Students with disabilities will now get 30 minutes of extra time in the degree (pass) and certificate course third-year exams under the National University (NU). The decision was confirmed in an official circular signed by Exam Controller Md Enamul Karim on Sunday (14 September).

To be entitled to the additional time, candidates must hold a disability certificate issued by the Department of Social Services. Before the start of the exams, the principal or acting officer of the respective colleges must verify the documents, including a copy of the admit card and the disability certificate. Only after proper verification will necessary arrangements be made for the extra time allocation, reports Prothom Alo.

The circular further states that principals or acting officers must send the verified documents of disabled candidates to the exam controller or the deputy controller concerned. This step ensures accountability and helps the NU authorities maintain accurate records of such candidates.

Answer scripts of disabled candidates must be sealed separately, marked in red as “Answer script of disabled candidates,” and sent to NU’s Deputy Controller of Exams, Md Nazrul Islam Talukdar, in Gazipur.

NU said the move aims to ensure inclusivity and reduce exam stress for students with disabilities. Education experts welcomed the step as a progressive measure, urging similar policies across other universities and education boards.