Facilities and Support for Special Needs Candidates in JEE Main 2026

Special needs candidates in JEE Main 2026 are well-taken care of. They receive all the assistance needed to have an equal opportunity to clear this important exam. The facilities and support for special needs candidates in JEE Main 2026 begin from compensatory time or scribe assistance. Physical accommodations, seat reservations, and infrastructural support are all available to such students.

Special needs candidates are specified by NTA under Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Let’s have a look at what NTA means by PwD and PwBD, and what they offer to include these candidates fairly.

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Defining PwD, PwBD, and Specified Disability Categories in JEE Main 2026

Here is the meaning of all these terms:

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Assistance for Special Needs Candidates in JEE Main 2026

The facilities and support for special needs candidates in JEE Main 2026 data show the following:

1. Scribe/ Reader/ Lab Assistant

Any person with benchmark disabilities, which are defined in Section 2(r) of the RPwD Act, 2016, and those with limitations in writing and speed can avail of a scribe, reader, or lab assistant if they desire. It includes candidates with blindness, locomotor disability, and cerebral palsy.

The other category of persons with benchmark disabilities has to produce a certificate of physical limitations to write and scribe. It should be provided by the Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of a Government health care institution as per the proforma at Appendix - III.

Candidates can get a scribe through the agency or be allowed to bring their own scribe. If the candidate brings their scribe, the scribe should be less qualified than the candidate.

1. Compensatory Time

“Extra time or additional time” terms are now replaced with compensatory time. It is a minimum of 20 minutes per hour of exam for candidates having a scribe, reader, or lab assistant. So, for a 3-hour exam, an additional 60 minutes or one hour are provided to special needs candidates.

If the exam is of less than an hour, then the pro-rata method is applied to the duration of additional time. However, it should not be less than 5 minutes and should be a multiple of 5 only.

1. Assistive Devices

Special needs candidates can get assistive devices like hearing aids or magnified question papers. They should prove their hearing or visual impairment according to the specified guidelines to get permission.

1. Physical Accommodation

The exam location should be accessible, including having wheelchair ramps and elevators. There should be proper lighting and special seating arrangements for the candidate. For example, those with mobility issues should get a room on the ground floor.

1. Reservation Quota

Candidates with 40% or above benchmark disability get a 5% horizontal reservation of seats. It is available in all participating institutions and across all categories (SC, ST, General, OBC, and EWS).

1. Relaxation in Eligibility

As per the JEE Main 2026 eligibility criteria specified by NTA, there may be relaxation in the minimum qualifying marks and age limits for special needs candidates.

The facilities and support for special needs candidates are extensive. These points ensure the students get equal, fair, and inclusive opportunities for a brighter future with JEE Main 2026.

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