PwD-Friendly Overhaul: UPSC, SSC, JEE, NEET, CUET to Introduce Tech Options, Create Own Scribe Pools in 2 Years

UPSC, SSC, NTA IIT JEE, NEET, CUET, CLAT, UGC NET revise scribe rules for PwD candidates. Candidates are encouraged to use assistive technologies, while scribes from exam bodies’ approved pools will be provided if required.

UPSC, SSC, JEE, NEET, CUET to Introduce Tech Options

Scribe Policy for PwD Candidates: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, has issued revised guidelines that mandate the examining bodies to set up their own scribe pools within two years, gradually replacing the widely used “own scribe” system that has raised concerns of malpractice. Currently, the exam bodies follow their scribe procedure, under which eligible PwBD candidates can arrange their own scribes.

In line with the new DEPwD guidelines, it has been decided to implement these provisions and discontinue the option of ‘Own Scribe’. Henceforth, for PwBD candidates eligible to avail the scribe facility in SSC exams, the scribe will be provided only by the Commission. This decision will apply to all exams, including IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, UGCNET, GATE, CUET, government exams like UPSC-Civil Services Exam, SSC exams, NDA, etc.

Choice of Mode of Exam, Aids & Assistive Devices

The exam conducting bodies will encourage PwD candidates to take exams independently using technology such as software-enabled laptops/desktops, Braille/large print, or recording devices. These facilities must be provided in adequate numbers with coverage for Indian languages and English.

Where academic or job roles require independent computer use, candidates will be allowed to write exams on laptops/desktops without scribes. Over time, exam conducting bodies are expected to reduce reliance on scribes and instead support candidates with suitable accommodations to demonstrate their full potential.

Provisions on Scribes/Readers/Lab Assistants

Candidates are encouraged to write exams independently using technology. If a scribe is required, it must be provided by the official exam-conducting bodies. “Own scribe” will be allowed only if the EB cannot provide one. They must create a vetted panel of scribes within two years (or earlier if feasible) and may eliminate the “own scribe” option sooner, provided suitable scribes are available.

Qualifications of Scribe/Reader/Lab Assistant for Competitive Exams

Candidates are encouraged to write exams independently using assistive technology (laptops, Braille, large print, or recording devices). If a scribe is chosen, it must be provided by the Examining Bodies (EBs) from their vetted pool, to be established within two years.

Competitive Entrance Exams (IIT-JEE, NEET, CAT, CLAT, UGC-NET, GATE, CUET, etc.) Scribe qualification: A minimum of two academic years below and a maximum of three academic years below the eligibility requirement for that exam (e.g., for JEE Main, if eligibility is Class 12, scribe may be in Class 9 to 10; for NET/GATE, if eligibility is PG, scribe may be a final-year graduate or below).

Competitive Recruitment Exams (UPSC, SSC, NDA, etc.) Scribe qualification: They must be 2 to 3 academic years below the minimum eligibility for that exam (e.g., for SSC CGL, where eligibility is graduation, the scribe may be in Class 12 or the first year of graduation).

Facility of Scribe/Reader/Lab Assistant

The facility will be allowed if the required technology is unavailable or if the candidate is unable to use it. For those with blindness, cerebral palsy, or locomotor disability (both arms), the facility will be granted on producing a valid disability certificate or UDID card, without the need for an additional medical certificate. For all other specified disabilities, a medical certificate confirming functional limitation must be issued by the Chief Medical Officer, Civil Surgeon, or Medical Superintendent of a government hospital.

Rules for Use of Scribes in Exams

• Any objection to one's own scribe’s eligibility must be raised 30 days before the exam, so candidates have time to arrange another scribe.
• If a different/last-minute scribe is brought on exam day, the Exam Body (EB) will provide one from its pool. If unavailable, the candidate’s scribe may be allowed with proper documents.
• Scribes should preferably be from the same stream/discipline as the subject (e.g., Science for science exams). Cross-stream scribes may be allowed for general subjects.
• Scribes must be impartial and free of conflicts of interest.
• Candidates must communicate with scribes only in the exam language chosen in the application; suitable invigilators should be assigned.
• A scribe cannot appear for the same exam as a candidate. An “own scribe” cannot assist more than one candidate in the same exam.
• Candidates will be allowed a 20-minute interaction session with the scribe (provided by EB) one hour before the exam.
• A change of scribe can be requested on valid grounds (e.g., language issue), but only one such request will be considered, subject to availability.
• EBs may set up dedicated exam venues for PwD candidates, with trained invigilators, extra scribes, and CCTV.
• Candidates may use different scribes for different papers, but only one scribe per subject.

Read More

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• SSC Exam Update: Only Commission-Provided Scribes Allowed for PwBD Candidates, Ends ‘Own Scribe’ Provision