Supreme Court Directs CLAT to Provide Tech Access for Visually Disable

Supreme Court's Directives on Enhanced Accessibility for Visually Impaired Candidates in CLAT. Students must be provided with assistive technology and options for independent examination taking. The Court clarified that interim directions issued for AIBE in December 2024 will also apply to CLAT going forward. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, emphasised that visually challenged candidates should not be restricted to relying solely on scribes. The matter has been raised for further consideration on November 13, 2025, to review implementation and compliance.

Key Highlights of the Supreme Court Order on CLAT Accessibility

The Supreme Court has issued an important order making the CLAT examination more accessible for visually impaired candidates. This directive focuses on equal opportunity, provision of assistive measures, and inclusive examination practices.

• JAWS screen reader: Candidates must be allowed the use of JAWS (Job Access With Speech) software for exam navigation and response.
• Assistive hardware: Provision of customised keyboards and mice for ease of access.
• Word document answers: Visually impaired candidates may type answers directly on a computer using a Word document.
• Retained scribe option: They maintain the choice to use a scribe as per existing government guidelines.
• Prior AIBE directives extended: Interim orders dated December 5 and 11, 2024, issued for AIBE, now apply "mutatis mutandis" to CLAT too.

Supreme Court Order on CLAT, Background and Next Steps

The case originated from a plea filed by visually impaired law graduates, including petitioner Yash Dodani, who challenged current exam norms for CLAT-PG and AIBE. They sought inclusive methods to take the exam without full reliance on a scribe. On December 5, 2024, the Supreme Court had already ordered accessibility features like JAWS, NVDA, personal keyboards, and advanced software installation for AIBE candidates. On December 11, 2024, it added that visually impaired candidates must be allowed to use computers while still keeping the scribe option. It also stipulated criteria for selecting scribes: they must not have a background in humanities or law. They should be one step below the candidate’s qualification, all in line with the Government of India guidelines dated August 29, 2018.

During the latest hearing, Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave informed the Court that fresh guidelines were issued on August 1, 2025, to ensure compliance with these orders. The Court directed that both the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the CLAT Consortium must strictly follow those guidelines.

Supreme Court Order on CLAT, Next Step

The court’s decision marks an important step in ensuring equal access for visually impaired students in legal entrance tests. Integrating technology with support options creates a way for greater inclusion in law education. The case, Yash Dodani & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 785/2024), will be heard next on November 13, 2025, to evaluate adherence to the accessibility directive.