BCI Issues Guidelines for Blind, Low-Vision Candidates for AIBE XX

The Bar Council of India has issued detailed guidelines for blind and low-vision candidates who will appear for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) XX on November 30, 2025. The notification aims to ensure equal access for candidates with visual impairments by providing extra time, scribe facilities and selective exemptions from specific parts of the exam. According to the new rules, eligible candidates will receive twenty minutes of extra time per hour, which amounts to one additional hour for the three-hour-long examination. The decision aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and follows the objective of increasing participation of differently abled candidates in the legal profession.

Medical Certificate Required

Candidates must submit a medical certificate issued by a government-recognised ophthalmologist. The certificate should confirm a minimum of forty percent visual impairment, as mandated under the RPwD Act. It must also specify the degree of vision loss and mention any assistive aids required by the candidate. The document will serve as the primary proof for availing additional exam-related support.

Provisions for Scribe Use and Assistive Technology

The notification states that candidates may choose between attempting the exam independently using assistive software or taking the help of a scribe. Software such as NVDA will be permitted, and candidates can inspect and install required tools one day before the exam to ensure that the system functions smoothly. Scribes will be allowed only under the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Candidates opting for a scribe must follow the prescribed approval process and ensure their scribe meets the eligibility conditions set by the authorities.

Exemption for Hindi Language Paper

In a significant relief, eligible candidates may also receive a full exemption from Paper V, the Hindi language component of the AIBE. This provision applies to candidates whose disability level meets the specified criteria. The move is seen as an important step toward making the examination more inclusive and accessible.

Objective Behind the Notification

The Council has stated that the guidelines were issued to address the challenges faced by visually impaired candidates during national-level professional examinations. Increasing the number of differently abled candidates entering legal practice has been a priority, and the new measures reflect this commitment. The notification emphasises the need for a fair environment and clarifies that all systems and support arrangements must be checked in advance to avoid last-minute difficulties at the exam centre. With the exam date approaching, candidates are reviewing the updated rules carefully. The guidelines are expected to streamline the examination process and ensure that candidates with disabilities are able to take part in AIBE XX with dignity and adequate support. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey