Kerala to introduce inclusive assessment methods for students with disabilities under FYUGP

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu has announced plans to introduce adaptive and flexible assessment methods for students with disabilities under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) in higher education institutions.

The government has decided to introduce special examination and evaluation methods for students belonging to different disability categories in a phased manner commencing next academic year.

Changes will be introduced in both continuous internal assessments and semester examinations. Instead of relying solely on written assignments, institutions will be encouraged to use alternative formats such as audio submissions, video presentations and recorded oral explanations wherever appropriate. The government has also emphasised the importance of using technology-enabled assessment methods to make evaluations more accessible.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Dr. Bindu said FYUGP is not merely about extending undergraduate education by an additional year, but about ensuring that students acquire the knowledge, skills and aptitudes expected from each programme.

“However, a uniform application of the assessment methods often creates serious limitations for students with disabilities. Conventional evaluation systems such as time-bound written examinations, oral presentations, traditional practical tests and formats requiring rapid responses can create barriers for many students. Such barriers do not arise from any lack of knowledge or capability among students, but from the fact that examination formats are often not designed to accommodate diverse learning needs,” Dr. Bindu pointed out.

A model set of guidelines for implementing inclusive evaluation practices has been prepared by the Higher Education Reforms Implementation Cell and will be shared with universities for further action. Universities and higher education institutions will develop their own guidelines based on the approved framework as well as the recommendations issued by the University Grants Commission, she added.

The government has also encouraged institutions to maximise the use of technology wherever possible. For instance, in Mathematics, a student with a locomotor disability who finds writing difficult could demonstrate problem-solving ability through alternative formats such as explaining solution steps using a digital writing board, or presenting the process of solving equations through screen-recorded demonstrations.

Similarly, in Chemistry, a student with hearing impairment could prepare visual learning modules explaining chemical bonding or produce short instructional videos with subtitles as part of academic evaluation.

The Minister also informed that institutions will be able to implement several supportive measures for semester examinations including additional examination time, use of assistive devices. alternative question formats, separate examination halls, and continued provision of scribes where required.

Teachers will also have the academic autonomy to choose the most suitable evaluation approach based on the student’s background and the facilities available in the college. Special training programmes will be provided to faculty members to help them implement inclusive assessment practices effectively.