SEBI Digital Accessibility Standards

Most organizations view digital accessibility in India as a discretionary UX enhancement. Internal roadmaps typically treat accessibility compliance as a checkbox exercise limited to basic UI adjustments like alt text and color contrast.

However, with an estimated 55-90 million people living with disabilities in India, many users are effectively excluded from digital platforms that are not fully accessible.

To address this gap, SEBI’s mandatory digital accessibility standards require all regulated entities to ensure their websites and mobile apps are fully accessible.

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Non-inclusive websites & apps can trigger audits. Test on real devices to meet SEBI accessibility requirements.

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SEBI’s latest circular dated December 08, 2025, expands on earlier guidance by detailing the specific digital accessibility standards applicable to regulated entities.

In this article, I will explain SEBI’s 2026 digital accessibility standards and provide practical guidance for compliance and testing across websites and mobile apps.

What Are SEBI Digital Accessibility Standards

SEBI’s digital accessibility standards mandate that all regulated entities (REs) make their websites, mobile apps, and investor platforms accessible to persons with disabilities. These standards require alignment with WCAG 2.1  Level AA, GIGW, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

SEBI formally introduced these requirements through its circular dated July 31, 2025, mandating alignment with recognized accessibility frameworks to support users of assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation.

SEBI subsequently issued a clarification circular dated December 08, 2025, to address implementation, reporting, and interpretation aspects of the digital accessibility mandate.

Together, these circulars define the minimum regulatory baseline for accessibility designing, testing, auditing, and maintaining accessible digital experiences within the Indian securities market.

Why SEBI Introduced Digital Accessibility Requirements

SEBI introduced digital accessibility requirements to ensure all investors, including persons with disabilities, can access critical financial information and services without barriers. The mandate also aligns India’s securities market with global accessibility standards.

The key reasons for the mandate include:

• Ensuring Inclusive Participation: To guarantee that investors with disabilities have equal access to information, transactions, and grievance mechanisms, removing barriers that could limit their market participation.
• Protecting Investor Rights: To uphold the rights of persons with disabilities as recognized under the RPwD Act, 2016, ensuring no investor is disadvantaged due to inaccessible digital platforms.
• Promoting Transparency and Trust: To ensure all investors receive the same level of access to disclosures, reports, and communications, strengthening confidence in the securities market.
• Driving Standardization Across the Industry: To establish a uniform approach to accessibility across all regulated entities, preventing inconsistent practices and gaps in investor experience.
• Aligning with Global Best Practices: To bring Indian digital financial platforms in line with internationally recognized accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA and GIGW, supporting global comparability and compliance norms.

Who Must Comply With SEBI Digital Accessibility Standards

The SEBI digital accessibility mandate applies to all Regulated Entities (REs) operating in India’s securities market. These entities are responsible for ensuring that their digital platforms are accessible to all investors, including those with disabilities.

Key entities required to comply include:

• Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations: Websites, trading platforms, and investor portals must be accessible to ensure that all participants can trade, view reports, and access disclosures without barriers.
• Depositories and Depository Participants: Platforms for securities holding, transfer, and reporting must support assistive technologies to maintain equitable access for all account holders.
• Mutual Funds and Asset Management Companies: Online portals for investments, statements, and communications must comply with accessibility standards, enabling all investors to make informed decisions independently.
• Brokers and Investment Advisors: Trading apps, websites, and digital advisory platforms must be usable by persons with disabilities to ensure equitable access to investment opportunities.
• Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs): Online forms, reporting portals, and investor communications must be accessible, enabling seamless account management and grievance handling.
• Any Other SEBI-Regulated Entities Interacting Digitally With Investors: Any RE providing online investor services, communications, or reporting must integrate accessibility into its digital platforms.

Accessibility Standards Required by SEBI

SEBI references established standards to guide the design, development, and auditing of accessible digital platforms. These standards combine international best practices, Indian government guidelines, technical benchmarks, and legal obligations to create a comprehensive accessibility framework.

1. WCAG 2.1 Level AA

WCAG compliance levels are international standards for making web and mobile content accessible. WCAG is structured around four principles that guide design and development for users with disabilities.

1. Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways users can perceive, meaning content cannot be invisible to any user.

• Provide alt text for all non-text content such as images, charts, and videos.
• Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background for readability.
• Allow text to be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality.

2. Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable, so all users can interact with the platform.

• Make all functionality accessible via keyboard without requiring a mouse.
• Avoid content that may cause seizures (e.g., flashing more than 3 times per second).
• Maintain clear navigation and visible focus indicators for interactive elements.

3. Understandable: Information and operation of the user interface must be clear and easy to understand.

• Use plain language and predictable layouts.
• Provide clear instructions, ARIA labels, and error messages in forms.
• Ensure consistent behavior across pages to reduce cognitive load.

4. Robust: Content must be robust enough to work reliably across a variety of devices and assistive technologies.

• Use proper HTML semantics and ARIA roles to maintain functionality across browsers and platforms.
• Ensure compatibility with screen readers, magnifiers, and voice input tools.

2. GIGW (Guidelines for Indian Government Websites)

The Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) provide India-specific accessibility rules that SEBI mandates for investor-facing digital platforms.

Beyond general mobile-friendliness and language support, GIGW emphasizes functional access for diverse Indian users, including regional language rendering, assistive tech compatibility, and clear navigation for financial portals.

Key SEBI-relevant requirements under GIGW:

• Multilingual Accessibility: Investor portals must support not only English and Hindi but also at least one regional language commonly used by the investor base, ensuring disclosures and reports are readable.

• Mobile-first Accessibility: With many investors using mobile apps, platforms must maintain consistent functionality across different devices and screen sizes, including proper zooming, gesture support, and responsive menus.

• Semantic and Metadata Standards: Pages must use proper headings, labels, and metadata so that screen readers and search functions can accurately interpret financial content such as NAV tables, shareholding data, and statutory reports.
• Consistent and Predictable Navigation: Navigation patterns must remain uniform across trading apps, investor portals, and reporting dashboards to reduce cognitive load and improve usability for investors with disabilities.

• Practical Compliance Measures: SEBI audits include checking HTML semantics, ARIA labels, color contrast ratios, and navigation consistency to ensure GIGW requirements are implemented.

3. IS 17802 (Indian Standard for ICT Accessibility)

IS 17802 provides technical benchmarks tailored to Indian ICT platforms, making it measurable for audits. SEBI references this to ensure that investor portals, trading apps, and digital forms are functionally accessible, not just visually compliant.

Key SEBI-relevant requirements under IS 17802:

• Keyboard and Assistive Tech Operability: Investors must complete actions like form submissions, KYC updates, and NAV downloads entirely via keyboard or screen reader.
• Error Feedback and Guidance: Forms must provide accessible error notifications and instructions, e.g., invalid transaction inputs or missing mandatory fields, in a format compatible with assistive technologies.
• Inclusive Functionality Across Platforms: Financial dashboards, trade confirmations, and account statements must remain usable for investors with low vision, motor limitations, or cognitive challenges, including compatibility with magnifiers and voice control.

• Auditable Technical Metrics: SEBI audits evaluate adherence to measurable criteria, such as focus order, tab navigation, ARIA tagging, and screen reader compatibility reports.
• Implementation in Real Portals: Platforms like mutual fund portals, trading apps, and depository interfaces must integrate IS 17802 compliance into the core design and QA cycles, not as a separate add-on.

4. RPwD Act, 2016 and Rules

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 gives SEBI’s digital accessibility mandate legal backing. Failure to comply can attract penalties, regulatory notices, and reputational risk.

SEBI-specific implications under RPwD:

• Non-discrimination: Investor portals and trading apps cannot restrict access or limit functionality based on disability.
• Accessibility Across Services: Online onboarding, KYC verification, transaction processing, reporting dashboards, and grievance submission forms must all meet accessibility standards.
• Monitoring and Reporting: SEBI requires periodic accessibility audits, submission of compliance reports, and documented remediation of gaps.
• Accountability: The RPwD Act enforces legal accountability. Entities must designate accessibility officers, implement internal governance, and ensure third-party vendors comply with accessibility standards.
• Practical Investor Impact: Accessibility failures can lead to investors being unable to access statements, file complaints, or participate in trades independently, which SEBI considers a regulatory violation.

SEBI Digital Accessibility Compliance Timeline

SEBI’s digital accessibility mandate includes phased timelines and clearly defined milestones for regulated entities to plan, implement, audit, and report accessibility improvements. These timelines were set out in the July 31, 2025 circular and subsequently clarified in the December 08, 2025 update.

1. Submit List of Digital Platforms – September 30, 2025

Regulated entities must identify all digital platforms used to interact with investors. This forms the foundation for audits and ongoing compliance tracking.

• Include websites, mobile apps, portals, and other investor-facing platforms.
• Provide platform URLs, purpose, and primary functionalities.
• Document current accessibility features and any known gaps.

2. Appoint IAAP‑Certified Accessibility Auditor – December 14, 2025

Entities are required to engage a third-party accessibility auditor certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). The auditor is responsible for evaluating digital platforms and reporting gaps in accessibility.

• Confirm auditor credentials and IAAP certification.
• Define the scope of the audit, including all listed platforms.
• Establish reporting timelines and formats in line with SEBI guidance.

3. Status-of-Readiness Submission – March 31, 2026

Entities must submit a readiness report detailing each platform’s conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, GIGW, and IS 17802 standards. The report should outline accessibility gaps and planned remediation measures.

• Summarize conformance level for each platform.
• List identified accessibility gaps with priority levels.
• Provide a timeline for remediation actions.

4. Complete Accessibility Audits – April 30, 2026

Third-party accessibility audits must be completed across all platforms. These audits evaluate functional accessibility and compliance with SEBI’s standards.

• Conduct end-to-end testing of websites, apps, and portals.
• Document results, including screenshots, logs, and assistive technology tests.
• Highlight critical and high-impact issues requiring immediate remediation.

5. Remediation of Audit Findings – July 31, 2026

All issues identified during audits must be fixed, and evidence of remediation submitted.

• Implement fixes for high- and medium-priority accessibility issues.
• Update platform documentation and code where required.
• Maintain records of completed remediation for SEBI review.

6. Annual Compliance Reporting – April 30, 2027, and Annually Thereafter

Entities must provide annual reports summarizing accessibility compliance and improvements.

• Include updated audit results and proof of remediation.
• Report governance actions, such as officer oversight and training.
• Document accessibility-related feedback from investors.

7. Ongoing Monitoring and Third-Party Vendor Compliance

Accessibility compliance is an ongoing process. All new or existing third-party tools must meet accessibility standards.

• Conduct periodic re-audits at least annually.
• Ensure vendor contracts include accessibility obligations.
• Integrate accessibility testing into development and deployment pipelines.

Is Your Website Inclusive for Investors?

Non-inclusive websites & apps can trigger audits. Test on real devices to meet SEBI accessibility requirements.

Test on Real Devices

Accessibility Audit Requirements Under SEBI

SEBI mandates that all regulated entities conduct formal accessibility audits of investor-facing digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and portals. Audits should be performed by qualified professionals, preferably certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals or an equivalent recognized body.

Entities must follow a clear audit timeline:

1. Appointment of Auditor – December 14, 2025

Engage a certified accessibility professional to oversee platform evaluations and compliance reporting.

2. Completion of Accessibility Audits – April 30, 2026

Perform end-to-end testing of all investor-facing platforms. Key audit tasks include:

• Verifying assistive technology compatibility, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation.
• Testing WCAG 2.1 Level AA checkpoints, including color contrast, readable text, alternative text for images, and operable navigation.
• Evaluating usability for investors with low vision, motor impairments, or cognitive challenges.
• Documenting findings with screenshots, test logs, and transcripts where applicable.

3. Remediation of Audit Findings – July 31, 2026

Fix all identified accessibility issues and maintain evidence of remediation, such as updated code, screenshots, or test reports, for SEBI review.

4. Annual Accessibility Audits – April 30, 2027, and annually thereafter

Conduct yearly audits to ensure ongoing compliance, incorporating updates from platform changes, new features, and evolving accessibility standards.

Accessibility Governance and Nodal Officer Responsibilities

SEBI requires regulated entities to establish strong internal governance to oversee digital accessibility compliance. This ensures accountability, consistent implementation, and timely remediation of accessibility issues across all investor-facing platforms.

Entities must designate a senior officer responsible for accessibility governance, supported by cross-functional teams from IT, compliance, and product development.

Key responsibilities of the accessibility nodal officer and governance team

• Serve as the primary point of contact for SEBI on all accessibility matters
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal accessibility policies and processes
• Coordinate and oversee third-party audits, ensuring auditors are qualified and scope covers all digital platforms
• Review audit findings, prioritize remediation actions, and monitor completion of accessibility fixes
• Maintain documentation of all compliance activities, including audit reports, remediation evidence, and annual submissions
• Conduct internal accessibility training and awareness programs for IT, design, and product teams
• Integrate accessibility checks into development, testing, and deployment workflows for continuous compliance
• Ensure accessibility requirements are included in contracts with vendors and third-party service providers
• Monitor evolving accessibility standards and SEBI updates, updating internal policies accordingly
• Report periodically to senior management on accessibility performance, audit outcomes, and remediation progress

Is Your Website Inclusive for Investors?

Non-inclusive websites & apps can trigger audits. Test on real devices to meet SEBI accessibility requirements.

Test on Real Devices

Investor Grievance Redressal for Accessibility Issues

SEBI requires regulated entities to provide clear mechanisms for investors to report accessibility barriers encountered on digital platforms.

Effective grievance redressal ensures that persons with disabilities can fully access services such as onboarding, transactions, reporting, and complaint submissions, and helps entities demonstrate compliance during audits.

Key requirements for accessibility grievance redressal

• Establish a dedicated channel for accessibility-related complaints, such as a specific email ID, hotline, or portal form
• Integrate accessibility complaints into the existing investor grievance system, for example, SEBI’s SCORES platform
• Acknowledge receipt of grievances promptly and provide an expected resolution timeline
• Track, categorize, and prioritize complaints based on severity and user impact
• Implement corrective actions and document resolution steps, including updates to platforms or user guidance
• Ensure periodic review of complaints to identify common accessibility issues and inform continuous improvement
• Maintain records of all complaints, resolutions, and follow-ups for SEBI reporting and audits
• Provide accessible formats for grievance submission, ensuring compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and multiple languages

SEBI Accessibility Reporting and Disclosure Requirements

SEBI requires regulated entities to report their digital accessibility status in a standardised, structured format so the regulator can monitor compliance consistently across the securities market.

This ensures transparency, accountability, and comparability of accessibility performance and forms part of SEBI’s broader investor protection framework.

Key reporting and disclosure requirements

• Use SEBI’s prescribed reporting format: Regulated entities must follow the standardised template (Annexure B) when submitting accessibility compliance information
• Provide platform details and accessibility status: Reports must list every investor-facing digital platform such as websites, mobile apps, onboarding systems, and trading portals, and indicate whether each meets WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA minimum accessibility compliance
• Disclose gaps and readiness: Entities must describe any accessibility gaps for each platform, current readiness status, and expected timelines for achieving full compliance
• Highlight compliance level: Reporting should specify the level of conformance achieved under WCAG or other referenced standards and note where partial compliance exists
• Document challenges: Entities should disclose any technical or operational challenges that may delay or limit implementation of accessibility measures
• Record submission authorities: Reporting must be submitted to the designated authority based on entity type such as stock exchanges or depositories for brokers, BSE Ltd for investment advisers and research analysts, and SEBI for other regulated entities
• Retain records for review: All submission documents including readiness reports and audit results used in reporting must be archived and made available for SEBI inspection
• Public disclosure (where applicable): Entities are encouraged to display high-level accessibility compliance status and grievance channels on their public platforms to inform investors including persons with disabilities

Is Your Website Inclusive for Investors?

Non-inclusive websites & apps can trigger audits. Test on real devices to meet SEBI accessibility requirements.

Test on Real Devices

How BrowserStack Helps Meet SEBI Accessibility Requirements

BrowserStack is a real device cloud platform that allows you to test your websites and apps against SEBI digital accessibility guidelines, including WCAG. It helps regulated entities identify, validate, and remediate accessibility issues across devices, browsers, and real-world user scenarios, supporting audits, reporting, and continuous monitoring.

Key BrowserStack features for SEBI accessibility testing

• Component Scanner: Automatically scans UI components to detect common accessibility issues such as missing labels, contrast errors, and improper ARIA roles
• Workflow Analyzer: Scans entire user workflows across multiple pages or states in a single run, groups issues by component and WCAG criteria, de-duplicates duplicates, prioritizes critical issues
• Layout Scanner: Evaluates page layouts for alignment, hierarchy, and readability issues to ensure content is perceivable and navigable
• AI Agents: Includes an accessibility detection agent to identify complex issues and a remediation agent to suggest actionable fixes
• Test Automation: Enables running automated accessibility tests across multiple browsers and devices to verify compliance consistently
• Screen Reader Testing: Allows testing how your digital platforms interact with assistive technologies, ensuring content is operable and perceivable for users with visual impairments

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Conclusion

SEBI’s digital accessibility standards require regulated entities to make websites, apps, and portals accessible to all investors, including persons with disabilities. Compliance involves audits, governance, grievance redressal, and reporting, aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, GIGW, and IS 17802, ensuring both legal adherence and an inclusive digital experience.

BrowserStack helps streamline accessibility testing across real devices and browsers. Features like Component Scanner, Layout Scanner, AI Agents, Workflow Analyzer, Test Automation, and Screen Reader Testing allow entities to detect and fix issues efficiently, generate audit-ready evidence, and maintain continuous compliance with SEBI’s standards.

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