Kerala Announces Additional Time for KEAM Candidates with Type 1 Diabetes
In a significant move, the state of Kerala has announced that students with Type 1 diabetes will be granted an additional 20 minutes of exam time for every hour of the Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical (KEAM) entrance examination. This policy extends beyond the norms applied by the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Key Details of the Provision
According to the Minister for Higher Education, Roji M John, this decision was made after considering a representation from the Type-One Diabetes Foundation and a report from the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations. The Finance Department and the Chief Minister also approved the measure. Students will need to provide a medical certificate from a doctor to receive this accommodation.
Accompaniments Allowed
Alongside the extra time, candidates diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes will be permitted to carry essential medical supplies into the examination hall. These include insulin pens, insulin pumps, glucose tablets, water, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS), snacks, and fruits, subject to security checks.
Comparison with Other Examinations
Currently, most entrance examinations in India offer compensatory time primarily for candidates with benchmark disabilities under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the JEE Main examination, provides 20 minutes of compensatory time per hour to eligible candidates with disabilities who receive a scribe. However, Type 1 diabetes is not specifically identified as a category eligible for additional time.
Similar State-Level Provisions
Examinations in West Bengal and Maharashtra, such as the WBJEE and MHT-CET, also offer 20 minutes of compensatory time per hour to candidates with disabilities, mirroring the national-level approach. Yet, these examinations also require adherence to specific eligibility criteria and documentation.
CBSE and NEET Provisions
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) allows students with Type 1 diabetes to carry specific food items, medicines, and monitoring devices during board exams, as outlined in its 2017 circular. This includes sugar tablets, chocolates, fruits, sandwiches, and a small water bottle. However, these provisions differ from the KEAM relaxation, which focuses on providing additional writing time due to the challenges of managing blood glucose levels.
The National Testing Agency’s (NTA) NEET UG 2026 examination instructions also allow diabetic candidates to carry sugar tablets and fruits, including bananas, apples and oranges, along with a transparent water bottle.
Next Steps
The additional 20 minutes per hour will be incorporated into the upcoming KEAM 2027 examination. Students with Type 1 diabetes should monitor official announcements from the Kerala Higher Education Department for further details and guidelines.
Source: The Indian Express. Featured image credit: The Indian Express.
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