‘Inclusivity Means Implementation’: SC Directs UPSC to Finalise Timeline for Assistive Measures for Persons With Disabilities

In a significant order aimed at strengthening accessibility in national competitive examinations, the Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to develop a concrete, time-bound implementation plan for introducing Screen Reader Software for visually impaired candidates.

The order was issued in a petition filed by Mission Accessibility, an organisation engaged in the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities, which sought modifications in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) process to ensure equal opportunity for candidates with disabilities.

The bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that UPSC had, in principle, agreed to introduce Screen Reader Software for visually impaired aspirants in all examinations conducted under its aegis. However, court observed that the decision lacked an operational roadmap and that UPSC remained dependent on State infrastructure and examination centres for implementing technological upgrades.

Court held that without defined timelines and coordinated planning, the policy decision would remain incomplete.

The petition also highlighted difficulties faced by visually impaired candidates who were required to submit details of their scribes at the time of filing the examination form, months before the exam.

Earlier this year, after the court sought clarification, UPSC informed that it had received about 27 requests for changing scribes and would examine all such applications on merit. Nevertheless, court formalised this process through fresh directions.

Court has now ordered that all eligible candidates must be permitted to request a change of scribe up to at least seven days before the examination. UPSC must decide each request by a reasoned order within three working days of receiving the application.

Court said this requirement must be incorporated into every future examination notification issued by UPSC.

On the issue of screen readers, the Supreme Court recorded UPSC’s statement that it is consulting the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), and State authorities to finalise technical standards and procedures. UPSC had informed the court that the necessary infrastructure, including secure digital formats of question papers and protected systems for using assistive technology, was not yet available at examination centres. It will therefore require phased implementation.

To ensure progress, court directed UPSC to file a comprehensive compliance affidavit within two months. The affidavit must outline the plan of action, specific timelines, and modalities for deploying Screen Reader Software, including testing and validation procedures across examination centres. It must also clarify the feasibility of rolling out the facility from the next examination cycle. 

Court further directed UPSC to formulate uniform guidelines for the use of assistive technologies in consultation with DEPwD and NIEPVD, ensuring that such systems do not compromise examination security. The Union government, through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has been directed to extend full technical and administrative assistance and coordinate with State governments where required.

Court said that the true measure of inclusivity in governance lies not merely in the formulation of progressive policies but in their faithful and effective implementation.

It added that the rights guaranteed to persons with disabilities are not acts of benevolence, but expressions of the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination enshrined in Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.

Court fixed the matter for further consideration on February 16, 2026. 

Case Title: Mission Accessibility Vs Union of India & Ors

Order Date: December 3, 2025

Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta