The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has updated its disability certificate formats. This revision aligns with new guidelines from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). The change directly affects candidates with disabilities applying for various government examinations through the SSC.
Revised Certificate Formats
Under the new system, the SSC will utilize two specific forms for disability certificates. Form 5 is designated for candidates reporting a single disability. Form 6 is for those with multiple disabilities. These updated formats simplify the previous documentation structure. They replace three older forms: Form 5, Form 6, and Form 7, which the commission previously issued in various notifications.
The new formats are immediately applicable. For all examinations where notices were issued after October 16 and the recruitment process remains incomplete, candidates have submission flexibility. They may submit their disability certificates in either the revised Form V and Form VI, or choose to use the earlier formats. This temporary allowance aims to ease the transition for ongoing recruitment cycles. Candidates must ensure their chosen format complies with the DEPwD Notification dated October 16.
Scribe Facility Reinstated
In a separate but related development, the SSC has reinstated the ‘own scribe’ facility for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates. This decision follows a clarification issued by the DEPwD. The restoration of this facility applies to examinations specifically notified on or before December 31 . This allows eligible candidates to bring their chosen scribe to assist them during exams.
New Scribe Compliance Rules
The reinstated ‘own scribe’ facility operates under new, strict compliance conditions. These rules aim to ensure fairness and prevent misuse of the assistance. One critical condition concerns the scribe’s age. The scribe’s age must now directly correspond to the qualification level required for the specific examination.
Scribe Age Requirements
| Examination Level | Maximum Scribe Age |
|---|---|
| Matriculation Level | 20 years |
| Class 12 Level | 20 years |
| Graduate Level | 22 years |
Candidates preparing for matriculation level exams or Class 12 exams must ensure their scribe is generally not above 20 years of age. For those taking graduate-level examinations, the scribe’s age must not exceed 22 years. These age limits are strictly enforced to maintain examination integrity.
Mandatory Aadhaar Verification
Aadhaar-based authentication is now mandatory for all scribes registered under the ‘Own Scribe’ facility. Scribes must successfully complete this verification process at the examination venue on the day of the exam. This measure confirms the scribe’s identity and helps prevent impersonation.
Failure to complete Aadhaar verification has immediate consequences for the candidate. If a scribe cannot complete the authentication process at the venue, the candidate faces two options. They must either accept a scribe arranged and provided by the Commission, or they must take the examination without any scribe assistance. Candidates should prepare for this verification requirement and ensure their chosen scribe can comply.
Impact for Candidates
These revisions require immediate attention from PwBD candidates. Those applying for SSC examinations must ensure their disability certificates adhere to the new or permitted old formats, depending on the notification date. Furthermore, candidates intending to use the ‘own scribe’ facility must strictly follow the new age restrictions and mandatory Aadhaar authentication procedures. Understanding these updated rules is essential for a smooth application and examination process. Candidates should regularly check official SSC notifications for further guidance and updates on specific examination requirements.