Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center

Sign Language Education and Disability Accessibility Servicesislrtc.nic.in

ISLRTC is a Government of India autonomous body under DEPwD that researches, standardizes, and teaches Indian Sign Language, serving deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, interpreter/teacher trainees, special schools, and government departments via a 10,000-term ISL Dictionary, diploma programs, and interpretation services.

Company typePrivate
Founded2015
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center does

Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) is a government autonomous organization established on 28 September 2015 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, operating under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Its mandate is the research, standardization, training, and development of teaching aids for Indian Sign Language, serving India's deaf and hard-of-hearing population of approximately 63 million, the acute shortage of certified ISL interpreters (fewer than 300 nationwide), deaf schools, educational institutions, and government departments requiring accessibility services.

ISLRTC's core product is the ISL Dictionary (3rd Edition, 2024), a video-based lexicon of 10,000 terms across six categories (everyday, academic, legal/administrative, medical, technical, and agricultural), distributed via YouTube, Google Drive, the DIKSHA portal, the National Digital Library of India, and native iOS/Android mobile applications (Sign Learn). The organization runs two RCI-approved diploma programs, the Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation (DISLI) and the Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language (DTISL), with an intake of 45 seats plus 6 EWS seats. It also delivers a Video Relay Service (8929667579), in-person interpretation services, educational concept videos, and NCERT textbooks in ISL on DIKSHA. Supporting infrastructure includes ISL Interpreters and Teachers Directories and an alumni network.

The business model combines government budgetary allocations from DEPwD with modest course fees of Rs. 45,000 per 2-year diploma program. Distribution is executed through direct government channels, partnerships with National Institutes and Central Rehabilitation Centres across India, and self-serve digital platforms. ISLRTC maintains partnerships with NCERT (MoU signed 6 October 2020), the Rehabilitation Council of India, Gallaudet University, Sri Aurobindo Society, and ONGC, and has participated in international forums including the International Deaf Summit. The organization holds no patents or trademarks and earns no investment funding.

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center
Legal name: Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre
Website: https://islrtc.nic.in
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2015
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: ISLRTC is a Government of India autonomous body under DEPwD that researches, standardizes, and teaches Indian Sign Language, serving deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, interpreter/teacher trainees, special schools, and government departments via a 10,000-term ISL Dictionary, diploma programs, and interpretation services.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center industry classification

Industry

Product category: Sign Language Education and Disability Accessibility Services
NAICS: Language Schools (611630), Educational Support Services (61171)
SIC: Services-Educational Services (8200)
akta.pro primary industry: Translation, Language Accessibility & Reading Support Tools (e.g., TTS, Captions, Immersive Reader) (EDAFAOAL)
akta.pro secondary industries: Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services (EDAGAKAJ), Academic Language Support (ESL/EFL for School & University) (EDANACAB)

Keywords

Sign language training
Sign language dictionary
Interpreter education
Disability accessibility
Deaf education services

Where Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: New Delhi
HQ country: India
HQ region: Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

Training Program Fees: ISLRTC charges fees for its diploma programs DISLI (Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpretation) and DTISL (Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language). The total course fee is Rs. 45,000 for 2 years (4 semesters), with Rs. 40,000 as tuition fee and Rs. 5,000 as refundable caution money. First semester is Rs. 15,000 (including caution money), subsequent semesters Rs. 10,000 each.
Government Funding: As an autonomous organization under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, ISLRTC receives government budgetary allocations. The center was established on 28th September 2015 under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
Subscription	Multi-year contract	DISLI/DTISL Semester 1 Fee
Subscription	Multi-year contract	DISLI/DTISL Semesters 2-4 Fee
One time/ perpetual license	Multi-year contract	DISLI Course Total Fee

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center product offering

Product offering

Core offering

ISLRTC researches, standardizes, and promotes Indian Sign Language (ISL) by developing a 10,000-term ISL Dictionary in video format, running RCI-approved diploma programs for interpreters (DISLI) and teachers (DTISL), providing real-time Video Relay Service (VRS) for the deaf community, translating NCERT textbooks into ISL on the DIKSHA platform, and distributing free ISL learning content via mobile apps, YouTube, and Google Drive. The center operates as a government autonomous body under DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Product overview

ISLRTC operates as a comprehensive platform offering multiple products and services for Indian Sign Language education and accessibility. The core offerings include the ISL Dictionary (3rd Edition with 10,000 video terms), the Sign Learn mobile applications (Android and iOS), and educational programs including DISLI (interpreter training) and DTISL (teacher training) diplomas. The Video Relay Service provides real-time interpretation. Content distribution spans multiple platforms including DIKSHA, National Digital Library of India, YouTube, and Google Drive. Self-learning options include the Basic ISL Course, while supporting infrastructure includes ISL Interpreters and Teachers Directories. The organization also produces educational concept videos and NCERT curriculum content in ISL.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

ISL Dictionary (3rd Edition) Comprehensive dictionary of 10,000 Indian Sign Language terms presented in video format across everyday, academic, legal/administrative, medical, technical, and agricultural categories, available on YouTube, Google Drive, DIKSHA, and the ISLRTC dictionary portal for deaf learners, interpreters, educators, and researchers.
Sign Learn App (Android) Native Android mobile application providing interactive video-based Indian Sign Language learning content, enabling users to learn ISL at their own pace. Distributed via Google Play Store.
Sign Learn App (iOS) Native iOS mobile application providing interactive video-based Indian Sign Language learning content for iPhone and iPad users. Distributed via Apple App Store.
DISLI Course (Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreters) RCI-approved two-year professional diploma program covering interpretation techniques, deaf culture, and practical skills. Total course fee Rs. 45,000 (4 semesters) with intake of 45 seats plus 6 EWS seats. Targets aspiring ISL interpreters who subsequently get listed in the ISL Interpreters Directory.
DTISL Course (Diploma in Teaching Indian Sign Language) RCI-approved two-year professional diploma program that trains deaf individuals to become ISL teachers, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum development, and instructional methodologies for sign-language education. Total course fee Rs. 45,000 (4 semesters).
Video Relay Service (VRS) Real-time video interpretation service enabling deaf individuals to communicate with hearing persons through a remote sign-language interpreter, available Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm at 8929667579.
Basic ISL Course (Self-Learning Mode) Self-paced online course for beginners to learn fundamental Indian Sign Language in self-learning mode with the option to apply for a certificate upon completion through the Project Inclusion portal.
Educational Concept Videos in ISL Video-based educational content covering academic concepts across subjects, translated and presented in Indian Sign Language to support deaf students' learning in mainstream educational settings.
NCERT Books in ISL on DIKSHA Complete set of NCERT textbooks and educational materials translated into Indian Sign Language, hosted on the DIKSHA national digital education platform for access by deaf students across India.
ISL Interpreters Directory Online directory of qualified Indian Sign Language interpreters that enables deaf individuals and organizations to find and contact certified interpreters for various needs.
ISL Teachers Directory Online directory of certified Indian Sign Language teachers that helps students and institutions find qualified ISL educators for instruction and training programs.

Quantifiable outcome

ISLRTC provided interpreting services for approximately 40 programmes, events, and conferences between April 2022 and March 2023
+4 more outcomes

Companies that use Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center

Customer profile

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature5 records

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2020ISLRTC signed MoU with NCERT on 6 October 2020 to integrate ISL educational content into the national education system. Under this partnership, NCERT books in ISL are available on the DIKSHA portal, making educational content accessible for deaf students. The collaboration aims to standardize and promote ISL in mainstream education across India.
Sri Aurobindo SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISLRTC has a MoU with Sri Aurobindo Society for collaboration on deaf education and ISL promotion initiatives. The partnership involves awareness programs and training activities conducted jointly.
DEPwD (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities)coreOthersISLRTC operates under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. DEPwD provides funding, administrative support, and policy direction for ISLRTC's activities.
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)coreOthersRCI is the approving body for ISLRTC's DISLI and DTISL diploma courses. RCI sets standards for rehabilitation training programs and conducts admissions through the All India Online Aptitude Test (AIOAT) or merit-based selection.
National Institutes and Central Rehabilitation Centres (CRCs)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVarious National Institutes and CRCs under DEPwD serve as authorized centers for conducting DISLI and DTISL training programs. These institutions provide facilities and support for ISLRTC's educational programs across India.
DIKSHA PortalcoreTechnology or IntegrationISL Dictionary content and NCERT books in ISL are integrated into the DIKSHA portal, India's national education platform managed by NCERT. Users can search for ISL terms directly on the platform for learning purposes.
Gallaudet UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGallaudet University (world's premier university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students) contributes to ISLRTC programs. Professor Anita Harding from Gallaudet University served as resource person for ISLRTC's Free Online CRE Programme in July 2024.
Hear A Million-EnAble IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Alim Chandani from Hear A Million-EnAble India participated as a resource person in ISLRTC's Free Online CRE Programme, discussing the role of deaf interpreters and comparing interpreting situations between India and USA.
ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation)minorOthersONGC has been recognized/certified for promoting Indian Sign Language, demonstrating corporate engagement with ISL awareness and inclusion initiatives.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH): Indian government body for hearing disability rehabilitation that ISLRTC was briefly slated to be integrated with in 2015. Operates overlapping training, research, and rehabilitation mandates for deaf and hard-of-hearing populations, making it the closest functional peer domestically.
National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH): Indian institute under DEPwD that delivers speech, language, and hearing rehabilitation programs including diploma-level training. Comparable to ISLRTC in mission (training professionals for hearing disability), beneficiary population, and government affiliation.
Hear A Million - EnAble India: Indian NGO focused on deaf empowerment, interpreter training, and ISL awareness; participates as a resource partner in ISLRTC's CRE programmes. Comparable mission (deaf inclusion, interpreter capacity building) and active in the same Indian training ecosystem.
Spread the Sign: Global multilingual sign-language dictionary initiative covering 40+ sign languages including Indian Sign Language. Directly comparable to ISLRTC's ISL Dictionary product in scope (video-based multilingual sign lexicon) and delivery (free online access).

Regional players

National Association of the Deaf (NAD), USA: US civil-rights organization for the deaf community advocating ASL, interpreter standards, and accessibility policy. Comparable in mission (deaf community empowerment, sign language advocacy, interpreter pipeline), though geographically focused on the US ASL ecosystem.
Signing Savvy: US-based ASL online dictionary and learning resource. Comparable as a video-based sign language dictionary product, though narrowly focused on ASL rather than the multilingual/Indian institutional mandate that ISLRTC fulfills.

Broad incumbents

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD): Global umbrella organization representing deaf communities in 130+ countries. ISLRTC operates under UN/WFD-aligned frameworks (e.g., International Day of Sign Languages) and engages WFD forums; comparable in advocating for sign language recognition and rights at scale.
Gallaudet University: World's premier university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, already engaged with ISLRTC as a resource-partner (Prof. Anita Harding). Comparable as a higher-education and research institution dedicated to deaf culture, sign language, and interpreter training, though at much larger scale.

Emerging players

Hand Talk: Brazilian sign language translation platform using an animated 3D avatar and AI. Comparable as a technology-enabled sign language accessibility product, illustrating the emerging private-sector and AI-driven peer set that could contest ISLRTC's interpretation and dictionary services.
Sense International India: Indian affiliate of a global NGO working with deafblind and persons with deaf-associated disabilities. Comparable in providing training, advocacy, and accessibility services for hearing-disabled populations, though with a narrower sensory focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center

What does Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center do?

Is Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center a public or private company?

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center founded?

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center based?

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center is headquartered in New Delhi, India, in the Asia region.

How does Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Training Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are government Funding.

Who are Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH), National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH), Hear A Million - EnAble India and Spread the Sign. Regional players are National Association of the Deaf (NAD), USA and Signing Savvy. Broad incumbents are World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and Gallaudet University. Emerging players are Hand Talk and Sense International India.

Does Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center have an API?

No public API is recorded for Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center.

What industry is Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center in?

Indian Sign Language Research And Training Center's product category is Sign Language Education and Disability Accessibility Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAOAL, Translation, Language Accessibility & Reading Support Tools (e.g., TTS, Captions, Immersive Reader), with a secondary code of EDAGAKAJ, Accessibility, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Inclusive Content Services. Its NAICS code is 611630 and its SIC code is 8200.