TGT demands restoration of previous maximum age limits

TGT aspirants in Delhi demand restoration of age limits and reopening of application portal, citing delays and unfulfilled promises from officials.

New Delhi: Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) aspirants have demanded the restoration of the previous maximum age limits — 40 years for women (including relaxation) and 32 years for male candidates — for TGT recruitment under the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB).

The previous maximum age limits were 40 years for women (including relaxation) and 32 years for male candidates. (Representative photo)

In a letter to Delhi education minister Ashish Sood, the aspirants also requested that the application portal for DSSSB TGT advertisement no. 06/2025 be reopened.

This comes nearly three months after Sood promised a one-time age relaxation for TGT applicants, but aspirants say their demands have still not been fulfilled.

“I was 34 in December last year when the minister assured us a chance to apply for and appear for the TGT examinations. I will turn 35 in a few months. We can wait for the government to amend the rules, but we cannot stop our age,” said an aspirant, requesting anonymity.

The aspirant added that she has spent the past few months meeting several officials to seek clarification and updates on the changes in recruitment rules, but has not received any clear information about the progress.

“Since January 2025, we have been continuously approaching your office, the education department, DSSSB, DOPT, the chief minister’s office, the ministry of education, and public representatives. We have visited your office several times but did not get the opportunity to meet you. Our applications were received, and we were sent back with assurances,” the letter dated April 1 stated.

“We earnestly request you to restore the previous maximum age limits for DSSSB PGT and TGT recruitment, reinstate the age limit as earlier—40 years for women and 32 years for men, and reopen the application portal for DSSSB TGT Advertisement No. 06/2025,” the letter added.

In response, the education minister told HT that the file has been forwarded through the lieutenant governor to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for amending Recruitment Rules (RR) rules, and the changes will be incorporated once approval is received.

“The previous government failed to conduct these examinations on time and did not make adequate efforts to develop proper examination infrastructure. Since Delhi is a Union Territory, any changes to the RR require approval from the UPSC. We have forwarded the proposal for amendments through the LG, so the process is taking time. However, we firmly believe that these children deserve an opportunity,” added Sood.