The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced a major change in its scribe policy for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). As per the revised guidelines, only Commission-provided scribes will be allowed for candidates in upcoming SSC exams. The move, in line with the latest directions of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and uniformity in the examination system.
SSC’s New Scribe Policy for PwBD Candidates
Until now, PwBD candidates could bring their own scribes by following SSC’s scribe approval procedure. However, this option has now been discontinued. From the next SSC exam cycle onward, scribes will be allotted only from a pre-approved pool maintained by the Commission.
- Own scribe option discontinued; only Commission-provided scribes allowed.
- Rules applicable to all upcoming SSC exams, even those with completed applications.
- Scribe qualification: two to three academic years below the exam eligibility (e.g., Class 12 pass for Graduate-level exams).
- Candidates requiring scribes must submit details at the time of application or within 15 days via an official portal/email.
- Emergency scribe change allowed with one week’s notice.
Facilities for PwBD Candidates
SSC has also directed exam centres to encourage PwBD candidates to attempt papers independently using assistive technology. The following facilities will be made available:
- Software-enabled laptops/desktops with Indian and English language options.
- Braille or large print materials for visually impaired candidates.
- Recording devices for those unable to write.
- Panel of approved scribes prepared by the exam body.
Candidates with blindness, cerebral palsy, or locomotor disabilities in both arms will be eligible for scribes on producing a valid disability certificate/UDID card. For other disabilities, a medical certificate is required.
SSC Compensatory Time and Accessible Centres
To ensure fair opportunity, SSC will grant 20 minutes of extra time per exam hour to all PwBD candidates with functional writing limitations. This applies regardless of whether they use a scribe or not. If the exam duration is under one hour, time will be given on a pro-rata basis. SSC has also instructed that exam centres must be barrier-free, ensuring:
- Ramps, lifts, and wide corridors for mobility.
- Ground floor seating arrangements where possible.
- Audio announcements and clear signage for easy navigation.
- Trained staff and medical personnel to assist PwBD candidates during exams.
With this update, SSC has aligned its scribe policy with national-level disability guidelines, reinforcing inclusivity in recruitment exams
