In a sweeping reform aimed at restoring integrity to public examinations, the Centre has overhauled the rules governing the use of scribes by persons with disabilities (PwDs). The new framework, issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, mandates examining bodies to create their own vetted pools of scribes within two years—phasing out the widely misused “own scribe” system that authorities say has been riddled with malpractice.

The rules apply to all competitive written exams linked to government jobs and admissions in professional or technical courses. They align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, as well as Supreme Court directives on equal opportunity.

Authorities including the UPSC, SSC, and National Testing Agency have long flagged cases where privately arranged scribes colluded with candidates—sometimes even writing answers independently without dictation—undermining fairness and transparency.

“Inputs from responsible bodies like UPSC and DoPT identified the ‘own scribe’ provision as a significant vulnerability in safeguarding exam integrity,” the ministry said in its notification.

Technology over dependence

The guidelines stress encouraging PwD candidates to attempt exams independently using assistive technologies such as screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), speech-to-text software, Braille, large print, recording devices, or software-enabled laptops. Officials argue this approach not only reduces malpractice but also prepares candidates for professional environments where independence is essential.

Until official scribe pools are ready, candidates may bring their own scribes only as a last resort and only for a limited transition period of two years.

Stricter eligibility, stronger safeguards

The eligibility of scribes has also been tightened. They must have qualifications two to three academic years below the exam requirement, cannot appear for the same exam, and must have no conflicts of interest.

Other key provisions include:

·        Compensatory time: At least 20 minutes per exam hour for candidates with functional writing limitations.

·        Accessible exam centres: Mandatory ramps, lifts, wide corridors, audio announcements, ground-floor seating, and special quiet rooms for neurodiverse candidates.

·        Training & grievance redressal: Exam staff will undergo disability-sensitivity training, invigilators will be sensitised annually, and grievance systems will be in place.

·        Data protection: All candidate records will be safeguarded under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Examination bodies must also collect feedback on scribe quality, provide incentives for empanelled scribes, and strictly penalise malpractice by candidates, scribes, or officials.

By embedding accessibility with accountability, the Centre hopes to make competitive exams not only more inclusive but also immune to the misuse that has eroded trust in the system.