Certificate Programme: Inclusive Pedagogy and Assessment at Azim Premji University

About the Programme

Certificate Programme: Inclusive Pedagogy and Assessment prepares educators to build flexible, responsive classrooms that treat the differences between learners as a strength rather than a problem to work around. It draws on Universal Design for Learning, Differentiated Instruction, and a whole-school approach to inclusion, covering curriculum, teaching, and assessment together. The programme lines up with India's National Education Policy 2020 and its focus on learner-centred teaching, equity, and competency-based assessment, and is run in partnership with the Ummeed Child Development Center, which works with children with developmental disabilities.

Eligibility

• Open to student-teachers, teachers at any stage of their career, NGO professionals, school coordinators, counsellors, support staff, special educators, teacher educators, and school leaders.
• No prior work experience is required, student-teachers in BSc, BA, or B.Ed programmes are encouraged to apply.
• Freelancers and candidates not currently employed are also welcome, provided they can show a genuine interest in the area or relevant experience.

Curriculum Overview

• Inclusive Teaching Practices, UDL and Differentiated Instruction: the theory behind Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction, and what they mean for curriculum design, lesson planning, and assessment in the Indian context.
• Creating Inclusive Educational Environments: building inclusive practices and culture across classrooms and schools, with case studies on the roles different people, especially teachers, play in making this work.
• A mentored project where participants observe real schools, reflect on what they see, collect data, and produce reports and teaching-learning materials.

Programme Highlights

• Blended format with 5 days of in-person classes in Bengaluru and 26 online sessions held twice a week, plus readings and other self-paced material.
• Participants who complete this and the other Inclusive Education certificate can add two more certificates from a set of eight to earn a full Diploma in Equity and Inclusion.
• Wheelchair-accessible campus, with a crèche available and childcare needs discussed case by case.

Career Pathways

The University does not provide placement assistance after this programme. It's aimed at building inclusive teaching skills for people already working in or with schools, rather than placing them in new roles.

Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition fee: INR 20,000. Accommodation fee: INR 3,000, for participants who choose to stay at the University during the in-person component. Financial assistance is considered case by case, refer to the university's dedicated fees and financial aid page for details.