The Delhi government has officially put on hold the upcoming Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) recruitment examinations. The exams, which were organized by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) and slated for March, have been postponed indefinitely.
Why the Sudden Postponement?
Delhi's Education Minister, Ashish Sood, announced the decision on Saturday. The primary reason behind this move is the government's active consideration to increase the age limit for candidates applying for these teaching positions. "Although DSSSB scheduled the exams for March, we will be withdrawing this order," Sood stated clearly.
This development comes just a day after the DSSSB released its official examination schedule. Recruitment for crucial teaching roles in government schools, including TGT and Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) posts, is conducted through these DSSSB exams.
Addressing Years of Delay and Candidate Concerns
For years, aspirants have been demanding a relaxation in the age limits for these recruitments. They have consistently pointed to significant delays in the examination schedules over the past several years, which have unfairly disqualified many eligible candidates.
Minister Sood provided clarity on the government's perspective. He explained that exams were not conducted for multiple years, and changes in recruitment rules further complicated the process. "The exams were not conducted for years, and the recruitment rules were also changed, causing aspirants to exceed the age limit," he said. "By the time they became eligible, candidates were often 24–25, while the cut-off age was 30."
Candidates had specifically highlighted that missed exams during the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with other administrative delays, prevented them from applying within the stipulated age limit, even though they met all other eligibility criteria.
What Happens Next for Aspirants?
The planned relaxation in age criteria is expected to offer substantial relief. It could potentially benefit candidates even above 32 years of age, with aspirants from the general category also likely to see significant flexibility.
"We want to ensure that exams, which have not been held for years, are conducted and vacant seats are filled," Sood emphasized. "The March exams have been put on hold. A new date will be announced once the age criteria are relaxed."
The Delhi government is now coordinating with central authorities to finalize and resolve this issue. The ultimate goal remains to conduct the long-pending examinations and fill the numerous vacant teaching positions in Delhi's government schools, while ensuring fair opportunity for all deserving candidates.
