Relief for Disabled Aspirants: Supreme Court Tells UPSC to Fix Scribe, Accessibility Issues
SC directed UPSC to permit scribe name changes and improve screen-reader access for persons with disabilities in competitive exams
The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a set of directions to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, including permitting candidates to change the name of their scribe within a reasonable period before the examination.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta delivered the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Mission Accessibility, which sought an option to modify scribe details in UPSC registration forms.
The petitioner had argued that the absence of such a provision created unnecessary barriers for disabled aspirants whose access needs often change close to the exam date.
The Bench noted that the Court has directed the UPSC to ensure proper screen-reader compatibility across its online platforms and to allow candidates to update their scribe’s name within a specified window before the exam.
The matter will be listed again on February 16, when UPSC is expected to file a compliance affidavit outlining the steps taken to implement the Court’s directions.
On the previous hearing, the Court had asked the UPSC and the Union of India to respond to the petitioner’s concerns.
On May 9, Counsel for the UPSC Advocate Hrishikesh Baruah informed the Court that the Commission had received around 27 requests for change of scribes, which would be evaluated on merit. A press note to this effect was also uploaded by the Commission, allowing such requests until 4 PM on May 18, 2025.
However, Bajaj highlighted gaps in the UPSC's approach, including:
1. Lack of a clear timeline for disposing of requests;
2. Absence of defined grounds for accepting or rejecting scribe change applications;
3. No mention of required supporting documents for such requests.
The Court had accepted these concerns and directed that all such applications be processed within three working days, with a reasoned order communicated to the candidates. On the issue of screen reader access, Baruah had stated that the Commission currently lacks the logistical infrastructure to offer such a facility across the board for the 2025 preliminary exam. He argued that enabling this option for only two candidates would not be viable unless extended to all similarly placed candidates. However, he sought time to file a specific affidavit on the feasibility of screen reader use in coordination with the Department for PwDs.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Archana Pathak Dave, appearing for the Union Government had clarified that the Civil Services Examination Rules, 2025 already permit PwD candidates to opt for a scribe; either their own or one provided by the Commission. The rules also do not require amendment to consider screen reader usage. Taking note of these developments, the Court directed the UPSC to file a detailed affidavit on the screen reader issue and posted the matter for further hearing on May 16, 2025.
"We hereby provide that all the requests for change of scribe submitted by the concerned candidates who are entitled for a scribe in terms of the CSE Rules, 2025 shall be entertained till 18th May, 2025. The Commission shall immediately, upon receipt of such application, consider the same objectively and communicate the decision thereof by a reasoned order to the candidate/s concerned within a period of three working days from the date of receipt of the application/s," the Court had said in its order dated May 9.
Case Title: Mission Accessibility v. Union of India
Pronouncement Date: December 3, 2025
Bench: Justices Vikram and Sandeep Mehta