Common questions about WCAG compliance, accessibility law in India, and what an audit involves.
What is WCAG compliance?+
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance means a website or app meets the W3C's technical standard for accessibility so people with disabilities can perceive, operate and understand it. The current version is WCAG 2.2, and most audits target Level AA. AccessBharat audits websites, mobile apps and PDFs against WCAG 2.2 AA.
Is digital accessibility legally required in India?+
Yes. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 requires accessible information and services, government websites must follow GIGW 3.0 (which adopts IS 17802 / WCAG), and sector regulators such as SEBI have issued accessibility circulars. Private businesses serving the public are increasingly expected to meet WCAG 2.2 AA.
What is IS 17802 and how does it relate to WCAG?+
IS 17802 is India's official accessibility standard for ICT products and services, published by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is harmonised with WCAG 2.x and EN 301 549, so meeting WCAG 2.2 AA satisfies the core of IS 17802.
How long does a website accessibility audit take?+
A typical audit runs two to four weeks depending on the number of templates and user journeys. AccessBharat combines automated scanning with expert manual and assistive-technology testing, then delivers a prioritised report, a VPAT where needed, and remediation guidance.
What do I get at the end of an accessibility audit?+
You receive a detailed conformance report mapped to WCAG 2.2 success criteria, severity-ranked issues with reproduction steps and fix guidance, screenshots, and — on request — a VPAT / Accessibility Conformance Report and an engagement letter. AccessBharat can also support your team through remediation.
Do accessibility overlays or widgets make my site compliant?+
No. Automated overlay widgets cannot fix most accessibility barriers and can introduce new ones. Genuine compliance requires fixing the underlying code and content, verified by manual and assistive-technology testing — which is what AccessBharat provides.