The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) provides reservations and special provisions for candidates with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for the physically handicapped category. These provisions ensure that differently-abled aspirants receive equal opportunities in civil services and other competitive examinations. Every year, thousands of candidates from the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) to secure prestigious positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central government services. To create an inclusive and accessible examination process, UPSC follows specific eligibility criteria, reservation policies, age relaxations, attempt limits, and exam accommodations.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category
The Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category refers to individuals with a disability of 40% or more, as certified by a recognized medical authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The term benchmark disability ensures that only those with significant and measurable impairments qualify for government-provided reservations, benefits, and accommodations in competitive examinations like the UPSC.
The PwBD category covers various disabilities, including blindness, low vision, hearing impairment, locomotor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, and multiple disabilities. Candidates falling under this category are entitled to age relaxations, additional attempts, scribe assistance, extra time in exams, and reserved vacancies in government services.
Categories of Disabilities Recognized by UPSC
UPSC acknowledges various categories of disabilities under the PwBD category, ensuring that candidates with different challenges receive fair opportunities for the Physically Handicapped Quota. These categories include:
According to the UPSC official notification for the CSE 2025, the ‘Persons with Benchmark Disabilities’ or PwBD are divided into 5 categories, viz.
| PH Category | Description |
| Blindness and Low Vision | Candidates with complete or partial visual impairment who require assistive devices for reading and writing. |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HH Category in SSC) | Individuals with significant hearing loss who may use hearing aids or other assistive technologies. |
| Locomotor Disability | This includes candidates affected by cerebral palsy, leprosy-cured individuals, dwarfism, acid attack survivors, and muscular dystrophy, affecting their ability to perform physical tasks. |
| Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | This category includes autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, specific learning disabilities, and mental illnesses that may affect cognitive functions. |
| Multiple Disabilities | Individuals with a combination of two or more of the above-listed conditions require special accommodations. |
To be eligible for reservation benefits, a minimum of 40% disability is required, which must be certified by a recognized medical authority.
PWBD Category List: Age Relaxation and Number of Attempts
To ensure fair participation, UPSC provides age relaxation and additional attempts for candidates with benchmark disabilities for the Physically Handicapped Quota.. These relaxations allow candidates to compete effectively without being disadvantaged by their disabilities.
| Category | Age Relaxation | Number of Attempts |
| General & EWS | Up to 10 years | 9 attempts |
| OBC | Up to 10 years | 9 attempts |
| ST/SC | Up to 10 years | Unlimited attempts |
PH Certificate for UPSC: Meaning and Requirements
A PH Certificate (Physically Handicapped Certificate) is an official document that certifies an individual’s benchmark disability (40% or more), making them eligible for reservations and benefits under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
Who Issues the PH Certificate?
The certificate must be issued by a recognized medical authority from a government hospital. It should mention:
- Type of disability (Visual, Hearing, Locomotor, Intellectual, etc.)
- Percentage of disability (Must be 40% or more for UPSC benefits)
- Validity (Permanent or Temporary)
- Medical Board details
Why Is the PH Certificate Important for UPSC?
A valid PH Certificate is required to claim:
- Age relaxation (Up to 10 years)
- Additional attempts in the CSE
- 4% reservation in government services
- Special accommodations (scribes, extra time, assistive devices)
Verification Process
- The PH certificate is verified during the selection process.
- Candidates may have to undergo a medical re-examination to confirm eligibility.
Reservation of Posts for PH Certificate Holders
UPSC reserves 4% of its vacancies for candidates with benchmark disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in the civil services for the Physically Handicapped Quota.. The reservation is distributed as follows:
- 1% for Blindness and Low Vision
- 1% for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- 1% for Locomotor Disability
- 1% for Autism, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, and Mental Illness
This allocation ensures equitable opportunities across various disability categories and enhances representation in government services.
Exemptions and Adjustments
While most services are inclusive, certain posts may be exempted from reservation if deemed unsuitable for candidates with specific disabilities for the Physically Handicapped Quota.. However, if a candidate with a benchmark disability is selected on merit without availing of relaxed standards, they are adjusted against unreserved vacancies. In addition, candidates who require scribe assistance during the exam are provided with necessary accommodations, including extra time for completing the test.
Documentation and Certification: PH Certificate Meaning
Candidates seeking reservation benefits must provide a valid disability certificate issued by a recognized medical authority for the Physically Handicapped Quota.. The certificate must comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and should specify the percentage of disability. During the selection process, the documents will be verified, and candidates may be required to undergo additional medical examinations if necessary.
Facilities and Accommodations for Disabled Candidates
UPSC ensures that candidates with disabilities for the Physically Handicapped Quota receive necessary accommodations, such as:
- Scribes for Visually Impaired and Orthopedically Challenged Candidates: Candidates with more than 40% disability are entitled to avail of a scribe’s assistance during the examination.
- Extra Time for Examination: Candidates with benchmark disabilities are granted additional time to complete their exams.
- Accessible Examination Centers: Exam centers are designed to be accessible, ensuring ease of movement and convenience for disabled candidates in the Physically Handicapped Quota.
- Provision for Assistive Devices: Candidates can use necessary assistive devices like hearing aids, magnifiers, and screen readers during the examination, as per the guidelines set by UPSC for the Physically Handicapped Quota.
Scribe Facility for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)
| Criteria | Details |
| Eligibility for a Scribe | Candidates with blindness, locomotor disability affecting both arms (BA), or cerebral palsy are eligible for a scribe. |
| Additional Eligibility | Candidates with other disabilities specified in Section 2(r) of the RPWD Act, 2016, can avail of a scribe by submitting a valid medical certificate. |
| Medical Certificate Requirement | The certificate must be issued by the Chief Medical Officer, Civil Surgeon, or Medical Superintendent of a Government Health Care facility, confirming the candidate’s physical inability to write. |
| Choice of Scribe | Candidates can either arrange their scribe or request one from the Commission. |
| Scribe Details Submission | Scribe details must be provided during the online application process. |
| Scribe Qualification | The scribe must have at least a High School qualification but should not hold more than a graduate degree. |
Eligibility Under UPSC Prelims Exam Disability Support Services
| Categories of Disability | Sub-Categories |
| Locomotor Disability (LD) | One Arm (OA)One Leg (OL)Both Arms (BA)One Arm One Leg (OAL)Both Legs and Arms (BLA)Both Legs and One Arm (BLOA)Both Legs (BL)Both Arms and One Leg (BAOL)Spinal Deformity (SD)Spinal Injury (SI)Cerebral Palsy (CP)Leprosy Cured (LC)Dwarfism (Dw)Acid Attack Victims (AAV)Muscular Dystrophy (MDy) |
| Visual Impairment (VI) | – Low Vision (LV)- Blind (B) |
| Hearing Impairment (HI) | – Deaf (D)- Hard of Hearing (HH) |
| Multiple Disabilities (MD) | Multiple Disabilities from only the above three categories |
Services Identified as Suitable for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)
| Service Name | Eligible Disability Categories | Functional Requirements |
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Locomotor Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy | S, SE, H, RW, C |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | Blindness, Low Vision | MF, PP, S, ST, W, L, C, RW, KC, BN |
| Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ | Locomotor Disability, Low Vision | S, SE, H, RW, C |
| Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’ | Deaf, Hard of Hearing | D, HH |
| Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ | Multiple Disabilities (Locomotor, Blindness, Hearing Impairment) | S, RW (Braille/software), C |
| Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’ | Locomotor Disability, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing | S, RW, KC, BN |
| Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’ | Low Vision, Hearing Impairment | MF, PP, S, ST, W, RW, L |
| Indian Railway Management Service, Group ‘A’ | Locomotor Disability | S, SE, RW |
| Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) | Locomotor Disability, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing | S, RW, L, C |
| Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’ | Multiple Disabilities | RW (Braille/software), S, SE, C |
Key:
- S: Ability to Sit
- RW: Ability to Read and Write
- SE: Ability to See
- H: Ability to Hear
- KC: Ability to Kneel and Crouch
- BN: Ability to Bend
- C: Ability to Communicate
Applying for Disability Support Services in UPSC Prelims
Candidates can request disability support services during the online registration process. They must upload valid medical certificates as proof of their disability. Those requiring a scribe or additional time should indicate their specific needs while completing the application form. The official notification will provide detailed guidelines on the application process.
Significance of Disability Support Services in UPSC Prelims
Disability support services are essential in ensuring equal opportunities for candidates with benchmark disabilities. These services help eliminate barriers, enabling candidates to perform to their full potential and fostering inclusive participation in the civil services examination.
Handicapped IAS Officer and OH Category Meaning
A physically handicapped candidate who successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination can be appointed as an IAS officer, provided they meet the medical and functional requirements of the service. The OH category full form (Orthopedically Handicapped) includes candidates with locomotor disabilities affecting their movement but still allowing them to perform administrative duties efficiently.
Conclusion
UPSC’s provisions for physically handicapped candidates underscore its commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable examination process. With extensive reservations, relaxations, and support mechanisms in place, disabled aspirants are encouraged to pursue their dreams in civil services. By understanding and utilizing these criteria, aspirants with disabilities can effectively prepare for and participate in the Civil Services Examination. The initiative ensures that every eligible candidate, regardless of physical limitations, has an equal chance to contribute to nation-building through administrative roles.
For more details, visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.
Candidates with benchmark disabilities (i.e., 40% or more disability) as certified by a recognized medical authority under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, are eligible under the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) category. They are entitled to reservations, age relaxations, extra attempts, scribes, and other accommodations in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
UPSC classifies PwBD candidates into five categories:
Blindness and Low Vision (B&LV)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D&HH)
Locomotor Disability (LD) (including cerebral palsy, dwarfism, acid attack survivors, and muscular dystrophy)
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) (including autism, specific learning disabilities, and mental illnesses)
Multiple Disabilities (MD) (combination of two or more of the above disabilities)
Yes, a physically disabled person can become an IAS officer if they qualify in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and meet the medical and functional requirements specified for the IAS cadre. Some services may have physical criteria that determine suitability based on the nature of the disability.
UPSC does not have general physical standards for most services, except for the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), and a few other technical posts that require specific medical fitness. Candidates applying under the PwBD category must have a valid disability certificate (minimum 40%) issued by a recognized medical board.
UPSC uses PwD 1 to PwD 5 codes to classify disabilities:
PwD 1 – Blindness and Low Vision
PwD 2 – Deaf and Hard of Hearing
PwD 3 – Locomotor Disability (Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Survivors, Muscular Dystrophy)
PwD 4 – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Autism, Mental Illness, Learning Disabilities)
PwD 5 – Multiple Disabilities
A PwD (Physically Handicapped) Certificate must be obtained from a government hospital authorized to issue disability certificates. The process includes:
Medical examination by a designated medical board.
Issuance of a certificate specifying the type and percentage of disability.
Submission of the certificate during the UPSC application process for availing benefits.
A PwD certificate entitles candidates to several benefits in UPSC CSE, including:
Age relaxation (up to 10 years for all categories).
Additional attempts (9 for General/OBC; Unlimited for SC/ST).
4% reservation in government jobs.
Special accommodations (extra time, scribes, assistive devices).
Exemption from certain physical eligibility criteria (for non-technical services).
For further details, candidates should refer to the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.