reservation · horizontal

PwD Reservation

A 5% horizontal reservation that runs across every category — General, OBC, SC, and ST alike, not a separate standalone pool.

5%
Horizontal reservation, central institutions
≥40%
Certified disability threshold

PwD (Divyangjan) reservation applies on top of your existing vertical category — understanding both together is key to predicting your realistic seat.

PwD disability categories

Sub-categoryDisability typeBenchmark disability
LD (Locomotor Disability)Bone/joint deformity, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured≥40% certified by Govt medical board
VI (Visual Impairment)Blindness, low vision≥40% certified; JEE/NEET paper modifications available
HH (Hearing Impairment)Deafness, hard of hearing≥40% certified; sign language interpreter for NEET
OthersAutism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, mental illness≥40% certified under RPWD Act, 2016
Tamil Nadu tip
PwD certificates must come from a Government Medical Board (District Medical Board or a Government Teaching Hospital board) — self-acquired certificates from private doctors are not accepted. For NEET, if a scribe is needed, apply through NTA before the exam with your disability certificate. Check josaa.nic.in for current JEE PwD criteria, as courts have occasionally revised the disability percentage threshold.
frequently asked

PwD reservation — quick answers

What does "horizontal" reservation mean for PwD candidates? +

It means PwD reservation runs across every category rather than being one separate pool — 5% of General seats go to GEN-PwD students, 5% of OBC seats to OBC-PwD students, and so on. PwD candidates compete within their own vertical category (GEN, OBC, SC, ST), using their category-adjusted rank.

Who can issue a valid PwD certificate? +

Only a Government Medical Board — specifically a District Medical Board or a Medical Board at a Government Teaching Hospital. Certificates from private doctors are not accepted for reservation purposes, regardless of how detailed they are.

Need help arranging exam accommodations or certification?

A counsellor can walk through the process and timelines.

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