The Central Government has laid down clear rules for reservation and concessions in recruitment and promotion for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). These rules aim to ensure fair representation and provide support where needed to overcome historical disadvantages.
Definition of SC/ST for Appointment Purposes
A person can be considered a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe only if they belong to a community listed under the Presidential order for that status. This status is granted based on birth into the community and the area of residence notified by the Central Government.
A few key clarifications are:
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Changing religion does not invalidate SC status if the individual continues to follow Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
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A person who reconverts to their original SC faith and is accepted by the community may be restored to SC status.
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Marriage to an SC/ST person does not automatically entitle someone to claim reservation.
Requirement of Valid Caste Certificate
To be eligible for reservation benefits, a candidate must submit a valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority. Accepted authorities include:
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District Magistrate, Collector, or equivalent officers
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Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Taluka-level officers
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Chief Presidency Magistrate or Revenue Officers not below the rank of a Tahsildar
If the certificate is not in the prescribed format or issued by unauthorized authorities, the appointment may be treated as provisional and later canceled.
Where the Reservation Rules Apply
Reservation for SC/ST candidates applies widely across:
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All posts in Central Government establishments, whether industrial or non-industrial
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Work-charged positions, except those specifically meant for emergency relief (such as during floods or natural disasters)
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Daily-rated staff, provided their service duration crosses the minimum prescribed threshold
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Casual employees appointed against sanctioned posts (shortfalls are to be adjusted)
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Temporary appointments, especially those extending beyond 45 days
Where Reservation Provisions Are Not Applicable
There are a few exceptions to the rule:
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Scientific or technical posts in the Department of Space or Department of Atomic Energy
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Trainee appointments in specific specialized institutions
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Ex-cadre posts that were not meant to be filled under regular recruitment, unless there are directions to that effect
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Long-vacant reserved posts may be filled based on merit, but only after obtaining proper clearance from the appropriate Ministry or the DoPT
Reservation in Direct Recruitment: Category-wise % and Roster System
Depending on how the recruitment is conducted, the applicable reservation percentages and the roster systems differ slightly:
| Recruitment Method | SC Quota | ST Quota | Roster System |
|---|---|---|---|
| All India Basis (Open Competition) | 15% | 7.5% | 200-point post-based |
| All India Basis (other than Open Competition) | 16.66% | 7.5% | 120-point post-based |
Recruitment through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), as well as regional or zonal recruitments, follow the same principles, with the percentage adjusted based on the population of SC/STs in the respective states or regions.
Conditions to Be Included in the Appointment Order
Every appointment offered under the SC/ST quota must include a condition that the offer is subject to verification of the caste or community certificate. If, upon verification, the claim is found to be false:
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The appointment will be terminated immediately, without any further proceedings (for temporary staff)
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For permanent employees, departmental inquiry under Rule 14 of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 will be initiated, and removal from service may follow upon proof of misconduct
Timelines for Caste Certificate Verification
To avoid delays in service confirmation, authorities must ensure that caste/community certificates are verified within six months of an employee joining service. The responsibility lies with District Magistrates and other certificate-issuing bodies, who must process verification requests promptly after being approached by appointing departments.
SC Candidates Must Disclose Change in Religion
If a Scheduled Caste candidate undergoes a change in religion after appointment, it is mandatory to inform the appointing authority. This is in line with the rule that SC status is valid only when the individual continues to profess Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.