Visually-impaired students in Karnataka can now use computers to write SSLC and II PUC exams

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has allowed visually Impaired students registered for II PUC and SSLC exams from the current academic year to write the exams in a digital format through computers. Reader-cum-scribe facility has also been provided.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had allowed visually impaired students to use computers for writing the main exams for Classes 10 and 12 from 2023-24.

“Many students with visual impairment in the State wanted to write SSLC and II PUC exams through computers, and it has been decided to allow this facility from this year. Students who want to write the exams through computers have been allowed to register separately. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the exams as per the number of students,” said Gopalakrishna. H.N., Director of KSEAB.

Currently, all students with learning disabilities are writing SSLC and II PUC exams with the help of reader cum scribe.

Use of computer will be limited to only typing answers. The candidate will have to bring his/her own computer or laptop duly formatted and the Centre Superintendent will allow such a candidate after an inspection by the Computer teacher, who will also monitor the use of the computer.

“The computer/laptop brought by the candidate will not have any internet connection so as to maintain the sanctity of the examination. The candidate shall use the computer/laptop only for the purpose for which permission has been taken,” reads the circular, adding that such requests should come along with specific recommendation by the competent medical authority.

The KSEAB has advised that only Windows 10/11 software, MS Office software, Multilingual Nudi 6.5 software, Math cad software and other NAB (National Association for the Blind) approved software should be installed on the computer/laptop for the student to type the answer.

The reader cum scribe reads the question from the question paper and the student has to type the answer on the computer after listening to it.

In case the students is unable to type due to any problem in the computer during the examination, the reader-cum-scribe can write the answers given by the student. The Superintendent of the examination centre will allow this. Centre Superintendent may compensate for the loss of time, if any, and record the same.

After the student completes the examination, the student should take a printout of the typed answers and submit it to the Superintendent of the examination center. “The Superintendent of the examination center should have made arrangements of printers to take a printout of the typed answers of the student at the examination center,” the KSEAB has advised.