# Are there free early intervention programs in India? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-free-early-intervention-programs-in-india Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Yes. India offers free and subsidised early intervention through government schemes — chiefly RBSK and its District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) for children 0–6 — alongside public hospitals, Anganwadi referrals, disability certification benefits, and NGO programmes. Ask your paediatrician or Anganwadi worker for a referral, and act early rather than waiting for a label. *Worried about cost? Across India, early support for your child exists at many levels — and knowing where to look means help need not wait for a fat wallet.* ## In short Yes — India offers several free or subsidised early intervention routes through government schemes, public hospitals and certain NGOs. The flagship is **Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)** under the National Health Mission, which screens children from birth and links them to District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) at no cost. These sit alongside your right to a developmental check whenever you feel something is different — early action matters far more than a diagnosis label. ## Where free and low-cost help exists **Government schemes** - **RBSK / DEICs** — free screening and early intervention for children 0–6 years (and beyond), available at district hospitals across most states. - **Anganwadi centres (ICDS)** — frontline workers track growth and milestones in your community and refer onward. - **Disability certification & UDID card** — once certified, your child may access concessions, aids and scheme benefits through the social-welfare department. **Public and teaching hospitals** - Medical college and government hospital departments (paediatrics, child psychiatry, PMR) offer assessment and therapy at minimal cost. National institutes such as NIMHANS run specialist child-development services. **NGOs and charitable trusts** - Many regional NGOs provide free or sliding-scale therapy, parent training and special education — ask your paediatrician or DEIC for local names. ## How to begin 1. Speak to your paediatrician or Anganwadi worker about your concern. 2. Ask to be referred to your nearest **DEIC** for free screening. 3. Apply for disability certification if advised — it unlocks further support. 4. In parallel, a structured developmental profile helps you plan therapy with clear goals. ## The Pinnacle way A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from a website or a self-check. With 70+ centres across 4 states, 700+ therapists and 4.95 lakh+ families served, our team can help you understand which public, charitable and private options fit your child and your budget, and can guide you toward [early intervention](/early-intervention-therapy) that complements free schemes. Start by exploring [our network](/) and how assessment works. ## Trusted sources Aligned with WHO guidance on nurturing care for early childhood development, the AAP and HealthyChildren guidance on early developmental support, and India's Rehabilitation Council framework for accessing services and certification. **Next step —** message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 and we'll help you map the free and low-cost early intervention options near you. This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. ## Sources - WHO Nurturing Care Framework for early childhood development: https://nurturing-care.org - AAP HealthyChildren — early developmental support: https://www.healthychildren.org - Rehabilitation Council of India — services and certification: https://rehabcouncil.nic.in ## Connected topics and perspectives - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment - Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment ## Related question paths ### Explore therapy & support - Government Early Intervention in India (RBSK / DEIC): https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-government-early-intervention-services-exist-for-young-children-in-india-rbsk-deic - Free & low-cost help for developmental delay in India: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-free-or-low-cost-help-is-available-for-a-child-with-developmental-delay-in-india - Where can I find free or low-cost developmental support for my child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/where-can-i-find-free-or-low-cost-developmental-support-for-my-child - Does the government provide free therapy for children with disabilities?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-the-government-provide-free-therapy-for-children-with-disabilities - Are sponsorships available for children who cannot afford therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-sponsorships-available-for-children-who-cannot-afford-therapy - Are there free or low-cost therapy options for my child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-free-or-low-cost-therapy-options-for-my-child - NGOs That Fund Therapy for Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-ngos-that-fund-therapy-for-children - Scholarships for children with disabilities: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-scholarships-for-children-with-disabilities - Tax Deductions for Your Child's Therapy Expenses: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-i-claim-a-tax-deduction-for-my-child-s-therapy-expenses - Can I get a disability pension for my child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-i-get-a-disability-pension-for-my-child - Can I pay for therapy in instalments or EMI?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-i-pay-for-therapy-in-instalments-or-emi - Does Ayushman Bharat Cover Child Developmental Therapy?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-ayushman-bharat-cover-child-developmental-therapy ### Outcomes, rights & access - Government Early Intervention Services for Young Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-early-intervention-services-does-the-government-provide-for-young-children - Are there free or government services for child development like RBSK, DEIC, or anganwadi?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-free-or-government-services-for-child-development-like-rbsk-deic-or-anganwadi