Change rules for candidates with learning disabilities: JEE-Adv students in Mumbai

At a time when students are busy registering for the Joint Entrance Examination-Advanced (JEE-Adv) test, some have demanded a change in rules for those with learning disabilities (LD).

Candidates from the city have highlighted how the JEE-Adv information brochure has mentioned only dyslexia as a learning disability, whereas dyscalculia and dysgraphia have not been included. Many are also worried that the documents required by the examination authority are different from what is available to LD students in Maharashtra.

“According to the information brochure, students with dyslexia need to submit a certificate to be obtained by a dyslexia association. However, in Maharashtra, the rule has always been that such certificates can only be obtained from government hospitals, which is what we have done. We are not sure if the same will be accepted,” said the parent of one such student.

Students and parents have also approached the JEE-Adv helpline number to seek clarity in this matter.

LD falls under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category, where separate forms need to be submitted to the examination authority, as per the student’s disability. One of these forms for LD candidates specifically mention that in order to avail the benefit of relaxed norms under the PwD category, the candidate must come under ‘severe’ category. However, experts have questioned this compulsion.

“At present, there are no standard approved methods to quantify a learning disability. A student is either LD, or not. How does a student produce a certificate showing the severity of the issue,” said psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty.

Shetty added that the JEE-Adv rule seeking certificate from a dyslexia association is also not correct, as all such associations are privately run, whereas a certificate from a government-approved test centre is what the authorities should consider in such cases.

Officials from organising committee of JEE-Adv said that the rules were finalised last year itself, after consulting experts in the field.

“Candidates need not worry because the top 2.31 lakh JEE Main candidates automatically are eligible for JEE-Adv exam. Their proof certificates will be required at the time of admissions, at the respective IITs. However, if students are facing any difficulty, they are free to touch base with us and we will ensure they get help immediately,” said a senior official from the organising committee.

Stiff Competition

Total students who appeared for JEE-Mains exam—10.74 lakh

Candidates qualified for JEE-Advanced—2.31 lakh

Category-wise cut-off (out of 360 marks)

Category-------------------2017--------2018

Common Rank List-------81------------74

OBC-NCL------------------49------------45

SC---------------------------32------------29

ST---------------------------27------------24

PwD-------------------------1------------ -35

JEE-Advanced 2018 will be held in computer based format only on May 20, 2018. Registrations for the same will take place till May 7, 5pm.