Students with Disabilities

What you need to know

1. 1
   India's disability law (RPwD Act 2016) covers 21 disabilities, from blindness and deafness to autism, learning disability, thalassemia and cerebral palsy.
2. 2
   With 40% or more ("benchmark disability") you get the big rights: free education to 18, 5% seats in government colleges, 4% government jobs, scribes and extra time in exams.
3. 3
   Step one is always the UDID card: apply online, get assessed at a government hospital, and it unlocks almost every scheme.
4. 4
   Many children with disabilities quietly drop out. With the right help at school and home, they don't have to.

Official sources

• swavlambancard.gov.inUDID card: apply online↗

Inside this branch

• Every year: the calendar
• Your rights in law2 more
• Get the UDID card1 more
• Early years and school2 more
• Exams: scribe and extra time2 more
• Scholarships2 more
• Free aids and devices2 more
• Skills and jobs2 more
• For parents1 more
• Avoid scams and fakes1 more

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   UDID card: apply any time; the rules say it should be issued within 3 months, so apply well before you need it.
2. 2
   Scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (including AICTE Saksham): usually open around June and close around October.
3. 3
   Exam help (scribe, extra time): ask for it in the exam form itself, for board exams, JEE, NEET, CUET, UPSC or SSC.
4. 4
   NEET (MBBS): get the disability eligibility certificate from a designated centre before counselling, which usually starts in July–August.
5. 5
   Exact dates change every year: always check the official website before you apply.

Official sources

• scholarships.gov.inNational Scholarship Portal↗
• swavlambancard.gov.inUDID card: apply online↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

Learn from these 5

• Official
  DEPwD (disability department)Central department for disability rights and schemes.
  Free
• Official
  RPwD Act, Rules and assessment guidelinesThe law, the rules and how disability is measured.
  Free
• Official
  Chief Commissioner for PwDs: how to complainFree complaint when a right is denied.
  Free
• Official
  NHRC: online complaintFor serious abuse or neglect.
  Free
• Video
  DEPwD (YouTube)Official videos on schemes, many in Hindi.
  Free

Inside this branch

• The 21 disabilities
• What the law promises

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Movement (locomotor), cerebral palsy, dwarfism, muscular dystrophy, leprosy-cured, acid attack; blindness, low vision; deaf, hard of hearing; speech and language.
2. 2
   Intellectual disability, specific learning disability (like dyslexia), autism, mental illness; multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's; haemophilia, thalassemia, sickle cell; multiple disabilities including deaf-blindness.

Official sources

• cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.inRPwD Act 2016 (full text, PDF)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Free education from 6 to 18 in a nearby school or a special school of your choice (40%+).
2. 2
   At least 5% seats in government and aided colleges, with 5 extra years of age for admission. At least 4% of government job vacancies.
3. 3
   Rights denied? Complain free to the State Commissioner for state matters, or the Chief Commissioner for central bodies, online or by post.

Official sources

• ccpd.nic.inChief Commissioner for PwDs: how to complain↗
• depwd.gov.inDepartment of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

Learn from these 5

• Official
  UDID portalThe only official portal for the certificate and UDID card.
  Free
• Official
  Apply for the UDID cardDirect link to the application form.
  Free
• Official
  Renew a UDID cardFor cards with a validity date.
  Free
• Official
  DEPwD: about UDIDWhy the card matters and the latest circulars.
  Free
• App
  UDID app (Android)Official app from the disability department.
  Free

Inside this branch

• How to get it

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Apply online on the UDID portal with Aadhaar and a photo. A government hospital or medical board checks the disability and gives a percentage.
2. 2
   The card is permanent if the condition won't improve; otherwise it shows a validity date to renew. If rejected, you can appeal within 90 days.
3. 3
   Card colours: white (below 40%), yellow (40–79%), blue (80% and above) (reported).

Official sources

• swavlambancard.gov.inUDID card: apply online↗
• depwd.gov.inDEPwD: about the UDID card↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

Learn from these 6

• Official
  Samagra Shiksha: inclusive educationAids, Braille books, special educators and the girls' stipend.
  Free
• Official
  Cross-Disability Early Intervention CentresEarly help for children aged 0–6.
  Free
• Official
  ISLRTC: Indian Sign LanguageISL dictionary, lessons and a video relay helpline.
  Free
• Video
  ISLRTC (YouTube)Official ISL dictionary and lessons.
  Free
• Official
  NCERT books in Indian Sign LanguageTextbooks as ISL videos on DIKSHA.
  Free
• Official
  Sugamya PustakalayaFree audio, Braille and DAISY books, including Hindi.
  Free

Inside this branch

• The earlier, the better
• Help in school

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Worried your child is slow to sit, speak or hear? District Early Intervention Centres (DEIC) at district hospitals check and treat children 0–6 free.
2. 2
   Therapy (speech, physio, special education) works best when it starts early.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapEarly years: Class 1–5→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Government schools must take your child. Under Samagra Shiksha they can get aids, Braille and large-print books, transport or an escort, and a special educator.
2. 2
   Girls with disabilities get a stipend of ₹200 a month (current rate) in Class 1–12. Children with severe disabilities can get home-based education.
3. 3
   Deaf children: NCERT books are being made in Indian Sign Language, and PM eVidya runs an ISL TV channel. NIOS offers flexible open schooling with exam help.

Official sources

• rsdebate.nic.inRajya Sabha answer: inclusive education under Samagra Shiksha (PDF)↗
• ciet.ncert.gov.inPM eVidya: Indian Sign Language channel↗
• nios.ac.inNIOS (open schooling)↗
• Vaidaani roadmapBack to studies after a break→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  DEPwD: scribe and exam guidelinesCentral rules on scribes and extra time.
  Free
• Official
  CBSE: concessions manual (PDF)Scribe, extra time and subject exemptions in board exams.
  Free
• Official
  National Testing AgencyJEE Main, NEET, CUET: see the PwD section of each bulletin.
  Free
• Official
  Medical Counselling CommitteeNEET counselling: PwD notices and certificate centres.
  Free
• Official
  NIOS: help for learners with disabilities (PDF)Scribe, reader and devices in NIOS exams.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Board exams
• Entrance and recruitment exams

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   CBSE and state boards give a scribe and/or extra time (CBSE: 60 minutes for a 3-hour paper), and exemption from a second or third language (reported).
2. 2
   Ask the school early so it is entered in the board's records. Keep the certificate or UDID ready.

Official sources

• cbse.gov.inCBSE: exemptions and concessions for students with disabilities (PDF)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Government rules give at least 20 minutes extra per hour and a scribe to those who need one, including some with under 40% who struggle to write.
2. 2
   JEE Main, NEET, CUET, UPSC and SSC all follow this. Engineering (JoSAA) and medical counselling keep 5% seats for PwD in every category.
3. 3
   MBBS: the Supreme Court has said a disability percentage alone cannot block admission; the medical board must judge your actual ability.

Official sources

• api.sci.gov.inSupreme Court: Omkar Ramchandra Gond judgment on MBBS (PDF)↗
• medicaldialogues.inMedical Dialogues: NMC 2026 guidelines for PwBD in MBBS↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

Learn from these 4

• Official
  National Scholarship PortalApply here, free, for disability scholarships.
  Free
• Official
  DEPwD: scholarshipsGuidelines and selection lists.
  Free
• Official
  National Fellowship for PwD (UGC, PDF)PhD fellowship for students with disabilities.
  Free
• Official
  NDFDC: education loansLow-interest education and self-employment loans.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Central scholarships
• Other scholarships

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

What you need to know

1. 1
   For students with 40%+ disability, on NSP, with half the seats for girls:
2. 2
   Pre-matric (Class 9–10) and Post-matric (Class 11 to PG): family income up to ₹2.5 lakh; monthly money, book grant and a disability allowance; post-matric also pays fees.
3. 3
   Top Class (top institutes, income up to ₹8 lakh): fees up to ₹2 lakh a year, plus one-time money for a laptop and aids. National Fellowship for PhD and Free Coaching for exams too.

Official sources

• scholarships.gov.inScholarships for students with disabilities: guidelines (PDF)↗
• scholarships.gov.inNational Scholarship Portal↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   AICTE Saksham: ₹50,000 a year for students with 40%+ disability in an engineering or technical degree or diploma.
2. 2
   You can also apply for general scholarships, but usually only one central scholarship at a time.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapScholarships for every stage→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  ADIP schemeFree or half-price aids; guidelines and income limits.
  Free
• Official
  ARJUN portal: apply for an aidApply online for an assistive device yourself.
  Free
• Official
  ALIMCOGovernment maker of aids; runs free district camps.
  Free
• Official
  Railway Divyangjan ID cardApply for the rail concession card online.
  Free
• App
  Sugamya Bharat appReport buildings or transport that aren't accessible.
  Free

Inside this branch

• ADIP: aids and appliances
• Travel and loans

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Wheelchairs, hearing aids, tricycles, Braille kits, smart canes and more: free if family income is up to ₹22,500 a month, half price up to ₹30,000.
2. 2
   Cochlear implant for deaf children (about ₹6–7 lakh covered). Students can get an accessible phone or laptop. Look out for free ALIMCO camps in your district.

Official sources

• depwd.gov.inADIP scheme: free aids and devices↗
• cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.inADIP guidelines (PDF)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Railway concession: apply for the Divyangjan card online. Many states give free or cheap bus passes.
2. 2
   Low-interest education and business loans through NDFDC (the national disability finance corporation). Parents can claim an income tax deduction for a dependant with a disability.

Official sources

• divyangjanid.indianrail.gov.inRailway Divyangjan concession card (apply online)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 4

• Official
  PM-DAKSH (DEPwD)Free skill courses and the Divyangjan Rozgar Setu job module.
  Free
• Official
  National Career ServiceFree job portal with a 'Jobs for Differently Abled' filter.
  Free
• Official
  Career Centres for Differently AbledSkill tests, free training with stipend, placement.
  Free
• Official
  DEPwD: skill training schemeFree training for persons with disabilities.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Government jobs
• Skills and placement

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   4% of vacancies are reserved: 1% each for blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, movement disabilities, and autism/intellectual/learning/mental illness and multiple disabilities.
2. 2
   UPSC and SSC give no exam fee and 10 extra years of age (more for SC/ST/OBC), and more attempts in UPSC.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapUPSC Civil Services→
• Vaidaani roadmapGovernment Jobs→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

What you need to know

1. 1
   PM-DAKSH: free skill courses and a job module for persons with disabilities.
2. 2
   National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (24 centres) test skills, train and help with placement.

Official sources

• pmdaksh.depwd.gov.inPM-DAKSH (DEPwD): skills and jobs↗
• dge.gov.inNational Career Service Centres for Differently Abled↗
• Vaidaani roadmapITI, Polytechnic and Skills→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  The National TrustAutism, CP, intellectual and multiple disabilities; guardianship.
  Free
• Official
  Niramaya health insuranceCover up to ₹1 lakh including therapy, no medical test.
  Free
• Official
  Rehabilitation Council of IndiaCheck a therapist or special educator is registered.
  Free
• Official
  National Institutes and regional centresLow-cost assessment and therapy near you.
  Free
• Official
  NIEPIDParent training for intellectual disability.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Long-term support

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   National Trust (autism, CP, intellectual and multiple disabilities): Niramaya health insurance up to ₹1 lakh including therapy, day care, and a legal guardian for your adult child through the district committee.
2. 2
   Disability pension (BPL families, 80%+ disability, age 18+): a central share plus a state top-up; the total depends on your state.
3. 3
   Look after yourself too: parent support groups and the Rehabilitation Council's list of trained therapists help.

Official sources

• nationaltrust.nic.inThe National Trust↗
• rehabcouncil.nic.inRehabilitation Council of India (check a therapist)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
Found a mistake in this topic? Tell us

Learn from these 4

• Official
  UDID portal: apply yourselfNo agent needed; anyone promising a 'higher percentage' is a fraud.
  Free
• Official
  PIB Fact CheckCheck fake scheme messages.
  Free
• Official
  Cyber crime portal (helpline 1930)Report online fraud quickly.
  Free
• Video
  CyberDost (Ministry of Home Affairs)Short videos on staying safe online, Hindi and English.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Red flags

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Anyone selling a "disability certificate" for money is committing a crime; using a fake one can mean up to 2 years in jail. All certificates are now checked on the UDID portal.
2. 2
   You don't need an agent: apply on the UDID portal yourself or at the district hospital.
3. 3
   Calls asking for an OTP or fee to "start your pension" or "release your scholarship" are fake. Lost money? Call 1930.

Official sources

• tribuneindia.comTribune: new checks against fake disability certificates↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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