The Supreme Court has directed the UPSC to implement screen-reader access for visually impaired candidates, marking a crucial step toward inclusive examinations. The Commission must report compliance as the Court monitors progress.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today heard a petition seeking mandatory accessibility measures, including screen reader software, for visually impaired candidates appearing in public and competitive examinations. The case challenges the current reliance on scribes and argues that visually impaired aspirants must be provided technology-based accommodations to ensure autonomy, equality and dignity during examinations.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.
During the hearing, the bench announced that it had issued specific directions to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) relating to the implementation of accessibility reforms. The Court has asked the Commission to take concrete steps to enable visually impaired candidates to use screen reader software and other technological aids during exams.
Justice Sandeep Mehta, speaking for the bench, stated:
“We have given certain directions to UPSC. The matter will be listed again on 16th February for receiving compliance.”
With this, the Supreme Court has made it clear that the issue will be monitored closely and compliance status must be reported at the next hearing.
UPSC Affidavit
The Supreme Court was informed, through an additional affidavit, that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has decided in principle to introduce screen-reader software for visually impaired candidates in all its examinations. The affidavit, placed before the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, states that the Commission has reviewed the issue thoroughly and intends to roll out the facility once the required infrastructure, secure digital systems, and software testing are in place across exam centres.
The petition, filed by Mission Accessibility and argued by advocate Sanchita Ain, raised concerns about inadequate examination support for candidates with blindness or low vision and requested a fixed timeline for implementation. While the petitioners urged that the system be operationalized before the next examination cycle and sought stakeholder consultations, the bench noted that consultation was optional and left the decision to UPSC.
UPSC submitted that implementation may begin from next year’s examination cycle, but the Court questioned how the facility could be restricted to only a few centres, noting that requiring candidates to travel long distances would be unfair.
The affidavit also details steps already underway, including:
- Letters to all state and district exam supervisors requesting infrastructure readiness
- Video-conference meetings with coordinating officials to assess availability of computers, screen-reader software, secure digital formats, and regional requirements
- Engagement with NIEPVD, Dehradun, and its regional centres to use computer labs as accessible exam venues
- Requests to DEPwD to upgrade these centres for nationwide implementation
DEPwD has agreed to support infrastructure upgrades but clarified that responsibility for software security, accessible question-paper formatting, and exam protocols lies with UPSC.
Case Title:
Mission Accessibility v. Union of India
W.P.(C) No. 206/2025
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