New Delhi, January 13, 2026: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been serving the cause of upliftment, empowerment, and rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities since the 1980s. Through its sustained academic commitment and inclusive vision, the University has emerged as an important national institution contributing to the mainstreaming of Persons with Disabilities through education, training, and rehabilitation.
In recognition of its long-standing contribution and academic excellence, the disability-related programmes offered by the Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education and the Department of Psychology have received exceptional recognition from the Rehabilitation Council of India. These programmes have been acknowledged for their quality, depth, professional relevance, and social impact.
The Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education and Department of Psychology are currently running the following flagship programmes in Special Education: B.Ed. Special Education (Learning Disability); B.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment); M.Ed. Special Education (Learning Disability); M.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment) and Advanced Diploma in Childhood Guidance and Counselling
These programmes have played a vital role in preparing qualified special educators and professionals equipped to work with diverse disability groups across educational and rehabilitation settings.
This recognition is particularly significant as the approval period for these programmes has been extended beyond the standard duration. While earlier approvals were generally granted for five years, the current approval has been extended to the maximum period of seven years. Similarly, the programme(s) in the Department of Psychology, which earlier had approval for only three years, have now been extended by an additional four years, enabling these programmes to run for a total of seven academic years without the need for re-application or renewal.
A noteworthy outcome of this recognition is that the concerned Councils have also approved the refund of processing and approval fees paid by the University for these programmes. This rare gesture reflects the Councils’ high level of confidence in the academic standards, institutional credibility, and sustained performance of Jamia Millia Islamia.
The proposal for establishing a Department of Disability Studies received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mazhar Asif who has played a pivotal role in strengthening disability education at JMI. “The conferment of the status of Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone in institutionalizing disability-focused education, research, and training at JMI and will go a long way in empowering and rehabilitating persons with disabilities, a cause very close to JMI”, VC, JMI Prof. Asif said.
Registrar, JMI, Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi who has been proactive in facilitating meetings and completing all necessary administrative procedures to ensure the establishment of the Department of Disability Studies, said, “It is the outstanding work and commitment of the faculty members that has been instrumental in bringing the Department of Disability Studies into existence. I am convinced that the new department will do stellar and exemplary work in this much-needed and significant area of teaching and training.”
On this notable achievement, Prof. Asif congratulated the faculty members of the Department of Teacher Training and Non-Formal Education, the Department of Psychology, and the university fraternity for their collective efforts and extended his best wishes for continued excellence in the field. Prof Rizvi also conveyed his congratulations and assured full support in making Jamia Millia Islamia one of the most sought-after universities for education and training of persons with disabilities.The Advanced Diploma in Childhood Guidance and Counselling and Special Education Programs coordinated by Dr. Mohd. Faijullah Khan has been a significant initiative in the field of disability and rehabilitation education. Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Khan said that the recognition “reaffirms Jamia Millia Islamia’s long-standing commitment to inclusive disability education and high-quality professional training.”
JMI looks forward to expanding its academic offerings, creating more opportunities, and launching additional programmes aimed at the education, empowerment, and holistic development of Persons with Disabilities following this recognition.
