CBSE mulls Braille, sign language as subjects

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 20: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to introduce sign languages and Braille as one of the subjects in the syllabus. The objective behind this move is to make the exam more friendly towards students with special needs.

The Board is also considering giving exemptions to these students from selecting two or one compulsory subjects.

“It has been proposed that Indian sign language or braille should be treated as a language to satisfy the formula prescribed by the board,” a senior official has been quoted as saying to a national daily.

Besides introducing new subjects, CBSE is also mulling attendance waivers, computer-based tests, and flexible subject selection options for its students. The CBSE is currently under the process of formulating comprehensive guidelines for students. Attendance requirement for candidates with severe disabilities can also be waived. Further, the board is planning to create online class content for students with mobility issues.

CBSE has made the draft policy in this regard and have sent the same to stakeholders for feedback. "We are working on the draft report. Meanwhile, we have already implemented many relaxations for the 'Children With Special Needs' (CWSN) in board exams in 2018. We have discussed our viewpoint with many state boards in the national workshops," the senior official from the board told a news agency.