Web Accessibility in India: 7 Must-Know Compliance Standards [Checklist]

As a digital marketer and strategist, you know that a website is more than just a collection of pages—it's a gateway to your brand, your audience, and your business. In India, where over 600 million people access the internet, ensuring your website is accessible to all users is no longer optional—it's a legal and ethical responsibility.

Web accessibility is about making digital content usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. From visual impairments to motor disabilities, the barriers to accessing digital content are numerous. In India, the government has taken significant steps to ensure that digital spaces are inclusive. But what exactly are the compliance standards you need to follow?

Let’s break down the 7 must-know compliance standards that every Indian business should be aware of to ensure their website is accessible, compliant, and user-friendly.

A Strategic Cpluz Perspective

At Cpluz, we’ve worked with numerous clients across various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, and education, to build websites that not only look great but also serve everyone. One of the most common mistakes we see is treating web accessibility as an afterthought. In reality, it’s a foundational element of digital strategy.

Web accessibility isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a seamless experience for all users. It’s about ensuring that your website is inclusive, intuitive, and aligned with the needs of your audience. In the Indian context, this means not only following international standards but also understanding the local regulatory environment.

By integrating accessibility into your digital strategy from the start, you’re not only complying with the law but also building trust, enhancing user experience, and opening your brand to a wider audience.

1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

India’s RPwD Act is a landmark piece of legislation that mandates the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including the digital space. This act requires public and private sector entities to ensure that their websites and digital services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

Under this law, businesses must ensure that their websites are compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices. It’s a legal requirement that cannot be ignored.

What they did: A leading e-commerce company in Tamil Nadu redesigned its website to be fully accessible, incorporating alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility. Why it worked: It not only complied with the law but also improved user engagement and customer satisfaction. Lesson for your business: Start early, and make accessibility a core part of your design process.

2. WCAG 2.1: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has developed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a global standard for web accessibility. WCAG 2.1 is the latest version and outlines four main principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

These guidelines are not just recommendations—they are the foundation of web accessibility. They cover everything from color contrast and text size to keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility. In India, many organizations follow these guidelines as part of their compliance strategy.

What they did: A government portal in Delhi implemented WCAG 2.1 standards to ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, could access critical information. Why it worked: It improved user satisfaction and ensured that the portal met legal requirements. Lesson for your business: Adopting WCAG 2.1 is a best practice that aligns with both international and local standards.

3. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Although Section 508 is a U.S. law, it has influenced many international standards, including those in India. This law requires federal agencies and contractors to ensure that electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities.

In India, while there is no direct equivalent to Section 508, the principles behind it have been incorporated into the RPwD Act. This means that businesses that receive government contracts or work with public sector entities must ensure their digital content is accessible.

What they did: A software company in Bangalore ensured that its internal and external websites met Section 508 standards to qualify for government contracts. Why it worked: It opened up new business opportunities and ensured compliance with both international and local regulations. Lesson for your business: Don’t underestimate the power of global standards—sometimes they can help you win local contracts.

4. Accessibility Standards for Digital Services (ASDS)

The Government of India has developed the Accessibility Standards for Digital Services (ASDS) to guide the creation of accessible digital services. These standards are aligned with WCAG 2.1 and provide a clear framework for compliance.

The ASDS covers key areas such as color contrast, text alternatives, keyboard navigation, and multimedia accessibility. It also includes specific requirements for government websites and digital services that serve the public.

What they did: A state government in Kerala implemented the ASDS to ensure that all public-facing digital services were accessible. Why it worked: It improved transparency, accessibility, and user trust. Lesson for your business: Following the ASDS can help you meet both legal and user expectations.

5. Inclusive Design Framework

Inclusive design is not just about compliance—it’s about creating digital experiences that work for everyone. It’s about designing with empathy, understanding the needs of all users, and ensuring that your website is usable by a wide range of people.

At Cpluz, we believe that inclusive design should be a core part of your digital strategy. It’s not about making your website accessible for a small group—it’s about ensuring that it works for everyone, regardless of ability, device, or internet speed.

What they did: A health tech startup in Chennai used an inclusive design framework to create a website that was accessible to users with visual and motor impairments. Why it worked: It increased user engagement and improved brand reputation. Lesson for your business: Inclusive design is a strategic advantage that benefits all users.

6. Testing and Evaluation

Compliance with accessibility standards is only the first step. Regular testing and evaluation are essential to ensure that your website remains accessible over time. This includes automated testing tools, manual testing, and user testing with people who have disabilities.

Testing should be an ongoing process, not a one-time task. As your website evolves, so should your accessibility practices. It’s important to regularly audit your site and make necessary updates.

What they did: A digital marketing agency in Mumbai conducted regular accessibility audits and user testing to ensure that their clients’ websites met all compliance standards. Why it worked: It helped them maintain compliance and build trust with their clients. Lesson for your business: Accessibility is a continuous process that requires regular attention.

7. Training and Awareness

Accessibility is not just about the website—it’s also about the people who build and maintain it. Training your team on accessibility best practices is essential to ensuring that your website remains compliant and user-friendly.

Training should cover topics such as color contrast, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and inclusive design. It should also include awareness about the importance of accessibility in building trust and inclusivity.

What they did: A software development firm in Pune provided regular training sessions on web accessibility to its developers and designers. Why it worked: It improved the quality of their work and ensured that accessibility was a core part of their development process. Lesson for your business: Invest in training to build a culture of accessibility within your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is web accessibility only for businesses in India?
A: No. While the RPwD Act is specific to India, the principles of web accessibility apply globally. Many international standards, such as WCAG 2.1, are widely adopted and can be used as a benchmark for compliance.

Q: Can I use automated tools to ensure my website is accessible?
A: Automated tools can help identify accessibility issues, but they are not a substitute for manual testing and user feedback. A combination of both is the most effective approach.

Q: What happens if I don’t comply with web accessibility standards?
A: Non-compliance can result in legal action, fines, and damage to your brand reputation. It can also lead to a loss of trust and user engagement.

Q: How can I start improving my website’s accessibility?
A: Start by reviewing your website against the WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Conduct an accessibility audit, and make necessary updates. Training your team and involving users in the process can also help.

About the Author

Rajendaran is the Lead Digital Strategist at Cpluz, where he blends creative design with data-driven marketing strategies to help Indian businesses build powerful and profitable online presences. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and web development, he focuses on creating user-centric, inclusive digital experiences that drive business growth.

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