Divyangjan ID Card

1What is the Divyangjan ID Card?

The Divyangjan ID Card (also known as Railway Photo Identity Card / E-Ticketing Photo Identity Card – EPICS) is a unique photo identity card issued free of cost by Indian Railways to eligible Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). It enables them to book concessional e-tickets online through IRCTC and also to avail concessions at railway counters.

दिव्यांगजन ओळखपत्र हे शारीरिक अपंग व्यक्तींसाठी रेल्वेकडून मोफत दिले जाणारे अद्वितीय फोटो ओळखपत्र आहे. यामुळे ई-तिकिटांसाठी अर्ज करणे व सवलतीचा लाभ घेणे शक्य होते.

Since late 2024, the entire process of issuance and renewal has been digitised. Eligible persons can now apply online from anywhere in India through the official portal without visiting railway offices.

2Who is Eligible?

Indian Railways issues the Divyangjan Photo ID Card to the following four categories of Persons with Disabilities for availing concessional rail tickets:

1. Persons with Visual Impairment / Blindness – as defined under the revised Railway criteria (visual impairment of 90% and above / total absence of sight, visual acuity less than 3/60 or field of vision less than 10 degrees).
2. Persons with Intellectual Disability (earlier termed Mentally Retarded / Mentally Challenged) who cannot travel without an escort.
3. Persons with Hearing and Speech Impairment – both afflictions together in the same person (total).
4. Orthopaedically Handicapped / Paraplegic persons / patients who cannot travel without the assistance of an escort.

Concession is available even when the eligible Divyangjan passenger travels alone (without escort) in applicable categories.

3How to Apply (Online – Recommended)

The pan-India online portal has been operational since November 2024. Physical submission is no longer mandatory.

1. Visit the Official PortalGo to https://divyangjanid.indianrail.gov.in/
2. Register as New UserClick “New User”. Fill basic details (State, nearest Railway Station, mobile number). Mobile number is mandatory. Aadhaar linking is optional / not required for registration in most cases.
3. Login with OTPLogin using the registered mobile number and OTP.
4. Apply for Concession CardSelect “Apply for Concession Card”. Fill personal details, disability category and particulars of the Concession Certificate / UDID.
5. Upload Required DocumentsScan and upload clear copies of all mandatory documents (see list below).
6. Submit & TrackSave & Submit. Note the application reference. Track status online. Once approved, download the digital Divyangjan ID Card.

4Documents Required

• Concession Certificate in the prescribed Railway proforma OR valid Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card / certificate issued under MSJE guidelines.
• Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card preferred; Passport, Voter ID, etc. also accepted).
• Date of Birth Proof.
• Address Proof.
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs.
• Attested photocopies of the above documents (for offline cases, if any).

When UDID is submitted, the requirement of a separate Railway Concession Certificate is dispensed with. Validity of the Divyangjan ID will then be co-terminus with the UDID validity (subject to matching disability definition).

5Validity of the Card / Certificate

As per Railway Board Circular (TC-II/2196/2024/PwD Policy) dated 22.01.2025 and subsequent instructions:

Cards / certificates issued before 01.02.2025 in the old format remain valid till their stated expiry date. After expiry, a fresh certificate / renewal is required.

6Concession Rates (Indicative)

Concession percentage varies by disability category and class of travel. One escort is also eligible for the same element of concession in most cases.

Exact percentages and applicable classes are governed by the latest Commercial Circulars. Always verify on IRCTC or at the booking counter.

7Concession-based Online Ticketing

Once you have the Divyangjan ID Card with a unique 11-digit number:

• Log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app.
• Select the concessional ticket option for Divyangjan / PwD.
• Enter the 11-digit unique ID number of your Railway Photo Identity Card.
• Book the ticket. Escort concession can also be availed where applicable.

Unreserved tickets can also be booked using the UTS app or at counters with the ID card / UDID.

8Official Links & Resources

• Divyangjan ID Card Online Portal
  Apply / Renew / Track – Official Indian Railways portal
• IRCTC – Book Concessional Tickets
  Use your 11-digit Divyangjan ID number
• Railway Board – Concession Certificates Page
  Latest proformas, instructions for revised certificates
• UDID / Swavlamban Card Portal
  Apply for Unique Disability ID (accepted by Railways)
• Public Grievance Portal
  Register complaints related to Divyangjan ID / concessions

9Key Circulars & Latest Provisions (2025)

• Commercial Circular No. 01 of 2025 (dated 22.01.2025) – Rationalisation of nomenclature for Persons with Visual Impairment / Blindness; new definition and revised validity periods; new concession certificate proforma for Blindness.
• Revised proformas for other PwD categories and change of nomenclature from “Mentally Retarded” to “Persons with Intellectual Disability” (effective 01.06.2025).
• Existing cards issued before 01.02.2025 remain valid till expiry.
• Online application system implemented pan-India (2024–25) – no physical visit mandatory for most applicants.
• Clarification on unique ID card number for online ticketing and allotment of Divyangjan quota berths.

Always refer to the latest circulars available on the Indian Railways / Railway Board website for authoritative text.

Quick Summary / त्वरित सारांश