BASIC INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ISL) COURSE 2026

The Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) Course, is rooted in the need to bridge communication gaps and foster inclusivity for the Deaf community in India. Despite the recognition of ISL as a medium of instruction under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and reaffirmed within the broader vision for inclusive and equitable education articulated in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, awareness and functional proficiency in ISL remain limited among the general public, educators, and public service professionals. To address this gap, NCERT has developed a Basic ISL Course in collaboration with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC). This course attempts to address the pressing communication barriers faced by the Deaf community and the non-Deaf community and vice versa. It empowers educators, families, and service providers with essential skills to communicate effectively with deaf individuals, promoting a more inclusive society where the needs of all citizens are recognized and met.

This initiative is a step toward creating an equitable educational environment, in line with the NEP 2020’s vision of ‘Equitable and Inclusive Education for All.’ This course aims to teach fundamental skills, enabling broader awareness of ISL and creating a societal shift toward respect, understanding, and integration of sign language. By making ISL learning available through a dedicated TV channel, PM e VIDYA DTH ISL Channel 31, the course ensures that people from different backgrounds, including teachers, students, and families, can access high-quality educational content in a convenient, user-friendly format. Ultimately, this initiative helps to remove communication barriers, facilitating greater participation of the Deaf community in all aspects of society and contributing to a truly inclusive India.