Jamia gets Centre of Excellence status; UGC clears new Department of Disability Studies

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been conferred the status of a Centre of Excellence in Disability Education Programmes for empowerment and rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

The recognition has been granted by the Rehabilitation Council of India for disability-related programmes run by the university’s department of teacher training and non-formal education and the department of psychology. According to the university, the programmes were acknowledged for their academic quality, professional relevance, and social impact.

The departments currently offer BEd and MEd programmes in Special Education for Learning Disability and Visual Impairment, along with an advanced diploma in Childhood Guidance and Counselling.

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“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,” the university said.

JMI said that the recognition carries added significance as the approval period for the disability education programmes has been extended beyond the usual tenure. While such approvals are typically granted for five years, the current clearance has been given for the maximum duration of seven years.

Programmes under the department of psychology, which earlier had only a three-year approval, have also received an extension of four additional years. “This enables the programmes to run for a full seven academic years without the need for re-application or renewal,” it said.

UGC clears new Department of Disability Studies

The university has also received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a dedicated Department of Disability Studies. JMI vice-chancellor Mazhar Asif said the Centre of Excellence status marks a milestone in strengthening disability-focused education, research, and training at the university.

"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,” Asif said.

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Highlighting the role played by faculty members in setting up the Department of Disability Studies, JMI registrar Mahtab Alam Rizvi said that the department’s foundation reflects the “exceptional commitment and hard work of the faculty”, and expressed confidence that it would make “a strong and lasting contribution” to teaching and training in the field of disability studies.

Coordinator Mohd. Faijullah Khan said the recognition reaffirms Jamia Millia Islamia’s sustained commitment to inclusive education and professional training in disability and rehabilitation.

The university said it plans to expand its academic offerings and introduce additional programmes focused on the education and holistic development of Persons with Disabilities.