The Delhi government has officially put on hold all upcoming examinations conducted by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) that were scheduled for March. This significant decision follows a review of persistent demands from job aspirants to increase the maximum age limit for candidates applying for teaching and various other government posts.
Exams Halted Amid Candidate Protests
The move comes directly in response to protests and concerns raised by numerous candidates. Many aspirants highlighted that they were being rendered ineligible to appear for these crucial recruitment exams solely due to existing age restrictions. The DSSSB, which is responsible for recruiting staff across Delhi government departments, had previously issued a notification for exams in March. However, the Delhi Education Department has now suspended that order, effectively pausing the entire examination process until a final decision on age relaxation is reached.
Officials stated that this step has been taken to protect the interests of students and to ensure that long-pending vacancies in government institutions, especially schools, can be filled adequately.
Minister Explains Rationale Behind the Decision
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood provided detailed reasoning for the postponement. He pointed out that previous governments failed to conduct DSSSB exams in a timely manner over the years. This administrative delay, he argued, caused many qualified candidates to cross the eligible age limit without ever getting an opportunity to appear for the selection tests.
Speaking to the ANI, Sood emphasized the dual objective of the government. "We want to ensure fairness for candidates who lost their chance due to delays," he said. "At the same time, our primary goal is to fill vacant posts so that students in Delhi can receive quality education without compromise." The minister acknowledged that staff shortages in schools are a pressing issue that needs immediate resolution.
What Aspirants Can Expect Next
Minister Ashish Sood clarified that the government has decided to temporarily stop the DSSSB examination order. A new policy regarding age limit relaxation is currently under active consideration and will be announced soon. Only after this new decision is formally declared will fresh examination dates be scheduled and notified to the public.
For the thousands of candidates preparing for roles such as teachers (TGT, PGT, PRT), clerks, assistants, stenographers, lab assistants, nurses, and technical staff, this means an extended waiting period. The government has assured that no DSSSB exam will be conducted until the revised order on age eligibility is issued. This upcoming decision is anticipated to bring relief to many aspirants who missed earlier recruitment cycles due to the age barrier.
The minister concluded by stating that the step was taken with students' best interests in mind and assured that a resolution would be arrived at promptly. Aspirants are now advised to wait for an official update from the government regarding both the age relaxation policy and the new exam schedule.
