Course Details

The Diploma in Education in Special Education (D.Ed. Special Education) is a two-year professional training programme affiliated with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) that prepares graduates to work as qualified, RCI-registered Special Educators in special schools, rehabilitation centres, and inclusive education settings across India.

At AAKAAR’s Kartikay Institute, our training goes beyond the classroom. Students learn to assess, plan, and implement individualised educational programmes through direct, hands-on experience with children with diverse disabilities. India has millions of children with disabilities still out of school or without trained support. This programme prepares you to change that — one child at a time.

 Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the D.Ed. Special Education programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum educational qualification: 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognised board in any stream — Arts, Science, or Commerce
• Minimum aggregate marks: 50% (45% for SC/ST and OBC candidates as per RCI norms)
• No upper age limit — open to fresh graduates, career changers, and working professionals
• Candidates with a background in Education, Psychology, or Social Work are especially encouraged to apply
• Candidates with personal or family experience of disability are warmly welcomed

Duration

2 Years (Full-Time) — structured across 4 semesters

• Semester 1 and 2: Foundation theory, disability studies, child development, and introductory practicum
• Semester 3 and 4: Advanced pedagogy, specialisation, clinical placement, and supervised teaching practice

Students complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practical training with children with disabilities across AAKAAR’s institutions and affiliated partner organisations.

Seats

Total intake: 25 seats per academic batch

Reservation as per RCI and applicable state government norms:

• SC, ST, OBC: as per applicable reservation percentage
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD): minimum 5% reservation

Admission is on a merit-cum-interview basis. Early application is strongly advised as seats fill quickly.

Fees

Annual Fee: Rs. 40,000 per year
Total Programme Fee: Rs. 80,000 for the full two-year programme

Fee includes:

• Tuition and classroom instruction
• Study material and resource kits
• Practical training and clinical placement
• RCI registration fee for Year 1
• Library and laboratory access

Additional costs:

• Examination fees as per RCI and affiliating university norms
• Conveyance for field visits at actuals

Fee concessions are available for BPL families, candidates who are themselves Persons with Disabilities, and candidates sponsored under government or NGO schemes. Instalment facility is available on request.

Note: Fees are subject to revision. Please confirm the current fee structure at the time of application.

Syllabus

The curriculum is prescribed by the Rehabilitation Council of India and covers the following areas:

Year 1 — Foundation

• Child Development and Learning Theories
• Introduction to Disability Studies — Types, Causes, and Classification
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities — RPwD Act 2016 and UNCRPD
• Foundations of Special Education — History, Philosophy, and Approaches
• Communication Skills for Special Educators
• Introduction to Psychology for Educators
• Health, Hygiene, and Physical Education for Children with Disabilities
• Practicum I — Observation and Participation in Special Education Settings

Year 2 — Specialisation and Practice

• Assessment in Special Education — Formal and Informal Tools
• Curriculum Adaptation and Individualised Education Plans (IEP)
• Inclusive Education — Principles, Policies, and Classroom Strategies
• Behaviour Management in Special Education Classrooms
• Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication in Education
• Vocational Education and Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities
• Family and Community Partnership in Special Education
• Research Methods and Dissertation
• Practicum II — Supervised Teaching Practice (minimum 100 hours of direct teaching)

Specialisation areas offered (subject to availability):

• Intellectual Disability
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Learning Disability
• Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Disabilities

Career Opportunities

Graduates of D.Ed. Special Education with RCI registration have strong, diverse, and growing career pathways:

Institutional Employment:

• Special Educator in government and private special schools
• Itinerant Teacher supporting children with disabilities in mainstream schools
• Early Intervention Specialist in child development centres
• Special Education Coordinator in NGOs and rehabilitation centres
• Resource Room Teacher in inclusive schools

Government Sector:

• Resource Teacher under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for inclusive education
• Special Educator in District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRC)
• Staff positions in National Institutes — NIEPID, NIMH, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute

Entrepreneurship:

• Establish your own special school or early intervention centre
• Home-based therapy and tutoring services
• Community Based Rehabilitation programme coordination

Higher Education:

D.Ed. qualified graduates can pursue B.Ed. Special Education, M.Ed. Special Education, and other advanced programmes to grow further in the profession.

Salary Range (indicative): Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month depending on employer, location, and experience.

Apply Online

Admissions for the current academic year are now open.

How to Apply:

Step 1 — Fill the Online Application Form

Step 2 — Upload required documents: mark sheets, ID proof, and category certificate if applicable
Step 3 — Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 500 online
Step 4 — Await shortlisting confirmation for the admissions interview
Step 5 — Attend the interview, in person or online as communicated
Step 6 — Receive your admission offer and pay the programme fee to confirm your seat