CRC Sikkim opens admission for sign language diploma, offers stipend and fee waiver to support disability inclusion
This two-year diploma course is designed to train individuals in the interpretation of Indian Sign Language, a skill that plays a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between the hearing-impaired community and the rest of society.
LOCAL
The Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC Sikkim), situated at Assam Lingzey under Pakyong district, has officially announced admissions for the second batch of its Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI) course for the academic session 2025–2027. The programme is approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and falls under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Government of India.
This two-year diploma course is designed to train individuals in the interpretation of Indian Sign Language, a skill that plays a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between the hearing-impaired community and the rest of society. CRC Sikkim has invited eligible candidates to apply for this unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the cause of inclusive communication and accessibility. The last date for submitting applications is July 20, 2025.
Applicants must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination. The minimum marks required are 50 percent for candidates from the General and OBC categories and 45 percent for those belonging to SC, ST, and Divyangjan categories. The other essential criteria include functional hands, hearing within the normal range, and fluency in at least one language—either Hindi or English. The course fee is Rs 20,000 per year, to be paid in two instalments of Rs 10,000 per semester. In addition, a refundable caution deposit of Rs 1,500 is required.
To ensure wider access and promote inclusion, CRC Sikkim has waived the course fee for certain groups. The fee waiver applies to holders of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, parents or siblings of persons with disabilities, and children of deaf parents, commonly known as CODA. UDID card holders are also exempted from paying the Rs 200 application fee, which is otherwise mandatory and to be paid via online bank transfer. All payments must be made to the CRC Sikkim Internal Accrual Account at Union Bank of India, Ranipool Branch.
In a move to further support students, CRC Sikkim will provide a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 to all enrolled trainees. This stipend will be granted for ten months each year, making it a total of twenty months over the duration of the course. This financial aid is expected to ease the burden on students and encourage greater participation from individuals who may otherwise face economic challenges.
CRC Sikkim has said that the reservation of seats will be done in accordance with the prevailing norms of the Government of India. The course not only opens doors for employment in the field of interpretation and accessibility services but also supports the larger national agenda of empowering persons with disabilities and creating a more inclusive society.
Interested candidates seeking further clarification or assistance may contact the CRC office through the phone numbers 7430907976 or 7407381229. The institution has also provided an email contact at cresikkim@gmail.com and further details can be found on the website eregangtok.nic.in. With the admissions now open, CRC Sikkim hopes to welcome a new batch of trainees dedicated to making a difference in the lives of persons with hearing disabilities.