CBSE Makes Exams Sweeter for Students with Diabetes: Fruits and Medical Equipment Now Permitted

In a significant move to support students with Type-1 diabetes, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new guidelines for the upcoming board exams. These guidelines aim to provide necessary facilities and support to help students manage their medical condition during exams2.

Starting from the 2024 board exams, students with Type-1 diabetes will be allowed to bring specific items into the examination hall. These items, which must be kept in transparent pouches or boxes, include:

1. Sugar tablets, chocolate, or candy
2. Fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges
3. Snack items such as sandwiches and high-protein foods
4. Medications as prescribed by a doctor
5. A 500 ml water bottle
6. Glucometer and glucose testing strips
7. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) machine, Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) machine, and/or insulin pumps

To avail these facilities, students need to inform the board about their condition during registration or submission of the List of Candidates (LOC). They must also upload necessary documents, including medical recommendations and parental assurances, on the CBSE portal2. Schools, students, or parents must apply according to the schedule set by CBSE, and requests submitted after the schedule ends will not be accepted.

On the day of the exam, students should arrive at the examination center at least 45 minutes before the exam begins and inform the Center Superintendent about the items they will be carrying. All applications and requests must be submitted through the school, and no direct requests from students will be entertained2.

These new guidelines are a step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for students with diabetes, ensuring they can perform to the best of their abilities without compromising their health.