Special Education Courses after 12th in India

Before you dive into details, we have prepared a table that will cover the basics about special education courses after 12th in India.

Who is a Special Educator?

A Special educator is a person responsible for teaching students who have special needs. The job of a special educator is a bit different from normal teaching and they have to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. For a Special education teacher, they need to include services such as speech-language pathology, travel training, vocational education, and physical education. Special education teachers must be able to teach in a variety of settings, including general classrooms, separate classrooms, homes, hospitals, institutions, and special classes. 

Role of a Special Educator

Work with students who have a range of disabilities - including learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, physical impairments, and emotional or behavioral disorders. 

Design individualized education plans (IEPs)

Collaborating with other educational professionals and families.

Also read:

• Integrated BA+BEd in Special Education at Amity University
• Integrated BSc.+BEd in Special Education at Amity University

For students planning to make a career in Special Education, they need to have Practical experience. They must work under the supervision of experienced educators by pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities in special schools, inclusive schools, or organizations working with individuals with disabilities.

Special Education Courses after 10+2 (Short Duration)

To complete a professional teaching course in Special Education, students need to have a minimum graduation degree as only then they will be able to apply for BEd Special Education or BEd Special Education (Integrated) course. However, for a start here are some of the short-term courses which were available with a minimum eligibility criteria of 10+2 for students.

Special Education Courses at IGNOU

At Indira Gandhi National Open University, you can find special education courses that are affordable and flexible. IGNOU is amongst the renowned open university in India. These courses are approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and are designed for those who wish to work with children with disabilities in inclusive or special schools. You can pursue

1. BEd in Special Education (2 years, RCI approved)

You can get specialised in Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, and Intellectual Disability.

2. Diploma in Early Childhood Special Education (DECSE) – 1 year

3. Post Graduate Diploma in Inclusive Education (PGDIE) – 1 year

Eligibility:

10+2 or equivalent for diploma courses; Graduation for BEd and PG Diplomas.

Average Fees: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 (depending on course and location).

Why Choose IGNOU?

• Flexible distance learning model

• RCI recognition (mandatory for employment as a special educator)

• Affordable compared to private institutions

One-Year Diploma in Special Education (IGNOU & Other Colleges)

For students who want a short-term and job-oriented qualification, the 1-year Diploma in Special Education offers a solid foundation in understanding and managing diverse learning needs.

• Duration: 1 Year (2 semesters)

• Focus Areas: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities (LD), Hearing Impairment (HI), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

• Skills: Individualized Education Planning (IEP), classroom adaptation, behavior management, and assistive technology.

Institutions Offering 1-Year Diplomas:

• IGNOU (RCI approved)

• Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Noida

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

• NIMH (National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities)

Average Fees: ₹12,000 – ₹45,000 (depending on institution type).

Special Education Courses After 12th in India (Government Colleges)

If you’re looking for recognized and affordable government colleges for special education courses after 12th, here are top choices:

Top Government Colleges Offering Special Education Courses:

1. Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)-affiliated DIETs and Institutes across states

2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Diploma and BEd in Special Education

3. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – BEd in Special Education

4. Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (Lucknow) – UG and PG programs in Special Education

5. SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai) – Offers Special Education and Inclusive Education diplomas

Advantages of Government Colleges:

• Lower tuition fees (₹10,000 – ₹35,000 per year)

• RCI-approved faculty and curriculum

• Better access to government internships and inclusive schools

Special Education Courses After 12th in India – Fees Structure

The fees for special education courses vary depending on the level (certificate, diploma, or degree), type of institution (government vs private), and specialization.

Tip: Students from economically weaker sections can apply for government scholarships under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) programs.

Best Special Education Courses & Specializations in India

Choosing the right specialization is key to building expertise in specific areas of need. Below are some of the most in-demand and best special education specializations in India (2025):

Emerging Areas (2025 and beyond):

• Assistive Technology & AI Integration

• Early Childhood Inclusive Education

• Special Education Administration & Policy

Skill Development for Special Educators

To work with special students, educators need to possess special skills such as 

• High level of patience and understanding
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills

Special Education Top Job Profiles

• Trained Graduate Teacher
• Post Graduate Teacher
• Secondary Teacher
• Vice-Principal
• Principal
• Content Developer
• Subject Matter Expert

Also read:

• BEd in Special Education (Intellectual Disability) at Amity University
• BEd in Special Education (Learning Disability) at Amity University

Special Education Job Opportunities

• Special Schools
• Inclusive Schools
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Government Programs
• Private Therapy and Rehabilitation Centers
• Hospitals and Clinics
• International Schools
• Higher Education Institutions
• Corporate Sector for CSR activities
• Freelance and Consultancy

Also read:

• BEd vs DEd. Course
• BEd Subject List and Career Options in India

Salary of a Special Educator in India

Note: The salary of a special educator in India varies depending on factors such as qualifications, experience, location, and the type of institution. 

The demand for expert special educators is growing tremendously, thanks to increasing awareness and policies supporting inclusive education. Not just in schools or NGOs, but there are also therapy centers established where the demand for special educators is high. They can also work as independent consultants and play a vital role in ensuring that the person with disabilities or students who require special needs receive the support to succeed academically and socially. If you are planning to make a career in special education, this is the right time to choose any of the available special education courses after 12th in India.

Read more:

• Career after BElEd
• Career after MEd
• Career after BEd
• Career after DEd