SSC tightens PwBD verification rules: Original certificate mandatory for scribe, extra time in exams
In a significant policy shift aimed at tightening disability verification during recruitment exams, the Staff Selection Commission (
SSC
) has made it mandatory for all PwBD/PwD candidates to carry original disability certificates to examination centres if they wish to avail scribe services or compensatory time.
The new rule takes effect from the Selection Post Phase XIII and upcoming CHSL 2025 exams, and is expected to impact thousands of aspirants across India. The SSC's decision follows increasing instances where candidates applied for disability accommodations without providing valid documentation.
What has changed?
Until now, candidates with disabilities (PwBD) could access exam accommodations, such as extra time or a scribe, by declaring their eligibility and uploading a scanned copy of their certificate, even if it was incomplete or incorrect.
However, the SSC has now made it mandatory to present the original disability certificate at the exam centre.
In its official notice, the Commission stated:
'All those PwBD/PwD candidates who have claimed compensatory time and have uploaded a certificate shall compulsorily carry the said certificate in original during the examination, failing which they will not be given compensatory time and scribe facility.'
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The move is aimed at curbing misuse of these provisions and ensuring that only genuinely eligible candidates receive exam support.
Check the official SSC notification released
here
.
What documents are required?
As per the official notification released by SSC, the document requirements for PwBD verification are mentioned below:
Facility Claimed
Required Certificate
Must Carry Original?
Scribe & extra time (benchmark disability)
Disability certificate (≥40%)
Yes
Extra time only (writing difficulty <40%)
Medical certificate
Yes
Own scribe
Scribe details + valid photo ID of scribe
Yes
Failure to comply will result in cancellation of the requested facility and may lead to disqualification.
What is compensatory time?
Eligible candidates are allowed extra time of 20 minutes per hour of the exam duration. This is available to:
Candidates with disabilities using a scribe
Candidates not using a scribe, but with valid eligibility proof
For example, in a 2-hour exam, such candidates will receive an additional 40 minutes.
Remember this before opting for a scribe
If a candidate opts to bring their own scribe, they must:
Submit the scribe's details and photo ID proof at the centre
Ensure the scribe meets SSC's eligibility rules
Note: Only the scribe is allowed inside the exam hall, no other attendant is permitted
Alternatively, candidates can request that the Commission arrange a scribe, which must be specified at the application stage.
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