In a major step toward inclusive examinations, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court that it has “in-principle” decided to introduce screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in its examinations, including the Civil Services Exam.
The Commission said it is working to ensure the feasibility, infrastructure, and secure testing environment needed for such a system, after which visually impaired candidates will be able to use screen readers during UPSC exams.
The disclosure was made in an additional affidavit filed before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, during the hearing of a petition filed by Mission Accessibility, represented by advocate Sanchita Ain. The petition raises concerns about the lack of proper opportunities and facilities for candidates with blindness or low vision in UPSC exams.
In its affidavit, the UPSC said the matter was “exhaustively reviewed” before taking this policy decision. “The Commission has in-principle decided to introduce the use of screen reader software to the visually impaired candidates for various examinations conducted by the Commission. However, the proper infrastructure is not yet available,” the affidavit stated.
The bench was informed that the UPSC is coordinating with district and state authorities to ensure the availability of computers equipped with screen reader software. The Commission has written to Chief Secretaries and District Collectors across the country to make necessary arrangements.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel urged the court to direct the UPSC to complete the process in a time-bound manner so that the facility is available before the next exam cycle.
The bench observed that it is up to the Commission whether or not to hold consultations, adding that the UPSC “knows how they are preparing their question papers and how they can put it to screen readers.”
The Court reserved its order but questioned the UPSC on how long the process would take. Counsel for the Commission said the implementation was likely to begin with next year’s examination cycle.
The judges also noted that restricting such facilities to a few centres would be unfair, as visually impaired candidates should not have to travel long distances for accessible test venues.
The affidavit detailed ongoing coordination with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, and its regional centres. UPSC has sought to use their computer labs for conducting exams for candidates opting for screen reader assistance.
A review meeting was held on July 28 between UPSC and NIEPVD officials to discuss implementation issues, including handling of both objective and subjective question papers.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has expressed willingness to upgrade NIEPVD centres into dedicated examination venues for visually impaired candidates, though it clarified that “software sanitation, accessible formatting of question papers, and related aspects” would remain the UPSC’s responsibility.
The petition by Mission Accessibility seeks directions to the UPSC and the Centre to provide equitable examination facilities for visually impaired candidates. It argues that the absence of accessible infrastructure violates the rights of persons with disabilities to equal opportunity under the law.
The Supreme Court’s final order, expected soon, is likely to determine the timeline and accountability for implementing screen reader access in UPSC exams — a reform that could mark a major shift toward inclusivity in India’s most prestigious civil service recruitment process.
