Abstract

Study design: Retrospective hospital record based Cross-sectional observational study
Purpose: To study the Disparity in Disability percentages assigned by the primary and tertiary centres for eligibility to the PwD quota in a competitive exam
Methods: Data from 200-2023 was studied. NEET exam qualified students presenting to the Disability Board in the Ophthalmology Out Patient Department. Consecutive sampling was performed.
Results: 30% of all students presenting had no disability at all
25% of the total were one-eyed, had 30% disability and were not eligible for PwD quota
Conclusion: 17% agreement in scores was seen. 75% showed exaggerated scores in 1ry centres. Only 29% applicants were eligible for PwD quota vs 98% from 1ry centre. Stakes included society pressure, lowered asking percentage and a better rank. Adequate training of primary centre certifiers, making certain modalities available to them (VEP, HFA) and spreading awareness about the possibility of malingering is needed.