CBSE Issues Comprehensive Guidelines for CTET 2026 Candidates with Disabilities
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a crucial notification specifically addressing the examination accommodations available for candidates with disabilities who will be appearing for the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) in 2026. This detailed notice provides essential clarifications regarding the utilization of scribe services and compensatory time allowances during the examination process.
Eligibility Criteria for Special Accommodations
According to the board's latest directive, only those candidates who fall under the benchmark disabilities category as defined by Sections 2(r) and 2(s) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 will be permitted to access these specialized facilities. Eligible examinees must present the required documentation in the officially prescribed format at their designated examination centers.
CBSE has emphasized that visually impaired candidates will receive question papers printed in large font size to facilitate easier reading. The notice comprehensively outlines the application procedures for scribe assistance, the necessary qualifications for scribes, and the mandatory documents that must be submitted prior to the commencement of the examination.
Detailed Requirements for Scribe Facility Access
Candidates seeking scribe assistance must provide a valid disability certificate in the specified format along with a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by an authorized competent authority. For those experiencing writing difficulties, a certificate from a government medical authority is mandatory, confirming that the individual has writing limitations and requires scribe support for the examination.
The scribe facility will be automatically extended to candidates falling under specific disability categories including:
- Blindness
- Locomotor disability affecting both arms
- Cerebral palsy
provided they choose to utilize this accommodation.
Scribe Qualification Standards and Interaction Protocol
CBSE has established clear educational criteria for scribes. The scribe's qualification must be at least one class lower than the minimum educational requirement for the teaching position for which the CTET examination is being conducted. However, the board has set a minimum threshold, requiring all scribes to be matriculate or above in educational attainment.
Candidates requiring scribe assistance will be granted a 20-minute interaction session with their assigned scribe exactly one hour before the examination begins at the test center. This pre-examination meeting is designed to ensure compatibility and suitability between the candidate and scribe, facilitating a smoother examination experience.
Compensatory Time Allowances and Question Paper Formats
In accordance with the Office Memorandum dated August 10, 2022, issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, eligible candidates will receive compensatory time of not less than 50 minutes for every hour of examination duration. This substantial time extension aims to provide candidates with disabilities adequate opportunity to complete their tests without undue pressure.
For visually impaired candidates, CBSE will provide separate question papers in large font format alongside the standard question papers available at all centers. Candidates can choose whichever version best suits their needs and preferences.
Documentation Requirements and Compliance
Candidates must bring original disability certificates in the proper format to their examination centers. CBSE has made it explicitly clear that if candidates fail to present these certificates to the center superintendent before the examination begins, they will not be granted access to either scribe facilities or compensatory time allowances.
The board's comprehensive guidelines demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive examination environment while maintaining standardized procedures for all CTET 2026 participants with disabilities.
