CBSE Introduces New Guidelines Allowing Diabetic Students to Carry Essential Items During Exams

New Delhi-  In a progressive move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced new guidelines that permit diabetic students to carry necessary items during the upcoming 2024 board exams.

The initiative aims to provide support and accommodation for students with Type-1 Diabetes, ensuring they can effectively manage their condition while taking exams.

Under the new guidelines, diabetic students will be allowed to carry a range of items, including fruits, water bottles, and glucometers, to the exam center. The items, which also include chocolates and medicines, must be carried in a transparent pouch for easy inspection.

CBSE has emphasized the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of diabetic students during the exams. The board has outlined the specific items that diabetic students are permitted to carry, including sugar tablets, fruits like bananas, apples, and oranges, snack items such as sandwiches and high-protein diets, and necessary medicines based on doctor's prescriptions.

Furthermore, the guidelines also allow diabetic students to carry a water bottle with a capacity of 500 ml, as well as essential medical devices like glucometers and glucose testing strips. Students who utilize Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) machines, flash glucose monitoring (FGM) machines, or insulin pumps will also be permitted to bring them to the exam center.

To avail of these facilities, diabetic students must provide information regarding their Type-1 Diabetes condition during the registration or submission of the Letter of Concern (LOC). Additionally, students are required to upload relevant documents on the CBSE portal, including medical specialist recommendations for CGM/FGM/insulin pump usage during the exams, as well as an undertaking from the parents confirming the provision of these devices and ensuring they do not pose any communication-related risks.

To streamline the process, the school, student, or parent must apply for these facilities within the designated schedule provided by the CBSE. Requests made after the schedule deadline will not be entertained. It is also mandatory for the school or student to inform the examination center at least one day prior to the start of the exam regarding the items that will be carried by the student.

On the day of the examination, diabetic students are required to arrive at the school at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time, i.e., by 9:45 am. While the equipment attached to the body will be allowed inside the examination hall, the remaining items will be securely kept with the assistant superintendent (invigilator) in a transparent box or pouch and can be accessed by the students whenever needed.

The CBSE's decision to introduce these guidelines reflects its commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a conducive environment for all students. By facilitating the management of diabetes during exams, the board aims to alleviate any potential challenges and enable students to perform to the best of their abilities.

The introduction of these guidelines has received widespread appreciation from various stakeholders, highlighting the progressive approach of the CBSE in catering to the unique needs of students with medical conditions.