In 2011, 26.8 million out of 1.21 billion people in India were disabled, accounting for around 2.21 percent of the total population. Among the disabled population, male population comprised of a larger share in comparison to the female population, at respectively 54 percent and 44 percent. Meanwhile, 2.41 percent of male population and 2.01 percent of female population in India were disabled.

In 2011, out of all India's states and union territories, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra had the largest share population with disability, accounting for respectively 15.5 percent and 11.05 percent of Indian disabled population. Following behind were Bihar and Andhra Pradesh at less than nine percent each. According to the source, the share of the disabled population in the remaining 17 States and Union Territories constituted less than one percent of the total disabled population.

In 2011, respectively 25 percent of the disabled population aged over 60 had disability in seeing and in movement. Disability in movement also remained the most prominent type of disability in 20-39 and 40-59 age groups, at respectively 22 percent and 23 percent. In comparison, one fifth of disabled population under 20 reportedly had hearing impairment.

In 2011, 55 percent of the disabled population in India were literate. Meanwhile, 62 percent of male disabled population were also literate. In comparison, among female population with disability, only 45 percent were literate. On the other hand, respectively six percent and three percent of male and female disabled population in India were graduates and above.

In 2011, around 14.62 million out of 26.81 million of disabled people in India were literate, accounting for 54.52 percent of total disabled population. According to the source, India's literacy rate reach 74.04 percent of total population in the same year.

In 2011, 12.2 million out of 26.8 million of people with disability in India were illiterate. Among illiterates in India, more women than men were reported to be illiterate, at respectively 6.56 million and 5.64 million of people.The general schooling system in India comprises of four levels namely, Primary (classes I – V), Middle or Upper Primary (Classes VI – VIII), Secondary (Classes IX – X), and Higher Secondary (XI – X). In India, the total number of illiterate women was higher than that of illiterate men. According to the 2009 Right to Education Act in India, children aged six to 14 years are entitled to free and compulsory education until upper primary level. However, as of 2011, less than one in every ten people with disability completed middle school.

Gender gap in education

Regarding reproductive health, empowerment and the labor market, India belongs to the least gender equal countries in the world. Gender disparity in India is also evident in the literacy gap. For instance, there are more men than women that have higher education levels . The same trend was also recorded among those with disability. Even though the Constitution of India grants women equality before the law and equal protection of the law, India still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Nevertheless, there is no question that women in India have overcome numerous barriers within the last few decades and continue to strive their way towards equality.

In 2011, around 5.44 million out of 26.81 million disabled people in India had disability in movement, accounting for approximately one fifth of India's disabled population. Other prevalent types of disability included vision and hearing impairments, at around 5.07 million and 5.03 million people. Meanwhile, around 722.88 thousand of Indians were reported to be struggling with mental illness.

In 2011, around 2.21 percent of India's total population suffered from disability, at approximately 26.8 million people. Meanwhile, the disabled population in Sikkim and Odisha accounted for respectively just under three percent of the total population in these regions. In comparison, less than one percent of people in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and in Daman and Diu were disabled.

In 2011, around 7.62 percent of India's total population with disability was children, at approximately 2.04 million children out of 26.8 million of disabled people. Meanwhile, the disabled children in Bihar and Meghalaya accounted for respectively around 12.48 percent and 11.41 percent of the total disabled population in these regions. In comparison, just over 3.4 percent of disabled people in Sikkim and in Kerala were children.

In 2011, 61 percent of Indian disabled population aged between five and 19 had been attending educational institution. In comparison, 27 percent of the disabled five-to-19-years-old reportedly never attended educational institutions.