(i) Candidates must write the papers in their own hand. In no circumstances, will they be allowed the help of a scribe to write the answers for them. However, blind candidates will be allowed to write the examination with the help of a scribe.

Note (1): The eligibility conditions of a scribe, his/her conduct inside the examination hall and the manner in which and extent to which he/she can help the blind candidate in writing the Civil Services Examination shall be governed by the instructions issued by the UPSC in this regard. Violation of all or any of the said instructions shall entail the cancellation of the candidature of the blind candidate in addition to any other action that the UPSC may take against the scribe.

Note (2): For purpose of these rules the candidate shall be deemed to be a blind candidate if the percentage of visual impairment is 40% or more

Note (3): For availing of the concession admissible to a blind candidate, the candidate concerned shall produce a certificate in the prescribed proforma from a Medical Board constituted by the Central/State Governments along with his application for the Main Examination.

Note (4): (i) The concession admissible to blind candidates shall not be admissible to those suffering from Myopia.

(ii) The Commission have discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the subjects of the examination.

(iii) If a candidates handwriting is not easily legible, a deduction will be made on this account from the total marks otherwise accruing to him.

(iv) Marks will not be allotted for mere superficial knowledge.

(v) Credit will be given for orderly, effective and exact expression combined with due economy of words in all subjects of the examination.

(vi) In the question papers, wherever required, SI Units will be used.

(vii) Candidates should use only International form of Indian numerals (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 etc.) while answering question papers.

(viii) Candidates will be allowed the use of scientific (non-programmable type calculators at the conventional (essay) type examination of UPSC. Programmable type calculators will however not be allowed and the use of such calculators shall tantamount to resorting to unfair means by the candidates. Loaning or interchanging of calculators in the examinational hall is not permitted. It is also important to note that candidates are not permitted to use calculator for answering objective type papers (Test Booklets).