![National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities - [NIEPMD]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1753094205202409151287145484.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (Divyangjan), NIEPMD, Chennai is a central government autonomous institute established in 2005. It functions under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. NIEPMD serves as a national resource centre for rehabilitation, training, research, and education in the field of multiple disabilities (persons with two or more disabilities concurrently).
NIEPMD is NAAC accredited and offers degrees and diplomas recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and University Grants Commission (UGC). The institute’s programmes in audiology, speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, special education, and clinical psychology are among the specialized rehabilitation training pathways available in India at the national level.
The campus is located at East Coast Road, Kovalam Post, Muttukadu, Chennai 603112, Tamil Nadu, on the scenic East Coast Road, 30 km from central Chennai. The institute runs six departments: Medical Science, Clinical Psychology, Special Education, Speech Hearing and Communication, Adult Independent Living, and Therapeutics. On-campus hostel facilities are available for both male and female students.
- UG (4 years) - BASLP (Bachelor in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology), BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), BOT (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy), BPO (Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
- UG (2 years) - B.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities)
- PG (2 years) - M.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities), M.Phil Clinical Psychology
- Diplomas - Diploma in Special Education (Multiple Disabilities), Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting (DISLI)
- PG Diploma - Post Graduate Diploma in Early Intervention (PGDEI)
- Vocational - Diploma in Automation
The total fees for BASLP is INR 1,61,700 for the full 4-year programme. BPT, BOT, and BPO fees are INR 1,43,000 each for the 4-year duration. M.Phil Clinical Psychology fees are INR 2,40,000 for 2 years.
NIEPMD graduates work in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, special schools, NGOs, and government disability services. This is a specialized institute and does not conduct conventional campus placements.
NIEPMD Chennai Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to UG programmes (BPT, BOT, BPO, BASLP) at NIEPMD Chennai for the 2026-27 session were conducted through the Common Entrance Test (CET) administered via the joint admissions portal at admission.svnirtar.nic.in for national rehabilitation institutes under DEPwD. The 2026-27 admission cycle is concluded. The next cycle is expected to open in March-April 2027.
| Event | Date / Status (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| CET Notification for UG Programmes | March to April 2026 (concluded) |
| Common Entrance Test (CET) | May to June 2026 (concluded) |
| CET Results and Seat Allotment | July 2026 (concluded) |
| Academic Session Commencement | August 2026 |
| Next Admission Cycle (2027-28) | March to April 2027 (expected) |
B.Ed and M.Ed Special Education admissions at NIEPMD are merit-based on qualifying examination performance and do not require the CET. M.Phil Clinical Psychology admission involves an institutional entrance examination and interview. The table below shows the admission route for each programme family.
| Programme | Admission Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BPT / BOT / BPO / BASLP | Common Entrance Test (CET) via admission.svnirtar.nic.in | 4 years |
| B.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) | Merit-based (graduation performance) | 2 years |
| M.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) | Merit-based (B.Ed performance) | 2 years |
| M.Phil Clinical Psychology | Institutional entrance exam and interview | 2 years |
| Diploma in Special Education / DISLI / PGDEI | Merit-based or institutional test | 1 to 2 years |
NIEPMD Chennai Courses and Fees
NIEPMD Chennai specialises exclusively in rehabilitation science and special education programmes. All degrees and diplomas are recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The fee data below reflects total fees for the complete programme duration sourced from the institute’s fee structure.
| Course | Duration | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BASLP (Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology) | 4 years | INR 1,61,700 |
| BPT (Physiotherapy) | 4 years | INR 1,43,000 |
| BOT (Occupational Therapy) | 4 years | INR 1,43,000 |
| BPO (Prosthetics and Orthotics) | 4 years | INR 1,43,000 |
| B.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) | 2 years | INR 75,000 |
| M.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) | 2 years | INR 76,000 |
| M.Phil Clinical Psychology | 2 years | INR 2,40,000 |
| Diploma in Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) | 2 years | INR 49,100 |
| Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting (DISLI) | 2 years | INR 40,500 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Early Intervention (PGDEI) | 1 year | INR 20,000 |
| Diploma in Automation | 1 year | INR 7,965 |
NIEPMD offers one of the most affordable pathways to a full-time BASLP, BPT, BOT, or BPO degree in India. All degrees are RCI-registered, which is mandatory for practising as a rehabilitation professional in India.
NIEPMD Chennai Admission Process
NIEPMD Chennai follows an RCI-governed, merit-based admission framework. The institute is a central government body and admissions comply with DEPwD and RCI guidelines.
UG Rehabilitation Programmes (BPT/BOT/BPO/BASLP)
Admission to 4-year UG rehabilitation programmes is through the Common Entrance Test (CET). Eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved category)
- Valid CET score from the joint examination conducted by national rehabilitation institutes under DEPwD
- Applications and seat allotment through the centralised portal at admission.svnirtar.nic.in
- Candidates with disabilities who meet eligibility criteria receive statutory reservation as per GOI norms
B.Ed and M.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities)
The 2-year B.Ed Special Education (Multiple Disabilities) requires graduation with minimum 50% marks. The M.Ed programme requires B.Ed in Special Education with minimum 55% marks. Selection is merit-based. These programmes are RCI-registered and the credential qualifies graduates for teaching roles in special schools.
M.Phil Clinical Psychology
The M.Phil Clinical Psychology is a 2-year clinical training programme. Eligibility requires an MA/M.Sc in Psychology with minimum 55% marks and a valid RCI registration. Selection involves a written entrance examination and interview conducted by NIEPMD. Seats are very limited and the programme is highly competitive nationally. RCI registration is mandatory to practise as a clinical psychologist post-completion.
Diploma and PG Diploma Programmes
The Diploma in Special Education (Multiple Disabilities), DISLI, and PGDEI are 1 to 2 year programmes with merit-based selection. The DISLI is one of the few formal training pathways for Indian Sign Language Interpreters in India and is especially relevant for aspirants seeking to work with the Deaf community.
NIEPMD Chennai Placements and Career Outcomes
NIEPMD Chennai is a specialized rehabilitation institute and does not organise conventional campus placements. Career pathways for graduates are determined by the professional licensing and practice framework under the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). All NIEPMD graduates must register with RCI to practise in their respective rehabilitation disciplines.
| Programme | Career Pathway | Typical Starting Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| BASLP | Audiologist/Speech-Language Pathologist in hospitals, ENT departments, special schools | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
| BPT | Physiotherapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports medicine, own clinic | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
| BOT | Occupational Therapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, paediatric and geriatric care | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4.5 LPA |
| BPO | Prosthetist and Orthotist in prosthetic centres, hospitals, government disability programmes | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 4.5 LPA |
| B.Ed/M.Ed Special Education | Special educator in schools, NGOs, rehabilitation centres | INR 2 LPA to INR 4 LPA |
| M.Phil Clinical Psychology | Licensed Clinical Psychologist in hospitals, mental health facilities, research | INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
Graduates from NIEPMD Chennai are well-placed to apply for Central Government Group-B and Group-C rehabilitation posts under the National Health Mission (NHM), AIIMS, and other central government health institutions, where RCI registration is mandatory.
NIEPMD Chennai Scholarships
Students enrolled at NIEPMD Chennai are eligible for several central and state government scholarship schemes. As a central government institute, NIEPMD students are particularly well-positioned for DEPwD-funded support.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) | PG students with benchmark disability, minimum 55% in previous qualifying exam | Fellowship and contingency grant for M.Phil and PG Diploma |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) - Central | SC/ST students, income below prescribed limit | Maintenance allowance and fee reimbursement |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (OBC) - Central | OBC students, income below prescribed limit | Maintenance allowance |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Minority | Minority community students, minimum 50% in Class 12 | INR 10,000 per year |
| Top Class Education for SC Students | SC students admitted to institutions of excellence | Full tuition fee and maintenance allowance |
NIEPMD Chennai Campus and Infrastructure
NIEPMD Chennai is situated on the East Coast Road, Kovalam Post, Muttukadu, Chennai 603112, 30 km from central Chennai. The campus is set along the picturesque East Coast Road (ECR) with a coastal environment. Public transport connects the campus to Chennai city via the ECR road.
The institute campus houses all six departments with dedicated clinical training areas: therapy units for physiotherapy and occupational therapy, audiology and speech clinics, prosthetics and orthotics workshops, and special education classrooms. A library, computer lab, and disability-accessible facilities are integral to the campus design. Separate Boys and Girls hostels are available with annual fees up to INR 18,000. The campus environment is designed to be fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
NIEPMD Chennai vs AIISH Mysore vs SVNIRTAR Cuttack
Aspirants targeting national rehabilitation science institutes under DEPwD frequently compare NIEPMD Chennai with the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore, and SVNIRTAR (Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research), Cuttack. All three are central government autonomous institutes under DEPwD offering RCI-recognized degrees in rehabilitation sciences.
| Parameter | NIEPMD Chennai | AIISH Mysore | SVNIRTAR Cuttack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Central Government Autonomous (DEPwD) | Central Government Autonomous (DEPwD) | Central Government Autonomous (DEPwD) |
| Established | 2005 | 1966 | 1976 |
| Specialisation | Multiple Disabilities (2+ disabilities) | Speech and Hearing (BASLP flagship) | Locomotor Disabilities (BPT/BOT/BPO flagship) |
| Flagship Programme | BASLP, BPT, BOT, BPO (equal focus) | BASLP | BPT, BOT, BPO |
| BASLP Total Fees | INR 1,61,700 | Comparable government rates | Not offered |
| Location | East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai | Manasagangothri, Mysore | Olatpur, Cuttack |
| Admission Route | CET (admission.svnirtar.nic.in) | AIISH own CET | CET (admission.svnirtar.nic.in) |
AIISH Mysore is the premier institution for BASLP with the longest history (1966) and strong research output in speech and hearing sciences. SVNIRTAR Cuttack is the leading institute for BPT/BOT/BPO with a large intake and extensive clinical training. NIEPMD Chennai is the most comprehensive institute for candidates interested in working with persons with multiple disabilities, and offers the only nationally-recognized Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting programme.
NIEPMD Chennai FAQs
Ques. Is NIEPMD Chennai a government institute?
Ans. Yes. NIEPMD Chennai is a central government autonomous institute under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It was established in 2005 and is NAAC accredited. All programmes are recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Ques. What is the fee for BPT at NIEPMD Chennai?
Ans. The total fees for the 4-year BPT programme at NIEPMD Chennai is INR 1,43,000 for the complete course duration. Hostel accommodation (where available) is charged up to INR 18,000 per year separately. Similarly, BOT and BPO fees are INR 1,43,000 each for their 4-year durations.
Ques. How does admission work for BPT/BOT/BPO/BASLP at NIEPMD?
Ans. Admission to 4-year rehabilitation UG programmes (BPT, BOT, BPO, BASLP) at NIEPMD Chennai is through the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted jointly by national rehabilitation institutes under DEPwD. Applications and seat allotment are managed through admission.svnirtar.nic.in. Eligibility requires 10+2 with PCB and minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Ques. What is the career scope after BASLP from NIEPMD Chennai?
Ans. BASLP graduates from NIEPMD Chennai can work as audiologists or speech-language pathologists in hospitals, ENT departments, rehabilitation centres, special schools, and private practice. Starting salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA. RCI registration is mandatory for practice. Some graduates pursue M.Sc in Audiology or M.Sc in Speech-Language Pathology for advanced positions.
Ques. Does NIEPMD Chennai have hostel facilities?
Ans. Yes. NIEPMD Chennai has separate hostels for male and female students on its campus at Muttukadu, East Coast Road, Chennai. Annual hostel fees are up to INR 18,000. The campus is designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities.
Ques. Is NIEPMD Chennai recognised for the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting (DISLI)?
Ans. Yes. The Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting (DISLI) at NIEPMD Chennai is one of the few formal nationally recognised training pathways for ISL interpreters in India. The 2-year diploma is RCI-recognised and has a total fee of INR 40,500. Graduates work with Deaf communities, courts, government offices, and media institutions.
Ques. What specialties does NIEPMD differ from other national rehabilitation institutes?
Ans. NIEPMD’s distinct focus is on persons with multiple disabilities (those with two or more disabilities). This sets it apart from institutes focused on a single disability type. NIEPMD is the only national institute that offers the DISLI, and runs cross-disability programmes. It offers the full suite of rehabilitation UG degrees (BASLP, BPT, BOT, BPO) under one roof, unlike single-speciality national institutes.
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Recent admissions show courses like B.Ed Special Education in 2025 begin around September, and M.Ed Special Education around October. The institute will adopt the same deadlines for the academic session 2026-27.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) seats are available at NIEPMD Chennai for the 2025-26 academic session. Admissions are open through the Common Entrance Test (CET-2025), followed by counseling, with a total annual intake of 28 seats. The first counseling round was held on July 14, with subsequent rounds in July and August
To join BASLP or BOT at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, you must apply during the official admission window published on the institute's website and prospectus. BASLP requires 10+2 with Science subjects and qualifying CET merit, while BOT also needs 12th science and CET/merit selection. After applications, you attend counselling/selection, submit documents, and pay fees to confirm your seat.
The first-year fee is INR 41,700, the 2nd and 3rd year fee is INR 40,000, and the 4th year fee is INR 10,000 for the BASLP at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities.
NIEPMD does not accept UGC NET scores for admission to its doctorate level courses. The university conducts its own entrance examination for admission. The entrance examination consists of 100 MCQ questions.
There is no seventh round counselling conducted for admission to NIEPMD BASLP course. There are a total of 6 rounds of counselling conducted for admission to BASLP.
NIEPMD does not have B.Ed. Special Education course in distance mode.
No, the hostel fee is same for all the students from different domicile.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a board recognized by the Government of India to be eligible to apply for UG courses at NIEPMD. While, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree to apply for any post-graduation courses. Check here to learn more about eligibility and selection criteria at NIEPMD. NIEPMD Admission
To get admission in B.Ed Special Education at NIEPMD Chennai, you need to have passed in 10+2 with 3-year diploma format. However, distance education for the same is not available.