The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in 2025 offers reservations for Indian nationals belonging to various categories such as OBC-NCL, Gen-EWS, SC, and ST as per the rules prescribed by the Government of India and respective State Governments. This article by AUBSP provides a detailed insight into the reservation policies and provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Reservations for PwD and PwBD Candidates
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 outlines provisions for candidates with disabilities appearing for CUET (UG) 2025. Key highlights are:
Definition of Disability Categories
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Individuals with a minimum of 40% specified disability as certified by a competent authority (Para 2(r) of the Act).
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis (Para 2(s) of the Act).
- Specified Disability: Disabilities listed in the schedule of the Act (Para 2(zc)).
Provisions for PwBD Candidates: Office Memorandum (29 August 2018)
According to the Office Memorandum No. F. No. 34-02/2015-DD-III, dated 29 August 2018, the following provisions apply:
Scribe and Assistance Facilities
- PwBD candidates, including those with blindness, locomotor disabilities (both arms affected), and cerebral palsy, are entitled to the services of a scribe, reader, or lab assistant if desired.
- For other PwBD categories, a certificate stating the physical limitation for writing is required from a Chief Medical Officer or equivalent authority.
- Candidates may bring their own scribe, provided the scribe’s qualification is one step below the candidate’s.
Compensatory Time
- A minimum of 20 minutes per hour of compensatory time is allowed for PwBD candidates using a scribe.
- For exams lasting 3 hours, an additional one hour is provided, regardless of scribe usage.
Recommended Read: Instructions for CUET (UG) – 2025 Candidates
Provisions for PwD Candidates: Office Memorandum (10 August 2022)
The Office Memorandum No F. No. 29-6/2019-DD-III, dated 10 August 2022, addresses provisions for candidates with less than 40% disability:
1. Eligibility for Scribe and Extra Time
- Candidates must present a certificate indicating limitations in writing from a multi-member medical authority that includes specialists such as:
- Chief Medical Officer or Civil Surgeon
- Orthopaedic or PMR Specialist
- Neurologist (if available)
- Clinical Psychologist or Rehabilitation Specialist
2. Responsibilities of the Scribe
- The scribe’s role is strictly to read questions and key in answers as directed by the candidate, without explaining or suggesting solutions.
3. Selection of Scribe
- The candidate can choose to bring their own scribe or request one from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which also arranges for scribe panels at different levels.
Key Compliance and Verification Requirements
- Disability Certificate: Candidates must upload a valid Disability Certificate or Unique Disability Identification (UDID) during the online application process.
- Verification of Documents: Reservation benefits will be granted only after verification of documents. False information can lead to cancellation of admission.
- Finality of Category Selection: The category or sub-category (PwD/PwBD) declared in the application will be final. No changes will be allowed post the declaration of the NTA Score for CUET (UG) 2025.
Important Notes for CUET (UG) 2025 Candidates
- The use of assistive devices and proper seating arrangements will be ensured for PwD/PwBD candidates.
- If a candidate is found to have misused the scribe facility without adequate disability, they will be disqualified from the admission process.
- The NTA does not guarantee any category or sub-category changes after the form submission, emphasizing the importance of accurate and careful entry of details.
In conclusion, the CUET (UG) 2025 has incorporated detailed provisions to ensure equitable access for candidates with disabilities, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. AUBSP advises all eligible candidates to thoroughly understand these guidelines and ensure compliance to benefit from the reservation policies effectively.
