If your Non-Creamy Layer (NC-OBC) certificate is delayed, you can still fill out the CAT form using the provisional certificate available on the CAT website, which declares that you fall under the NC-OBC category. This temporary certificate is provided for candidates facing delays in obtaining the updated certificate. However, you will be required to submit the official, updated NC-OBC certificate during the selection process or interviews.

Ensure that the provisional certificate is correctly filled out, and keep track of when your updated certificate will be issued, as failing to present the official document during later stages could impact your category-based claims for admission. Most institutions will accept this provisional certificate for the purpose of application submission, but it is important to meet all final documentation requirements by the time of admission.

Check the CAT guidelines and the institution's specific instructions regarding such documents to avoid any discrepancies .