F.No.
16-110/2003-DD.III
Government of
India
Ministry of
Social Justice & Empowerment
Department of
Disability Affairs
***
Shastri
Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 26th February, 2013
To
Principal Secretary/ Secretary, Social Welfare of
States/UTs.
Subject: Guidelines
for conducting written examination for Persons with Disabilities.
Sir,
I am
directed to say that Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) in
its order dated 23.11.2012 in case No. 3929/2007 ( in the matter of Shri Gopal
Sisodia, Indian Association of the Blind Vs. State Bank of India & Others)
and in case No.65/1041/12-13 ( in the matter of Score Foundation Vs. Department
of Disability Affairs) had directed this Ministry to circulate guidelines for the purpose of
conducting written examination for persons with disabilities for compliance by
all concerned. In compliance of the above order, this Ministry hereby lays down
the following uniform and comprehensive guidelines for conducting examination
for the persons with disabilities as recommended by CCPD:-
i.
There should be a uniform and
comprehensive policy across the country for persons with disabilities for
written examination taking into account improvement in technology and new
avenues opened to the persons with disabilities providing a level playing
field. Policy should also have
flexibility to accommodate the specific needs on case-to-case basis.
ii.
There is no need for fixing separate
criteria for regular and competitive examinations.
iii.
The facility of Scribe/Reader/Lab
Assistant should be allowed to any person who has disability of 40% or more if
so desired by the person.
iv.
The candidate should have the
discretion of opting for his own scribe/reader/lab assistant or request the
Examination Body for the same. The
examining body may also identify the scribe/ reader/lab assistant to make
panels at the District/Division/ State level as per the requirements of the
examination. In such instances the
candidates should be allowed to meet the scribe a day before the examination so
that the candidates get a chance to check and verify whether the scribe is
suitable or not.
v.
Criteria like educational
qualification, marks scored, age or other such restrictions for the
scribe/reader/lab assistant should not be fixed. Instead, the invigilation system should be
strengthened, so that the candidates using scribe/reader/lab assistant do not
indulge in mal-practices like copying and cheating during the examination.
vi.
There should also be flexibility in
accommodating any change in scribe/reader/lab assistant in case of
emergency. The candidates should also be
allowed to take more than one scribe/reader for writing different papers
especially for languages.
vii.
Persons with disabilities should be
given the option of choosing the mode for taking the examinations i.e. in
Braille or in the computer or in large print or even by recording the answers
as the examining bodies can easily make use of technology to convert question
paper in large prints, e-text, or Braille and can also convert Braille text in
English or regional languages.
viii.
The candidates should be allowed to
check the computer system one day in advance so that the problems, if any in
the software/system could be rectified.
ix.
The procedure of availing the facility
of scribe should be simplified and the necessary details should be recorded at
the time of filling up of the forms.
Thereafter, the examining body should ensure availability of question
papers in the format opted by the candidate as well as suitable seating arrangement
for giving examination.
x.
The disability certificate issued by
the competent medical authority at any place should be accepted across the
country.
xi.
The word “extra time or additional
time” that is being currently used should be changed to “compensatory time” and
the same should not be less than 20 minutes per hour of examination for persons
who are making use of scribe/reader/lab assistant. All the candidates with disability not
availing the facility of scribe may be allowed additional time of minimum of
one hour for examination of 3 hours duration which could further be increased
on case to case basis.
xii.
The candidates should be allowed to
use assistive devices like talking calculator (in cases where calculators are
allowed for giving exams), tailor frame, Braille slate, abacus, geometry kit, Braille
measuring tape and augmentative communication devices like communication chart
and electronic devices.
xiii.
Proper seating arrangement (preferably
on the ground floor) should be made prior to the commencement of examination to
avoid confusion or distraction during the day of the exam. The time of giving the question papers should
be marked accurately and timely supply of supplementary papers should be
ensured.
xiv.
The examining body should also provide
reading material in Braille or E-Text or on computers having suitable screen
reading softwares for open book examination.
Similarly online examination should be in accessible format i.e.
websites, question papers and all other study material should be accessible as
per the international standards laid down in this regard.
xv.
Alternative objective questions in
lieu of descriptive questions should be provided for Hearing-Impaired persons,
in addition to the existing policy of giving alternative questions in lieu of
questions requiring visual inputs, for persons with Visual Impairment.
2. You
are requested to ensure that the above guidelines are scrupulously followed
while conducting examination for persons with disabilities. All the recruitment agencies,
Academics/Examination Bodies etc. under your administrative control may be
advised appropriately to ensure compliance of implementing these
guidelines. Action taken in this regard
may be intimated to this office.
3. The
above guidelines are issued with the approval of Hon’ble Minister (Social
Justice & Empowerment).
Yours faithfully,
(Jagdish
Kumar)
Deputy Secretary to
the Govt. of India
Copy
to: CCPD,
Sarojini Bhawan, Bhagwan Dass Road, New Delhi with reference to order dated 23.11.2012 in case No. 3929/2007 and in case
No.65/1041/12-13.
