Visually Impaired Pune Teen Passes Class 12 Exams Without a Writer, Scores 80.5%
Reported by Akshata Pawar
Pune, 5th May 2025: In a remarkable feat of determination and self-reliance, 18-year-old Akshay Dandwate has become the only visually impaired student in Maharashtra this year to appear for the Class 12 board exams without the aid of a writer—and passed with an impressive score of 80.5%.
A student of the Koregaon Park Blind School for Boys, Akshay’s journey is a powerful testament to what’s possible with the right tools and unshakeable resolve. He first learned to type using the Swalekhan Typing Tutor, introduced to him by Niwant Andh Mukta Vikasalaya, a Pune-based NGO dedicated to empowering visually impaired youth. Instead of relying on traditional scribes, Akshay chose to master typing—a decision that allowed him to pursue independence and dignity in academics.
After enrolling at Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC) for his higher secondary studies, Akshay made an unconventional request: he wanted to appear for all his exams without a writer. With the support of his mentors, a proposal was submitted to the BMCC administration. In a commendable gesture of inclusion, the college granted his request, enabling him to type his answers during exams.
Throughout Classes 11 and 12, Akshay consistently took internal tests, practicals, and final assessments independently. His confidence grew with every examination, culminating in his exceptional performance in the HSC board exams—80.5% achieved entirely on his own merit.
Speaking on his achievement, Uma Badve, Akshay’s mentor and head of Niwant Andh Mukta Vikasalaya, said, “His story is more than a personal milestone—it’s a breakthrough for inclusive education in India. Akshay didn’t just pass an exam; he redefined the possibilities for blind students.”
