Education ministry introduces Career Cards for students with special needs under NEP 2020

The ministry of education on March 31, 2026 launched career cards for children with special needs (CwSN) to expand access to inclusive career guidance across schools. The initiative was unveiled by Sanjay Kumar, secretary, department of school education and literacy (DoSEL), at Kartavya Bhawan-2.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that children with special needs have equal access to information about different career options. The career cards have been developed with inputs from organisations such as UNICEF India, NCERT (including CIET and PSSCIVE), Pratham Education Foundation, and National Institutes for Disabilities under DEPwD.

Speaking at the launch, Kumar said the effort is in line with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, both of which emphasise equal opportunities for every learner to explore education and career pathways.

Need for early support and better teacher training

Highlighting the challenges faced by children with special needs, Kumar stressed the importance of identifying and supporting them early within the school system. He said building stronger institutional support is key to ensuring these students are not left behind.

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He also noted that while more posts for special educators have been created, there is a need to fill them quickly. At the same time, regular teachers will also need focused training. In this direction, NCERT will work on dedicated training modules in collaboration with SCERTs and DIETs.

Focus on skilling and inclusive growth in education

Kumar underlined that skill development is central to NEP 2020, adding that by 2030, every student completing Class 12 should have at least one core skill. He said PSSCIVE will play an important role in strengthening vocational education, including for children with special needs.

He also pointed out that education will continue to play a key role in India’s long-term development goals. As part of ongoing efforts, the National Institute of Open Schooling has partnered with institutions working with children with special needs to expand inclusive learning opportunities.

150 career cards adapted specially for CwSN

Joint Secretary Prachi Pandey said, a Career Guidance Book with 500 Career Cards was released on July 29, 2024 at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam.

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With the latest launch, around 150 of these cards have been redesigned specifically for children with special needs. These have been made more accessible, including availability in Braille, to ensure that students with visual impairments can also benefit from them.

Helping students make informed career choices

The Career Cards are meant to give students a simple and clear understanding of different careers, including what each role involves, the qualifications required, and possible career paths. This helps students start thinking about their future at an early stage.

They are also expected to be useful tools for teachers and counsellors, who can use them to guide students in making informed academic and career decisions. Overall, the initiative is a step towards making career guidance more inclusive and practical for all learners.