The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts various examinations, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE), which offers opportunities for candidates from different backgrounds, including Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
To ensure inclusivity, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates reservations and relaxations for individuals with disabilities in government jobs, including the civil services. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on the physically handicapped criteria for UPSC, covering eligibility, reservation policies, benefits, as well as other important considerations.
Eligibility Criteria for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Candidates in UPSC
It is important to mention that to avail of the benefits under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). category, candidates must meet specific criteria set by the UPSC.
1. Benchmark Disability Requirement
- A candidate must have a minimum of 40% disability to be eligible for PwBD reservations and relaxations.
- In addition, the disability should be certified by a government-recognized medical board.
2. Types of Disabilities Considered
As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the following disabilities are eligible for UPSC reservations:
- Blindness and Low Vision
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Locomotor Disability, including:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Leprosy Cured Persons
- Dwarfism
- Acid Attack Victims
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild/Moderate)
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Mental Illness
- Multiple Disabilities (combination of two or more above categories)
3. Medical Examination Requirement
- Candidates recommended for service allocation must undergo a medical examination at a designated government hospital.
- The medical board determines whether a candidate is fit for specific services under UPSC.
- Further, some services, like the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), have stricter medical fitness requirements, which may disqualify candidates with certain disabilities.
Reservation for Physically Handicapped Candidates in UPSC
The UPSC provides a 4% reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) across different civil services. The distribution is as follows:
| Disability & Category | Reservation |
| Blindness & Low Vision | 1% |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 1% |
| Locomotor disability | 1% |
| Multiple Disabilities | 1% |
Candidates under the PwBD category can compete both under general merit and reserved quota, depending on their performance.
Age Relaxation and Attempt Limits for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Candidates
Moreover, to ensure equal opportunities, UPSC provides additional age relaxations and attempt limits for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
1. Age Relaxation
- General Category PwBD Candidates: Up to 10 years (i.e., maximum age limit: 42 years).
- OBC PwBD Candidates: Up to 13 years.
- SC/ST PwBD Candidates: Up to 15 years.
2. Number of Attempts
- General PwBD: 9 attempts
- OBC PwBD: 9 attempts
- SC/ST PwBD: Unlimited attempts (until maximum age limit is reached)
3. Exam Fee Exemption
- Candidates belonging to the PwBD category are exempted from paying the UPSC application fee.
Exam Accommodations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Candidates in UPSC
UPSC provides special accommodations to ensure fair and accessible exams for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). These include:
1. Scribe Facility & Extra Time
- Candidates with blindness, low vision, cerebral palsy, or severe disabilities are allowed a scribe to assist them in writing the exam.
- Furthermore, an extra time of 20 minutes per hour is provided for such candidates.
2. Accessible Exam Centers
- Furthermore, UPSC ensures ramps, wheelchair-accessible exam halls, and separate sitting arrangements for PwBD candidates.
- Magnifying glasses or Braille question papers are available for visually impaired candidates.
- Sign language interpreters may be provided for hearing-impaired candidates.
3. Special Accommodations During the Medical Examination
- Candidates undergoing the medical fitness test will be examined under relaxed criteria compared to general candidates, except for specific services like IPS and IFS.
How to Apply for UPSC Under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Category?
If you qualify under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, follow these steps to apply:
1: Fill Out the UPSC Application Form
- Select the PwBD category and mention your type of disability.
- Upload a valid disability certificate issued by a government hospital.
2: Request for Scribe (If Required)
- If you require a scribe, request one through the UPSC online portal.
- You can either arrange a scribe independently or UPSC can provide one at the exam center.
3: Appear for Prelims and Mains
- Utilize the relaxations and special accommodations provided by UPSC.
- Stay updated on any changes in PwBD guidelines through the UPSC official website.
4: Medical Examination After Selection
- If you clear all the exam stages, you must undergo a medical fitness examination at a designated government hospital.
- Based on your disability type, the medical board will determine your service eligibility.
Challenges Faced by Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) Candidates in UPSC
Despite the provided relaxations, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates face some challenges in the UPSC recruitment process:
- Lack of Awareness – Many PwBD candidates are unaware of available benefits, relaxations, as well as accommodations.
- Service Restrictions – Some services, like IPS and IFS, have medical fitness criteria that limit PwBD candidates’ options.
- Limited Accessible Centers – Although UPSC aims for inclusivity, some centers still lack proper infrastructure for PwBD candidates.
- Availability of Scribes – Finding a qualified scribe who understands exam content can be challenging.
Hence, to overcome these challenges, PwBD aspirants should stay informed, plan, and utilize all available resources.
Conclusion
Last, UPSC provides equal opportunities forPersons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD candidates through reservations, age relaxations, exam accommodations, and special provisions.
Aspirants under the PwBD category should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, apply under the appropriate category, and make use of the provided facilities. With proper planning, dedication, and strategic preparation, PwBD candidates can excel in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and contribute significantly to governance and policy-making.
For official notifications and detailed information, visit the UPSC website.
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