Processes, websites and forms change, and details differ by state. Check the official portal before you start.
Several kinds of support for a child with a disability in India, such as free education under Section 31 of the RPwD Act, exam concessions and scholarships, depend on having a certificate of disability. This guide explains the two documents parents hear about most, and how the application usually works.
The two documents
Disability certificate. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the government designates certifying authorities (Section 57). A person with a specified disability can apply to a certifying authority, who assesses the disability under notified guidelines and issues a certificate, or informs the person in writing that there is no specified disability (Sections 56 and 58). A certificate issued this way is valid across the country (Section 58).
UDID card. UDID stands for Unique Disability ID. It is an initiative of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, intended as a single document for identifying persons with disabilities across India. The card carries a unique ID number, the holder’s personal and disability details, and a QR code that lets officials verify them. The Swavlamban portal handles applications for the disability certificate and the UDID card together.
Why your child may need one
- The Act’s special provisions, such as free education for children aged six to eighteen, apply to a benchmark disability, which in simple terms means at least 40 per cent of a specified disability as certified. See our guide to the rights of children with disabilities in Indian schools.
- Boards such as CBSE ask for a certificate before they grant exam concessions. See exam concessions for students with disabilities.
- Schools, scholarships and government schemes may ask for it as proof.
What to gather first
The exact list can vary by state, but you will usually need:
- A recent passport-size photograph of the child.
- Proof of identity, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID or PAN card, as accepted. For a child, the parent’s details are often needed as well.
- Address proof, such as a ration card or a utility bill.
- Any other document the portal asks for.
- Any existing disability certificate, and the child’s medical reports, assessments and prescriptions.
The usual steps
- Visit the official portal, swavlambancard.gov.in, and choose the option to apply for the disability certificate and UDID card.
- Register and fill in the details, including the type of disability, and upload scanned copies of your documents.
- Choose the medical authority for assessment, usually a government hospital in your district. In some states you can also apply through common service centres or district social security offices.
- Attend the assessment with your child and all medical records.
- Track your application with the reference number you receive.
- Download the e-card once it is approved.
If your child already has a valid disability certificate, upload it with your application. This can make the process quicker.
If you disagree with the assessment
Section 59 of the Act lets a person who is not satisfied with a certifying authority’s decision appeal to an appellate authority designated by the State Government, within the time and in the manner the State prescribes. Ask the hospital or the district welfare office where to send an appeal in your state.
Tips
- Keep several photocopies and a digital copy of everything.
- Ask the doctor to explain the category and percentage on the certificate, so that you understand it.
- Check the validity on the certificate. Some are temporary and need renewing.
- Bring the certificate to every IEP meeting. Our preparation checklist lists it among the papers to take.
Sources
- Government of India, The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Sections 56 to 59.
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Swavlamban portal (UDID).
- India.gov.in, Unique Disability ID (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities).
- Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, Punjab, Unique Disability ID: how to apply.
This guide is general information, not legal, medical or professional advice. If something here does not match your situation, please speak to a qualified professional.