RTPS Bihar 4 2026: Apply Online for Caste, Income and Residence Certificates, Check Status and Download — Complete Guide

When you need a certificate for any government work in Bihar, the first questions are always the same — where to go, whom to meet, how much time it will take, and which documents are needed. Earlier, this work meant repeated visits to the block or circle office. Today the situation has changed. Most people now want to do this work from their mobile or computer, so they do not have to visit an office again and again.

But the online process also has a problem. A lot has been written on the internet about RTPS Bihar 4, yet much of that information is incomplete or old. Some call it a new scheme, some call it a new form, and some still share the link of the old portal. This guide is written to clear that confusion. In it, you will learn what RTPS Bihar 4 really is, which certificates it covers, how to apply, how to check status, and how to download your certificate.

Read this guide till the end, because every step is explained in simple language. It also explains the common mistakes that make an application get stuck or rejected. Even if you are applying online for the first time, this guide will help you.

Quick Facts — RTPS Bihar 4 at a Glance

Portal name	RTPS 4 (ServicePlus)
Official website	serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
RTPS full form	Right to Public Services
Law	Bihar Right to Public Services Act
Main services	Residence Certificate, Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, BC/EBC (NCL), OBC (NCL), EWS Certificate
Residence certificate fee	Free of cost in Bihar at all levels (Block, SDO, DM)
Online application	Free on the portal
Login options	Register Yourself or MeriPehchaan (National Single Sign-On)
Certificate delivery	Email, SMS link, DigiLocker, portal Inbox, Public Service Centre / CSC / kiosk
Certificate format	Digitally signed PDF

What is RTPS 4? — Clear the Confusion First

The biggest misunderstanding about RTPS Bihar 4 is that people think it is a new scheme or a new form. The truth is that RTPS 4 is not a new scheme and not a new certificate. It is the name of the official ServicePlus portal of the Bihar government, running at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.

RTPS stands for Right to Public Services. In Bihar, the Bihar Right to Public Services Act has been made for this. Under this law, a time limit is fixed for certain government services. That means your application should be disposed of within the fixed time. When you select a service on the portal, the time limit for that service is shown there itself.

You may also have heard names like RTPS 1, RTPS 2, RTPS 3, RTPS 7 or RTPS 9. These are not different schemes. They are different portal instances of the same ServicePlus system. RTPS 4 is the main and currently working portal. So always use serviceonline.bihar.gov.in for applications. The old rtps.bihar.gov.in no longer handles applications.

In simple words, RTPS 4 is an online window. Through it, you can apply from home for caste, income, residence and similar certificates, check the status of your application, and download the issued certificate. You do not need to visit the office every time.

Which Certificates Can You Get from RTPS Bihar 4?

RTPS Bihar 4 mainly covers six types of certificates. Each certificate is used for a different purpose. The table below explains which certificate is issued at which level.

Certificate	Level	Issuing Authority
Residence Certificate	Circle / Block level	Circle Officer (CO)
Caste Certificate	Circle / Block level	Circle Officer (CO)
Income Certificate	Circle / Block level	Circle Officer (CO)
BC/EBC (NCL) Certificate	Starting at Circle / Block level	Concerned authority at the level
OBC (NCL) Certificate	Starting at Circle / Block level	Concerned authority at the level
EWS Certificate	Starting at Circle / Block level	Concerned authority at the level
Residence / Caste / Income Certificate	Sub-Division level	Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)
Residence / Caste / Income Certificate	District level	District Magistrate (DM)

Understand one important point here. Block or Circle-level applications for Residence, Caste and Income can be made with the Application Reference Number and Applicant Name of an already-applied service. For Sub-Division or District-level applications, you need the Reference Number and Token Number of the corresponding Block or Sub-Division service. So keep your Reference Number and Token Number safe, and do not fill them wrongly while applying.

Which level you should apply at depends on your need. For most common work, a Block-level certificate is enough. Apply at SDO or DM level only if that level is specifically asked for. On the portal, the level option is shown clearly when you select a service.

Which Documents Are Usually Asked For?

The list below shows the documents that are usually asked for. This is not an official fixed list. The document list shown on the portal for your service is the final one. Before you start the application, check the portal document list carefully.

Certificate	Documents Usually Asked For
Common for all certificates	Aadhaar card, address proof (voter ID / ration card / electricity bill), passport photo, self-declaration
Income Certificate	Salary slip / ITR or self-declaration of income
Caste Certificate	Proof of caste of a family member, if available
EWS / NCL Certificate	Income proof and asset declaration

While uploading documents, make sure the photo is clear, the text is readable, and the file size is within the portal limit. A blurred or cropped photo can delay your application. If you do not have a document, check the alternative document option for that service on the portal. It is better to read the list carefully than to upload a wrong document.

If you also want to check ration card details online in Bihar, you can read our AEPDS Bihar guide. It explains how to check ration card details, transaction history and FPS information.

How to Register and Login on RTPS 4?

On RTPS Bihar 4, you can apply for some services even without login. But if you want to see all your applications in one place, track status easily, and receive the certificate in your Inbox, login is better. Registration is simple.

Create a new account with Register Yourself:

• Open the portal serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.
• Click on the Register Yourself option.
• Fill in your name, mobile number, email and password.
• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile to complete verification.
• After the account is created, login with your mobile number or email and password.

Login with MeriPehchaan:

• If you already have a MeriPehchaan (National Single Sign-On) account, you can login with it.
• Choose the MeriPehchaan login option on the portal and sign in with your MeriPehchaan ID.
• This method is convenient for people who want to use one ID for many government portals.

Choose a password that you can remember but others cannot guess easily. Never share your password with anyone. If you are getting the application done at a CSC or kiosk, do not share your OTP with anyone. The OTP is only for your verification.

How to Apply Online for a Certificate?

There are five ways to apply on RTPS Bihar 4. You can choose any method as per your convenience. Each method is explained in detail below.

Method 1 — Apply Without Login

• On the portal homepage, click the department-wise service link.
• Select your service and level (Block / Sub-Division / District).
• Fill in the details asked in the application form.
• Upload the required documents and submit the form.
• After submission, note down the Application Reference Number you receive. This number will be needed later to check status and download the certificate.

Method 2 — Apply After Login

• Login to the portal.
• Go to the Inbox menu and click on Apply for Services.
• Select View all available Services.
• Search for your service, choose the level, fill the form and submit it.
• The advantage of this method is that your application stays saved in your Inbox, and the certificate can also be received there.

Method 3 — Apply Through a Public Service Centre

If you do not want to apply online yourself, visit the nearest Public Service Centre. An Executive Assistant there will help you. The assistant can submit your application online or offline. Carry your Aadhaar card, photo and other documents with you. After applying, make sure you get the Reference Number.

Method 4 — Apply Through a Kiosk

At some places, a kiosk facility is also available. You can also apply for RTPS 4 through a kiosk. The process is similar to that at a Public Service Centre.

Method 5 — Apply Through a Common Service Centre (CSC)

You can also get your application done from your nearest CSC. A service fee may be charged at a CSC. Online application on the portal is free, but a CSC or counter may charge a service fee. So ask about the fee before paying, and always take a receipt.

Before you submit the form, check it twice. The spelling of the name, date of birth, address and mobile number must be correct. Even a small mistake can lead to wrong information printed on the certificate. After submitting the form, keep the Reference Number written in a safe place.

How to Check Application Status?

After submitting the application, the biggest curiosity is where the application has reached. Checking status on RTPS Bihar 4 is easy. Login is not needed for this.

• Open the portal serviceonline.bihar.gov.in.
• Go to the Citizen section on the homepage.
• Click on the Track Application Status link.
• Choose either Application Reference Number or OTP / Application Details.
• If you chose Reference Number, enter the reference number and date. If you chose the OTP option, enter the OTP details asked for.
• Click on Submit.
• The current status of your application will appear on the screen.

If the status does not change, do not panic. Every service has its own time limit. Check again after a few days. If you applied after login, you can also check the status in the ServicePlus Inbox.

How to Download the Certificate?

After the certificate is issued, there are several ways to download it. You can choose any method as per your convenience. The certificate is given as a digitally signed PDF.

• Download Certificate from the portal: Go to Download Certificate in the Citizen section of the portal. Select RTPS or Others as applicable. Enter the Application Reference Number and Applicant Name, and click Download.
• By email: The certificate can be sent as an attachment to your registered email. Check your email inbox and also the spam folder.
• By SMS link: A download link can be sent by SMS to your registered mobile number. Download the certificate from that link.
• From DigiLocker: The certificate may also be available in DigiLocker. Check Issued Documents in your DigiLocker account.
• From ServicePlus Inbox: If you applied after login, the certificate may also be available in your ServicePlus Inbox.
• From Public Service Centre / kiosk / CSC: You can also collect the certificate from the nearest Public Service Centre, kiosk or CSC. Carry your Reference Number with you.

After downloading, check the PDF carefully. Verify that the name, father name, address, caste or income details are correct. If you find any mistake, contact the concerned office immediately. Keep a copy of the certificate safe with you, and take a print when needed.

One point to note — verification of a certificate through the portal is subject to final verification by the issuing authority. That means the certificate shown on the portal is not treated as final by itself; its final verification is done by the issuing authority.

How Many Days Will It Take to Get the Certificate?

This is the question in every applicant mind. The honest answer is that the RTPS law fixes a time limit for each service. When you select a service on the portal, that service time limit is shown there itself. So do not treat any single number as fixed for all certificates.

Typically, certificates are issued within a few working days. But the time depends on the service, the level, and the verification of the application. If documents are incomplete or verification takes time, it may take a little longer. So keep checking the status regularly through Track Application Status after applying.

No fixed number of days is stated in this guide, because the time limit is different for each service and the time limit shown on the portal is the correct one. If you need the certificate urgently, check the time limit while applying and plan accordingly. No Tatkal or fast-track service is claimed to exist on this portal.

What to Do If the Application Is Pending or Rejected?

Sometimes an application stays pending for a long time or gets rejected. In such a situation, instead of panicking, it is important to understand the reason.

• If it is pending: First check Track Application Status to see at which stage the application is. If the time limit has passed and there is no change, contact the concerned circle or sub-division office. Keep your Reference Number with you.
• If it is rejected: Check the reason for rejection. Often the reason is a wrong document, incomplete information, or applying at the wrong level. After understanding the reason, apply again with the correct documents.
• If wrong information is printed: After downloading the certificate, if you see a mistake, contact the issuing office immediately. Carry the correct documents for correction.
• If the Reference Number is lost: If you applied after login, you can see the Reference Number in the Inbox. For an application without login, check the Reference Number sent by email or SMS.
• If you need help: Contact the helpdesk by email — serviceonline[dot]bihar[at]gov[dot]in

When you apply again, do not repeat the same mistake that caused the first application to be rejected. Read the document list again before filling the form, and fill all details correctly.

What to Do If the Portal Does Not Open?

Sometimes the portal opens slowly or does not open at all. There can be many reasons — heavy traffic, an internet problem, or a browser issue. Here are some simple solutions.

• First, check your internet connection. Use whichever is faster — mobile data or Wi-Fi.
• Clear the browser cache and cookies, then try again.
• Try another browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.
• The portal can be slow during peak hours. Try early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Type the correct address — serviceonline.bihar.gov.in. The old rtps.bihar.gov.in does not handle applications.
• If it still does not open, try again after some time, or take help from the nearest CSC or Public Service Centre.
• Do not apply through any unknown link or fake website. Use only the official portal.

RTPS Bihar 4 — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is RTPS Bihar 4?

RTPS Bihar 4 is the official ServicePlus portal of Bihar, running at serviceonline.bihar.gov.in. It is not a new scheme or a new form. RTPS stands for Right to Public Services. Through this portal, you can apply online for caste, income, residence, NCL and EWS certificates.

2. Which certificates can be made through RTPS Bihar 4?

Through this portal, Residence, Caste, Income, BC/EBC (NCL), OBC (NCL) and EWS certificates can be made. Options for Block, Sub-Division and District-level applications are available on the portal.

3. Is applying on RTPS Bihar 4 free?

Online application on the portal is free. The residence certificate in Bihar is free at all levels. However, a service fee may be charged if you apply through a CSC or counter. Ask about the fee before paying.

4. How do I login to RTPS Bihar 4?

You can create an account with Register Yourself. For this, you need your name, mobile, email, password and OTP. If you have a MeriPehchaan account, you can also login with it. You can also apply without login through the department service link.

5. How do I check application status?

Go to Track Application Status in the Citizen section of the portal. Choose Application Reference Number or OTP / Application Details. Enter the reference number and date, then Submit. Your status will appear.

6. How do I download the certificate?

Go to Download Certificate in the Citizen section of the portal. Select RTPS or Others. Enter the Application Reference Number and Applicant Name, then Download. The certificate can also be received by email, SMS link, DigiLocker, ServicePlus Inbox, or from a Public Service Centre.

7. How much time does it take to get the certificate?

The RTPS law fixes a time limit for each service, and the portal shows that time limit when you select a service. Typically, certificates are issued within a few working days, but the exact time depends on the service and level. Treat the time limit shown on the portal as final.

8. What is the difference between RTPS 1, RTPS 2, RTPS 3 and RTPS 4?

These are not different schemes. They are different portal instances of the same ServicePlus system. RTPS 4 is the main and currently working portal. Always use serviceonline.bihar.gov.in for applications.

9. What should I do if my application is rejected?

First check the reason for rejection. Often the reason is a wrong document or incomplete information. After correcting it, apply again with the right documents. For help, you can contact the helpdesk by email at serviceonline[dot]bihar[at]gov[dot]in.

10. Does the old rtps.bihar.gov.in still work?

No. As per the information on 7 November 2026, the old rtps.bihar.gov.in no longer handles applications. RTPS 4 (ServicePlus) is the currently working official portal.

Important Links

Service	Official Link
RTPS Bihar 4 — ServicePlus Portal	https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
Track Application Status	https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (Citizen section)
Download Certificate	https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in (Citizen section)
Helpdesk Email	serviceonline[dot]bihar[at]gov[dot]in

Only the links given above are official. Do not fall for any fake website or agent. There is no need to pay anyone to fill the form, because online application on the portal is free.

If you want to know about other online services in Bihar, also read our AEPDS Bihar guide. It explains the full method to check ration card information online.

Disclaimer: GramSuvidha is a private information portal, not a government website.