National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, is a premier government institute under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Established in 1943 (with roots as St. Dunstan’s Hostel for the War Blinded), NIEPVD operates from a 43-acre campus on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Highway. The institute specializes in education, vocational training, and rehabilitation for persons with visual disabilities, and is a key center for research, Braille literature production, and assistive technology development. NIEPVD has regional centers in Chennai, Kolkata, and Secunderabad, and serves thousands of students and trainees annually across India.
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Highlights
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Courses & Fees
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Admission Process
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Scholarships
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Campus & Facilities
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Placements
- National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Notable Alumni
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Highlights
NIEPVD, Dehradun, is a government autonomous institute with a legacy dating back to 1943, functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The institute offers a range of specialized programs in special education, rehabilitation, and vocational training for visually impaired persons. With a student strength of 500–800 annually and a faculty of over 50, NIEPVD is recognized for its flagship B.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment) program. The campus is equipped with advanced assistive technology labs, a Braille press, and accessible library resources.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1943 (as St. Dunstan’s Hostel); 1982 (as autonomous body) |
Type | Government / Autonomous |
Approvals/Accreditations | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) |
Student Intake / Strength | 500–800 per year (across programs) |
Faculty | 50+ |
Flagship Program & Fees | B.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment) – INR 30,000–40,000 (total) |
Entrance Exams | Institute Entrance Test / Merit-based |
Official Website |
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Courses & Fees
NIEPVD offers a range of programs in special education, rehabilitation, and vocational training, with a focus on empowering visually impaired individuals. The flagship program is the B.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment), recognized by RCI. Other offerings include diploma and certificate courses in Braille, assistive technology, and rehabilitation psychology. Fees are subsidized, reflecting the institute’s public service mandate.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
B.Ed. Special Education (Visual Impairment) | Undergraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% (any stream) | INR 30,000–40,000 |
Diploma in Special Education (Visual Impairment) | Diploma | 2 Years | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 15,000–20,000 |
Certificate Course in Braille | Certificate | 6 Months | 10th Pass | INR 5,000–8,000 |
PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology | Postgraduate Diploma | 1 Year | Graduation in Psychology or related field | INR 20,000–25,000 |
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Admission Process
Admissions to NIEPVD programs are conducted annually, primarily through an institute-level entrance test or merit-based selection. The application process typically opens in April–May, with entrance exams (where applicable) held in June. Selection is based on entrance scores and/or academic merit, followed by document verification and counseling.
Application Window: April–May (annually)
Entrance Exams (if any): Institute Entrance Test (for B.Ed. and select programs)
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Counseling and Document Verification
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Fill and submit application form on official website | April–May | ID proof, academic certificates, disability certificate (if applicable) |
Entrance Exam / Merit List | Appear for entrance test or await merit list | June | Admit card, ID proof |
Counseling & Document Verification | Attend counseling session and verify documents | June–July | All original certificates, photos |
Fee Payment & Admission Confirmation | Pay fees and confirm admission | July | Fee receipt |
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Scholarships
NIEPVD facilitates a range of scholarships for visually impaired students, including central and state government schemes. Key scholarships include the National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities and Pre-Matric/Post-Matric Scholarships for students with disabilities. Benefits range from tuition fee waivers to stipends for books and assistive devices.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
National Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities | Students with ≥40% visual disability | Up to INR 12,000 per annum | Apply via National Scholarship Portal |
Pre-Matric/Post-Matric Scholarship (Govt. of India) | Visually impaired students (Class 1–12/UG/PG) | Tuition fee waiver, maintenance allowance | Through respective school/college or NSP |
State Government Scholarships | Resident students with disability | Varies by state (fee waiver, stipend) | Apply through state portal |
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Campus & Facilities
NIEPVD’s 43-acre campus in Dehradun is designed for accessibility and inclusion, offering specialized infrastructure for visually impaired students. Facilities include a Braille press, accessible library, advanced assistive technology labs, and residential hostels. The campus also houses a model school, sports grounds, and medical/rehabilitation units.
Library / Digital Resources: National Accessible Library, Talking Book Library, Braille books
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Assistive Technology Lab, Braille Press, Rehabilitation Psychology Lab
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Accessible classrooms, seminar halls, auditorium
Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for men and women, dining facilities, barrier-free access
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Sports fields, indoor games, basic gym equipment
Connectivity / Transport: Located on Mussoorie-Dehradun Highway, accessible by public and institute transport
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Placements
NIEPVD supports placement and self-employment for visually impaired graduates, with dedicated training and career counseling. Graduates secure roles in teaching, NGOs, government services, and private sector organizations. Placement statistics vary by program and year, with some B.Ed. graduates clearing competitive exams like CTET and securing government jobs.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 5–6 LPA | INR 3–4 LPA | INR 3 LPA | Govt. Schools, NGOs, Special Education Institutions |
National Institute For The Empowerment of Persons With Visual Disabilities Notable Alumni
NIEPVD alumni have excelled in diverse fields, including education, public service, and advocacy for disability rights. Some have achieved high ranks in competitive exams and contributed to inclusive policy-making and assistive technology innovation.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Dr. Surendra Dhalwal | Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology, Disability Rights Advocate |
Multiple UPSC/State PCS Qualifiers | Government Officers, Social Sector Leaders |


