UGC Asks Higher Education Institutions to Fully Comply with Accessibility Guidelines

These guidelines call for institutions to take immediate steps toward creating barrier-free campuses.

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

These guidelines call for institutions to take immediate steps toward creating barrier-free campuses by 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 on importance of curriculum adaptation to accommodate diverse learner needs. Colleges and universities have been asked to hold accessibility audits and provide sensitisation and training to faculty and administrative staff. It has also asked to create grievance redressal mechanisms which should be accessible to students with disabilities.

This is aligned with provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, and shows 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.

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