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, consistent 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: 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 of promotion to any class or classes of services or posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State.
What this Article actually means
How it shows up in everyday life
This Article works alongside Article 16(4) and 16(4A) to form the constitutional basis for SC/ST reservation in government jobs and promotions — the 'efficiency' language has been a point of legal debate, but the proviso makes clear that reservation itself is not treated as inherently inconsistent with administrative efficiency.
Read alongside this one
Quick answers about Article 335
Does 'maintenance of efficiency' limit how much reservation can be given?
The text above reproduces Article 335 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.