PwD Certificate Requirements for JoSAA 2026

JoSAA 2026 reserves 5% of seats horizontally for PwD (Persons with Disability) candidates as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. PwD candidates also pay a reduced seat acceptance fee of ₹15,000 regardless of their main category. To claim PwD benefits, you need a valid PwD certificate from a government medical authority specifying your disability type and percentage (minimum 40% disability required).

The PwD certificate must be recent (typically within 6 months to 1 year of application) and issued by a constituted Medical Board at a government hospital or equivalent authority. Private hospital certificates are generally not accepted. Ensure the certificate clearly states: type of disability, percentage of disability, and a statement that the candidate is "Divyangjan" (Differently Abled Person) as per RPWDA 2016.

The Government of India has launched UDID (Unique Disability ID) — a unified identification system for persons with disabilities. JoSAA 2026 may accept or prefer UDID cards instead of traditional PwD certificates. You can apply for UDID at swavlambancard.gov.in. The UDID card contains all required information in a standardised format, making it easier for document verification at institutes.

If you don't have a UDID, a traditional government medical board certificate is still accepted. However, getting a UDID is recommended for future use across government schemes and admissions. The UDID application requires the same documents as a traditional PwD certificate.