this SOP, with reasons recorded in writing.

9. Effective Date

This SOP shall come into force with immediate effect and shall apply to all ongoing and future recruitment in KVS.