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M-ED in Special Education Intellectual Disability at National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Regional Centre, Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Chandigarh
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About the Specialization
What is Special Education (Intellectual Disability) at National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (Divyangjan), Regional Centre, Chandigarh Chandigarh?
This M.Ed. in Special Education (Intellectual Disability) program at Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities, Chandigarh focuses on equipping educators with advanced pedagogical skills and knowledge to address the diverse needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Rooted in an Indian context, the program emphasizes culturally relevant practices and policy frameworks, differentiating itself through its strong practical orientation and direct engagement with rehabilitation services. The demand for qualified special educators in India is consistently high, driven by evolving inclusive education mandates.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for experienced special educators holding a B.Ed. Special Education degree, or a B.Ed. with a relevant postgraduate diploma, seeking to deepen their expertise and assume leadership roles in the field. It also caters to professionals aiming for careers in curriculum development, research, and administration within special education settings. Candidates passionate about advocating for and improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, possessing a strong academic background in education, will find this program particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful India-specific career paths such as special education teachers, resource teachers, educational administrators, curriculum developers, researchers, or consultants in NGOs and government bodies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 6-10+ LPA for experienced professionals in supervisory roles. The program aligns with RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) guidelines, enhancing professional certification and career growth trajectories within Indian special education.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Expertise in Disability Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core theoretical papers like Human Growth and Development, Psycho-Social Aspects of Disability, and Foundations of Special Education. Form study groups to discuss complex concepts, policy frameworks, and their implications in the Indian scenario. Actively participate in the initial practicum experiences by observing different rehabilitation settings and critically analyzing various cases.
Tools & Resources
RCI publications, Government of India disability policies, Leading Indian journals in special education, Local special schools for observation
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is critical for effective pedagogical and policy implementation, essential for future roles as special educators or administrators.
Master Research & Statistical Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Research Methods and Statistics courses. Practice data analysis using accessible software like Excel or open-source statistical tools. Participate in departmental workshops on research proposal writing and ethical considerations, aligning with Indian research guidelines. Begin identifying potential research interests for the dissertation.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on research methodology and statistics, Tutorials for Excel/R, Institutional library resources for existing dissertations
Career Connection
Essential for conducting evidence-based interventions, program evaluation, and contributing to the body of knowledge in special education, opening doors to research roles.
Develop Practical Instructional Planning Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in practicum sessions related to Curriculum Development and Instructional Strategies. Focus on designing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to Indian educational contexts and resource availability. Seek feedback on developing culturally appropriate teaching materials and adaptive strategies for diverse learners with intellectual disabilities.
Tools & Resources
Sample IEP templates, RCI recommended curricula, Local special education resource centers, Mentor special educators
Career Connection
Direct application of learning to classroom settings, preparing for roles as a skilled special educator and curriculum adapter, highly valued in Indian schools.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Engage in Contemporary Special Education Debates- (Semester 3-4)
Actively follow and participate in discussions related to Current Issues & Trends in Special Education. Attend webinars, conferences, and workshops on topics like inclusive education, assistive technology, and policy reforms in India. Network with professionals, researchers, and policymakers to gain insights into real-world challenges and innovative solutions.
Tools & Resources
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) newsletters, National and international special education conferences (e.g., APEID, CBR networks in India), LinkedIn groups for special educators
Career Connection
Staying updated on trends is crucial for leadership, policy advocacy, and adapting to the evolving landscape of special education in India.
Conduct a High-Quality Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically work on the M.Ed. dissertation (Paper 402), choosing a topic highly relevant to Indian special education contexts. Seek regular mentorship from faculty, utilize institutional research facilities, and aim for a study that can contribute practical insights or policy recommendations. Prepare for robust data collection and rigorous analysis.
Tools & Resources
Institutional library, Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python for data analysis), Research ethics review boards, Faculty mentors, Peer review groups
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a strong credential for academic positions, research roles, and demonstrating analytical capabilities for higher administrative roles.
Specialize and Network for Career Placement- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize the optional papers (e.g., specific disabilities) to deepen a chosen area of specialization. Actively seek out internship or volunteer opportunities in specialized centers or organizations working in that area during Semester 4. Prepare a professional portfolio including practicum reports, research findings, and teaching materials for placement interviews.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, Alumni network, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn), RCI registered organizations, Mock interviews
Career Connection
Direct experience and specialization significantly enhance employability in targeted roles within Indian special education, from specialized teaching to program management.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Ed. Special Education or B.A. B.Ed. or B.Sc. B.Ed. with Special Education (ID/MR) or equivalent with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/BC/PWD). OR B.Ed. with Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education (Intellectual Disability) or equivalent with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/BC/PWD).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-101 | Human Growth and Development | Core Theory | 4 | Human development perspectives, Infancy to adolescence, Adulthood and aging, Socio-cultural context, Promoting development |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-102 | Psycho-Social and Economic Aspects of Disability | Core Theory | 4 | Concept of disability, Psycho-social aspects, Economic issues, Rehabilitation philosophy, Rights and legislation |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-103 | Foundations of Special Education | Core Theory | 4 | Historical perspectives, Definition and types of disability, Educational provisions, Policies and programs, Role of RCI and NGOs |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-104 | Educational Psychology | Core Theory | 4 | Learning theories, Cognitive processes, Motivation, Personality and adjustment, Group dynamics |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-105 | Practicum | Practicum | 6 | Observation and assessment, Case study development, Intervention planning, Field visit report writing, Team collaboration |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-201 | Research Methods | Core Theory | 4 | Research paradigms, Types of research, Research design, Data collection methods, Ethical considerations |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-202 | Statistics | Core Theory | 4 | Basic statistical concepts, Measures of central tendency, Probability, Hypothesis testing, Correlation and Regression |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-203 | Curriculum Development & Transaction in Special Education | Core Theory | 4 | Curriculum concepts, Principles of curriculum adaptation, Designing IEPs, Instructional strategies, Evaluation of curriculum |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-204 | Instructional Strategies and Program Planning for Children with Intellectual Disability | Core Theory | 4 | Teaching models, Behavior management, Communication strategies, Group teaching, Transition planning |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-205 | Practicum | Practicum | 6 | Curriculum adaptation techniques, Teaching material development, IEPT planning and execution, Parent training programs, Program evaluation methods |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-301 | Current Issues & Trends in Special Education | Core Theory | 4 | Inclusive education, Early intervention, Technology in special education, Legal frameworks, Advocacy and ethics |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-302 | Education of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities | Core Theory | 4 | Concept of SLD, Characteristics of SLD, Assessment and diagnosis, Remedial strategies, Inclusive practices for SLD |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-303 | Education of Children with Behavioural, Emotional & Communication Disorders | Core Theory | 4 | Behavioral disorders, Emotional disorders, Communication disorders, Assessment strategies, Intervention approaches |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-304 | Management of Human Resources and Services for Persons with Disabilities | Core Theory | 4 | Organizational structures, Human resource planning, Service delivery models, Professional development, Community based rehabilitation |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-305 | Practicum | Practicum | 6 | Case study analysis, Remedial teaching techniques, Behavioral intervention plan development, Assistive technology application, Service coordination and advocacy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-401 | Educational Administration and Supervision in Special Education | Core Theory | 4 | Principles of administration, School organization, Personnel management, Program evaluation, Legal aspects and policies |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-402 | Research Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research problem identification, Literature review, Methodology design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and presentation |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-403A | Education of Children with Visual Impairment | Elective Theory | 4 | Causes and types of VI, Assessment strategies, Braille and tactile learning, Orientation and mobility, Inclusive education for VI |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-403B | Education of Children with Hearing Impairment | Elective Theory | 4 | Causes and types of HI, Assessment methods, Communication modes, Amplification and assistive devices, Inclusive education for HI |
| M.Ed.SE (ID)-403C | Education of Children with Locomotor Impairment and Cerebral Palsy | Elective Theory | 4 | Causes and types of LI/CP, Assessment and diagnosis, Therapeutic interventions, Assistive technology, Inclusive education for LI/CP |
