ASCENT 2026

Inclusive Higher Education National Conference

ASCENT 2026 – Inclusive Higher Education National Conference

Office of Learning Support (OLS), Ashoka University
In partnership with Inclusive University Alliance (IUA)

📢 National Conference on Inclusive Higher Education in India

About ASCENT 2026

ASCENT – Inclusive Higher Education National Conference is the evolution of a national conversation that began in 2023. The initiative developed into an annual conference hosted by the Office of Learning Support (OLS) at Ashoka University.

ASCENT 2026 is the collaborative annual conference for inclusive higher education in India, anchored by OLS, Ashoka University, in partnership with the Inclusive University Alliance.

Conference Goal

To cultivate the ecosystem necessary to make Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities.

Objectives of ASCENT 2026

Key Session Themes

Policy Advocacy

Collaborative review of advocacy efforts by IUA and joint initiatives with government bodies to advance inclusive higher education frameworks across India.

Social Inclusion as the Foundation of Academic Inclusion

Interactive exploration of how social inclusion shapes effective campus environments, including student narratives and cross-institutional models.

The Inclusive Classroom

Peer-led exchange of practical strategies for inclusive teaching, case studies, faculty mindset development and Assistive Technologies.

Institutional Blueprint for Inclusion

Focus on institutional policies, Reasonable Accommodation frameworks, delivery mechanisms and resources to translate inclusion into action.

Key Takeaways

Actionable Blueprint
Knowledge Sharing
National Network
Systemic Excellence

Who Should Attend?

Senior Leadership & Administration

Deans of Students, Academic In-Charges and senior administrators involved in inclusive practices.


Faculty & Academic Leaders

Heads of Departments (HoDs) and faculty members interested in inclusive classrooms and institutional practice-building.


Inclusion Practitioners

Heads and staff of Equal Opportunity Cells, Disability Centers or Inclusive Education Centers.

Participant Note: Primary seats are reserved for college and university representatives. A limited number of seats are available for NGOs and external stakeholders on an invitation-only basis.

Certificate: Full-day attendees will be eligible for a participation certificate.

Registration Details

Be part of ASCENT 2026 and contribute to conversations shaping the future of inclusive higher education in India.

Register for ASCENT 2026 Download Brochure (PDF)

About the Organisers

Office of Learning Support, Ashoka University

Ashoka University is a liberal arts and sciences university located in Sonipat, Haryana. The Office of Learning Support (OLS) was established in 2016 to help ensure equal access for students with visible and invisible disabilities.

OLS provides academic accommodations, learning and technological support, mentorship, career guidance and sensitisation sessions, while also contributing to inclusive policies.

OLS is a Founding Member of the Inclusive University Alliance and the Anchor Institute for IUA for 2025–2027.

More Information:
Office of Learning Support – Ashoka University

Knowledge Partner

Inclusive University Alliance

Inclusive University Alliance is a network of leading higher education institutions, associated organisations and higher education professionals in India working towards enhancing the quality of inclusive education.

Visit Inclusive University Alliance

For Queries

📧 Email:

📞 Phone: +91 7082216883