Registered No. HSE - 49/2016
G.973 No.10
AMEBOYANMENPAY JANUARY 28, 2022
OF PRADESH
ABSTRACT
NOTIFICATIONS BY GOVERNMENT
SCHOOL EDUCATION Providing certain exemptions & concessions to the Children with Special Needs (CwSN ) in the SSC Public Examinations and other examinations of Classes VI to X, duly superseding the earlier orders issued in the G.O.Ms.No.14 , SE ( Prog.II ) Dept. , Dated : 31.01.2019 Orders Issued.
SCHOOL EDUCATION ( Prog.II ) DEPARTMENT
G.O.Ms.No. 86
Dated : 29.12.2021
Read the following : - 1. G.O.Ms No.14 SE ( Prog.II ) Dept. , Dated : 31.01.2019 .
2. From the Secy.DSE &L, GoI , D.O.No.9-39 /2021 - IS.18 , Dated : 09.11.2021 3. From the CSE , A.P. , File No.GE - COORONINT / 1 / 2021 - DGE (1557369 ) , dt.03.12.2021 .
ORDER : -
In the G.O.1st read above , Government have provided certain exemptions and concessions to the children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) in SSC examinations and other examinations of classes VI to X to retain them in schools and to encourage them to complete their secondary education successfully.
2. In the letter 2nd cited , the Secretary , DSE &L, GoI has informed that National Education Policy , 2020 reaffirms the provisions contained in the Rights of Person with Disability Act 2016 in regard to students with disability . Section 17 of this Act mandates that the appropriate Government and local authorities must " make suitable modifications in the curriculum and examination system to meet the needs of students with disabilities such as extra time for completion of examination paper , facility of scribe or amanuensis , exemption from second and third language course . " Therefore , the Secretary , has requested to review the
(Ρ.Τ.Ο) existing provisions for CwSN in A.P. State Boards , revise them , accordingly notify in Government rules and facilitate for implementation of these provisions for CwSN as per Section 17 of the RPwD Act and NEP 2020 , so that there are uniform provisions across all Boards with clear eligibility criteria .
3. In the reference 4th cited , the Commissioner of School Education , A.P. , has stated that , to facilitate every student in the State to complete his/ her secondary education with ease , reduce the drop - out rates , provide equal opportunities and level - playing field to the Children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) , certain provisions & concessions are to be provided to the Children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) in SSC Public Examinations ( Class - X ) and other examinations from Class - VI to Class - X in the State of Andhra Pradesh . The Constitution of India ensures equality , freedom , justice and dignity of all individuals including Persons with disabilities and mandates an inclusive society for all . Article 41 of the Constitution of India declares that the State shall , within the limits of its economic capacity and development , make effective provisions for securing the right to work , to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment , old age , sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want . Further , National Education Policy 2020 recognizes the importance of creating enabling mechanisms for providing CwSN the same opportunities for obtaining quality education as any other child and reaffirms the provisions contained in the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016. The Director of Government Examinations , AP has undertaken the task of revising the present exemption & concessions which are being provided for the CwSN in the SSC Public Examinations to implement the objectives of NEP 2020 in the right spirit . After a detailed study of the provisions provided by CBSE as well as the RPwD Act , 2016 and other orders of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department in this regard . Accordingly , the Commissioner of School Education , AP has submitted necessary proposal for exemptions and concessions to the Children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) in the SSC Public Examinations and other examinations of Classes VI to X.
4. Government , after careful examination of the matter , hereby order to provide exemptions and concessions indicated at Annexure - I and II , appended to the G.O. , to the Children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) in the State of Andhra Pradesh from the SSC Public Examinations , March - 2022 and other examinations of Classes VI to X from the Academic Year 2021- 22, duly superseding the earlier orders issued in the G.O. 1st read above .
5. The Commissioner of School Education , A.P. , and the Director of Government Examinations , A.P. , shall take further action accordingly , in the matter .
(BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA PRADESH )
B RAJSEKHAR
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT To TheCommissioner of School Education , A.P. Ibrahimpatnam , Vijayawada TheDirector of Government Examinations , A.P, Vijayawada
Copy to:
All the remaining HoDs under the control of this department .
TheAddl.P.S. to Minister for Education .
The P.S to Principal Secretary to Government ( SE)
// FORWARDED BY ORDER //
J.Negavath SECTION OFFICER ANNEXURE – I
I. Exemptions / Concessions Rules applicable for Children with Special Needs from Class VI to Class X and for 5the SSC Public Examinations .
1 ( a ) . Definition & List of Disabilities :
In this order , unless the context otherwise requires , the definition of 'certifying authority ' , ' person with benchmark disability' , ' person with disability' , ' specified disability' , and the definition of disabilities are as detailed in the sections and schedules of the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act , 2016 ( RPwD Act , 2016) and the rules and amendments to the Act notified by the Government of India and Andhra Pradesh from time to time .
The List of disabilities recognized by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for providing exemptions / concessions in the SSC Public Examinations :
SI .
Disability Category Disability Code
No.
1
Physical Disability Locomotor Disability 2
Physical Disability - Visual Impairment 3
Physical Disability - Hearing Impairment Physical Disability 4 Speech and Language Disability
5 Intellectual Disability 6 Mental Behaviour
7
Disability caused due to Chronic Neurological Conditions & Blood Name of the Disability ** HL
Leprosy Cured Persons HC
Cerebral Palsy HD
Dwarfism
HM
Muscular Dystrophy HA
Acid Attack Victims BB
Blindness
BL
Low Vision
DD
Deaf
DH
Hard of Hearing DS
Speech and Language Disability Specific Learning Disabilities :
i . Dyslexia
ii . Dysgraphia
CS
iii . Dyscalculia
iv . Dyspraxia ,
v . Developmental Aphasia CA
Autism Spectrum Disorder SM
Mental Illness
Chronic Neurological Conditions:
SN
i . Multiple Sclerosis
ii . Parkinson's Disease SB
Blood Disorders :
2
Disorders
i . Haemophilia
ii . Thalassemia
iii . Sickle Cell Disease
SD
8 Multiple Disabilities
Multiple Disabilities ** The Definition of disabilities are defined in the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act , 2016 .
2.General Exemptions / Concessions for all the CwSN :
Concessions
Description
SI . No.
1
The medical certificate issued by the following agencies / organizations shall be considered for granting concessions to CwSN :
Issuing Authority of Medical Certificate
i . Disability Certificate ( s ) issued by Government hospitals controlled by either the Central or State Governments from the Chief Medical Officer/ Civil Surgeon /Medical Superintendent .
ii . Disability Certificate ( s ) issued by Recognized Institutes of national - level viz . National Association for the Blind , Spastic Society of India etc ; and
iii . Disability Certificate (s ) issued by Non- governmental Organizations ( NGOs ) / practitioners registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India/ Central Government/ State Government of the Respective State.
iv . The disability certificate issued by the competent authority at any place shall be accepted .
v . The proforma of the certificate regarding physical limitation for an examinee to write will be framed and circulated by the DGE , A.P. with the prior approval of the Commissioner of School Education , Α.Ρ.
2 Thefacility of Scribeand Compensatory time
i . Candidates with disabilities as defined in The Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 are permitted to use a Scribe (or ) allowed Compensatory time as given below ( or ) both:
Paper Duration
Compensatory Time ( 20 Minutes for each hour)
3 Hours 15 Minutes
65 Minutes
3 Hours
60Minutes
2 Hours 45 Minutes
55 Minutes
2 Hours 30 Minutes
50 Minutes
2Hours
40Minutes
1 Hour 45 Minutes
35 Minutes
1 Hour 30 Minutes
30 Minutes 3
1 Hour
20 Minutes
3
. The candidate shall have the discretion of opting for his/ her own scribe / reader or request the examination centre for the same .
Appointment of i Scribe and related instructions ii . In case Scribe / Reader is provided by the Examination Centre, the qualification of the Scribe shall not be more than the minimum Qualification criteria of the examination .
iii . In case the candidate is allowed to bring his/her scribe , the qualification of the scribe should be one step below the qualification of the candidate taking the examination . The person with benchmark disabilities opting for their own Scribe/Reader should submit the details of the own scribe/ Reader as per proforma issued by the DGE , A.P. The Candidate shall also have the option of meeting the scribe two days before the examination to check the suitability .
iv . Candidates will be allowed to change Scribe/ Reader in the case of emergency . The candidate shall also be allowed to take more than one scribe/ reader for writing different papers , in the case of language papers . However , there shall be only one scribe per subject .
v . Chief Superintendent of the examination centre concerned shall forward to the concerned Assistant Commissioner for Government Examinations (ACGE ) of the District , a report giving full particulars of the candidate and that of the scribe .
vi . A suitable room shall be arranged for the candidate for whom a scribe is allowed and a separate Assistant Superintendent shall be appointed by the Chief Superintendent to supervise his/ her examination .
vii . Services of Scribe shall be provided free of cost .
viii . The Scribe shall be paid remuneration by the Chief Superintendent as per norms set by the Director of Government Examinations , Α.Ρ. (hereinafter referred to as DGE , A.P. )
4 Other General Instructions/ Facilities
i . To facilitate easy access , the Jumbling process for examination purposes is abolished to all CWSN and the same school or nearby schools shall be allotted , as per the feasibility .
ii . Teachers from schools for the visually impaired shall be appointed as Assistant Superintendent/ Invigilator at the special examination centres for the visually handicapped as and when required . However , due precaution is to be taken to appoint different subject teachers on different days .
iii . Answer booklets of Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities shall be sent separately by the Chief 4
Superintendents .
iv.A separate column shall be provided on the title page of the answer booklet for indicating the category of disability .
v . Use of calculators or assistive devices is permitted in any of the examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education , A.P. , only if specified in the disability - specific list of exemptions and concessions .
vi . Visually Impaired candidates are permitted to carry Magnifying Glass / Portable Video Magnifier .
vii . Only the candidates belonging to the following categories of disabilities shall be permitted to use a computer/ laptop during the examination : HL , HC , HD , HM , HA , BB , BL , SM , SN , SB , SD disability codes only.
viii . The Computer/ Laptop will be allowed by the candidates of the above - mentioned categories as per the actual need and skills of the CwSN duly supported by a certificate issued by registered medical practitioners / qualified psychological consultants recommending there of the Computer facility for writing the examination citing the ground on which recommendation for use of computer has been made . Such permission shall be granted by the DGE , A.P. upon receiving an application from the concerned school head , subject to the following :
a. Use of computer shall be limited to typing answers , viewing the questions in the enlarged font size and listening to the questions only .
b . The candidate shall bring his / her computer or laptop duly formatted and the Chief Superintendent shall allow such candidate after an inspection by the Computer teacher and the same teacher may do the monitoring of the use of the computer during the examination duration. Chief Superintendent may compensate for the loss of time , if any , and record the same.
c. The computer/ laptop brought by the candidate shall not have any active internet connection so as to maintain the sanctity of the examinations .
d . The candidate shall use the computer/ laptop only for the purpose for which permission has been granted by the DGE , A.P.
e. Such requests along with specific recommendations by the competent medical authority / qualified psychology consultant shall be sent to the DGE , A.P. , who shall verify all such requests and grant permission to the student for the use of a Computer/ laptop in the examination 5
iffound valid .
f . Responsibility for use & safety of the computer/ laptop shall lie with the candidate and Board shall not be liable for any consequences arising out of any mishappening on account of the use of such devices .
ix . Provision of ' Reader' shall be provided to read the question paper in case the student with a disability does not want to avail of the scribe facility . However , the role of the ' Reader ' shall be limited to reading the Question Paper only . Request for availing the services of the ' Reader ' shall be made by the concerned school HM to the DGE , A.P. , with the specific recommendations by the registered medical practitioners / authorized psychologist . Such cases shall be referred to the DGE , A.P. , through proper channel by the school HM / Principal and the permission shall be accorded on a case -by case basis based on the merit of such request . Candidates availing the services of the ' Reader' shall not be allowed to use the services of the scribe.
x. Proper seating arrangements ( preferably on the ground floor) shall be made prior to the commencement of the examination to avoid confusion .
5 Other Special Instructions/ Facilities for CwSN in certain special situations
Certain special facilities listed below may be availed by all the CwSN in extraordinary circumstances only . Request to avail these facilities has to be placed before DGE , A.P. , through proper channel by the school HM/ Principal along with all relevant supporting medical evidence and permission shall be accorded on a case - by case basis based on the merit of such request only after considering the feasibility .
a . Provision to avail rest breaks during the examination.
b . Provision to candidate to take the examinations in a Govt./ Pvt . Hospital / Rehabilitation Centre/ other medical facility recognized by the Government of A.P. under strict Supervision , if necessary , on a case - by - case basis only.
c. Provision to avail of the services of a Care Assistant , Prompter or communicator during the examination .
d . Provision to access the services of " Sign Language " Interpreters in the case of Hearing Impaired CwSN only, if necessary .
5
Fee
Application & Examination Fee for the SSC Public Examinations shall not be charged from all the CWSN from Class VI to Class X. However , the DGE , A.P. , is permitted to impose a late fee as per the guidelines on the imposition of a late fee .
6
3.Children with Special Needs ( CwSN ) who wish to appear for the SSC Public Examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education , A.P. and who wish to avail the exemptions / concessions should approach the Directorate of Government Examinations , A.P. , through the Head of the Institution , preferably while studying in Class - IX or Class - X . The application should be forwarded by the Head of the Institute by duly enclosing the original medical certificate or the photocopy of the medical certificate duly attested by a Gazetted Officer . Only those students would be considered for grant ofexemptions / concessions , whose category of disability is duly entered in the application form of SSC Public Examinations .
4. The Chief Superintendent of the Examination Centre shall form a panel of eligible scribes / readers / prompters ( as per the eligibility criteria ) to be provided to the CwSN candidates in the examination centres under their control and submit the list to the concerned District Educational Officer for approval . The District Educational Officer shall communicate the approved list to the Commissioner of School Education , A.P. , and Director of Government Examinations , A.P.
5.The ' Standard Operating Procedure ' ( SOP ) for availing the exemptions , the proforma for the 'letter of undertaking ' for using own scribe shall be framed and communicated to all the stakeholders by the DGE , A.P. , with the prior approval of the Commissioner of School Education , A.P.
6. A dedicated Grievance Redressal Helpline to support the Children with Special Needs ( CSN ) and other stakeholders before / during / after the examinations shall be constituted by the DGE , A.P. and the information shall be made available in the public domain and shall be widely circulated to all the stakeholders .
7.The exemptions and concessions provided by the Board of Secondary Education , A.P. , shall be prominently displayed on the official website and shall be accessible in all the official languages of the state .
B RAJSEKHAR PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMNENT // FORWARDED BY ORDER //
J.Negavath
SECTION OFFICER ANNEXURE – II
DISABILITY SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS & CONCESSIONS
SI .
Exemptions and Concessions
Disability Code
Name of the Disability **
No
Physical Disability
Locomotors Disability
1
HL
Leprosy Cured Persons
2
HC
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35' to ' 10 ' ( Thirty- five to Ten) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations .
Cerebral Palsy
b.For the purpose of valuation , certain Grammatical mistakes , punctuation errors , Graphs , Geometry and Maps shall be ignored , wherever necessary.
HD
3
Dwarfism
c.Separate answer scripts ( Thick paper ) shall be provided for the examinations
4
HM
d.Suitable assistive devices like calculators , computers and facilities like appropriate chairs & tables may be availed by the candidate , if necessary .
Muscular Dystrophy e.Exemption from Studying & appearing in any one ( 1 ) language out of the three .
f . Permitted to avail the services of the scribe and compensatory time .
5
HA Acid Attack Victims
g.Rest breaks may be permitted during the examination , if necessary .
h.DGE , A.P. , may permit the candidate to take the examinations in a Hospital under the Supervision , if necessary , on a case - by - case basis.
i . Permitted to avail the services of Care Assistant during the examination , if necessary , with the prior permission of DGE , A.P.
Physical Disability Visual Impairment
6 BB
Blindness
7 BL
Low Vision
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35' to ' 20 ' (Thirty - five to Twenty) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations for the candidates who come under " BB " Disability Code only . This exemption does not apply to the candidates under " BL " disability code i.e. , Low Vision .
b . For the purpose of valuation, certain Grammatical mistakes , punctuation errors , Graphs , Geometry and Maps shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
c . Suitable assistive devices ( Abacus , Tyler frame , magnifying glass , portable video magnifier , Braille Slate , Geometry kit , Braille Measuring tape , etc. )shall be permitted in the examinations as per the requirement .
d. Separate answer scripts ( Thick paper ) shall be provided for the examinations.
e . Suitable assistive devices like calculators , computers and facilities like appropriate chairs & tables may be used by the candidate in the examination hall with prior permission , if necessary .
f. Exemption from Studying & writing any one (1) language subject out of the three .
g. Permitted to avail the services of the scribe and compensatory time .
h . Alternative Objective Questions in lieu of descriptive questions requiring visual inputs shall be provided for candidates with visual impairment .
Physical Disability - Hearing Impairment
Deaf
DD
8
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35 ' to ' 20 ' ( Thirty - five to Twenty) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations .
b . For the purpose of valuation , only certain Grammatical punctuation errors shall be ignored , wherever necessary . mistakes and 9
DH
Hard of Hearing
c.Students with Hearing Impairment are permitted to study & write only one ( 1 ) language subject out of the three .
d. Suitable assistive devices may be availed by the candidate , as per the requirement .
e . Alternative objective questions in lieu of descriptive questions should be provided for candidates with Hearing Impairment .
Physical Disability - Speech & Language Disability
10
DS Speech & Language Disability
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35 ' to ' 20 ' ( Thirty - five to Twenty) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations .
b . For the purpose of valuation , only certain Grammatical mistakes , and punctuation errors shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
c . Suitable assistive devices may be availed by the candidate , as per the requirement .
Intellectual Disability
a . Candidates with Specific Learning Disabilities are exempted from writing 3 rd language paper .
b . For the purpose of valuation , only certain Grammatical mistakes and punctuation errors shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
11
CS
Specific Learning Disabilities : Dyslexia , Dysgraphia , Dyscalculia , Dyspraxia , Development Aphasia .
c . A concession of Twenty ( 20 ) marks for a single subject or Twenty ( 20 ) marks divided totally among all subjects would be awarded to the student who does not secure minimum qualifying marks in his/ her examinations from Classes VI to X.
d . Suitable assistive devices may be availed by the candidate , as per the requirement .
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35 ' to ' 10 ' ( Thirty - five to Ten ) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations .
12
CA
b . For the purpose of valuation , certain Grammatical mistakes , punctuation errors , Graphs , Geometry and Maps shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD )
c . Separate answer scripts (Thick paper ) shall beprovided for the examinations .
d . Suitable assistive devices may be availed by the candidate , as per the requirement .
Mental Behavior
a . The qualifying criteria and pass marks shall be reduced from ' 35 ' to ' 10 ' ( Thirty - five to Ten) marks in all the subjects from classes VI to X and SSC Public Examinations .
Mental Illness
SM
13
b . For the purpose of valuation , certain Grammatical mistakes, punctuation errors , Graphs , Geometry and Maps shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
c . Suitable assistive devices may be availed by the candidate , as per the requirement .
Chronic Neurological Conditions & Blood Disorders
a . Candidates with Specific Learning Disabilities are exempted from writing 3rd language paper .
SN
14
Chronic Neurological Conditions : Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease
b. For the purpose of valuation , only certain Grammatical mistakes and punctuation errors shall be ignored , wherever necessary .
Blood
SB
15
c. Suitable assistive devices may be availed Disorders:
by the candidate , as per the requirement .
Hemophilia Thalassemia
Sickle Cell Disease.
Multiple Disabilities
SD
16
Multiple Disabilities
The exemptions & concessions would be provided based on the nature of disabilities as mentioned above .
** The Definition of disabilities are defined in the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act , 2016 .
B RAJSEKHAR PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMNENT
// FORWARDED BY ORDER //
SECTION OFFICER