UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026: Check Eligibility, Rules & Documents

UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the governing authority organising the Civil Services Exam. UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026 have been notified to the candidates. It includes information regarding the eligibility, rules, and document-related guidelines. Candidates who are willing to give the UPSC Mains exam are scheduled to start from August 21, 2026. Carry the admit card with the relevant documents like a medical cerificate and scribe carefully. The centre authority can check the documents and allow the candidates to sit in the main exam. 

UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026 Overview

UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026 explain who can use a scribe, the rules for choosing a scribe, extra time in the exam, and the process to change a scribe. Eligible candidates can either bring their own scribe or request a scribe from UPSC.

Who Can Use a Scribe in UPSC 2026?

The scribe facility is available to eligible candidates who cannot write the examination on their own because of their disability.

• Candidates with blindness.

• Candidates with locomotor disability affecting both arms (BA).

• Candidates with cerebral palsy.

• Other Persons with Benchmark Disabilities who have a physical limitation to write, after submitting the required medical certificate.

• Candidates with specified disabilities of less than 40% who have difficulty in writing can also get a scribe after submitting the required certificate from the competent medical authority.

Own Scribe or UPSC Scribe

Eligible candidates can choose between two options:

• Own Scribe: The candidate can bring a scribe of their choice.

• UPSC Scribe: The candidate can request UPSC to provide a scribe.

The details of the scribe have to be provided as required in the UPSC application process.

Candidates who bring their own scribe should note that the scribe can enter the examination only with a separate e-Admit Card.

UPSC Scribe Qualification 2026

The scribe must meet the qualification rules set by UPSC.

• The scribe must be Matriculation pass or above.

• The scribe's qualification must not be higher than the minimum qualification required for the examination.

• These rules apply to both an own scribe and a scribe provided by UPSC.

UPSC Compensatory Time 2026

Eligible candidates can get 20 minutes of extra time for every one hour of the examination.

Candidates with blindness, locomotor disability involving both arms and cerebral palsy are eligible for this facility. Other eligible candidates may need to submit the required medical certificate.

Candidates with less than 40% specified disability and difficulty in writing can also get compensatory time after submitting the required certificate.

For example:

• A 2-hour exam = 40 minutes extra time

• A 3-hour exam = 60 minutes extra time

The scribe and compensatory time facility will be given to eligible candidates if they want to use it.

UPSC Change of Scribe 2026

Candidates who have chosen to use a scribe can request a change of scribe up to 7 days before the examination.

• The request must be submitted through the UPSC online portal: upsconline.nic.in
• UPSC will check the request according to the prescribed rules. The candidate will then be informed about the decision.
• Candidates should apply within the given time limit if they need to change their scribe.

e-Admit Card After Change of Scribe

The e-Admit Card rules are also different for candidates who change their scribe.

• Eligible candidates will normally get their e-Admit Card on the last working day of the week before the examination.

• Candidates who request a change of scribe up to 7 days before the exam will get their e-Admit Card 3 days before the examination.

• Candidates using their own scribe must have a separate e-Admit Card for the scribe.

Candidates should check all details on the e-Admit Card before the examination.

Documents Required for UPSC Scribe Facility

Candidates may need to provide the following documents, depending on their category:

• Disability certificate.

• Medical certificate for physical limitation to write.

• Certificate stating that a scribe is needed.

• Scribe details in the prescribed form.

• Separate e-Admit Card for an own scribe.

UPSC has prescribed different forms for candidates based on their disability and writing difficulty. Candidates should check the official notification before submitting the documents.

UPSC Scribe Rules in the Exam Hall

The scribe must follow all instructions given by UPSC. UPSC Scribe can help the eligible candidate in writing the examination only as allowed under the UPSC rules. The scribe must not give answers, hints or other unfair help to the candidate. If the scribe or candidate breaks the rules, UPSC can cancel the candidate's candidature. UPSC may also take other action as per its rules.

Important Points About UPSC Scribe Guidelines 2026

• Check scribe eligibility before the examination.

• Submit the required medical certificate, if applicable.

• Candidates can choose their own scribe or request one from UPSC.

• The scribe must be Matriculation pass or above.

• The scribe's qualification must not be higher than the minimum qualification of the examination.

• Eligible candidates can get 20 minutes extra time per hour.

• A change of scribe can be requested up to 7 days before the examination.

• An own scribe needs a separate e-Admit Card.

• Follow all UPSC rules during the examination.