Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University: India’s First Inclusive University Empowering Divyangjan Through Education
By turning barriers into bridges and education into empowerment, DSMNRU continues to redefine inclusive higher education in India—uplifting lives, nurturing talent, and building a more equitable society.
Lucknow | Established with a pioneering vision of inclusive education, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) stands as a landmark institution in India’s higher education landscape. Set up by the Divyangjan Sashaktikaran Vibhag, Government of Uttar Pradesh, the university came into existence through an Ordinance dated August 29, 2008, which was subsequently enacted as U.P. Act No. 1 of 2009 and later strengthened by U.P. Act No. 24 of 2011.
A First-of-Its-Kind Inclusive University
DSMNRU is the first university in India specifically designed to provide accessible, quality higher education to differently-abled (Divyangjan) students in a completely barrier-free academic environment. What truly sets the university apart is its unique mandate—to serve the educational aspirations of challenged students while seamlessly integrating them into mainstream higher education.
To fulfil this mission, the university provides a 50 percent horizontal reservation for differently-abled students across all academic programmes, over and above the existing reservation policy. This landmark provision reflects the university’s unwavering commitment to social equity, dignity, and empowerment.
Infrastructure That Enables, Not Restricts
Spread across 131 acres in Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh, the university campus is thoughtfully designed to ensure universal accessibility. The Wi-Fi-enabled, barrier-free campus features smart classrooms, modern audio-visual teaching aids, multimedia learning tools, and specialized computer laboratories equipped with JAWS (Job Access with Speech) to support visually challenged learners.
The university library houses an extensive collection of national and international books, journals, and research material, making it a vital academic resource for students and faculty from diverse disciplines.
Academic Excellence Rooted in Social Responsibility
DSMNRU brings together academia and social responsibility under one umbrella, translating knowledge into action and ensuring that education reaches every section of society. The university promotes inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning, supported by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members who create a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
Its curricula are designed to meet international academic standards while remaining aligned with emerging economic and employment trends. The focus remains not only on intellectual growth but also on moral values, life skills, and responsible citizenship.
A Self-Sustained Academic Ecosystem
The university functions as a self-sufficient academic microcosm, offering facilities such as boys’ and girls’ hostels, staff quarters, guest house, post office, bank, electricity sub-station, computer centre, placement cell, RTI cell, disability support cell, and dedicated bus shuttle services. These facilities ensure safety, convenience, and a holistic campus life for students and staff alike.
Preparing Students for Life with Dignity
Continuous efforts are underway to strengthen the University–Industry interface, expand professional and job-oriented courses, and upgrade in-house capabilities. The ultimate goal is to integrate students—especially Divyangjan—into the global socio-economic mainstream, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and dignity needed to lead independent and meaningful lives.
A University That Stands Apart
True to its philosophy, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University is “unique and much different from others.” It is not merely an institution of higher learning, but a transformative platform where inclusion, innovation, and human values converge.
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