KEAM Exam: Candidates with Type-1 diabetes to get 20 minutes extra per hour

Thiruvananthapuram: Students with Type-1 diabetes appearing for the KEAM entrance examination will be allowed 20 minutes of extra time for every hour of the test, Higher Education Minister Roji M John said on Thursday. John said in a statement that the decision will be implemented based on a medical certificate from a doctor.

The minister said that the decision was taken after considering a representation submitted by the Type One Diabetes Foundation and a report from the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations. It received the approval of the Finance Department and the chief minister, he said.

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KEAM allows diabetes supplies in exam halls

The additional time has been granted considering the physical difficulties students may face due to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, including hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, during the examination, the statement said.

The government had earlier issued an order allowing students with Type-1 diabetes 20 minutes of extra time per hour in examinations conducted by higher education institutions and professional colleges in the state.

Kerala Engineering Architecture and Medical (KEAM) entrance examination candidates with the condition will also be permitted to carry insulin pens, insulin pumps, glucose tablets, water, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS), snacks and fruits into the examination hall after security checks, the statement said. Necessary steps will be taken to incorporate the provision in the 2027 KEAM prospectus, it added.