National Institute Of Speech And Hearing

College Overview

The National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a pioneering institution in the field of communication sciences and rehabilitation. Established in 1997, NISH operates under the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. The institute focuses on empowering individuals with speech, language, and hearing impairments through quality education, clinical services, and cutting-edge research.

NISH offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in audiology, speech-language pathology, and other related fields. It also provides education and skill development programs for persons with disabilities, integrating academic learning with therapeutic training. The institution is known for its dedicated faculty, advanced clinical facilities, and a curriculum that combines theory with hands-on experience.

Courses Offered and Admission

NISH offers a range of programs under different academic disciplines:

• Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP)
• Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (MASLP)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Inclusive Fine Arts Program
• BSc Computer Science (HI) – for students with hearing impairment
• Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting (DISLI)

Admissions to these courses are generally based on merit and entrance tests, depending on the program. For professional programs like BASLP and MASLP, admissions are conducted through entrance examinations recognized by Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) or other authorities.

Eligibility Criteria Admissions

Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics and English with at least 50% aggregate marks.
Admission: Based on entrance examination and counseling conducted by the institute or KUHS.

Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (MASLP)
Eligibility: BASLP degree with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized institution.
Admission: Based on merit or entrance test as per university norms.

BFA and BSc (HI)
Eligibility: 10+2 qualification from a recognized board.
Special preference for students with hearing impairment for the BSc (HI) program.

Diploma in Indian Sign Language Interpreting
Eligibility: Minimum 10+2 pass and basic proficiency in sign language.

Placements

NISH maintains a strong placement support system through its academic-industry collaborations and alumni network. Graduates from BASLP and MASLP programs are highly sought after by hospitals, special education schools, rehabilitation centers, hearing aid manufacturers, and government health departments. The institute also supports entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives, particularly for students with disabilities. The average placement rate for clinical programs is consistently above 80%, with graduates working across India and abroad.

Ranking

The National Institute of Speech and Hearing is recognized as one of the top institutes in India for speech and hearing sciences. Though not featured in mainstream engineering or business school rankings, NISH holds a prestigious reputation within the rehabilitation sciences community. It is affiliated with the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) and has earned accolades for its inclusive education model and research contributions in the field of communication disorders.