Article 335 — Claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to services and posts

The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State: “seventy years” (w.e.f. 25-1-2020). The words “seventy years” subs. for “sixty years” by the Constitution (Ninety-fifth Amendment) Act, 2009, s.2 (w.e.f. 25-1-2010). The words “sixty years” subs. for “fifty years” by the Constitution (Seventy-ninth Amendment) Act, 1999, s. 2 (w.e.f. 25-1-2000). The words “fifty years” subs. for “forty years” by the Constitution (Sixty-second Amendment) Act, 1989, s. 2 (w.e.f. 20-12-1989). The words “forty years” subs. for “thirty years” by the Constitution (Forty-fifth Amendment) Act, 1980, s. 2 (w.e.f. 25-1-1980). s.5yet (date (w.e.f. 16-4-2026). to be notified). THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA (Part XVI.—Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes) [Provided that nothing in this article shall prevent in making of any provision in favour of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for relaxation in qualifying marks in any examination or lowering the standards of evaluation, for reservation in matters or promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.]