The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) reinstated the ‘Own Scribe’ facility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates. This critical change applies specifically to all SSC examinations notified on or before December 31, 2025 . The decision ensures eligible PwBD candidates can utilize a scribe of their choice for upcoming tests within this defined period.
Facility Reinstatement and Policy Shifts
SSC’s reinstatement decision directly follows a clarification from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). DEPwD issued this vital clarification on September 10, 2025 . The clarification provided necessary guidance on existing policies for scribe provision.
Previously, SSC had withdrawn the ‘Own Scribe’ option. This withdrawal was communicated through an SSC notice dated September 3, 2025 . That notice brought SSC’s procedures in line with earlier DEPwD guidelines from August 1, 2025 . Those guidelines stipulated that only the examining Commission should provide scribes for candidates.
However, the most recent DEPwD clarification explicitly permits public examinations, notified before December 31, 2025 , to continue operating under the previous system. This means the option for PwBD candidates to arrange their own scribe is now available again for eligible exams. Consequently, SSC confirmed it has put paragraph 3 of its September 3, 2025 notice in abeyance. This specific paragraph had previously removed the ‘Own Scribe’ facility.
An official SSC notice confirmed the resumption of the facility. The notice stated, “In compliance with the aforesaid DEPwD clarification dated 10.09.2025 , the Commission has decided to resume the facility of ‘OWN SCRIBE’ for eligible PwBD candidates.” It further specified that this decision holds for “all examinations notified on or before 31.12.2025 .”
New Mandatory Conditions for Engaging Own Scribes
The restored ‘Own Scribe’ facility is not without new rules. It operates under specific mandatory conditions. These conditions are designed to maintain the fairness and integrity of the examination process. Candidates choosing to use their own scribe must strictly adhere to these revised norms to avoid issues.
Strict Scribe Age Limits
The age of the proposed scribe must directly correspond with the academic qualification level required for the specific examination. These age restrictions are crucial for compliance:
- For Matric (10th standard) level examinations: The scribe’s age must generally not exceed 20 years .
- For Class 12 (Higher Secondary) level examinations: The scribe’s age must generally not exceed 20 years .
- For Graduate level examinations: The scribe’s age must generally not exceed 22 years .
Compulsory Aadhaar-Based Authentication
Aadhaar-based authentication has become compulsory for every scribe proposed by candidates under the ‘Own Scribe’ facility. This authentication is a critical step. It must be successfully completed at the examination center on the day of the test.
Failure to authenticate through Aadhaar at the time of the examination will impact the candidate’s ability to use their chosen scribe. In such a scenario, the candidate will face two alternatives. They must either accept a scribe provided by the Commission for the examination. Or, the candidate must choose to appear for the examination without any scribe. This rule emphasizes prompt and complete documentation.
Adherence to Broader Scribe Procedures
All other established conditions relating to the engagement of scribes remain fully in effect. These broader guidelines are detailed in the comprehensive SSC’s Scribe Procedure Notice. This notice was issued on October 25, 2024 . Furthermore, these SSC procedures are themselves based on overarching DEPwD guidelines. These foundational DEPwD guidelines were initially issued on August 29, 2018 , and subsequently updated on August 10, 2022 . PwBD candidates and their chosen scribes are advised to thoroughly familiarize themselves with these extensive documents. Full compliance with all stated procedures ensures a seamless and equitable examination experience.