Types of Disabilities — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims preparation, focus on memorizing the exact list of 21 disabilities with their statutory definitions. Create a mental map categorizing them into physical, intellectual, sensory, and multiple disabilities.

Pay special attention to newly added disabilities like autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disabilities, blood disorders, and acid attack victims. Memorize the 40% benchmark disability threshold and understand its application across all 21 types.

Practice distinguishing between similar conditions: intellectual disability vs mental illness, blindness vs low vision, deaf vs hard of hearing. Remember key numbers: expansion from 7 to 21, 4% employment reservation, 5% education reservation.

Focus on constitutional articles (14, 15, 16, 21) and landmark judgments, especially Jeeja Ghosh case. Use elimination techniques by identifying obviously wrong options that confuse pre-2016 and post-2016 provisions or mix up different disability categories.