BCI Issues Notification for Blind and Low-Vision Candidates Appearing in AIBE XX: Check Scribe, Exemption Provisions

Candidate will be allowed 20 minutes extra time per hour i.e., a total of 1 hour extra to finish the 3-hour AIBE.

Bar Council of India (BCI) has released detail guidelines for blind and low-vision candidates participating in All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XX, scheduled for November 30, 2025. The directive has been issued to ensure equitable access to legal profession by providing support, including use of scribes and exemptions from certain exam components.

This has been done to increase enrollment of differently abled candidates. Notification has been issued for candidates with visual impairments, as some are eligible for a full exemption from the Hindi language paper (Paper V).

All eligible candidates are required to submit a medical certificate from a government-recognized ophthalmologist verifying their disability level (at least 40% visual impairment as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016).

AIBE notification reads: “Candidates will be allowed to inspect the computer system and install NVDA a day prior to the examination to ensure smooth functioning. Candidates may either attempt the examination independently using assistive software or avail the services of a scribe, as per their preference. The Scribe shall be permitted in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Candidate shall be allowed 20 minutes extra time per hour i.e., a total of 1 hour extra to finish the 3-hour AIBE.”

The certificate should contain detail of extent of vision loss and recommend specific aids.