File photo of a typist helping a visually impaired student to write the SSLC exam. | Photo credit: SRIRAM MA
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has enabled visually impaired students appearing for the II PUC and SSLC examinations from the current academic year to write the examinations in digital format using computers.
Reading and writing facilities were also available.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has allowed visually impaired students to use computers to write the mains exams for classes 10 and 12 from 2023-24.
“Many visually impaired students in the state wanted to write SSLC and II PUC exams through computers and it has been decided that this facility will be allowed from this year. Students who want to write exams on computers have been allowed to register separately. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the exams according to the number of students,” said Gopalakrishna HN, Director, KSEAB.
Currently, all students with learning disabilities write the SSLC and II PUC exams with the help of a reader.
How to use computers?
Computer use will be limited to writing answers only. Candidate will have to bring his/her own properly formatted computer or laptop and center superintendent will permit such candidate after inspection by computer teacher who will also monitor the usage of the system.
“The computer/laptop brought by the candidate will not have any internet connection to preserve the sanctity of the examination. The candidate may use the computer/laptop only for the purpose for which permission has been granted,” the circular said, adding that such requests should be accompanied by a specific recommendation from the concerned health authority.
KSEAB advised that only Windows 10/11 software, MS Office software, Multilingual Nudi 6.5 software, Math cad software and other NAB (National Association for the Blind) approved software should be installed on the student’s computer/laptop for the student to write the answer.
The reader reads the question from the questionnaire and the student must write the answer on the computer after listening to it.
The printers will be arranged in the middle
In case students are unable to write due to some problem on the computer during the exam, the recorder can write the answers entered by the student. The head of the test center will allow it. The Superintendent may make good the loss of time, if any, and record the same.
After the student completes the exam, he should print the written answers and submit it to the superintendent. KSEAB recommended that the Superintendent arrange a printer at the examination centre.
Published – 30 Dec 2025 17:35 IST
