The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a new notification outlining crucial guidelines for facilitating candidates with disabilities (PwD) in the JEE Main 2025 examination. This initiative aims to ensure that candidates with benchmark disabilities and other specified disabilities are provided with necessary accommodations, including scribe assistance, compensatory time, and assistive technology.

JEE Main 2025: Key Provisions For PwD Candidates

The newly issued guidelines, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), encompass various accommodations for candidates with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility for them during the exam.

Scribe and Compensatory Time Facility

• Scribe Assistance: Candidates with a benchmark disability or specific physical limitations, such as blindness or cerebral palsy, may request a scribe to assist them during the examination. As per Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment guidelines, the choice of using a scribe remains with the candidate.
• Compensatory Time: An additional compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of examination is allocated for candidates utilizing the scribe facility. For a three-hour examination, an extra hour is provided to eligible candidates, regardless of whether they use a scribe. This compensatory time is calculated on a pro-rata basis for exams lasting less than an hour.

Documentation for Scribe and Compensatory Time Eligibility

• Benchmark Disabilities (40% or more): Candidates with a benchmark disability under section 2(r) of the RPwD Act, 2016, may avail of a scribe. Those falling within this category will need certification from a government healthcare institution.
• Other Disabilities (Less than 40%): Candidates who do not meet the benchmark disability requirement (i.e., below 40%) may also request scribe assistance and compensatory time. Certification from a multi-member medical authority, including a chief medical officer and specialists relevant to the candidate’s condition, is required.

Assistive Devices, Seating Arrangements, and Accessibility

NTA emphasizes an accessible examination environment by ensuring proper seating arrangements, assistive devices, and exam-center accessibility for candidates with disabilities. This aims to provide a comfortable testing experience tailored to individual needs.

Guidelines For Candidates

• Candidates opting for a scribe are allowed to select their own or request one from the examination body.
• NTA will make arrangements to ensure that candidates can meet their assigned scribes at least two days prior to the exam to verify compatibility. This interaction is intended to ensure the scribe can fully meet the candidate’s requirements.
• Candidates with disabilities are advised to stay updated with the official NTA websites: nta.ac.in and jeemain.nta.nic.in.

For more information, visit JEE Mains 2025