Karnataka competitive examinations: Physically challenged vie for Professors posts

Bengaluru: They are either physically disabled or blind. But this has not stopped them from doing their postgraduation in subjects like computer science, economics, mathematics, physics and chemistry. And now they are competing with the very best appearing for the competitive examinations to be conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) from March 2 to 6 for the posts of assistant professors in government colleges.

As many as 403 candidates with locomotor disability and cerebral palsy and 40 blind candidates are appearing for the examination being held for recruitment of 2,160 Assistant Professors in Government First Grade Colleges in the state.
As these appointments are being made after seven years, thousands of postgraduates with NET , KSET, or PhDs to their name have applied.

Undeterred about competing with those who are both sighted and able, those with cerebral palsy and locomotor disability have turned out in big number to apply for the positions.

KEA officials themselves were taken by surprise when they found that several candidates suffering from locomotor disability and cerebral palsy had successfully completed their postgraduation in subjects like management, computer science, economics, mathematics, physics and chemistry. “For example four students with locomotor disability have done their PG in mathematics. Another five have done their PG in chemistry , while five more have done it in physics. Twelve have done their PG in computer science and 23 have done their MBA,” says an officer.

A disabled candidate ,who did not want to be identified, said it was all about mind over matter. “The state government has not made any appointment to the First Grade Colleges for the last few years. As there will be no interview, the appointments are being done through a transparent process. So everyone is interested. We are too. After all where there is a will, there is a way," he said.