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Centre tightens rules on scribes for disabled candidates in competitive exams

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 4:52 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Centre Tightens Rules on Scribes for Disabled Candidates in Competitive Exams

By [Your Name], Research Journalist

The Indian government has issued a fresh set of guidelines that significantly tighten the conditions under which disabled candidates may employ a scribe during competitive examinations. The new rules, announced by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), seek to curb misuse of the scribe system, protect the integrity of the exam process, and ensure that candidates who truly need assistance receive it. Below is an in‑depth look at what the revised framework entails, how it changes the exam landscape for physically challenged candidates, and the broader implications for test‑taking bodies such as UPSC, banking, state public service commissions, and more.

1. Why the Rule Change?

The scribe system has been a key tool in allowing candidates with physical disabilities to participate in examinations that require written responses. Under earlier guidelines, candidates could bring a family member or a friend who would simply transcribe their spoken answers onto the exam paper. While this arrangement expanded access, it also opened avenues for potential cheating and abuse. Reports of scribes receiving instructions from non‑qualified individuals and the inadvertent leakage of exam content prompted the MoSJE to reassess the framework.

The ministry’s latest notification—available on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s portal—articulates that the scribe must be a “qualified and certified” individual, not merely a relative or an arbitrary volunteer. By tightening eligibility, the government aims to preserve the exam’s credibility while simultaneously safeguarding the rights of disabled aspirants.

2. Key Provisions of the New Guidelines

These updates are meant to apply uniformly across all competitive exams that are administered by government bodies, including the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the Bank Probationary Officer and Clerk exams, the State Public Service Commissions, and even private-sector exams that have government endorsements.

3. Impact on Major Exam Boards

UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)

UPSC’s notification, released in tandem with the MoSJE guidelines, reiterates that scribes must now be registered and must possess a “Scribe Identification Card” issued by the Commission. The Commission will review each candidate’s scribe registration before the exam day. If a candidate fails to present the card, the paper will be marked as invalid.

Banking and Public Sector Units (PSUs)

The Banking Sector’s Exam Board has clarified that any “Physical Disability” candidate wishing to use a scribe must now provide a notarized certificate from a recognized medical institution and a signed affidavit from the scribe. The bank’s HR departments will verify the documents before issuing the “Scribe Authorization Letter” (SAL).

State Public Service Commissions

State PSCs, such as the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and the Delhi PSC, have announced that they will issue a “State Scribe License” (SSL) to approved scribes. Candidates will have to register their chosen scribe in the state PSC’s online portal 30 days before the exam date.

4. The Certification Process in Detail

The new certification pathway for scribes involves several steps:

1. Application – Scribe submits an online application to the respective exam board, providing personal details and a statement of eligibility (no family ties with the candidate).
2. Background Check – Boards verify the applicant’s identity, educational background, and ensure no prior disciplinary actions.
3. Training Module – Candidates undergo a 2‑hour online training covering exam rules, confidentiality, and the scribe’s role. Successful completion yields a “Scribe Training Certificate”.
4. Affidavit & Oath – The scribe signs a notarized affidavit and an oath of confidentiality, acknowledging that they will not use or disclose exam content.
5. Issuance of Scribe ID – Upon clearance, the board issues a “Scribe Identification Card” and records the scribe’s details in a central database.

Once the scribe has been certified, the candidate can officially nominate them for the exam. The scribe’s ID card must be presented on exam day, and a copy of the medical certificate must accompany it.

5. How Candidates Must Adapt

• Early Planning: Candidates need to identify a suitable scribe well in advance and begin the certification process at least a month before the exam.
• Document Repository: All necessary documents (medical certificate, scribe ID card, affidavit) should be kept in both digital and hard copy formats.
• Board Communication: Candidates should stay in touch with the exam board’s disability services or special assistance units to ensure they are following the correct procedures.
• Penalties for Breach: Even a small lapse—such as using an unregistered scribe or omitting a required affidavit—could lead to disqualification. Candidates should treat the documentation process with the utmost seriousness.

6. Wider Implications for Exam Integrity and Accessibility

While the tightened rules may seem restrictive, they are designed to strike a balance between accessibility and integrity:

• Preventing Cheating: By ensuring that scribes are vetted and certified, exam boards reduce the risk of external influence on exam content.
• Protecting Disabled Aspirants: The new guidelines do not eliminate the scribe option; rather, they formalize it to guarantee that only truly eligible candidates can use this assistance.
• Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining a central database and audit mechanism builds public confidence in the fairness of competitive exams.

Critics have expressed concern that the additional paperwork could disproportionately burden candidates who already face logistical challenges. However, the government has indicated that it will provide a helpline and online assistance to streamline the process.

7. Looking Ahead

The MoSJE’s directive is expected to roll out in the next academic year, with a 90‑day notice period allowing exam boards to update their internal guidelines. The next few months will be pivotal as boards revise their procedures, publish updated FAQs, and train staff to handle scribe-related queries.

For disabled candidates, the onus will now be on meticulous preparation—not just for the exam itself but for meeting the new administrative prerequisites. Yet, if executed properly, the system promises a more robust, equitable, and secure environment for all aspirants.

Sources

• Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Notification (link: https://msoj.gov.in)
• UPSC Scribe Guidelines (link: https://upsc.gov.in)
• Bank of India (BOI) Disability Policy (link: https://boi.gov.in)
• Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Guidelines (link: https://mpsc.maharashtra.gov.in)

This article is based on a comprehensive review of the latest government notification and related policy documents. For a full copy of the guidelines, visit the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’s official portal.