Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped

The Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan) - AYJNISHD, Hyderabad Regional Centre, remains a premier destination for rehabilitation sciences in 2026. Established under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, it serves as a hub for clinical services and professional training in South India.

In 2026, the Hyderabad centre continues to offer highly specialized undergraduate and postgraduate courses that are RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) recognized. The most sought-after programs include:

• BASLP (Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology): A 4-year comprehensive program including a mandatory internship.
• B.Ed. Special Education (Hearing Impairment): A 2-year program designed to create skilled educators for inclusive and special schools.
• M.Sc. (Audiology) / M.Sc. (Speech-Language Pathology): Advanced research-oriented programs for clinical specialization.
• Diploma in Indian Sign Language (DISLI): Gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for professional interpreters in Hyderabad's corporate and public sectors.

Admission for the 2026 academic session is primarily based on the All India Entrance Test (AIET) conducted by the institute or common entrance tests specified by the RCI. The process for Hyderabad applicants is as follows:

• Notification Release: March 2026.
• Application Window: April – May 2026.
• Entrance Exam (AIET): June 2026.
• Counseling & Document Verification: July 2026.
• Commencement of Classes: August 2026.

Candidates must qualify for the entrance test and meet the eligibility criteria (10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Maths for BASLP).

Student feedback for the Hyderabad centre highlights the intense clinical exposure. Common sentiments include:

• Clinical Exposure: "The number of patients we see at the Secunderabad clinic is unparalleled, providing real-world experience that private colleges can't match."
• Academic Rigor: "The faculty are industry veterans. The curriculum is tough but makes us ready for immediate employment."
• Infrastructure: "Being a government institute, the fees are low, but the equipment is state-of-the-art, especially the sound-treated rooms and diagnostic tools."
• Location: "Located in the heart of the medical hub of Secunderabad, it’s easy to commute and find local internships."

The 2026 cutoffs are expected to be competitive due to the limited number of seats (typically 30-40 per course). Admission depends on the rank obtained in the All India Entrance Test.

Note: Reservations apply for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and PwD candidates as per Central Government norms.

AYJNISHD consistently ranks as one of the top three institutes in India for Rehabilitation Sciences. In 2026, it holds the following prestige:

• National Level: Ranked #1 or #2 in the specialized category of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology education in India.
• Regional Level: The leading institute for Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology in the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Recognition: All courses are accredited by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The 2025 placement season saw a 95% placement rate for BASLP and Master's graduates. Hyderabad’s growing healthcare ecosystem provides ample opportunities.

• Average Package: INR 4.5 LPA to 6.5 LPA for freshers.
• Highest Package: INR 9 LPA (International healthcare chains).
• Top Recruiters: Apollo Hospitals, KIMS, Star Key, Widex, Amplifon, and various government-run Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan projects.
• Roles: Clinical Audiologist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Special Educator, Hearing Aid Consultant, and Research Assistant.

As a government institute, students can avail themselves of several financial aid options in 2026:

• National Overseas Scholarship: For PwD students seeking higher studies abroad.
• Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities: Provided by the Central Government.
• Telangana State Scholarships: Students with Telangana domicile can apply for the RTF (Reimbursement of Tuition Fee) via the EPASS portal.
• Institute Merit-cum-Means: Financial assistance for students from economically weaker backgrounds.

The institute's popularity stems from its niche offerings that bridge the gap between medicine and education:

• BASLP: The flagship course for aspiring Audiologists.
• M.ASLP: A combined Master's in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
• Diploma in Hearing Aid & Ear Mould Technology (DHA & EMT): A technical course with high demand in the hearing aid industry.
• B.Ed. (HI): Essential for teachers aiming to work in specialized government schools across India.

Fees at AYJNISHD are highly subsidized by the Central Government. Below are the estimated fees for 2026:

Note: Hostel fees and examination fees are charged separately.

When compared to private colleges in Hyderabad offering BASLP or B.Ed. Special Education, AYJNISHD offers several advantages:

• Clinical Footfall: AYJNISHD handles a significantly higher volume of patients, ensuring better practical learning than private institutes.
• Fees: The fees are nearly 1/10th of private universities like Amity or local private colleges in Telangana.
• Recognition: Being a National Institute, the degree carries immense weight for government jobs and international licensing (like ASHA in the USA).
• Research: Better access to government research grants and national-level projects.

The application process for 2026 is entirely online via the official AYJNISHD website:

1. Visit the official portal and register for the AIET 2026.
2. Upload required documents: 10th/12th marksheet, Caste certificate (if applicable), and PwD certificate (if applicable).
3. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 1000 for General, INR 600 for SC/ST/PwD).
4. Download the admit card for the entrance exam.
5. Attend the online/offline entrance test at the designated Hyderabad center.
6. Participate in the centralized counseling based on the merit list.

The Hyderabad Regional Centre is equipped with specialized infrastructure tailored for disability rehabilitation:

• Audiology Labs: Features advanced diagnostic tools like BERA, OAE, and VEMP.
• Speech Clinics: Specialized rooms for articulation and voice therapy.
• Library: A vast collection of journals and books specifically related to communication disorders and special education.
• Hostel: Limited on-campus residential facilities for outstation students.
• E-Learning Hub: Digital classrooms for national-level webinars and tele-rehabilitation services.

The institute is organized into specialized departments that focus on education, service, and research:

• Department of Audiology: Focuses on hearing assessment and rehabilitation.
• Department of Speech-Language Pathology: Deals with communication disorders and swallowing issues.
• Department of Special Education: Focuses on teacher training for the hearing impaired.
• Department of Clinical Psychology: Provides counseling and psychological assessment for patients and families.
• Department of Material Development: Creates educational content for the hearing impaired.

For students awaiting admission or professionals looking to upskill in 2026, these online certifications are recommended:

• Introduction to Audiology: Available on Coursera/edX for foundational knowledge.
• Indian Sign Language (Basic): Offered by NPTEL or Swayam.
• Child Development and Pedagogy: Useful for B.Ed. aspirants.
• Medical Terminology: Helpful for BASLP students to get a head start.

The faculty at the Hyderabad centre consists of seasoned professionals, many of whom hold PhDs in Audiology or Speech Pathology. They are active members of the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) and regularly contribute to national policy-making for disability rights. The student-to-teacher ratio is maintained at a level that allows for personalized clinical supervision.

AYJNISHD has expanded its digital footprint in 2026 by offering short-term online courses:

• Parent Training Programs: Online modules for parents of children with hearing loss.
• CRE (Continuing Rehabilitation Education) Programs: Mandatory online workshops for RCI-registered professionals to maintain their license.
• Awareness Workshops: Free online sessions on early identification of hearing loss.

Alumni from the Hyderabad centre are placed globally, including:

• Leading clinical audiologists in the NHS (UK) and healthcare systems in Australia and the USA.
• Principals of major special schools across India.
• Entrepreneurs who have established successful hearing aid chains in South India.
• Senior researchers at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH).