In short: in India, low vision is a recognised disability. A disability certificate and UDID card open the door to concessions, schemes and accommodations. Here is a plain guide. Rules change, so always check the latest official information.
Note for editors (delete before launch): have this page checked by someone with legal knowledge and update it every year. Add links to the official portals.
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
The RPwD Act lists 21 disabilities, including low vision and blindness. It protects your right to:
- equal treatment, and freedom from discrimination
- inclusive education, with reasonable accommodations
- reservation in government jobs and higher education for people with benchmark disabilities (40% or more)
- reasonable accommodation at work and in public services: changes that let you do the same things as others
- accessible public buildings, transport, information and websites
If you face discrimination, you can complain to your State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, or the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Disability certificate and UDID card
The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is a single national ID for people with disabilities. It is used to apply for most concessions and schemes.
- Apply online on the government UDID portal, or ask at your district hospital. You can ask someone to help you fill it in.
- You will be called for an assessment by a medical board, usually at a government hospital.
- The certificate states the type and percentage of disability. The UDID card follows.
Tip: take your eye reports, prescriptions, photos and ID with you. If your sight changes, you can ask to be reassessed.
ADIP scheme: aids and appliances
Under the ADIP scheme, eligible people with disabilities can get assistive devices free or at a reduced cost, depending on income. Devices can include magnifiers, smartphones with accessibility features, and other aids. Ask at your district disability office, or at camps run by ALIMCO and partner organisations. [TO CONFIRM: current list of devices for people with low vision, and income limits.]
Exams and education
Students with low vision can usually ask for:
- extra time in exams (often 20 minutes an hour)
- a scribe or reader
- large print question papers, or use of a computer or magnifier
- a seat with good lighting
Ask your school, board or university early, and keep a copy of your disability certificate. Rules differ between boards and exams. [TO CONFIRM: add links for CBSE, state boards and major entrance exams.]
At work
You can ask your employer for reasonable accommodations, such as screen magnification software, a larger monitor, better lighting, flexible hours for appointments, or documents in an accessible format. Government employees have specific rights under the RPwD Act and related rules.
Travel and other concessions
- Railways: concession fares for people with eligible disabilities, often with an escort.
- State buses and metros: many states offer free or reduced travel.
- Income tax: deductions for people with disabilities and for those who support them.
[TO CONFIRM: check current rules and add links to official sources.]
Need help with any of this?
We can explain your options, help you fill in forms, or find someone who can. We are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice, but we can point you to legal aid services.