Challenges in Implementing Inclusive Education: A Qualitative Exploration in School Contexts

Abstract

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

1 Sirin Sultana

  1. Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Education, University of Gour Banga, West Bengal, India

IRJIET, Volume 10, Issue 4, April 2026 pp. 129-133

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2026.104018

References

  1. Afsina, K. M., & Joseph, A. (2024). Inclusive education; perspectives of parents and teachers of differently abled. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 12(4).
  2. Aithal, P. S., & Aithal, S. (2020). Analysis of the Indian National Education Policy 2020 towards achieving its objectives. International Journal of Management, Technology, and Social Sciences, 5(2), 19–41.
  3. Ainscow, M., &Sandill, A. (2010). Developing inclusive education systems: the role of school leadership. International Journal of Inclusive Education.
  4. Bhatnagar, N., & Das, A. (2014). Regular school teachers' concerns and perceived barriers to implementing inclusive education in New Delhi, India. International Journal of Special Education.
  5. Chaudhary, M. (2026). Barriers to inclusive education: A comprehensive review of institutional, pedagogical, and socio-cultural challenges. Journal of Special Education, 11(2).
  6. Desale, R. (2025). Inclusive education in NEP 2020: Policy and practice. Journal of Educational Inclusion, 12(2), 101–114.
  7. Gale, S., et al. (2022). Improving inclusive education in the classroom: Intervention that leads teachers and leaders.
  8. Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education.
  9. Jha, P., & Parvati, P. (2025). Promises vs. realities: NEP 2020 and digital inclusion. Contemporary Education Dialogue, 22(1).
  10. Kalaivani, P., & Devaki, N. (2025). Bridging the digital divide: How NEP 2020 aims to democratize education in India. Quality Concerns in Teacher Education.
  11. Kumari, S., Jain, S. K., & Kumari, R. (2025). Voices from the classroom: A qualitative exploration of how motivation shapes undergraduate students' experiences. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(4).
  12. Ministry of Education. (2025). UDISE+ 2024-25 report on school education in India.
  13. NCERT. (2023). National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.
  14. Rangarajan, V., et al. (2025). Current status of IE in India: Considerable progress at policy level but ongoing challenges.
  15. Sethy, M., & Mahapatro, S. R. (2025). Transforming higher education: A critical analysis of NEP 2020. Journal of Innovative Education Policy.
  16. Sharma, U., & Sokal, L. (2016). Can teachers' self-efficacy be improved through training? International Journal of Inclusive Education.
  17. Singal, N. (2019). Challenges in inclusive education: The Indian context.
  18. UNESCO. (2024). Global Education Monitoring Report 2024: Technology in Education.
  19. UNESCO. (2025). Global Education Monitoring Report 2024/5: Leadership and Education.
  20. Vaghrodia, S. B., & Rathava, A. H. (2024). Equitable and inclusive education in New Education Policy-2020. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(1).