Sun Mar 30 17:23:14 UTC 2025: ## Tech-Savvy Teen’s Laptop Exam Sparks Debate Over Scribe System for Disabled Students in Tamil Nadu

**Chennai, March 30, 2025** – The ongoing public exams in Tamil Nadu have highlighted the struggles faced by students with disabilities relying on scribes. While some students report positive experiences, many express frustration with the current system, leading to calls for reform.

Karpagam, a visually-impaired student, abandoned her Railway Recruitment Board exam after failing to find a suitable scribe. Current guidelines require scribes to be one qualification level below the candidate, but many lack subject knowledge or fail to meet other criteria. Similar challenges were reported by college students, particularly during model exams and re-examinations where finding qualified scribes is left to the students themselves. Students often complain that scribes lack subject knowledge or have difficulty with pronunciation, potentially impacting their scores.

However, a pioneering approach was taken with M. Anand, a 17-year-old visually impaired student who successfully completed his Class 12 exams using a laptop. After two years of training, he received government permission for this innovative approach, offering him greater independence and control over his answers. While a scribe was present for assistance, Anand’s experience highlights the potential of technology to improve exam accessibility.

C. Govindakrishnan of the NGO Nethrodaya, while praising Anand’s success, stressed the need for broader reforms. He emphasized the need for competent scribes proficient in spelling, the subject matter, and speed, along with the consistent presence of an invigilator—a requirement often overlooked. The system, he pointed out, must cater to various disabilities beyond visual impairment, including those with limb differences and locomotor disabilities.

Despite the challenges, some students like M. Priya, a visually-impaired Class 10 student, reported positive experiences with their scribes, highlighting the importance of finding well-matched and dedicated individuals. The contrast between these experiences underscores the inconsistency and need for improvements within the current system. The debate now centers on how to improve the scribe system to ensure equitable exam access for all students with disabilities.

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