Impact Factor (2025): 6.9
DOI Prefix: 10.47001/IRJIET
Inclusive
education represents a fundamental shift in pedagogical philosophy, advocating
for the seamless integration of all learners into mainstream classrooms
regardless of their physical, cognitive, or socio-economic backgrounds. This
study utilizes a qualitative, phenomenological research design to explore the
lived experiences of school teachers and administrators navigating the
implementation of inclusive practices in the Indian school context. Drawing on
a purposive sample of 15 educators from diverse primary and secondary school
settings, the research employs semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis
to uncover systemic barriers. Findings reveal five major themes: (1) inadequate
infrastructure and assistive resources; (2) a persistent deficit in specialized
teacher training and pedagogical confidence; (3) entrenched attitudinal
barriers among stakeholders; (4) the rigidity of curriculum and assessment
frameworks; and (5) the logistical strain of large class sizes and time
constraints. The study identifies that while legislative frameworks like the
National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 provide a robust visionary blueprint, a
significant gap persists between policy intent and classroom reality. The
analysis concludes that successful inclusion requires a move beyond symbolic
compliance toward holistic systemic restructuring, grounded in localized
support systems and sustained public investment.
Country : India
IRJIET, Volume 10, Issue 4, April 2026 pp. 129-133