HSC exams: Autistic students allowed to carry calculators in exams

There is good news for students with autism and learning disabilities appearing for the HSC exams commencing from Saturday. This time, the board has allowed the students to use a calculator in physics and chemistry papers.

There is good news for students with autism and learning disabilities appearing for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams commencing from Saturday. This time, the board has allowed the students to use a calculator in physics and chemistry papers.

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The facility was earlier allowed only for book-keeping and accounts paper in the commerce stream and mathematics paper in all streams.

Now, the board has agreed to extend this facility to the students of science stream as well, after parents and students complained that physics and chemistry papers also involved mathematical calculations.

But the board has set a condition: the students will have to bring their own calculators. The calculators have to be simple models and not attached to any other object. Calculators on mobile phones or laptops will not be allowed.

There are 932 students with autism and learning disabilities appearing for the HSC exams this year. Learning disabilities include dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia.

The facility will also be for students appearing for Class 11 exams. Similar provisions are already available for SSC students.