In a first, Keralam allows extra time for type-1 diabetes candidates in KEAM, goes beyond JEE, CBSE norms

The Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John has announced that students with Type 1 diabetes appearing for the KEAM entrance examination will be granted an extra 20 minutes of time, hour by hour, for the test. This unprecedented provision follows a request from the Type-One Diabetes Foundation and approval from various departments and the Chief Minister.

Along with the extra time, students can bring insulin pens, pumps, glucose tablets, water, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, snacks and fruits into the exam hall after security checks. This accommodation acknowledges the physical challenges students with Type 1 diabetes may face due to blood glucose fluctuations, such as hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, during the examination.

The state government had previously extended the same time relaxation to examinations conducted by higher education institutions and professional colleges in Kerala. The provision will be implemented in the upcoming KEAM 2027.

Type 1 diabetes students require additional time during examinations to monitor their blood glucose levels, administer insulin, or consume food and glucose tablets to maintain stable glucose levels. This extra time helps mitigate the physical difficulties posed by these fluctuations.

Unlike JEE and other national entrance exams, which offer compensatory time primarily to candidates with benchmark disabilities or specified writing issues, KEAM's time relaxation is specifically tailored for Type 1 diabetes students. However, state-level examinations like WBJEE and MHT-CET also provide similar accommodations for eligible candidates.

The CBSE's policies for students with Type 1 diabetes during Class 10 and Class 12 board exams are more limited, permitting specific food items, medicines, and monitoring devices, but not additional writing time.