Important guidelines for PwBD candidates using a scribe in government exams (2026). Understand eligibility, rules, and mandatory declaration form submission to avoid disqualification. Adhere to RPwD Act, 2016.
The Government Recruitment Board has issued comprehensive guidelines regarding the use of scribe services for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) appearing in various examinations. These guidelines, including a mandatory Scribe Declaration Form, are crucial for ensuring a fair and transparent examination process for eligible candidates. All PwBD candidates intending to avail a scribe must carefully review and adhere to these rules to avoid disqualification.
Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Type | Scribe Declaration Form & Guidelines |
| Target Audience | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) requiring a Scribe |
| Purpose | To outline rules for scribe usage in examinations |
| Applicable For | Online Examinations (as per notification) |
| Year of Reference | 2026 (as per form placeholder) |
| Key Act Referenced | RPwD Act, 2016 |
Key Guidelines for Scribe Usage
For candidates with less than 40% disability who experience difficulty in writing and have opted for scribe services in their online application, the following rules apply:
- Eligibility: Scribe facility is for candidates with physical limitations affecting writing speed.
- Arrangement: Candidates must arrange their own scribe at their own cost.
- Academic Stream: The scribe must be from an academic stream different from the post applied for by the candidate.
- Undertaking: Both the candidate and the scribe must submit a suitable undertaking in the prescribed format, including a passport-size photograph of the scribe, confirming that all eligibility criteria are met. Any suppression of facts will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Scribe’s Status: The scribe must NOT be a candidate for the same online examination. Violation at any stage will result in cancellation of both the candidate’s and scribe’s candidature.
- Compensatory Time: Only candidates registered for compensatory time will be allowed such concessions, as it is system-based.
- Disqualification: Using a scribe without being eligible as per the guidelines will lead to disqualification from the recruitment process or termination from service if already joined.
- Fair Practice: If the scribe is found independently answering questions during the exam, the session will be terminated, and the candidate’s candidature will be cancelled.
Eligibility Criteria for Scribe Facility (Specific Cases)
For persons with specified disabilities covered under Section 2(s) of the RPwD Act, 2016 (but not Section 2(r)), having less than 40% disability and difficulty in writing, additional rules apply:
- Medical Certificate: The facility of scribe and/or compensatory time is granted upon production of a certificate from a competent medical authority of a Government healthcare institution (as per Proforma at Appendix-I), stating the person has a limitation to write and a scribe is essential.
- Scribe’s Qualification: The qualification of the scribe should be one step below the qualification of the candidate taking the examination.
- Scribe Details: Candidates opting for their own scribe must submit their details as per the proforma at Appendix-II.
Undertaking and Declaration Forms
Candidates must ensure they fill out and submit the necessary declaration forms along with their call letter. These typically include:
- Main Declaration Form: Confirming adherence to all rules and eligibility criteria.
- Appendix-I: Medical Certificate: To be obtained from a Government medical authority, certifying the candidate’s disability and need for a scribe. This certificate is valid for a maximum of six months or less, as certified.
- Appendix-II: Letter of Undertaking by Scribe: A declaration by the scribe confirming their qualification and that they are not appearing for the same examination, and will not solve questions on behalf of the candidate.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Ensure all information provided in the declaration forms is true and correct.
- Any false information or suppressed facts, if detected at any stage, will lead to the cancellation of candidature and potential criminal prosecution.
- Verify that your scribe meets all eligibility criteria before the examination.
- Submit all required documents, including the declaration forms and medical certificates, as specified in the official notification/call letter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible to use a scribe for government examinations?
A: Candidates with less than 40% disability who have a physical limitation affecting their writing ability and speed, and who have opted for scribe services in their online application form, are generally eligible. Specific criteria based on the RPwD Act, 2016, also apply for certain disabilities.
Q2: Can I arrange my own scribe, and what are the rules for them?
A: Yes, you must arrange your own scribe at your own cost. The scribe must be from a different academic stream than the post you have applied for and must not be a candidate for the same online examination. An undertaking confirming eligibility is mandatory.
Q3: What documents are required for scribe usage?
A: You will typically need to submit a Scribe Declaration Form, a medical certificate from a competent government medical authority (as per Appendix-I), and an undertaking from the scribe (as per Appendix-II). These forms must be submitted along with your call letter.
Q4: What is the rule regarding the scribe’s educational qualification?
A: The scribe’s qualification should be one step below the qualification of the candidate taking the examination.
Q5: What happens if the scribe is found to be ineligible or cheating?
A: If the scribe is found to be ineligible at any stage, or if they are found independently answering questions during the exam, both the candidate’s and the scribe’s candidature will be immediately cancelled. This could also lead to termination from service if the candidate has already been appointed.
Q6: Is compensatory time automatically provided if I use a scribe?
A: No, compensatory time is generally system-based and will only be provided to candidates who have specifically registered for it in their online application form.
Q7: Where can I find the official declaration forms (Appendix-I and Appendix-II)?
A: These forms are usually part of the detailed official notification or are made available on the official website of the examination conducting body. Candidates should download and fill them out carefully.
Q8: What is the RPwD Act, 2016, and how does it relate to scribe guidelines?
A: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, is a landmark legislation in India that mandates various provisions and facilities for persons with disabilities. The scribe guidelines are framed in accordance with this Act to ensure reasonable accommodation and fair opportunities for PwBD candidates in examinations.