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The bench raised a concern about confining this measure to specific examination centres, noting it would be unfair if visually impaired candidates had to travel to other centres.
The UPSC is actively exploring DEPwD’s suggestions, it stated. (File Photo)
In a significant development, the Supreme Court was informed on Friday that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided in principle to introduce screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in various examinations conducted by it.
The UPSC stated that as soon as the feasibility, availability of proper infrastructure/software, and secure testing are ensured at various centres, examinations for visually impaired candidates will be conducted using screen-reading software.
This was revealed in an additional affidavit filed in court in response to a plea highlighting the lack of proper opportunities for persons with blindness/low vision in the civil services examination conducted by the UPSC.
The affidavit, filed by the joint secretary of the examination branch of UPSC, mentioned that while the Commission has thoroughly reviewed the matter and decided in principle to use screen reader software, the necessary infrastructure is not yet available.
The matter was heard by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by the organisation ‘Mission Accessibility’ through advocate Sanchita Ain.
The counsel for the petitioner informed the bench about the UPSC’s affidavit and suggested that the UPSC be directed to implement this measure in a time-bound manner to ensure the facility is available before the next examination cycle begins.
He emphasised the need for consultation on issues such as accessible question papers, diagrams, and software for question papers in regional languages.
The bench responded that the UPSC could decide whether or not to consult, as they are responsible for preparing their question papers for screen readers. The bench reserved its order on the matter.
The Supreme Court also inquired how much time the UPSC would need to implement this measure.
The UPSC’s counsel estimated it could be taken up in the next examination cycle.
The bench raised a concern about confining 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 does not have its own infrastructure to conduct examinations nationwide and relies entirely on the infrastructure and manpower of state governments, district authorities, schools, and colleges.
To ensure the availability of this facility, 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 mentioned that the Commission has also asked the chief secretaries of various states to ensure urgent action by district authorities.
Between July 22 and July 25, senior UPSC officers held video conferences with coordinating supervisors to discuss the availability of infrastructure like 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 reached out to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disability (NIEPVD), Dehradun, to explore the feasibility of 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 handling 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 with screen reader software.
DEPwD responded positively, indicating a willingness to upgrade these centres to serve 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 exploring 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.
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November 01, 2025, 11:49 IST
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