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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) informed the Supreme Court on Friday that it plans to introduce screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in its various examinations, as reported by PTI. The UPSC indicated that once the feasibility, proper infrastructure/software availability, and secure testing are ensured at various centres, exams for visually impaired candidates will be conducted using screen-reading software. An affidavit, submitted by the joint secretary of the UPSC’s examination branch, stated that although the Commission has thoroughly examined the issue and decided in principle to implement screen reader software, the necessary infrastructure is still unavailable. The matter was reviewed by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. The Supreme Court was considering a petition filed by the organisation ‘Mission Accessibility’ through advocate Sanchita Ain. The petitioner’s counsel informed the bench about the UPSC’s affidavit and proposed that the UPSC be instructed to implement this measure in a timely manner to ensure the facility is available before the next examination cycle commences. He stressed the need for discussions on issues like accessible question papers, diagrams, and software for question papers in regional languages. The bench responded that the UPSC could decide on consultation as they are responsible for preparing their question papers for screen readers. The bench reserved its decision on the matter. The Supreme Court also asked how much time the UPSC would need to implement this measure. The UPSC’s counsel estimated it could be ready for the next examination cycle. The bench expressed concern about limiting this measure to specific examination centres, noting it would be unfair if visually impaired candidates had to travel to other centres. In its affidavit, the UPSC stated it lacks its own infrastructure to conduct nationwide examinations and relies on the infrastructure and manpower of state governments, district authorities, schools, and colleges. To ensure this facility is available, the UPSC has requested coordinating supervisors (district collectors, district magistrates/divisional commissioners, etc.) in a July 7 letter to ensure this facility is available as soon as possible. The affidavit noted that the Commission has also asked the chief secretaries of various states to ensure district authorities take urgent action. Between July 22 and 25, senior UPSC officers held video conferences with coordinating supervisors to discuss the availability of infrastructure such as computers/laptops with screen reader software, the number of visually impaired candidates at each centre, procurement of software, secure transmission of digital question papers, and the availability of at least one venue per city with the required facilities. The UPSC also contacted the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disability (NIEPVD), Dehradun, to explore using their computer labs and regional centres for conducting examinations for candidates who opt for screen reader software assistance. A review meeting between UPSC officers and NIEPVD was held on July 28 to discuss the use of computers with screen reader software and the handling of subjective and objective-type papers. The UPSC has also communicated with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), New Delhi, to explore using NIEPVD’s computer labs and regional centres for examinations involving screen reader software. DEPwD responded positively, showing a willingness to upgrade these centres as dedicated examination centres for visually impaired candidates. However, they emphasised that the software requirements, examination protocols, accessible question paper formatting, software sanitation, and related aspects remain the sole responsibility of the UPSC. The UPSC is actively considering DEPwD’s suggestions. The affidavit noted that the Centre previously stated that the decision to use screen reader software for visually impaired candidates does not require an amendment to the Civil Services Examinations (CSE) Rules, 2025.
