UPSC plans screen reader software facility for visually impaired aspirants

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court that it intends to introduce screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in its examinations once the required infrastructure and systems are in place.

In its affidavit, the Commission stated, “As soon as the feasibility and availability of proper infrastructure/software and proper testing is ensured at various centers to conduct its examinations in a secured manner, the Commission will conduct its examinations for visually impaired candidates by providing screen reading software.”

The submission was made before a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.

UPSC recalled that on May 9, it had orally informed the court that introducing screen reader software would not require any amendment to the Civil Services Examination Rules, 2025, as sought by the bench.

Later, on May 15, the Commission noted that there were logistical hurdles in implementing such software, though it said that some progress had been made since then.

Following these developments, the Commission has decided in principle to adopt screen reader software for visually impaired candidates in its examinations. However, it acknowledged that it currently lacks the necessary infrastructure.

To address this, on Aug 7, the Commission wrote to Coordinating Supervisors, including District Collectors, District Magistrates, and Divisional Commissioners, asking them to ensure the availability of the required facilities at the earliest.

The UPSC has also reached out to the chief secretaries of all state governments, urging them to direct district authorities to take prompt action in creating the necessary arrangements.

In addition, the Commission has written to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun to explore the use of its computer labs and regional centers for conducting exams for visually impaired candidates.

It has also approached the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in New Delhi to assess the feasibility of using these facilities.

In its response, the DEPwD expressed willingness to upgrade NIEPVD centers to serve as dedicated exam venues for visually impaired candidates.

However, it clarified that UPSC would remain responsible for providing the software, ensuring examination protocols, and maintaining the accessibility and formatting of question papers.