SEBI Mandates Accessibility Audits of Digital Platforms by Regulated Entities under RPwD Act, 2016 [Read Circular]
SEBI mandated regulated entities to audit and make their digital platforms accessible under the RPwD Act, 2016
SEBI
SEBI
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a notification dated September 25, 2025, issuing Compliance Guidelines for Digital Accessibility. The guidelines make it mandatory for all regulated entities to ensure that their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Who Has to Comply?
The guidelines apply to all SEBI-regulated entities, including:
- Stock exchanges and clearing corporations
- Depositories and depository participants
- Mutual funds and asset management companies
- Portfolio managers and merchant bankers
- Investment advisers and research analysts
- Credit rating agencies, custodians, debenture trustees, and registrars
- Alternative investment funds, venture capital funds, and others
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Compliance Timeline
| Step | Requirement | Deadline |
| 1 | Submit a list of all digital platforms (websites, apps, portals) | Sept 30, 2025 |
| 2 | Appoint IAAP-certified accessibility professionals as auditors | Dec 14, 2025 |
| 3 | Conduct initial accessibility audit of platforms | April 30, 2026 |
| 4 | Complete remediation of audit findings and ensure compliance | July 31, 2026 |
| 5 | Submit annual accessibility audit reports (within 30 days of FY-end) | April 30, 2027 onwards |
Reporting Mechanism
- Stock brokers and depository participants → Report to their respective stock exchanges or depositories.
- Investment advisers and research analysts → Report to BSE Ltd.
- Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) and others → Report directly to SEBI.
- Reports must be submitted via email in the specified formats.
- Entities with multiple platforms must submit consolidated audit reports.
What the Audit Must Cover
- Appointment details of IAAP-certified accessibility auditors.
- Initial audit report with key findings and action plans.
- Final audit report with remediation measures, evidence (screenshots, certificates, URLs), and status of compliance.
- Annual reports confirming continued compliance across all digital platforms.
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