RCI Unveils Major Reforms to Transform Rehabilitation Education and Professional Governance

In a historic overhaul of rehabilitation education and regulation, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) has announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, inclusivity and efficiency across the sector. The reforms align with the Government of India’s vision of Jan Vishwas, trust-based governance, and Ease of Doing Business, and mark a decisive shift toward digitalisation and self-reliance in professional education.

Fee Waiver and Digital Empowerment for Professionals

For the first time, RCI has waived all fees for issuance, renewal and qualification addition in the Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR), making these services completely free for students and professionals. The validity of registration has been extended from five to seven years, supported by an automatic renewal system for those earning 100 or more Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) points. The newly launched digital dashboard allows professionals to correct their details online at no charge, while institutions will no longer pay processing fees for CRE programmes.

Centers of Excellence and Institutional Autonomy

In a landmark step, RCI has designated 144 leading institutions and universities as Centers of Excellence (CoEs) — including National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, and Central and State Universities. These CoEs will enjoy full autonomy to conduct CRE programmes at state, national and international levels. Their approval tenure has been extended to seven years, with automatic renewal provisions. CoEs will also play key roles in expert recognition panels and examination processes to uphold academic integrity.

Simplified Regulations and Transparent Inspections

RCI has introduced a common No Objection Certificate (NOC) system and reduced approval fees to simplify regulatory procedures. Institutions found with minor deficiencies will now receive Improvement Notices before re-inspection, allowing corrective action. A new video-based inspection mechanism will enhance transparency and efficiency in institutional assessments, ensuring accountability while reducing bureaucratic delays.

Exam Oriented Facts

• RCI has completely waived CRR registration and renewal fees for professionals.
• CRR validity has been extended from five to seven years with automatic renewal for eligible candidates.
• 144 institutions have been declared Centers of Excellence (CoEs) with seven-year approval tenure.
• Video-based inspections and a common NOC system introduced for transparency.

Examination and Curriculum Reforms for Quality Enhancement

All examiners, paper setters and moderators will now be drawn exclusively from CoEs to maintain academic standards. Supplementary exams will be held within 75 days of result declaration to prevent academic loss, and grace marks will be uniformly applied. RCI will also encourage inclusion of books by Indian authors and regional language materials in syllabi, along with indigenous diagnostic tools reflecting India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. These forward-looking reforms collectively set a new benchmark for trust-based, technology-driven governance in rehabilitation education.