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IS-17802: India’s ICT Accessibility Standard

IS-17802: India’s ICT Accessibility Standard

IS-17802: Advancing Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Across India

What is IS-17802?

IS-17802, introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2023, is India’s first comprehensive ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Accessibility Standard. It defines the accessibility requirements for websites, mobile applications, software, hardware, and digital interfaces to ensure that all citizens — including persons with disabilities — have equal access to digital and electronic services.

IS-17802 aligns closely with international frameworks such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and ISO/IEC 40500:2012, while incorporating India-specific accessibility needs and linguistic diversity. The standard promotes inclusive design practices across public and private digital systems, supporting the government’s Accessible India (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) initiative.

What Does IS-17802 Cover?

IS-17802 establishes accessibility requirements for a broad range of digital and ICT systems. It addresses both hardware and software accessibility, ensuring equitable participation for people with visual, auditory, motor, speech, and cognitive disabilities. Key areas covered under IS-17802 include:

  • Web Accessibility

    Adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA for websites and web applications.

  • Mobile Accessibility

    Guidelines for Android and iOS applications to support screen readers, captions, and accessible gestures.

  • Software and Operating Systems

    Requirements for keyboard operability, focus management, and assistive technology compatibility.

  • Hardware Accessibility

    Standards for kiosks, ATMs, and other digital interfaces with tactile, auditory, or visual feedback.

  • Electronic Documents and Communication

    Ensuring PDFs, forms, and digital content are perceivable, operable, and understandable.

IS-17802 mandates that all ICT products and services developed or deployed in India must be accessible by design, promoting usability and inclusion from the earliest stages of development.

Who Needs to Comply with IS-17802?

Compliance with IS-17802 is expected for both public and private sector organizations engaged in developing, hosting, or maintaining digital systems in India. This includes:

Government departments and agencies

offering e-governance and citizen-facing portals.

Educational institutions

delivering online learning platforms and content.

Banking and financial organizations

Healthcare and telecom sectors

managing patient portals and service applications.

Private enterprises

with digital products, apps, or websites targeting Indian users.

By adopting IS-17802, organizations demonstrate their commitment to universal design principles and inclusive digital access for all users.