The University Grants Commission (UGC) on August 27, 2026, issued directions for compliance with the RPwD Act, 2016, by Higher Educational Institutions.
UGC has directed universities and their constituent/affiliated colleges to ensure full compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and relevant Supreme Court orders. Institutions shall implement Section 32 regarding reservation of seats for persons with disabilities and submit annual admission data to the concerned Chief/State Commissioner; adopt the Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment and prepare a time-bound accessibility action plan; constitute an Internal Committee comprising teachers, staff, students and parents; and ensure proper functioning of the Equal Opportunity Cell.
Institutions are also required to furnish prescribed statistical information on student admissions, teaching/non-teaching recruitment and fellowships/scholarships for PwD students for the last five years (including 2024-25 and 2025-26) through UGC’s UAMP portal by September 30, 2026, and circulate the directions to all constituent and affiliated colleges.
[Notification No. – 1-2/2024(SCT/PWD Circular)]
