"This rule covers everybody. The exemption provided is from "obligatory departmental test". This is intended for the incumbents who have crossed 50 years of age and completed 25 years of service it is a permanent exemption. On the other hand, the exemption provided for in R.13A which is extended by R.13AA and 13AB is a temporary exemption from passing "Special or Departmental tests." Therefore, exemption envisaged in R.13A and 13AA exentended further by R.13AA and 13AB and that under R.13B are in respect of different types of tests. Those covered by 13A in respect of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes are special and departmental tests which include any qualification within the groups of Special/departmental test, other than the qualifying course/training made mention of in R.13BB. It is, thus, clear that such exemption is available to the members of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes from the special test or departmental test, which are dealt with in R.13A, 13AA and 13AB, as the essential qualifications for being considered for appointment either by transfer or by promotion, as the case may be. It is not confined to obligatory departmental tests alone as contended by the appellants."
