Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University (DSMNRU) is a state public university located in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India. The institution is among the few universities in the country dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, while also offering general academic programmes open to all students. It is named after Dr. Shakuntala Misra, a parliamentarian and social reformer associated with welfare initiatives in Uttar Pradesh.
| Name | Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DSMNRU |
| Type | State public university |
| Location | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Focus | Rehabilitation sciences, disability studies, and general higher education |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Uttar Pradesh |
The university was established by the Government of Uttar Pradesh with the specific mandate of providing inclusive higher education, with particular emphasis on students with disabilities. Its campus and academic infrastructure are designed to be accessible, and it offers facilities catering to learners with visual, hearing, locomotor and other impairments alongside non-disabled students.
The institution evolved from earlier rehabilitation-focused initiatives in Uttar Pradesh and was reconstituted as a full-fledged state university with a broader academic remit. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and operates under state legislation.
DSMNRU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across multiple disciplines. Its academic structure typically includes faculties and departments covering:
The university campus in Lucknow is built with barrier-free architecture, including ramps, tactile paths, accessible hostels, and assistive technology resources. It maintains specialised laboratories for rehabilitation training, language and hearing assessment, and therapeutic services. A central library, sports complex, and student hostels for both genders are part of the campus amenities.
DSMNRU occupies a distinctive position among Indian universities because of its integrated model that combines mainstream higher education with rehabilitation and disability-focused training. It serves both as a centre for producing trained professionals in rehabilitation fields and as an institution where students with disabilities can pursue conventional academic degrees in a supportive environment. The university also contributes to outreach activities, awareness programmes, and clinical services connected to disability welfare in Uttar Pradesh.