A Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate is a crucial document in India for individuals belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Its primary purpose is to ensure that reservation benefits in government jobs, educational institutions, and scholarships are genuinely extended to the economically weaker sections within OBCs, rather than to the affluent (the "creamy layer").

The NCL certificate signifies that an OBC individual's family income falls below a specified threshold, currently ₹8 lakh per annum, excluding agricultural income. This certificate is typically issued by the Tahsildar or Revenue Officer and is usually valid for one year, requiring annual renewal. It plays a vital role in promoting social equity and providing opportunities for disadvantaged communities