Facilities and Support for Special Needs Candidates in JEE Main 2026

Sakshi Gautam

Published On:

The facilities and support for special needs candidates in JEE Main 2026 comprise scribe assistance/ compensatory time, physical accommodations like wheelchair accessibility, 5% reservations in all participating institutions across all categories.


 
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.
Also Check - JEE Main 2026 Withdrawal and Exam Fee Refund: New Rules Explained

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

Here is the meaning of all these terms:

Term

Meaning

Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

  • Long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment

  • Causes inability to interact or participate fully, effectively, and equally in society

  • Issues in resolving barriers

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

  • 40% or above of a specified disability in a person

  • The specification of disability is measurable

Specified Disabilities

Disabilities specified in the Schedule (Appendix II), like blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, etc.

Also Check - JEE Main Attempt Limits: How They’ve Changed and What to Expect in 2026

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.

Related Articles

How State Board Marking Impacts JEE Main Top 20 Percentile Eligibility JEE Main 2026 Reservation Rules: What’s Changed for EWS, OBC, SC/ST Candidates?

For any query, head to our QnA Zone or fill out our Common Application Form . Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more such updates!

FAQs

What documents should I carry on the day of the exam if I’m a PwD candidate?

Carry your admit card, photo-ID proof, PwD certificate (in the prescribed format), and any approved assistive devices for JEE Main 2026. You should arrive early and meet the invigilator to confirm the compensatory time allotment.

What about exam centre access and mobility aids?

For JEE Main 2026, NTA is increasing centres and ensuring accessible infrastructure such as wheelchair ramps, accessible washrooms, and specialised seating for PwD candidates.

Do I need to request a scribe separately, or is it automatic?

You must indicate the need for a scribe during application, upload the relevant certificate, and choose whether to bring your own scribe or request the examination body to assign one.

What kinds of disabilities make a candidate eligible for scribe assistance?

The eligibility includes blindness, locomotor disability, cerebral palsy (where writing speed is affected) and other benchmark disabilities (minimum 40 %) as certified.

Can I use the extra hour (compensatory time) in JEE Main even if I don’t use a scribe?

Yes. If you are eligible for benchmark disability and the certificate qualifies you for compensatory time, you will be allotted extra time even without a scribe.

/articles/facilities-and-support-for-special-needs-candidates-in-jee-main/
View All Questions

Related Questions

How is LPU for M.Tech CSE branch?

-airaUpdated on February 10, 2026 11:51 PM
  • 101 Answers
Anmol Sharma, Student / Alumni

LPU’s M.Tech in CSE offers a well-structured, industry-aligned curriculum featuring hands-on projects and expert faculty support. With regular recruitment from top tech firms, students excelling in development and research secure competitive placements. It remains a solid choice for those prioritizing practical learning and strong career outcomes in specialized technical fields.

READ MORE...

I want to study at lpu. What is the cost of this university?

-Preeti PandeyUpdated on February 11, 2026 05:57 PM
  • 57 Answers
YogyaaOSharma, Student / Alumni

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has an image of providing quality education at affordable yet flexible price which has made it one of the most preferred institutions of higher learning among students in India and other parts of the world. Depending on the course you are doing, the specific cost varies, but in the course, LPU promises you good value with well-equipped infrastructure, well-trained instructors, and good placement services. The huge scholarship scheme by LPU is one of the greatest benefits as students may receive a reduction of fees in terms of academic performance, LPUNEST results, sports, or other accomplishments. Another …

READ MORE...

What is LPUPET and LPUTABS?

-NehaUpdated on February 11, 2026 04:05 PM
  • 63 Answers
Udit Katiyar, Student / Alumni

LPUPET stands for LPU Physical Efficiency Test. It is a physical fitness test required for admission to sports and physical education programs like B.P.Ed., M.P.Ed., BPES, and B.Sc. (Physical Education). The test includes activities such as running, jumping, and other physical performance tasks to assess fitness levels. LPUTABS stands for LPU Talent and Ability Based Scholarship. It is a scholarship scheme where students can showcase their talent in sports, cultural activities, or other areas to receive financial benefits or admission support based on performance.

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Recent Related News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Engineering Colleges in India

View All
Top