UPSC to Implement Screen Reader Software for Visually Impaired Candidates
Introduction of Screen Reader Software
UPSC Update: On Friday, the Supreme Court was informed that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) plans to introduce screen reader software for candidates with visual impairments during its examinations.
Technical Infrastructure and Implementation
The UPSC indicated that it will roll out this initiative once the necessary technical infrastructure, software, and testing facilities are established at examination centers nationwide.
Affidavit Submission to the Supreme Court
This information was shared in an additional affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, addressing a petition that claimed blind or low-vision candidates were not given equitable opportunities in the Civil Services Examination.
In the affidavit, the UPSC stated, "The Commission has thoroughly reviewed the situation and has decided to implement screen reader software for visually impaired candidates. However, the required infrastructure is currently lacking."
Hearing Details
The case was heard by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, following a petition from the organization "Mission Accessibility," represented by advocate Sanchit Ain.
Urgent Implementation Requested
Petitioner's Request: The petitioner urged the court to ensure that the UPSC implements this system promptly, aiming for availability before the next examination session. They emphasized the need for consultations regarding the accessibility of question papers, charts, diagrams, and appropriate software for regional languages.
The bench remarked, "It is up to the UPSC to decide on consultations. They are aware of how their question papers are prepared and how to make them compatible with screen readers." The court reserved its order following this discussion.
Timeline for Implementation
The Supreme Court inquired about the timeline for this implementation. The UPSC's legal representative indicated that the plan is to introduce this feature in the next examination cycle.
The bench also noted that if the facility is limited to a few centers, visually impaired candidates would face unfair travel burdens to access them.
Collaboration with State Authorities
UPSC's Examination Structure: The UPSC clarified in its affidavit that it does not possess its own examination infrastructure and relies entirely on the cooperation of state governments, district administrations, schools, and colleges.
On July 7, the Commission reached out to coordinating officers, including District Collectors and Magistrates, urging them to facilitate the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.
Meetings and Coordination Efforts
Between July 22 and 25, senior UPSC officials conducted a video conference with coordinating officers to discuss 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 at least one center in each city.
Collaboration with NIEPVD
The UPSC has also contacted the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, requesting the use of their computer labs for candidates wishing to utilize screen reader software.
A meeting on July 28 between UPSC and NIEPVD officials focused on the implementation of screen reader software and strategies for managing both objective and descriptive question papers.
Support from DEPwD
The UPSC has reached out to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in New Delhi, exploring the possibility of utilizing NIEPVD laboratories and its nine regional centers for visually impaired candidates' examinations.
The DEPwD expressed willingness to develop these centers as dedicated facilities for visually impaired candidates, while emphasizing that the UPSC would remain responsible for software, examination protocols, accessible question paper formats, and software security.
Conclusion
The UPSC affirmed that it is actively considering the DEPwD's suggestions. The affidavit also clarified that no amendments to the Civil Services Examination Rules, 2025 are necessary to permit the use of screen reader software for visually impaired candidates.