Govt Services · Bihar · Income Certificate
How to Apply for an Income Certificate Online in Bihar
An income certificate in Bihar, called the Aay Praman Patra, is an official statement of your family income issued by the revenue administration. You need it for scholarships, fee concessions, EWS claims, government schemes, and many job and admission forms. In Bihar the service runs under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, so the office must deliver it within a fixed number of days or you can appeal. You apply online on the RTPS portal, which runs on the ServicePlus system at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, or at a nearby Common Service Centre or Lok Seva Kendra if you cannot apply yourself. This page gives the exact steps, the documents, the fee, the deadline, how to download the signed certificate, and what to do if it is refused. Last verified October 2026.
- Portal: RTPS Bihar on ServicePlus at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (or a Lok Seva Kendra / CSC).
- Law: Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, which sets a delivery deadline.
- Issued by: the revenue administration of your block, normally the Circle Officer.
- If refused: appeal online at rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in, then the revenue court or High Court.
01What an income certificate is used for
An income certificate states the total annual income of your family from all sources. In Bihar it is commonly asked for:
- Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships and tuition fee waivers.
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and income-based reservation claims.
- Admission to government colleges and hostels, and some job applications.
- Welfare schemes, ration and housing benefits that have an income ceiling.
The certificate is issued by the revenue side of your block, normally the Circle Officer, after a verification of your declared income. It usually stays valid for one year from the date of issue, so check the validity before you submit it anywhere.
02Documents you need
Keep clear scans ready before you start. The usual list is:
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card of the applicant | Identity and mobile linking for OTP |
| Residence proof of Bihar | To show you are a resident of the state |
| Self-declaration of income | Your statement of total family income |
| Salary slip or employer letter | For salaried income, where it applies |
| Ward member / Sarpanch / local certificate | Local confirmation of income, where asked |
| Passport-size photograph | For the application form |
The exact list can differ by district, so read the document checklist shown on the portal for the income-certificate service before you upload.
03How to apply online, step by step
- Open the RTPS portal at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (reachable from rtps.bihar.gov.in).
- Register once with your name and mobile number, verify the OTP, and log in.
- Under Apply for services, choose the General Administration Department and then the income-certificate service at the level you need (block, sub-division or district).
- Fill the form with the applicant and family details and the income figure, exactly as in your proofs.
- Upload the documents in the sizes and formats the portal asks for.
- Submit and note the application reference number shown on screen and sent by SMS.
If you cannot apply yourself, any Common Service Centre (CSC) or Lok Seva Kendra can file the RTPS application for you using the same portal.
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04Fee, deadline and how to download
The RTPS income certificate is a low-cost service and is often free or a nominal fee on the state portal.
Because the service is notified under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, the office must act within the stated time limit. Track your application on the portal with the reference number. When it is approved, the digitally signed certificate can be downloaded from the Certificate download section using the reference number and your details. A certificate downloaded from the portal is valid; you can verify it later using the same number.
05Common problems and fixes
- Name or spelling mismatch with Aadhaar. Match the spelling exactly across the form and all proofs, or the application can be sent back.
- Document too large or wrong format. Scan within the size and type the portal allows, usually small PDF or JPG files.
- Verification pending for long. The field officer may need to confirm your income; keep the reference number and follow up through the portal or the Lok Seva Kendra.
- Wrong income band entered. Enter the correct annual figure; an error here can get the certificate rejected or make it useless for the scheme you need.
06If it is wrongly rejected
If your income certificate is refused or sits past its legal deadline, you are not stuck. Under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 you can file a first appeal to the appellate officer, and then a second appeal, online through rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in. If the refusal is unfair or the matter becomes a larger dispute over your status or entitlement, it can move to the Sub-Divisional Officer, the Collector, the revenue court, or the High Court by a writ petition.
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07Sources and further reading
- RTPS Bihar / ServicePlus (apply and download): serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
- RTPS Bihar (service landing): rtps.bihar.gov.in
- RTPS appeal portal: rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in
- eCourts (case status, if it reaches court): ecourts.gov.in
- Claw: clawlaw.in
This page is general information for readers in India, not legal advice. Confirm the current fee, documents and timeline on the official portal before you apply.
08Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for an income certificate in Bihar?
Online on the RTPS portal, which runs on the ServicePlus system at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in, reachable from rtps.bihar.gov.in. You can also apply through a Common Service Centre or Lok Seva Kendra, which use the same portal.
How long does it take?
The service is notified under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011, so the office must issue it within the stated time limit. Track the application on the portal with your reference number; if it crosses the deadline you can appeal.
How long is the income certificate valid?
An income certificate is usually valid for one year from the date of issue. Check the validity printed on the certificate before you submit it to any scheme or institution.
What if my application is rejected?
You can file a first appeal, and then a second appeal, under the Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 through rtpsappeal.bihar.gov.in. If the dispute grows, it can reach the SDM, the Collector, the revenue court, or the High Court by writ.
Is the downloaded certificate valid without a physical copy?
Yes. A digitally signed certificate downloaded from the RTPS portal is valid and can be verified later using the same reference number. Keep a soft copy and a print for your records.