Digital governance in India is evolving rapidly, with state governments taking significant strides to simplify public service delivery. One such commendable initiative is the Bihar RTPS Portal (Right to Public Service), introduced by the Government of Bihar. The portal enables citizens to apply for important government-issued certificates such as Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, and Residence Certificate entirely online.
Traditionally, applying for such documents required long queues, multiple visits to government offices, and often, dealing with intermediaries. The RTPS Bihar portal eliminates these hurdles by offering a seamless and transparent online platform, allowing applicants to submit requests, track application statuses, and download their certificates from anywhere at any time.
What is the Bihar RTPS Portal?
The RTPS Bihar Portal is an official web-based platform launched under the Right to Public Services Act, 2011, which ensures timely delivery of essential government services to residents of Bihar. The portal operates under the supervision of the Department of General Administration, Government of Bihar and aims to provide quick, accessible, and transparent service delivery.
The main objective of the portal is to reduce human interaction, eliminate corruption, and ensure citizens receive their certificates and documents without unnecessary delay.
Official website: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
Objectives of the RTPS Bihar Portal
The Bihar RTPS portal was established with several citizen-focused goals:
- Facilitate time-bound service delivery to all citizens.
- Promote transparency in the administrative process.
- Reduce the need for physical visits to government offices.
- Minimize delays, corruption, and red tape.
- Encourage the adoption of digital services and paperless governance.
Key Features of the RTPS Bihar Portal
1. Online Certificate Application
Citizens can apply for Caste, Income, and Residence Certificates without visiting any government office, using a fully digital process.
2. Real-Time Application Tracking
Applicants can check the status of their requests online using the Application Reference Number provided at the time of submission.
3. Certificate Download
Once approved, certificates can be downloaded directly in PDF format, complete with digital signatures and authentication.
4. SMS Alerts and Updates
Users receive SMS notifications about the status of their application, keeping them informed at every step.
5. Time-Bound Service Guarantee
The portal adheres to the timelines specified under the Right to Public Services Act, ensuring prompt service delivery.
Services Available on the Bihar RTPS Portal
The RTPS portal offers a range of services for Bihar residents. These include:
A. Certificate Services
| Service Name | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Caste Certificate | Required for job reservations, education quotas, and government schemes. |
| Income Certificate | Needed for scholarships, subsidies, income-based reservations, and tax relief. |
| Residence Certificate | Used for address verification in school admissions, government job applications, and loan approvals. |
B. Additional Services
Apart from certificate-related services, the portal also offers:
- Non-creamy layer certificate
- Character certificate
- Birth and death certificate registration
- Public Grievance registration
- RTI application submission
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Certificates on the RTPS Portal
To apply for any certificate on the RTPS Bihar Portal, follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Bihar RTPS website: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
Step 2: Select the Desired Service
Click on the “Apply Online” tab and choose from the available services (Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, or Residence Certificate).
Step 3: Register or Log In
- If you’re a new user, register using your mobile number and verify it with an OTP.
- Existing users can log in directly using their credentials.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
Provide accurate personal details such as name, address, Aadhar number, family details, and purpose for application.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach scanned copies of necessary documents (JPEG/PDF) such as Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Electricity Bill, and any other required document.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Double-check all the entered details and click on “Submit.” You will receive a unique Application Reference Number for future tracking.
Required Documents for Each Certificate
To ensure a successful application, the following documents are typically required:
| Certificate Type | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Caste Certificate | Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Old Caste Certificate (if applicable), Ration Card, Self-declaration |
| Income Certificate | Aadhar Card, Income Proof (salary slip or affidavit), Ration Card, Electricity Bill |
| Residence Certificate | Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Utility Bill (electricity or water), Ration Card, Self-declaration |
Note: All documents must be clearly scanned and legible to avoid delays or rejection.
How to Track Application Status
Tracking your application is simple and helps you stay informed:
- Go to the RTPS Bihar website.
- Click on the “Track Application Status” option.
- Enter your Application Reference Number.
- Click on “Search” to view the current status.
The status may show as Submitted, Under Process, Approved, or Rejected.
How to Download Your Approved Certificate
Once your application is approved:
- Visit the Bihar RTPS portal.
- Navigate to the “Download Certificate” section.
- Enter the Application Reference Number and Date of Birth.
- Click on “Download” to get a copy of your certificate in PDF format.
The certificate includes an official digital signature and is considered valid for all government-related processes.
Eligibility Criteria to Use the RTPS Bihar Portal
- Must be a permanent resident of Bihar.
- Should possess valid ID proof like Aadhar Card or Voter ID.
- Should have access to a valid mobile number for OTP verification.
- Should be able to upload scanned documents in the required format.
- Must provide self-declaration where applicable.
Common Application Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue: Application Rejected
Cause: Incorrect information or unclear documents.
Solution: Re-check the documents and data provided, then reapply.
Issue: OTP Not Received
Cause: Server overload or incorrect mobile number.
Solution: Retry or ensure your mobile number is active and entered correctly.
Issue: Certificate Not Downloading
Cause: Certificate not approved or technical glitch.
Solution: Wait for approval or contact the RTPS helpline for support.
Bihar RTPS Mobile Application
As of now, the Bihar Government has not launched an official mobile app specifically for the RTPS services. However, the website is mobile-responsive and can be accessed through any smartphone browser.
Users are advised to check the portal for any updates or announcements regarding a future mobile app.
Contact Information and Helpline Support
If you encounter any issues or need clarification regarding the services, you can use the following contact information:
- RTPS Helpline Number: 1800-345-6248 (Toll-Free)
- Support Email: [email protected]
- Working Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
- Official Website: https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RTPS Bihar Portal free to use?
Yes, applying for certificates through the RTPS portal is free or may involve a minimal government fee depending on the service.
Can I apply for certificates on someone else’s behalf?
Yes, if you have the proper documents and authorization.
How long does it take to get the certificate?
Most certificates are issued within 7 to 15 working days, based on the service type and administrative workload.
Are digitally signed certificates valid for official use?
Yes, all certificates downloaded from the RTPS portal are valid and accepted by educational institutions, government offices, and banks.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
You should check the reason for rejection, correct the errors, and reapply with valid documents.
Conclusion
The Bihar RTPS Portal is a significant step forward in making governance citizen-centric, transparent, and accessible. By enabling residents of Bihar to apply for essential documents like Caste, Income, and Residence Certificates through an online process, the government has drastically reduced the need for physical interaction, long queues, and bureaucratic delays.
Whether you are a student applying for a scholarship, a job seeker needing a caste certificate, or a resident looking to prove your domicile, the RTPS Bihar portal offers a secure, time-bound, and reliable solution.
