UPSC Introduces Screen Reader Software for Visually Impaired Candidates

UPSC's New Initiative for Visually Impaired Candidates

UPSC Update: On Friday, the Supreme Court was informed that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has made a preliminary decision to implement screen reader software for candidates with visual impairments during its examinations.

The UPSC indicated that it will roll out this software as soon as the required technical infrastructure and testing facilities are established at examination centers nationwide.

Details Shared with the Supreme Court:

This information was disclosed in an additional affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, responding to a petition that claimed blind or low-vision candidates were not being given equitable opportunities in the Civil Services Examination.

In the affidavit, the Commission stated, "We have thoroughly reviewed the situation and have decided to introduce screen reader software for visually impaired candidates. However, the necessary infrastructure is currently lacking."

The case was heard by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, with the petition filed by an organization named "Mission Accessibility," represented by advocate Sanchit Ain.

Urgent Demand for Implementation:

The petitioner urged the court to instruct the UPSC to expedite the implementation of this system to ensure its availability before the upcoming examination session. They emphasized the need for discussions regarding the accessibility of question papers, charts, diagrams, and suitable software for regional language question papers.

In response, the bench remarked, "It is at the discretion of the UPSC to consult or not. They are aware of how their question papers are prepared and how to make them compatible with screen readers." The court noted that the UPSC could choose to engage in this consultation process if they wish. The court then reserved its judgment.

The Supreme Court also inquired about the timeline for implementation. The UPSC's legal representative indicated that the plan is to incorporate this feature in the next examination cycle. The bench highlighted that if this facility is limited to a few centers, visually impaired candidates would have to travel to distant cities, which would be unjust.

UPSC's Examination Structure:

In its affidavit, the UPSC clarified that it does not possess its own examination framework and relies entirely on the cooperation of state governments, district administrations, schools, and colleges. Consequently, on July 7, the Commission reached out to coordinating officers (including District Collectors and Magistrates) to expedite the availability of this facility.

The Commission also communicated with the Chief Secretaries of all states to ensure prompt action by district administrations. Between July 22 and 25, senior UPSC officials conducted a video conference with coordinating officers involved in the examination process, discussing the availability of screen reader software on computers, the number of visually impaired candidates at each center, software procurement, secure transmission of digital question papers, and ensuring necessary facilities at least at one center in each city.

Additionally, the UPSC has contacted the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, requesting the use of their computer labs and regional centers for candidates opting to use screen reader software.

On July 28, a meeting took place between senior UPSC officials and NIEPVD to discuss the implementation of screen reader software and the handling of both objective and descriptive question papers.

The Commission has also reached out to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in New Delhi, asking them to consider utilizing the laboratories of NIEPVD and its nine regional centers.

The DEPwD expressed its willingness to develop these centers as dedicated examination venues for visually impaired candidates, but noted that the UPSC would remain responsible for aspects such as software, examination protocols, accessible question paper formats, and software security.

The UPSC confirmed that it is actively considering the DEPwD's suggestions. The affidavit also mentioned that no amendments to the Civil Services Examination Rules, 2025 are necessary to permit the use of screen reader software for visually impaired candidates.