Sell-Aid Desk24/7- The central government has tightened the norms for the use of scribes in competitive examinations for the differently-abled. Under this, it has been made mandatory for the examination bodies to prepare their own pool of certified scribes within two years. Also, in view of allegations of malpractices, it has been directed to phase out the system of personally appointed scribes for differently-abled candidates in a phased manner. All agencies, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and National Testing Agency (NTA), will have to form their own pool of trained and observer scribes within two years. Till then, candidates will be allowed to bring their own scribes only in special cases.
A scribe is a person who physically sits with a candidate with disabilities and writes their answers in the examination. He reads out the questions to them and writes down the answers given by the candidate honestly. The revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment are aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency and honesty in the examinations. Also, they are to be made in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices) Act, 2024.
