Unique Disability ID (UDID Card / Swavlamban Scheme)

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) project, also known as the Swavlamban Scheme, is a transformative initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The project creates a national unified database for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and issues a standardized, QR-coded, tamper-proof UDID Smart Card recognized across all 28 Indian States and 8 Union Territories.

Previously, disabled citizens had to obtain multiple state certificates and carry fragile physical medical papers to prove their disability when traveling or applying for welfare benefits. The UDID card consolidates all medical disability data into a single digitized smart card. It enables instant, seamless verification across all 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016, unlocking nationwide railway ticket concessions, free state bus travel passes, 4% reservation in government jobs, 5% reservation in higher education institutions, subsidized assistive equipment under the ADIP scheme, and monthly disability pensions.

Detailed benefits and privileges unlocked by the UDID Card include: 1. Indian Railways Concessions: Cardholders receive massive passenger ticket concessions across all train classes (up to 75% in 2nd Class, Sleeper, 3AC, and Chair Car; 50% in 1AC & 2AC) along with identical fare concessions for one accompanying escort. 2. State Transport & Metro Concessions: Free or deeply subsidized local city bus, State Roadways (UPSRTC, MSRTC, KSRTC, DTC, etc.), and metro rail transit passes. 3. Government Job & Education Quotas: Enforces legal compliance for the mandatory 4% reservation in all Central & State Government civil services and public sector recruitment, and 5% reservation in university admissions. 4. Priority in Financial Welfare & Subsidies: Serves as the primary eligibility token for ADIP free motorized tricycles, cochlear implants, Divyangjan business loans via NHFDC at 4%–5% interest, and monthly disability pensions (₹1,000–₹3,000/mo). 5. Income Tax Deductions: Enables easy tax deductions under Section 80U (₹75,000 deduction for 40%+ disability; ₹1,25,000 deduction for severe 80%+ disability).

To be eligible for a UDID Smart Card: • Target Citizens: Any resident Indian citizen living with any of the 21 benchmark disabilities defined under the RPwD Act 2016 (including Locomotor Disability, Blindness, Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Speech and Language Disability, Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Neurological Conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, Thalassemia, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Disease, Acid Attack Victims, Parkinson's Disease, Dwarfism, and Multiple Disabilities). • Benchmark Disability Level: Minimum 40% or more disability evaluated and certified by an authorized District Medical Board / Chief Medical Officer (CMO). • Age Limit: Open to all individuals from 0 years (infants/children) to senior citizens with no age barrier.

Keep digital scans ready for registration on swavlambancard.gov.in: 1. Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity and eKYC). 2. Proof of Address (Aadhaar, Ration Card, Domicile certificate, or Electricity bill). 3. Passport-size Color Photograph clearly showing the disability. 4. Scanned Signature or Thumb Impression. 5. Existing Disability Certificate (if issued earlier by an offline medical board, for conversion to digital UDID).

• Aadhaar Card of the applicant (or parent/guardian if minor)
• Existing Disability Certificate (if issued previously by a State Medical Board)
• Proof of Address (Aadhaar, Ration Card, Voter ID, or Domicile certificate)
• Recent Passport-size Color Photograph showing the physical disability
• Scanned Signature / Thumb Impression
• Active Mobile Number for status SMS alerts

Applying for your UDID Card is completely online in 4 steps: Step 1 — Online Registration: Visit swavlambancard.gov.in and click 'Apply for Disability Certificate & UDID Card'. Enter your personal details, Aadhaar number, contact address, and choose your disability type from the drop-down menu. Step 2 — Upload Documents: Upload your passport-size photo, signature/thumb impression, address proof, and any past medical records/reports. Click Submit to generate your 18-digit Enrollment Number. Step 3 — Medical Assessment at District Hospital: The portal assigns you an appointment at your District Chief Medical Officer (CMO) / Civil Hospital. Visit the medical board on the assigned date for physical clinical assessment and percentage calculation. Step 4 — Digital Card Generation & Doorstep Delivery: The Medical Board enters the disability percentage online. Your digital UDID Card and e-Disability Certificate are generated for instant download. A physical, durable plastic smart card is printed by the government and delivered directly to your home address via India Post speed post.

The Swavlamban UDID portal is open 365 days a year for fresh registrations, card renewals, and lost card reprints.

• Uploading a photo that hides or obscures the physical disability condition. • Missing the scheduled Medical Board assessment appointment at the district hospital (delays file clearance by months). • Submitting address documents that do not match the district hospital jurisdiction. • Forgetting to download the digital e-UDID Card while waiting for the physical plastic card in the mail (both formats carry identical legal validity).

Carry all original medical test reports, audiograms (for hearing impairment), or X-rays when visiting the District Hospital Medical Board to ensure prompt, accurate disability percentage evaluation in a single visit.

The Swavlamban UDID Card is an indispensable empowerment document for every Divyangjan in India. By providing unified national recognition, simplified travel concessions, and effortless access to all government welfare programs, the UDID card ensures persons with disabilities live with dignity and equal opportunity.

Facts on this page are based on the official documents and portals below. Rules can change, so confirm the latest position on the official source before applying.

1. Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities (UDID) Project Guidelines — DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (2024-01-01)