Course Details

The Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRP) is a one-year advanced programme recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) that trains graduates to provide psychological assessment, counseling, and psychosocial support to individuals with disabilities and those undergoing rehabilitation.

Unlike general clinical psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology is specifically focused on the lived experience of disability — the grief of diagnosis, the strain on families, and the barriers to inclusion. At AAKAAR, this programme is taught by experienced professionals who bring real clinical depth into every session, preparing graduates who are not just academically sound but practically ready from day one.

 Eligibility

• Minimum educational qualification: 10th Standard (Matriculation / High School) from any recognised board
• Candidates from rural, semi-urban, and tribal backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply — this programme is designed for community-level work and grassroots impact
• Preference given to candidates who are themselves Persons with Disabilities or who have a family member with disability
• Candidates already working as informal caregivers, anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, community health volunteers, or in any social welfare role are particularly suited
• No upper age limit — this programme welcomes anyone with the commitment and character to serve their community

Duration

6 Months (Full-Time)

The programme is structured across three phases:

Phase 1 — Month 1 and 2: Classroom instruction covering disability knowledge, legal framework, rehabilitation principles, and communication skills

Phase 2 — Month 3 and 4: Practical skill-building in community-level assessment, referral, awareness, and basic support techniques

Phase 3 — Month 5 and 6: Supervised field placement in community settings including home visits, outreach camps, school visits, and panchayat-level awareness programmes

Total supervised field hours: minimum 120 hours of documented community work

Seats

Total intake: 30 seats per batch

Two batches are offered each year — January and July (subject to confirmation)

Reservation as per RCI and applicable state government norms. Priority consideration given to candidates from rural, tribal, SC/ST, and PwD backgrounds.

Admission on merit and personal interview basis.

Fees

Total Programme Fee: Rs. 15,000 for the full six-month programme

Fee includes:

• Classroom instruction and study materials
• Field placement support
• RCI-recognised certificate on completion
• RCI registration processing

Application fee: Rs. 300 (non-refundable)

Fee waiver and full scholarship available for BPL candidates, Persons with Disabilities, and candidates from SC/ST communities. CSR-sponsored seats available — organisations wishing to sponsor candidates from their project areas may contact us for details.

Syllabus

Module 1 — Understanding Disability (Month 1)

• Introduction to Disability — Types, Causes, Prevalence in India
• The Language of Disability — Why Words Matter and How to Speak with Dignity
• Legal Framework — Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and UNCRPD
• Government Schemes for Persons with Disabilities — UDID, Pensions, Scholarships, Assistive Devices
• Role and Responsibilities of the CRE Worker
• Stigma and Attitude Change — Working with Communities on Disability Awareness

Module 2 — Identification and Referral (Month 2)

• Early Identification of Disabilities in Children — Signs and Indicators Across Disability Types
• Community-Level Screening — What to Look For and How to Record It
• Understanding Referral Pathways — When to Refer, Where to Refer, and How to Follow Up
• Building Trust with Families — Communication Skills for Sensitive Conversations
• Record Keeping and Documentation for Community Workers
• Introduction to Disability Certification and UDID Card Process

Module 3 — Basic Rehabilitation Support (Month 3)

• Principles of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) — The WHO CBR Matrix
• Basic Physical Handling and Positioning for Persons with Physical Disabilities
• Communication Support — Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Basic Sign Language Awareness
• Supporting Daily Living Skills — Guiding Families in Self-Care Training at Home
• Safe and Dignified Care — Preventing Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Persons with Disabilities

Module 4 — Inclusion and Community Mobilisation (Month 4)

• Inclusive Education — Supporting Children with Disabilities to Access and Remain in Regular Schools
• Conducting Community Awareness Programmes — Schools, Panchayats, and Public Spaces
• Livelihood and Vocational Linkages for Adults with Disabilities
• Self-Help Group Formation for Parents and Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities
• Disability and Gender — Special Vulnerabilities of Women and Girls with Disabilities and How to Address Them
• Working with Gram Panchayats, ANMs, and Other Community Stakeholders

Module 5 and 6 — Supervised Field Placement (Month 5 and 6)

• Supervised Home Visits — Conducting Assessment, Providing Guidance, and Building Family Capacity
• Community Identification Camps — Disability Screening, Referral, and Awareness Activities
• School Visit Programme — Supporting Inclusive Education and Teacher Sensitisation
• Panchayat-Level Awareness Sessions — Facilitation Practice
• Field Diary Maintenance, Case Documentation, and Report Writing
• Final Field Assessment, Case Presentation, and Oral Examination

Career Opportunities

CRE Certificate holders are in genuine demand at the grassroots level of India’s rehabilitation and social development ecosystem — and their role is only growing as government and NGO programmes expand their community outreach:

NGO and Civil Society Employment:

• Community Rehabilitation Worker with disability-focused NGOs
• Field Coordinator in Community Based Rehabilitation projects
• Outreach Worker in rural health and disability awareness programmes
• Data Collection and Survey Field Worker for disability research organisations

Government Programme Roles:

• Field Worker in District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRC)
• Community Outreach Worker under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) — early child health screening programme
• Support Worker in government-run special schools, sheltered workshops, and day care centres
• Panchayat-Level Disability Focal Point under rural development programmes

Social Enterprise and Self-Employment:

• Independent home-based rehabilitation support provider for families of persons with disabilities
• Facilitator of parent support groups and self-help networks in communities
• Social entrepreneur connecting persons with disabilities to livelihood opportunities

Pathway to Higher Qualifications:
The CRE programme is an excellent, accessible entry point into the professional rehabilitation field. With field experience and personal development, CRE holders are encouraged and supported to pursue the D.Ed. Special Education, PGDRP, and other RCI-recognised advanced programmes to grow into higher professional roles.

Salary Range (indicative): Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month in entry-level NGO and government roles. With experience, additional qualifications, and programme leadership, earnings increase significantly.

Apply Online

A new batch is forming now. Seats are limited to 30 and fill quickly — apply today to secure your place.

How to Apply:

Step 1 — Fill the Online Application Form
Step 2 — Upload your 10th Standard mark sheet, ID proof, and passport-sized photograph
Step 3 — Pay the application fee of Rs. 300 online
Step 4 — Attend a brief telephonic or in-person interaction with our Admissions Team
Step 5 — Receive your admission confirmation and complete fee payment to secure your seat

Scholarship and fee waiver applications can be submitted along with the main application form. Supporting documents (BPL card, disability certificate, caste certificate) will be required.