UPSC 2026 Disability Reservation & Scribe Facility

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to recruit candidates for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A posts. As per the UPSC Notification 2026, the Commission continues its commitment towards inclusivity by providing comprehensive disability support services for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).

If you are preparing for UPSC 2026 with Vijetha IAS Academy, this detailed guide will help you understand the UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 Disability Support Services, eligibility criteria, 4% reservation policy, scribe rules, documentation requirements, and facilities available for PwBD candidates.

UPSC 2026 Disability Reservation Policy (4% PwBD Quota)

As per government norms, UPSC provides 4% reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in Civil Services Examination 2026.

This reservation is distributed category-wise as follows:

1. Blindness & Low Vision – 1%

• Blind
   
• Low Vision
   

2. Deaf & Hard of Hearing – 1%

• Deaf
   
• Hard of Hearing
   

3. Locomotor Disability – 1%

Includes:

• Cerebral Palsy
   
• Muscular Dystrophy
   
• Leprosy Cured
   
• Acid Attack Victims
   
• Dwarfism
   
• Both Arms / Legs Affected
   

4. Intellectual & Mental Disabilities – 0.5%

• Autism
   
• Specific Learning Disability
   
• Intellectual Disability
   
• Mental Illness
   

5. Multiple Disabilities – 0.5%

• Combination of above disabilities including Deaf-Blindness
   

This 4% reservation applies across all stages of the examination – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

UPSC 2026 Disability Support Eligibility

PwBD candidates appearing for UPSC 2026 must possess a valid disability certificate issued by a competent medical authority as per government norms.

Eligibility depends on:

• Type of disability
   
• Degree of disability (minimum 40% benchmark disability required)
   
• Proper documentation at the time of application
   

Category-Wise Eligibility for UPSC Prelims 2026

Locomotor Disability (LD)

• One Arm (OA)
   
• One Leg (OL)
   
• Both Arms (BA)
   
• Both Legs (BL)
   
• Both Arms & Legs (BLA)
   
• Spinal Injury (SI)
   
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
   
• Dwarfism (Dw)
   
• Acid Attack Victims (AAV)
   
• Muscular Dystrophy (MDy)
   
• Leprosy Cured (LC)
   

Visual Impairment (VI)

• Blind (B)
   
• Low Vision (LV)
   

Hearing Impairment (HI)

• Deaf (D)
   
• Hard of Hearing (HH)
   

Multiple Disabilities (MD)

• Combination of above categories including Deaf-Blindness
   

Candidates must carefully check eligibility conditions mentioned in the official UPSC Notification 2026 before applying.

Scribe Facility in UPSC Prelims 2026

The scribe facility is one of the most important support services provided to PwBD candidates. It helps candidates who are unable to write the exam independently due to physical or visual limitations.

Who Can Avail Scribe Facility?

• Blind candidates
   
• Candidates with locomotor disability affecting writing ability
   
• Candidates with severe cerebral palsy
   
• Candidates with intellectual disabilities (if applicable under rules)
   

Qualification for UPSC Prelims Scribe

UPSC has strict guidelines to maintain fairness in the examination process.

1. Maximum Qualification of Scribe

The scribe’s educational qualification must not exceed the minimum qualification required for the exam.

For example:
If the exam requires graduation, the scribe should not be a postgraduate.

This prevents unfair advantage.

2. Minimum Qualification

The scribe must have completed at least 10th standard (Matriculation).

3. Approval from UPSC

Candidates can:

• Bring their own scribe, OR
   
• Request UPSC to provide one
   

If bringing a personal scribe:

• Details must be submitted during application
   
• Prior approval from UPSC is mandatory
   

4. Responsibility & Remuneration

If the candidate brings their own scribe, UPSC does not provide payment. The responsibility lies entirely with the candidate.

Additional Facilities for PwBD Candidates in UPSC 2026

Apart from reservation and scribe facility, UPSC also provides:

• Compensatory time (usually 20 minutes per hour of exam)
   
• Separate seating arrangement if required
   
• Accessible examination centres
   
• Assistance during entry and exit
   
• Use of assistive devices (subject to approval)
   

These facilities ensure equal opportunity and a fair examination environment.

UPSC Age Limit Relaxation for PwBD Candidates

One important benefit is age relaxation under the UPSC age limit rules.

For Civil Services Examination:

• General Category: 32 years
   
• OBC: 35 years
   
• SC/ST: 37 years
   
• PwBD candidates get additional relaxation up to 10 years depending on category
   

Candidates must verify exact details in the official notification because age relaxation may vary based on category combination (e.g., PwBD + OBC, PwBD + SC/ST).

Important Documents Required for UPSC 2026 PwBD Candidates

PwBD aspirants must keep the following ready:

• Valid Disability Certificate (as per RPwD Act)
   
• Medical authority certification
   
• Scribe declaration form (if applicable)
   
• Undertaking regarding assistive devices
   
• Category certificate (if applicable)
   

All documents must match details submitted in the application form.

How Vijetha IAS Academy Supports PwBD Aspirants

At Vijetha IAS Academy, we believe every aspirant deserves equal guidance and opportunity.

We provide:

• Personalised mentorship
   
• Accessible classroom environment
   
• Recorded lectures for flexibility
   
• Special strategy sessions for Prelims and Mains
   
• Dedicated guidance based on UPSC Notification 2026
   

Our experts also help candidates understand eligibility, documentation, and preparation strategy according to their individual needs.

Preparation Tips for PwBD Candidates

1. Carefully read the UPSC Notification 2026 before applying.
    
2. Apply early to avoid last-minute documentation issues.
    
3. Practise with a scribe before the actual examination.
    
4. Focus on time management during mock tests.
    
5. Stay updated about UPSC age limit and attempt rules.
    

Conclusion

The UPSC Prelims Exam 2026 Disability Support Services reflect the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity. With 4% reservation, scribe facility, age relaxation under UPSC age limit rules, and additional exam support, PwBD candidates are provided a fair platform to compete.

If you are planning to appear for UPSC 2026, carefully go through the UPSC Notification 2026 and ensure all eligibility criteria are fulfilled.

For structured guidance and expert mentorship, Vijetha IAS Academy is committed to supporting every aspirant in achieving their Civil Services dream.