Jaagruk Bharat is a private organization offering support for documentation and government scheme access. We are not affiliated with any government body. Official services are available on respective government portals. Our goal is to make processes easier and more accessible for citizens.

Home

Blogs

About Us

Schemes

Services

Invoice

Post job

Disability Certificate — Apply, Download & Benefits

Pragya Pathak

Author

Updated: 24-04-2026 at 3:30 PM

Serving Over

500K+ Users

A Disability Certificate is one of the most important documents recognising the disabilities and rights of Persons with Disabilities. It operates as per the guidelines and legal provisions laid out in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016. The certificate is more than just a piece of paper or another official government-issued document, but a helping hand that allows people with disabilities to access and avail themselves of various benefits, like reservations, social welfare schemes, etc.

Read the article to learn the complete details on the Disability Certificate, ranging from its meaning and benefits to eligibility criteria and classification of disabilities, including answers to popular questions like, ‘Disability certificate kaise banaye?’.

Disability Certificate Overview

The table below summarises key details of a Divyang certificate that one should know.

Name of the certificate	Disability certificate
Meaning	An official government-issued document that states that the said person has a specific type of benchmark disability.
Legal framework	Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016.
Certificate issued by	Authorised medical authorities, like government hospitals, designated medical boards, or certified medical officers.
Purpose	To legally recognise a person’s disability and allow them to reap various benefits so that they can lead comfortable lives.
Recognised disabilities	Blindness, hearing impairment or loss, locomotor disability, intellectual disability, mental illness, acid attack victims, etc.
Benchmark disability	A minimum of 40%.
Mode of application	Online via the UDID portal or offline by visiting authorised medical boards.
Validity	Lifetime for adults with permanent disabilities, but temporarily valid for 5 years for people with temporary disabilities.

What Is A Disability Certificate?

A disability certificate is an official government-issued document stating that the person has a specific type of benchmark disability. These types of certificates are issued by medical authorities, like government hospitals, special medical boards, or certified medical officers like neurologists, psychiatrists, surgeons, etc., already approved and authorised by state or central government authorities. The certificate is governed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016. The disability certificate comprises the type of the disability, its percentage, and its nature, whether temporary or permanent.

With the help of this certificate, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) can reap a wide range of benefits and exercise their basic rights.

Validity Of A Disability Certificate

The validity of a disability certificate is based upon several factors, such as the age of the applicant and the nature of the disability. If an applicant above the age of 18 years applies for this certificate and they have some sort of permanent disability, their certificate will remain valid for their entire life.

However, if applicants are below the age of 18 years, they would have to get their certificates renewed every five years. Similarly, if anyone has a partial disability, they would also have to apply for renewal of their disability certificates every five years.

Why Should One Apply For A Disability Certificate?

There are various possible reasons for obtaining a disability certificate. Some of the most popular reasons are mentioned below in brief points:

For applying for income tax concessions.
People wanting to apply for government jobs under the reservation quota.
To avail state transport services, like buses, completely free.
Purchasing assistive devices, like prosthetics, at subsidised prices.
To avail of the unemployment allowance if the PwD is educated but still searching for jobs.

Also Read On Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Classification Of Recognised Disabilities In India

The table below shows the acceptable disabilities in India along with their benchmark criteria:

Type of disability	Benchmark
Blindness (complete loss of vision)	Minimum 40%.
Partial or low vision even after going through medical treatment procedures	Minimum 40%.
Individuals cured of leprosy but still have some residual disabilities	Minimum 40%.
Complete or partial loss of hearing	Minimum 40%.
Locomotor (difficulties in motor movement, i.e., problems in bones, joints, or muscles)	Minimum 40%.
Dwarfism (any individual who is less than 4 feet 10 inches in height)	Minimum 40%.
Intellectual Disability (ID)	Minimum 40%.
Mental Illness	Minimum 40%.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)	Minimum 40%.
Cerebral Palsy	Minimum 40%.
Muscular Dystrophy	Minimum 40%.
Chronic neurological conditions	Minimum 40%.
Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)	Minimum 40%.
Speech and language disability	Minimum 40%.
Thalasemmia	Minimum 40%.
Hemophilia	Minimum 40%.
Sickle cell disease	Minimum 40%.
Multiple disabilities	Minimum 40%.
Acid attack victims	Minimum 40%.
Parkinson’s disease	Minimum 40%.
Hard of hearing (mild to moderate hearing loss)	Minimum 40%.

Benefits Of A Disability Certificate

A Disability Certificate comes with numerous benefits for those who hold it. Some of its major and popular benefits are described below in detailed points:

One of the most popular benefits of having a disability certificate is accessing reservation-related benefits. People with a valid disability certificate can apply for various services in different sectors, like education and employment, under the reservation quota. This will increase their chances of either securing a seat in a reputable educational institute or securing employment opportunities in the public or private sectors. Reservation quotas have been set aside for them to provide them with an equal chance in competing with other people who don’t have any disabilities.
Central and state government authorities continuously work on designing relevant schemes for Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead comfortable lives. With the help of the disability certificate, people can also apply for various government social welfare schemes and services, such as pensions, monthly aid, scholarships, monetary aid in other forms like subsidies or concessions, etc.
Disability certificates also help Persons with Disabilities in availing some tax-related benefits. The Income Tax Act of India comprises numerous sections, like Section 80U and 80DD, which allow people with disabilities or their family members taking care of them to avail of deductions. The main aim here is to reduce the financial burden from the shoulders of people already leading hard lives because of their disabilities, as their medical-related expenses are already a lot.
Another one of the benefits of possessing a valid disability certificate is prior access to healthcare services or assistive devices. Not only are those with this type of certificate given priority treatments, but they can also avail themselves of the benefits of related government schemes and get medical procedures done for free or at subsidised rates. They can also get subsidies on purchasing assistive devices, like wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, etc., created to make their mundane lives as normal as possible.
The disability certificate provides more than just tangible benefits to Persons with Disabilities. It also ensures that their legal rights stay protected and they face no form of discrimination in public or private sectors or spaces.

Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining A Certificate

Individuals interested in applying for a Disability certificate are required to fulfil all the conditions of eligibility to successfully obtain one. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
As per the RPwD Act of 2016, applicants must have a disability recognised by the law, and it should be at least 40% or higher.

How To Apply For A Disability Certificate?

One can apply for a Disability Certificate through both online and offline platforms. The application process for both means is broken down into steps for one’s better understanding and clarity.

Disability Certificate Apply Online Process

Step 1: Please visit the official website of UDID to start the UDID card apply process.

Step 2: On the homepage, you will find the ‘Apply’ option. Click on it. Step 3: Register using your basic details and set up credentials. After successful registration, log in using your credentials.

Step 4: Fill in the application form carefully and accurately.

Step 5: Upload the scanned copies of all the required documents. Make sure the documents are clearly visible and as per the prescribed size and format as accepted by the online portal.

Step 6: Choose the medical authority based on your distance from them and the date and time of the medical evaluation, as per your preference. Review the application form once before making the final submission, and then click on ‘Submit’.

Step 7: Please visit the chosen medical authority on the date and time of your appointment. Once the medical professional confirms your disability and the medical board decides an applicable disability percentage, your application will be approved, and your disability certificate will be issued.

Offline Application Process

Step 1: Please visit your nearest government hospital or the district medical board.

Step 2: Request the staff members to provide you with an application form for a disability certificate.

Step 3: Fill in the details in the application form. Make sure there are no errors, as minor errors can be the reason for rejected applications.

Step 4: Attach the copies of all the required documents. Recheck the details filled in the form and then submit it all to the staff member assisting you. You will be required to go through a medical checkup so that medical professionals can determine the extent of your disability. After submission of forms, note the Application Reference Number (ARN) for future reference.

How To Track The Status Of One’s Application For A Disability Certificate?

After the successful submission of applications, applicants also track the status of their respective applications. The process of doing the same is as follows:

Step 1: Please visit the official website of UDID.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Track Application Status’ option. Select it.

Step 3: Enter your Application Reference Number, after which the system will display the status of your applications on the screen.

How To Download A Disability Certificate / UDID Card?

As soon as the application is approved, applicants can download the soft copies of their respective disability certificates by following the process mentioned below:

Step 1: Please visit the official website of the UDID and log in to your profile using your UDID, enrollment number, and date of birth.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Download UDID Card’ option, after which the card will get stored in your device in PDF format.

How To Renew A Disability Certificate?

Certificate holders have to renew their respective disability certificates if they have a partial disability or if the condition has changed. The process of renewal is mentioned below in a stepwise manner:

Step 1: Please visit the official website of UDID.

Step 2: On the homepage, you find the ‘Renew UDID’ option. Click on it.

Step 3: The portal will ask you to update some details in your old application form. Edit the information that needs to be updated.

Step 4: Upload the scanned copies of the updated medical and diagnostic reports to prove your claim.

Step 5: You may be required to go through a medical examination again. After successfully going through all these stages, the portal will issue you a renewed disability certificate.

What Are The Documents Required For A Disability Certificate?

Applicants are required to attach or upload some supporting documents while completing the application process. The list of disability certificate documents is as follows:

Proof of identity, like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or a Passport (any one would be enough).
Proof of address, like a utility bill.
Medical or diagnostic reports.
Income certificate, if needed.
Caste certificate, if needed.
Signature or thumb impression of the applicant.
Recently-clicked passport-size photographs.

What Is A UDID Card?

A Unique Disability Identification (UDID) card is a digital identity card issued to Persons with Disabilities under the UDID project that the Indian government runs. It was introduced by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The main purpose of creating this card was to create a national and unified database of all those people with disabilities in the country.

The card is extremely useful as it eliminates the need to carry multiple documents to prove one’s disability. The card operates as per all the rules and regulations of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 and hence, is considered acceptable across the entire nation.

How Is It Different From A Disability Certificate?

There is not much difference between a UDID card and a disability certificate, but there are some key differences. All those are mentione below in tabular format for one’s reference:

Component	Disability Certificate	UDID Card (Unique Disability ID)
Meaning	An official document stating the type, nature, and degree of disability of a person.	A smart and digitised card that comprises all disability-related information of an individual, but digitally.
Issued by	Medical boards authorised by the government of India.	Issued under the UDID project that the Indian government runs.
Purpose	To legally state that the said person has a recognised disability of a certain degree.	To provide a digital identity for accessing various benefits easily and conveniently.
Format	Traditional paper-based certificate.	Smart card with a unique ID number.
Portability	Re-verification may be required in accessing the services of various institutions established in other states.	Valid across the entire nation, irrespective of the institute or the state.
Is it linked to a database?	Not linked to a national database.	Linked to the national unified database.
Ease of use	Comparatively difficult.	As it is just a digital card, it is much easier to use and reduces paperwork to a great extent.

UDID App

The UDID application is the official mobile application launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment back in 2025. With the help of the application, Persons with Disabilities can access almost all functions, like register, apply for the certificate, track its status, apply for its renewal as and when needed, etc. As of now, the application is only available for the Android operating system, which people can download via the Play Store.

Common Mistakes That People Make While Applying For Disability Certificates

When it comes to applying for a disability certificate, people often end up making many mistakes, which leads to the rejection of their applications, meaning they would have to apply all over again, which is not only time-consuming but also hectic.

We have compiled a list of common errors that applicants usually make so that you can stay vigilant and not commit the same errors:

One of the most common errors that people make is submitting application forms without proper or complete documents, like medical reports will be missing, diagnostic reports would not state the diagnosis clearly, information filled in the format would mismatch with other authenticated records, like Aadhaar, etc. All of these errors would pose a huge difficulty for authorities in charge of verifying forms, and they would be forced to reject your applications.

Therefore, please be vigilant when filling the form and attaching the supporting documents are it is not just a formality but an essential part of the whole application and verification process.
People often apply for a disability certificate without thoroughly understanding the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, especially the provision concerning ‘benchmark disability’ that states that the person’s disability should be at least 40%. Educate yourself regarding all the provisions, and if you fulfill all the criteria mentioned in the act, only then apply for the certificate.
It is very important to visit only those medical boards that are authorised by the central and state government authorities for issuing disability certificates. Therefore, please check once before visiting those hospitals to avoid wasting your resources, time, and effort.
Please note that it is imperative to take into account the validity of the disability certificates. Many certificate holders think that their certificate will be valid for their entire life, but that’s far from reality. The validity is mentioned above in a separate section of this article itself. Please go through it and ensure to apply for renewal as and when necessary.

Also Read On Top 10 Government Schemes For Disabled Persons In India

Conclusion

Lives of Persons with Disabilities are far from easy; they unfortunately have to struggle for things that many others don’t have to, like walking, eating without any help, dressing, and many such mundane functions that many of us don’t even have to think about before doing. A disability certificate cannot help them in leading optimal lives with full independence, but instead, it has been designed to support them and give them a feeling of normalcy. Its benefits are not just tangible but psychological as well, as it aims to provide dignity to people and not just see them through the lens of their limitations.

Apply for a disability certificate today, if eligible, and reap all the benefits associated with it.

Stay updated with Jaagruk Bharat to get the latest information on government schemes and more, and reach out to us via our community page if you have any questions.

Why Choose Jaagruk Bharat To Apply For A Disability Certificate?

Allow Jaagruk Bharat to help you and apply for a UDID certificate on your behalf in just a few clicks! Get 24/7 support, expert assistance, online services, and a hassle-free application Process with Jaagruk Bharat.