UGC Asks Higher Education Institutions to Fully Comply with Accessibility Guidelines

The guidelines call for institutions to take immediate steps toward creating barrier-free campuses through physical infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and tactile signage.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh advisory urging all higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country to ensure complete compliance with the Accessibility Guidelines and Standards. The directive, shared on UGC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, aims to promote inclusive education by making infrastructure, academic resources, and digital platforms more accessible to students with disabilities.

The guidelines call for institutions to take immediate steps toward creating barrier-free campuses through physical infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and tactile signage. Additionally, HEIs are expected to make digital learning environments accessible by incorporating screen-reader compatibility, captioned lectures, accessible PDFs, and other inclusive features into their platforms and materials.

UGC has also stressed the importance of curriculum adaptation to accommodate diverse learner needs. Institutions are encouraged to conduct accessibility audits and provide sensitisation and training to faculty and administrative staff. Moreover, grievance redressal mechanisms should be made accessible so that students with disabilities can report challenges or request accommodations with ease.

This initiative aligns with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and reflects UGC’s commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive academic environment. While the advisory does not mention a fixed deadline, institutions have been urged to act promptly and sincerely to meet the standards set under national policy frameworks.

With over 30 million students enrolled in higher education in India, including thousands with disabilities, this move is expected to have a significant impact on improving their learning experience and participation across campuses.

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