Diploma in Automation
at National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities - [NIEPMD]
Accepted entrance exams
About Diploma in Automation
The Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology (DOAAT), listed as Diploma in Automation, at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, is a 1-year full-time programme exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwD). The programme is affiliated to Bharathidasan University and is offered under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The course has an intake of 10 seats and is designed to equip PwD students with practical skills in office automation tools, computer applications, and assistive technologies, enabling them to secure employment in office and administrative roles. The programme is popular among PwD students as it combines vocational training with assistive technology, making it one of the few such specialised courses available at a government institution in South India.
Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are conducted as per Bharathidasan University norms. The 2027-28 admission notification is expected to be released tentatively around May-June 2027, based on the previous year's schedule. No application fee is charged for Divyangjan (PwD) candidates. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NIEPMD website (niepmd.nic.in) for the latest admission notification.
Key Points
- The Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology is exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwD); non-PwD candidates are not eligible.
- The programme is affiliated to Bharathidasan University, and the diploma certificate is issued by Bharathidasan University.
- NIEPMD is a Government of India institution under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, accredited by NAAC and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- No application fee is charged for PwD (Divyangjan) candidates.
- The programme covers office automation tools (MS Office, internet, email), assistive technologies (screen readers, magnification software, alternative input devices), and basic computer skills tailored for PwD.
- Graduates are equipped for employment in government offices, private companies, NGOs, and BPO/data entry roles.
- Hostel accommodation is available on campus at Rs. 18,000 per year.
NIEPMD Diploma in Automation Fees
The Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology at NIEPMD, Chennai, is a government-funded programme with a highly subsidised fee structure exclusively for PwD students. The total tuition fee for the 1-year programme is Rs. 7,965. This is among the most affordable vocational diploma programmes for PwD in India. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost of Rs. 18,000 per year and is optional.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Total for 1 year) | 7,965 |
| Other Charges | Included |
| Total Fees | 7,965 |
| Hostel Fees (optional, per year) | 18,000 |
- No application fee for Divyangjan (PwD) candidates.
- Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the Total Fees row above.
- Fees are subject to revision by NIEPMD and Bharathidasan University.
- Payment can be made via NEFT/online transfer to the institute's bank account.
NIEPMD Diploma in Automation Admission 2026
Admissions to the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology at NIEPMD, Chennai, are conducted as per Bharathidasan University norms. The programme is exclusively for PwD (Divyangjan) candidates. There is no separate entrance examination; admission is merit-based. The 2027-28 admission notification is expected tentatively around May-June 2027. No application fee is charged for PwD candidates.
Important Dates
| Event | 2026-27 | 2027-28 (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Notification Released | May 2026 | May-June 2027 |
| Last Date to Apply | July-August 2026 | July-August 2027 |
| Counselling / Merit List | August-September 2026 | August-September 2027 |
| Batch Commencement | October-November 2026 | October-November 2027 |
Note: Admission is as per Bharathidasan University norms. No national-level entrance exam is required.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- The programme is exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwD) with a valid disability certificate/UDID card.
- Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- Reservation and relaxation for various PwD categories are as per Government of India and Bharathidasan University norms.
Admission Process
- Download the application form from the official NIEPMD website (niepmd.nic.in) when the notification is released.
- No application fee for PwD (Divyangjan) candidates.
- Submit the completed application form along with self-attested copies of 10th and 12th mark sheets, disability certificate/UDID card, Aadhaar card, community certificate (if applicable), and passport-size photographs.
- Shortlisting is done on the basis of 10+2 marks and reservation norms as per Bharathidasan University.
- Selected candidates are informed and required to report for document verification and fee payment.
NIEPMD Diploma in Automation Scholarships 2026
Students enrolled in the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology at NIEPMD, Chennai, can avail various central and state government scholarships for PwD students. As a government-funded institution, NIEPMD charges no application fee for PwD candidates and offers a highly subsidised fee structure. Eligible students can additionally apply for scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship / Benefit | Eligibility | Amount | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIEPMD Fee Waiver (Application Fee) | All PwD (Divyangjan) candidates | No application fee | Applicable at time of application |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | PwD students; income as per govt. norms | Tuition fee + maintenance allowance | Apply via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities (NFD) | PwD students pursuing higher education | Maintenance allowance + contingency | Apply via NSP |
| Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship | Tamil Nadu domicile PwD students | Variable | Apply via Tamil Nadu e-Scholarships portal |
| PM-VIDYALAXMI Scheme | Students in government-recognised institutions | Education loan facilitation | Apply via PM-Vidyalaxmi portal |
- Scholarship applications for NSP schemes must be submitted within the deadlines notified on the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Candidates are advised to confirm the availability of additional stipends or concessions directly with NIEPMD at the time of admission.
NIEPMD Diploma in Automation FAQs
Ques. Is the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology at NIEPMD open to non-disabled candidates?
Ans. No, this programme is exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwD). Candidates must have a valid disability certificate or UDID card to be eligible. Non-PwD candidates are not eligible to apply for this course.
Ques. What types of disabilities are covered under the PwD eligibility for this course?
Ans. The programme is open to all categories of disabilities as enumerated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, including but not limited to visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, multiple disabilities, and others. Candidates must have a valid UDID card or disability certificate issued by a competent authority.
Ques. What skills will I learn in the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology?
Ans. The programme covers practical skills in office automation tools such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, internet and email usage, data entry, and basic accounting software. It also includes training in assistive technologies relevant to the candidate's disability, such as screen readers (JAWS, NVDA) for visually impaired students, alternative input devices for locomotor disability, and other adaptive tools. The curriculum is designed to make PwD students job-ready for office and administrative roles.
Ques. Is the diploma from NIEPMD affiliated to a recognised university? Will it be valid for government jobs?
Ans. Yes, the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology at NIEPMD is affiliated to Bharathidasan University, a recognised central university. The diploma certificate is issued by Bharathidasan University, making it a valid qualification for employment purposes. Graduates can use this diploma to apply for government and private sector jobs that require computer and office automation skills.
Ques. Are there hostel facilities available for PwD students at NIEPMD Chennai?
Ans. Yes, NIEPMD, Chennai, provides hostel facilities for students, including PwD students. The hostel charges are Rs. 18,000 per year. The campus is located at East Coast Road (ECR), Muttukadu, Kovalam Post, Chennai - 603112, approximately 30 km from Chennai Central railway station. The campus is designed to be accessible for PwD students. Outstation students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation at the time of admission, as seats are limited.
Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing this diploma from NIEPMD?
Ans. Graduates of the Diploma in Office Automation and Assistive Technology can seek employment as data entry operators, office assistants, computer operators, administrative assistants, and BPO executives in government offices, private companies, NGOs, and disability-focused organisations. The training in assistive technology also enables graduates to work as assistive technology trainers or support staff in special schools and rehabilitation centres. The diploma also serves as a foundation for further vocational or academic courses.