Empowering Independence: Visually-Impaired Students in Karnataka Can Now Use Computers for SSLC and II PUC Exams

Posted on December 30, 2025

In a landmark move towards greater inclusivity and accessibility in education, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has announced that visually-impaired students can now use computers to write their SSLC (Class 10) and II PUC (Class 12) board exams starting from the current academic year.

This decision marks a significant step forward in empowering students with visual impairments to demonstrate their knowledge more independently, reducing reliance on traditional methods that sometimes pose challenges.

Why This Change Matters

For decades, visually-impaired students in Karnataka have relied on a reader-cum-scribe system during exams. While this facility has been helpful, it often comes with limitations:

• Finding reliable, impartial scribes can be difficult
• Transcription errors or pace mismatches may occur
• Students may feel less in control of their own answers

Many students and educators have long advocated for digital alternatives, especially as technology skills become essential life and career competencies. As KSEAB Director Gopalakrishna H.N. noted:

“Many students with visual impairment in the State wanted to write SSLC and II PUC exams through computers, and it has been decided to allow this facility from this year.”

Karnataka joins the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which introduced similar provisions in 2023–24, in recognizing that technology can level the playing field.

Key Guidelines for Using Computers in Exams

The facility is carefully regulated to maintain exam integrity while offering flexibility. Here’s what students and schools need to know:

• Eligibility — Only visually-impaired students who register separately for this option can use computers.
• Device — Candidates must bring their own formatted laptop or computer.
• Software Allowed — Only specific, pre-approved software may be installed:
• Windows 10 or 11
• MS Office
• Multilingual Nudi 6.5 (for Kannada typing)
• MathType or similar for mathematical expressions
• Other software approved by the National Association for the Blind (NAB)
• Restrictions — No internet connection is permitted. The device will be inspected by the center’s computer teacher, who will monitor its use during the exam.
• Answer Submission — Students type their answers directly, then take a printout at the examination center and submit it to the superintendent. Centers must arrange printers for this purpose.
• Backup Option — If any technical issue arises, the student can switch to the traditional reader-cum-scribe method.

The traditional scribe facility remains fully available for those who prefer it or face technical difficulties.

A Step Towards Greater Independence and Digital Literacy

This policy recognizes that many visually-impaired students already use computers in their daily studies. Allowing them to type answers themselves fosters:

• Greater accuracy and speed
• Increased confidence and ownership of their work
• Better preparation for higher education and employment, where digital skills are essential

Early pilots, such as the successful use of laptops by students at Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind in Bengaluru (where one student scored 89.9% in SSLC), have shown promising results.

Looking Ahead

The KSEAB’s decision is a welcome example of how policy can evolve to meet the real needs of students. It sends a powerful message: education should adapt to the learner, not the other way around.

For visually-impaired students across Karnataka, this opens doors to greater autonomy in one of the most important milestones of their academic journey. For educators, parents, and policymakers, it’s a reminder that inclusive education benefits everyone.

If you’re a student, parent, or teacher affected by this change, keep an eye on the official KSEAB website (kseab.karnataka.gov.in) for detailed circulars and registration updates.

Here’s to a more accessible, equitable, and empowering examination system in Karnataka!