Overview

• All examining bodies, including UPSC, SSC and the National Testing Agency, must establish trained and supervised scribe pools within two years, with 'own scribe' allowed only as a last resort during the transition.
• The overhaul follows documented integrity concerns around the 'own scribe' system and aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
• Candidates are encouraged to use assistive technologies such as screen readers (JAWS, NVDA), Braille, speech-to-text, large print and software-enabled laptops to reduce reliance on scribes.
• Scribe eligibility is tightened, typically requiring qualifications two to three academic years below the exam minimum, with prohibitions on same-exam candidates and any conflicts of interest.
• Authorities must grant at least 20 minutes extra per hour for writing limitations, ensure fully accessible centres and quiet rooms, train and sensitise staff, secure personal and medical data under the DPDP Act, 2023, and enforce penalties for non-compliance or malpractice.