UGC Directs Universities to Ensure PwD Rights, Submit Student Admission Data by Sept 30

UGC has directed universities and higher education institutions to comply with RPwD Act, 2016 and submit data on PwD admissions, recruitment, and scholarships by September 30, 2026.

UGC Mandates PwD Rights Compliance in Universities

UGC Guidelines: University Grants Commission has directed universities and higher education institutions to ensure full compliance with Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The commission has asked institutions to strengthen measures for inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwD).

As part of this directive, universities have been asked to submit statistical information on PwD students admitted, teaching and non-teaching staff recruited, and fellowships or scholarships provided to PwD students through UGC's Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP).

This report has to be submitted in prescribed format by September 30, 2026. The instruction is also applicable to constituent and affiliated colleges, which are required to follow the directions through their respective universities.

UGC PwD Data Submission 2026: Details Required

As per directive, institutions have to furnish a report containing statistical information on PwD-related details. This information includes:

• Number of PwD students admitted

• Teaching staff recruited

• Non-teaching staff recruited

• Fellowships provided to PwD students

• Scholarships provided to PwD students

• Other prescribed statistical information

The report has to be submitted through the UGC Universities Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP) in the prescribed format by September 30, 2026.

UGC Directs Universities to Implement RPwD Act Provisions

UGC has highlighted the importance of implementing provisions of RPwD Act, 2016, to ensure full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in educational institutions. The commission has specifically directed institutions to comply with Section 32 of the RPwD Act, which deals with reservation of seats for persons with benchmark disabilities in higher education admissions.

Universities are required to ensure implementation of reservation provisions in each course and notify compliance to UGC every year. Institutions are also required to maintain and submit details of number of students with disabilities admitted to each course. UGC noted that failure to fulfil these obligations may invite appropriate action under Section 89 of the RPwD Act, 2016, along with other applicable provisions.

Accessibility Action Plan for Universities, Colleges

UGC has also asked universities and their affiliated colleges to adopt Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier-Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities. Institutions have been directed to prepare a detailed accessibility action plan and implement it in a time-bound manner. The measure is aimed at making educational campuses more accessible and creating a barrier-free environment for students and other persons with disabilities.

Internal Committee for PwD Support

Universities and colleges have also been asked to constitute an Internal Committee comprising teachers, staff, students and parents. The committee will be responsible for addressing day-to-day needs of persons with disabilities and supporting the implementation of relevant schemes and measures in the institution. UGC has further directed higher education institutions to ensure proper functioning of Equal Opportunity Cell in universities, colleges and other higher education institutions.