The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released detailed guidelines for candidates with disabilities (PwD) appearing for the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT 2025). These guidelines for CMAT 2025 PwD candidates are in compliance with government notifications and aim to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all candidates. Below is a comprehensive overview of the policies and facilities provided for candidates with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Click here to get details about the CMAT Registration 2025 Extended deadline!

CMAT 2025: Guidelines For PwD Candidates

The details of guidelines for PwD candidates are given below.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

As per the Gazette of India (Extraordinary Part-II Section 1, dated December 28, 2016):

  • Person with Benchmark Disability (Section 2(r)): Refers to individuals with at least 40% disability, as certified by an authority.
  • Person with Disability (Section 2(s)): Refers to individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that hinder their participation in society on an equal basis.

Office Memorandum (August 29, 2018)

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment provided the following guidelines:

  • Facility of Scribe: Candidates with benchmark disabilities, including blindness, cerebral palsy, or locomotor disabilities (both arms affected), are eligible for a scribe if desired.
  • Certification Requirement: Other categories of benchmark disabilities must produce a certificate from a government healthcare institution stating the necessity of a scribe.

Office Memorandum (August 10, 2022)

For candidates with less than 40% disability:

  • Eligibility for Scribe/Compensatory Time: Candidates must provide a medical certificate from a multi-member authority comprising specialists such as:
    • Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon
    • Orthopedic Specialist/PMR Specialist
    • Neurologist, if available
    • Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist
    • Occupational Therapist, if applicable
  • Validity of Certificates: Certificates are valid for up to six months or as specified by the medical authority.

Facilities For CMAT 2025 PwD Candidates

The facilities for CMAT 2025 PwD candidates are given below.

Scribe Assistance

  • Candidates can opt for their own scribe or request one from the examination body.
  • Examination authorities may prepare a panel of scribes at district/state levels.
  • Candidates must be allowed to meet their scribe two days before the examination.

Compensatory Time

  • Candidates using a scribe or eligible for additional time will receive 20 minutes per hour of examination as compensatory time.
  • A minimum of one hour extra time will be granted for examinations of three hours, even if the candidate does not use a scribe.
  • For exams shorter than one hour, additional time will be provided on a pro-rata basis (minimum 5 minutes).

Assistive Devices and Accessibility

  • Use of assistive devices, such as hearing aids or prosthetics, is permitted.
  • Proper seating arrangements and accessible examination centres are mandated.

Certification Requirements

Candidates requiring a scribe or compensatory time must present:

  • A certificate from a government healthcare institution (Appendix I for benchmark disabilities or Appendix II for less than 40% disability).
  • A letter of undertaking by the candidate specifying the scribe’s qualifications (Appendix III).

CMAT 2025: Contact Information

For further details and assistance:

The NTA’s guidelines for CMAT 2025 aim to ensure fairness and accessibility for all candidates, including those with disabilities. By adhering to the RPwD Act, 2016, and government directives, CMAT continues to foster an inclusive environment for aspiring management professionals.