IGNOU PGDCFT Admission 2026: Last Date, Fees, Eligibility

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission 2026: Admission for Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT) for the July 2026 session. Candidates are required to complete the application process before the final date by visiting the respective admission portal of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). PGDCFT is a 1-year PG Diploma program which can be completed up to 36 months in Open & Distance Learning (ODL) mode.

To be eligible for IGNOU’s PGDCFT program, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an authorised university with a minimum of 45% to 50% aggregate marks. PGDCFT program is delivered in English medium and includes courses such as Introduction to Family Life Education, Counselling Process and Strategies, and Family and Marital Counselling.

Fee range of this ODL program ranges from INR 18,000 for the entire duration, along with a non-refundable one-time registration fee of INR 300, which is mandatory to pay during the admission procedure. 30 April 2026* is going to be the last date of application submission, so candidates must apply through their official website before the last date.

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission: Latest Update

• Extension of last date for filling up the Online Examination Form for both ODL and Online Programme for June, 2026 TEE is 26th April 2026. Source

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission Overview

• About the Course: The PGDCFT course is aimed at developing professionals in this vital field. 
• Program Duration: Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any subject with no minimum percentage requirement.
• Application Process: Apply online through the official website for IGNOU PGDCFT admission. Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay fees.
• Curriculum: Covers counselling theories, family systems, mental health, and practical skills.
• Learning Flexibility: Study at your own pace with self-learning materials and optional counselling sessions.
• Fees Per Semester: The course of PGDCFT is  Rs. 8,400 (total program fee divided into two semesters) + registration and development fee.
• Career Opportunities: After completing the PGDCFT course, you can work as a counsellor in schools, NGOs, clinics, or private practice.

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission Highlights 2026

Some important points that will help the candidates for IGNOU PGDCFT Admission 2026.

Other Postgraduate Diploma Courses 2026

What is IGNOU PGDCFT? 

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT) offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University is a 1-year program. This program is designed for learners who want to learn counselling skills and help individuals and families by dealing with their emotional or relationship problems. This program teaches simple and practical methods of counselling, communication and therapy.  Anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in any field can pursue this program. IGNOU offers this program in ODL mode, which makes it suitable for teachers, social workers, health professionals, NGO workers, and anyone interested in mental health and family wellbeing. After completing the PGDCFT program from IGNOU, candidates can seek a career as a clinical psychologist, a school counsellor, a substance abuse counsellor, etc. 

Why Choose IGNOU PG Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy?

• Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace while balancing work or other commitments.
• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience through assignments and projects.
• Affordable: Lower fees compared to regular counselling programs.
• Recognition: IGNOU degrees are recognized nationwide.
• Career Growth: Opens doors to various counselling roles or further studies.

Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU PGDCFT Admission

To join the IGNOU PGDCFT course, you need to meet the course requirements. Before you try to register, make sure you have the qualifications listed below.

• Educational Qualification: Graduate or Post Graduate degree from a recognised university.
• Minimum Marks: 50% for the general category, 45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit for IGNOU PGDSLM admission.
• Language Proficiency: Good command of English or Hindi.

 IGNOU PGDCFT Admission Entrance Exam

There is no entrance exam required for IGNOU PGDCFT admission. Admission is based on the fulfilment of eligibility criteria. Candidates can apply directly through the official website of IGNOU.

Selection Criteria for IGNOU PGDCFT Admission

• First-come, first-served basis for all eligible applicants
• No merit list or cut-off marks
• Seats are available until the last date of admission.

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission: Fee Structure

If students have any confusion regarding the fees, they must understand the fee structure. Firstly, please note that the admission fee is non-refundable. Secondly, the course fee is refundable, but it will be refunded after deducting 15% of the amount once the admission is confirmed.

• Total program fee: Rs. 16,800/-
• Registration fee: Rs. 200/-
• Semester-wise fee payment option available
• SC/ST students get a 50% fee concession
• Additional expenses: Books (optional), internet for online study
• Project Evaluation Fee: Included in the total fee
• Practical Examination: No separate fee

IGNOU’s Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy costs ₹17,100 (₹16,800 tuition + ₹300 registration). It’s a one-year distance learning program offered in January and July. The cost of the course and the job market make this course reliable and beneficial for students. Now, many students from different states of India are taking admission in this course.

Admission Process for IGNOU PGDCFT Admission

IGNOU PGDCFT admission process can also be done online. Candidates must have a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection. IGNOU candidates can visit the official website @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

• Visit the IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in
• Click on ‘New Admissions‘ and select PGDCFT
• Register with your email and create a password
• Fill in personal and educational details
• Upload required documents (degree, ID proof, photo)
• Pay the application fee online
• Submit the form and note down your application number
• Check your email for confirmation

Documents Required For IGNOU PGDCF Admission

• Bachelor’s degree certificate 
• Mark sheets of the qualifying exam
• Valid ID proof (Aadhar card/PAN card/Driving License)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Examination Pattern

The PGDCFT program follows a comprehensive evaluation system. Each course has two components: assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are practical, application-based tasks that students complete at home. They account for 30% of the total marks. The term-end exam is a 3-hour written test held at the end of each semester, carrying 70% marks.

Students must secure at least 40% marks in both assignments and the term-end examination to pass. The university conducts examinations twice a year – in June and December. This provides convenience to students who might have missed the exam or want to improve their marks.

IGNOU PGDCFT Admission Course Syllabus

The Indira Gandhi Open University Postgraduate Diploma course in Counselling and Family Therapy focuses on core and optional subjects. The program is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in several subjects. Which is given in the table below

IGNOU PGDCFT Assignments

• Assignments are a crucial part of the learning process
• They help apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
• Students must submit assignments for each course
• Deadlines are usually mentioned in the program guide
• Assignments can be submitted online or at the study center
• They contribute 30% to the final grade
• Feedback on assignments helps improve understanding

IGNOU PGDCFT Course Career Scope

After completing the postgraduate course, you can choose fields like Clinical Psychology, School Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Career Counseling, and Community Counseling.

• School Counsellor: Guide students on academic and personal issues, using counseling techniques learned in the program.
• Family Therapist: Help families resolve conflicts and improve relationships, applying family systems theory and therapeutic approaches.
• Mental Health Counsellor: Provide support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges, using various counseling methods and crisis intervention skills.
• Relationship Coach: Assist couples in improving their relationships, drawing on communication and conflict resolution strategies from the course.
• NGO Counsellor: Work with non-profit organizations to support vulnerable populations, applying counseling skills in diverse social contexts.

IGNOU PGDCFT Study Centres

IGNOU Study Centre is the study place where you can get your IGNOU ID card, where you can submit your assignments, and where you can meet your teachers for any doubts and Questions you may have.

Placement After completing the PGDCFT Course

• Career Counsellor: Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum
• School Counsellor: Rs. 2.5-4 lakhs per annum
• Family Therapist: Rs. 4-7 lakhs per annum (private practice)
• Mental Health Helpline Operator: Rs. 2-3.5 lakhs per annum
• Rehabilitation Counsellor: Rs. 3-5 lakhs per annum

IGNOU PGDCFT Practical

IGNOU PGDCFT practical components generally include practical experience in counselling, fieldwork, and case studies. These practical components are compulsory and are assessed in a variety of ways, including presenting reports, attending counseling sessions, and practical examinations. Indira Gandhi National University offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Family Therapy (PGDCFT) course, which is offered in English only and in an Open Distance Learning mode.

FAQs 

Q: What is the last date to apply for the IGNOU PGDCFT Admission 2026? 

Ans: Students can submit the online registration form for the January 2026 session till 30 April 2026*. 

Q: Can I pursue this course while working full-time?

Ans: Yes, the flexible distance learning mode allows you to balance work and study.

Q: What is the scope for PGDCFT IGNOU?

Ans: Many career options are available after completing IGNOU PGDCFT (Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy). Key roles are Family/Marriage Counsellor, School Counsellor, Mental Health Counsellor/Therapist and Rehabilitation Counsellor.

Q: Is MA Psychology in IGNOU is eligible for PGDCFT?

Ans: Yes, MA Psychology from IGNOU is fully eligible for Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT) because this programme needs a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in Psychology, Social Work, or related fields.

Q: How to download my IGNOU grade card?

Ans: Visit IGNOU official website, then navigate towardsthe service section, then click on the grade card, select your course and enter your enrolment number.