Indian Real Estate

All you need to know about Patwari!


31, December 2025

A Brief Introduction to the Patwari System.

What is Patwari?

Patwari essentially means a person who is a village accountant who maintains all records of land ownership and related details. Patwari system has been in existence in the Indian subcontinent since the year 1814.

The primary duty of Patwari was to keep records of the crops grown at each harvest, maintaining records of rights up to date by the particular record of modifications.

They serve as an intermediary between the government and the rural communities, ensuring accurate property ownership information.

Also, manage the account of the preparation of statistical gains that integrates the information derived from the harvest reviews, register of variation, and account of rights. However, the role of Patwari has changed with time.

What is meant by Patwari in modern times?

Patwari is a governmental administrative position seen in rural parts of India. A Patwari is an individual operating in collaboration with the local authorities. The Patwari is responsible for managing the property ownership records for a particular area.

Patwari also manages the record of property tax accumulation. The position of a Patwari is at the tehsil level or sub-division.

The primary duties of a Patwari also include visiting agrarian lands and managing the records of ownership and the state of agricultural practices.

Patwari simplifies property transactions, such as land sales, inheritance transfers, and property leasing, ensuring legal recognition of these transactions.

Precise land records are essential for establishing property rights, resolving disputes, ensuring tax collection, and supporting rural development.

Technology is employed to digitalize the land records, which in turn makes the process efficient and transparent.

The role of a Patwari is as follows:

  • A Patwari has to maintain the record of the crops grown at every harvest on all the land under their authority.
  • Planning and preparing demographical and statistical information about the specific harvest, variation, and archives of rights.
  • In addition, a Patwari always updates the records of rights and any mutations.
  • Patwari reports to the Executive Magistrate of the tehsil or the tehsildar.
  • Amongst all the administration, the positions related to land and the tehsil the Patwari or Talati or Patnaik have the closest connection with the village people since they work as an intermediator.
  • Girdawary is the record of land cultivation that comes under the Land Record System in India. It records the different types of crops grown and ownership over the crops. Patwari collects the required information for this system as well.

Land Registration

You can visit Patwari's office and submit the required records to formalize the property's legal recognition, like sale deeds, identity proof, property title documents, and address proof.

GRC Shreekrish - Homes247.in

Similar Blogs

The different terms for Patwari.

Patwari is known by different terms in different parts of the Indian subcontinent. At the same time, the term Patwari or Patwar is mostly prevalent in Northern and Central India.

The terms Patwari and Karnam are used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In Tamil Village communities, the term used to be called Kanakku Pillai. In Karnataka, it is called the Talati. Other terms include Adhikari, Karnam, Patel, and Patnaik.

These terms have local significance and cultural relevance in specific areas. It has been evolved over time by the historical governance system.

How to become a Patwari?

There are two designations in the Patwari system: Revenue Patwari and Consolidation Patwari. You can become a Patwari if you fulfill the following criteria:

  • The applicant should be a minimum of 18 years of age and a maximum of 40 years old.
  • The applicant should have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline.
  • The applicant must have CPCT, i.e., Computer Proficiency Certification Test scorecard, including proficiency in essential computer operation and Hindi typing.
  • The applicants have to attend a written examination, and an interview as the selection and appointment for the post of Patwari is based on marks secured in the written examination and the interview.
  • The eligible candidates will have to undergo training before the final appointment, following which they will be posted as the Patwari.

History of Patwari.

The word Patwari or Patwari is derived from the Sanskrit word that means to fulfill a vow or to fix something.

The Patwari System was introduced in India during the time of Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Empire. It gained its significance during the Mughal era and played a crucial role in collecting demographic data. It was further given more importance and formalized by Emperor Akbar. Following that, the British Raj made numerous amendments but retained the system.

In the earliest system of Patwar, the duties of a Patwar included maintaining village records, monitoring daily activities, and accumulating data about people, including the village elites.

The Patwari was supposed to reside anywhere within the villages and was supposed to visit each village every month to listen to people's needs. They solve the land-related disputes at local level and address the concerns of the villagers.

They help with the preparation and document revision, including sale deeds and land ownership certificates.

The Patwari then reports these requirements to the sub-divisional office. In addition, the Patwari was also required to provide each landholder an account that showed the landholder's dues. The Patwari also helped in collecting data related to the census.

Qualifications to become a Patwari:

These are the qualifications to become a Patwari:

Educational Qualification:

  • Traditionally, the minimum educational qualification for Patwaris was a Class 12 pass certificate.

  • However, there's a growing trend for states to raise the bar to a graduation degree (in any discipline) from a recognized university.

Additional Requirements:

  • Age Limit: Candidates typically fall within the age range of 18-40 years.

  • Domicile Certificate: You'll need proof of residency in the state you're applying to.

  • Caste Certificate (if applicable): This may be required for availing reservation benefits under affirmative action programs.

  • Physical Fitness Certificate: A medical examination ensures you're physically fit for the demands of the job.

  • Character Certificate: A background check ensures you have a clean criminal record.

  • Computer Proficiency: With increasing digitalization, basic computer skills are becoming a necessity. In some states, a computer certificate might be mandatory.

Selection Process:

  • Competitive Entrance Exam: You'll need to clear a written exam that tests your knowledge of relevant subjects like mathematics, general knowledge, agriculture, and land laws specific to the state.

  • Physical Test (in some cases): This might involve a basic fitness assessment.

Recent Updates (as of April 19, 2024):

It's important to note that the Patwari recruitment process might be undergoing changes in some states. Here are some recent trends:

  • Focus on Transparency: Following controversies like the one in Madhya Pradesh, some states might be looking at ways to make the selection process more transparent, possibly incorporating online applications or computerized exams.

  • Digitalization: As land record management gets digitized, the role of a Patwari might evolve. Some states might require computer proficiency or relevant certificates during recruitment.

So we hope that we cleared all the doubts regarding Patwari

Trending Blogs

GRC Shreekrish - Homes247.in

Categories

 
Festivals  Technology  Indian Realestate  Health & Fitness  Loan & Taxes  News  Home Buying  Construction  Videos  Vastu  Trending  Real Estate News  Lifestyle  DIY 

Latest Blogs

 
Time Builds Value

Why Land Appreciation Beats Short-Term Returns

By Nalina k. l

31, December 2025

Affordable Luxury Homes

The Rise of Affordable Luxury Homes in India

By Nalina k. l

31, December 2025

Other Indian Real Estate Blogs

21/1, Cunningham Rd, Shivaji Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

+91 9164247247 (9:30 AM - 7:30 PM)
e-mail : enquiry@homes247.in

Stay Connected

Copyright © 2018 VSNAP Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd | All Rights Reserved.