The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced an important update for students with disabilities who take their exams. These students, known as Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), can now use their own helper, called a 'scribe,' during SSC exams. This change is good news for many candidates across India.
This new rule applies specifically to all SSC examinations that are officially announced on or before December 31, 2025 . This means if an exam notification is released by the Commission anytime before the end of the year 2025, eligible PwBD candidates will have the option to bring their own scribe.
The decision to bring back the 'own scribe' option follows a clear message from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). On September 10, 2025 , the DEPwD issued a clarification stating that competitive public exams announced before the end of 2025 could continue under the existing system. This existing system was the one in place before DEPwD's newer guidelines, which were dated August 1, 2025 .
Previously, SSC had made a different announcement. An earlier notice from SSC, issued on September 3, 2025 , stated that only scribes provided by the Commission would be allowed. This meant candidates could not bring their personal helpers. However, with this latest update, SSC has paused that earlier notice. The system allowing candidates to bring their own scribe is now restored for the specified period.
Understanding the 'Own Scribe' Facility
For students with disabilities, a scribe plays a crucial role. A scribe is someone who writes the exam on behalf of the candidate if the candidate cannot do so due to their disability. Being able to choose and bring their own scribe offers several advantages.
- Comfort and Familiarity: Candidates often feel more comfortable working with someone they know and trust.
- Better Understanding: A personal scribe might understand the candidate's specific needs, instructions, and communication style more effectively.
- Reduced Stress: This can help reduce exam-day stress and allow the candidate to focus better on answering questions.
The restoration of this facility aims to ensure a more supportive and equitable environment for PwBD candidates taking important government exams.
Important Conditions for Your Own Scribe
To ensure fairness and transparency in the examination process, SSC has put in place some mandatory conditions for candidates choosing to use their own scribe. It is essential for all candidates and their chosen scribes to meet these requirements.
Scribe's Age Limit
The age of the scribe must be suitable for the difficulty level of the exam. This rule prevents highly educated individuals from acting as scribes for lower-level exams, maintaining a level playing field. Here are the specific age limits for scribes based on the exam's educational requirement:
| Exam Level | Scribe's Maximum Age |
| Matric Level (for jobs requiring a 10th pass) | Up to 20 years |
| 10+2 Level (for jobs requiring a 12th pass) | Up to 20 years |
| Graduate Level (for jobs requiring a Bachelor's degree) | Up to 22 years |
Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication
Identity verification for scribes is a strict requirement. All scribes must undergo an Aadhaar-based authentication process directly at the exam centre.
- This Aadhaar card check is compulsory for every person acting as a scribe.
- If a scribe's Aadhaar authentication fails at the exam centre, they will not be permitted to assist the candidate in the examination.
- In such an event, the candidate will be given two options: either accept a scribe provided by the Staff Selection Commission (if one is available at the centre) or proceed with taking the exam without any scribe. It is crucial for candidates to inform their scribes about this strict rule.
Key Dates and What to Remember
Remember, this restored 'own scribe' facility is valid for all SSC exams notified on or before December 31, 2025 . Candidates should carefully read the specific guidelines in the official exam notification for any additional details or specific forms that might be required.
This decision reflects SSC's commitment to supporting PwBD candidates by offering flexibility and choice within the examination framework, aligning with broader government directives. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in , for the latest updates and detailed instructions.
