UGC Directs Universities to Ensure PwD Rights, Submit Admission Data by September 30, 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities and higher education institutions across India to ensure full compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and to submit detailed student admission data by September 30, 2026. This directive, issued today, September 15, 2026, aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for students with disabilities within the Indian higher education system.

This move by the UGC is a significant step towards upholding the rights and fostering the participation of students with disabilities, building on earlier mandates and a Supreme Court directive from 2017. Institutions are now required to provide statistical information on admitted PwD students, recruitment of staff, and scholarships through the Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP).

UGC Mandates Rpwd Act 2016 Compliance for Universities

The UGC has specifically instructed universities and higher education institutions to adhere to all provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. This includes strict compliance with Section 32 of the Act, which mandates the reservation of seats for students with disabilities in every course offered by these institutions. The commission’s focus is on creating an equitable educational environment where PwD students can access opportunities without barriers.

Also, institutions are now required to report annually on the number of students with disabilities admitted to their various courses. This crucial data must be submitted to either the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities or the concerned State Commissioner, ensuring accountability and transparency in rolling out the Act.

Accessibility Action Plan and Barrier-Free Environment

To support a truly inclusive environment, the UGC has urged universities to adopt the Harmonized Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities. These guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Urban Development, provide a framework for creating physically accessible campuses. This includes ensuring ramps, accessible washrooms, and other necessary infrastructure modifications.

On top of adopting these guidelines, all universities and their affiliated colleges are now mandated to prepare and set up a detailed accessibility action plan. This plan must be developed and executed within a fixed timeframe, demonstrating a proactive approach to removing physical and systemic barriers for students with disabilities.

Internal Committees and Equal Opportunity Cells

The UGC has also directed universities to establish an internal committee dedicated to addressing the day-to-day needs of students with disabilities. This committee is expected to comprise teachers, staff, students, and parents, ensuring a complete approach to support and problem-solving. Such committees will serve as a direct point of contact for PwD students, helping to resolve issues promptly.

In addition, the commission has emphasized the critical need for the proper functioning of the Equal Opportunity Cell in all universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions. These cells are critical in promoting diversity, preventing discrimination, and ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have equal access to educational resources and opportunities.

Submission of PWD Student Data by September 30, 2026

A key component of the UGC’s directive is the mandatory submission of statistical information regarding students with disabilities. Universities must provide data on the number of PwD students admitted, details of teaching and non-teaching staff recruited under disability quotas, and information on fellowships or scholarships provided to students with disabilities.

This detailed report must be submitted through the UGC’s dedicated Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) by the deadline of September 30, 2026. This data collection is crucial for monitoring compliance, identifying gaps, and informing future policy decisions aimed at enhancing inclusivity in higher education.

Background and Previous Directives

This latest directive from the UGC builds upon a series of previous mandates aimed at strengthening PwD rights in education. The Supreme Court of India had, on December 15, 2017, specifically directed the UGC to formulate guidelines for ease of access for students with disabilities in universities and colleges. This judicial intervention underscored the urgency and importance of the matter.

Then, the UGC had issued a notification on July 16, 2024, reiterating the role of compliance with the RPwD Act, 2016, across all educational institutions. An earlier instruction had also mandated institutions to furnish a report containing statistical information for the preceding five academic years (2019-20 to 2023-24) by August 31, 2024, indicating a sustained effort by the commission to gather and monitor data on disability inclusion.

Important Dates

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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