IGNOU DECE Admission 2025: The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is a 1-year full-time course designed for students who wish to learn about the care and development of young children. IGNOU course fees are ₹6,000 for the full course. To join, eligible applicants need a 10+2 pass from the any recognized university. IGNOU reserves seats for SC/ST/OBC categories as per government norms. IGNOU DECE admission last date to apply for the upcoming session is 15 August 2025.
The IGNOU DECE program offers a good opportunity for interested learning in early childhood education. It manages current professionals in childcare settings, aspiring educators, center managers, and parents. IGNOU supports the needs of students by offering clear timelines and different examination methods, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate. The course is available in Hindi, English, and Tamil, making it accessible to a wide range of learners. Students must complete 32 credits, including a vital hands-on project in a preschool setting. For more details, Visit
IGNOU DECE Admission Main Points
- Course Overview: The IGNOU DECE program is a 1-year diploma course that focuses on early childhood care and education. It helps to build a good career in preschool teaching, child care and early childhood education.
- Program Duration: The course duration is a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years for flexibility.
- Eligibility: Students who complete the 10+2 pass or equivalent from any recognized board.
- Average Fee: DECE course admission fee is around ₹ 6,000 for the entire course, payable in one or two instalments.
- Application Process: DECE IGNOU Online application through IGNOU’s official website.
- Curriculum: Covers child care services, health, nutrition, and practical experience.
- Learning Flexibility: Self-paced study with materials provided by IGNOU.
- Career Opportunities: After completing the DECE course, you can build your career in these fields: Preschool teacher, daycare manager, child development specialist, School teacher and Lecturer.
- Contact Information: Indira Gandhi National Open University provides study material and online resources to students. The university also conducts pre-admission counseling to assist them. For any other queries, students can contact the university’s email registrarsrd@ignou.ac.in.
Read – IGNOU Admission 2025
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IGNOU DECE Admission 2025 Latest Update
- Students who are already pursuing any course in IGNOU and will appear in the next year or semester will have to fill the re-registration form. The last date to fill out the form is 15 August 2025.
- IGNOU DECE Admission last date has been extended to 15 August 2025*. (Except for semester-based and certificate programmes)
- IGNOU does not conduct any entrance exam for DECE course admission 2025-26 session, nor is there any further limit for admission.
- Re-registration has started at IGNOU. Re-registration deadline for this course on 15 August 2025.
- DEB ID is required for fresh admission.
- IGNOU B.Ed. New Admission has opened by IGNOU University. Students can apply for admission by visiting the official website – Source
- The DECE course also involves some additional IGNOU fees, like the University Development Fee of Rs 200, and the registration fee is Rs 300. This is paid to IGNOU for taking care of the online admission system during the DECE admission process.
IGNOU DECE Admission 2025 Highlight Points
| Aspect | Details |
| Course Name or Full Form | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education |
| Course Code | DECE |
| Specialization | EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION |
| Department | School of Continuing Education (SOCE) |
| Duration | Min: 1 year, Max: 4 years |
| Medium | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Course Fees | ₹3,000 |
| Age Requirement | No age bar |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent |
| Admission Sessions | January and July |
| Program Structure | Semester-based |
| Program Coordinator | Prof. Rekha Sharma Sen, rekhasharmasen@ignou.ac.in |
Why Choose the IGNOU DECE Admission?
- Flexible Learning: Study at your own pace while managing work or family commitments.
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on skills through the 30-day project work in a real preschool setting.
- Affordable Education: High-quality programs at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities.
- Multiple Language Options: Choose to study in English, Hindi, or Tamil.
- Career Advancement: Enhance your skills for better job prospects in the growing early childhood sector.
- This is an excellent short-term course to become an Anganwadi or nursery teacher in India. Candidates who have completed higher secondary education can apply for DECE course. This is an ODL (Open Distance Learning) mode course. Course coordinator is Prof. Rekha Sharma Sen.
About The DECE Course
Diploma in Early Child Care and Education is a one-year course offered by IGNOU. In this course, students learn how to take care of children from infancy to the age of 6 years. After completing the DECE course, they can work in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU DECE Admission
You must have fulfilled the eligibility criteria for DECE admission at IGNOU.
- 10+2 pass or equivalent from any recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards)
- No minimum mark requirement
- No age limit for admission
- Basic computer skills are recommended for accessing online study materials
- Category 1 Applicants: Fresh 10+2 graduates
- Category 2 Applicants: Working professionals in childcare seeking skill enhancement
Entrance Examination
- No entrance exam is required for IGNOU DECE admission
- Admission is based on fulfilling the eligibility criteria
- Candidates can directly apply through the IGNOU website
Selection Criteria for IGNOU DECE Admission
- On a first-come, first-served basis for all eligible applicants
- No merit list or cutoff marks for admission
- Timely submission of complete application and required documents
Fee Structure
- IGNOU DECE Course Fee: ₹6,000
- Payment Options: Full payment or two installments of ₹3,000 each
- Project Evaluation Fee: Included in the total fee
- Practical Examination: No additional cost
- Fee Support for SC/ST Students: As per government norms
- Additional Expenses: Study materials provided, minimal extra costs for project work
IGNOU DECE Admission Application Process
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is provided by IGNOU. Students who want to enroll in the academic session of July 2025-26 must fill the application form correctly. IGNOU releases the application form on its official website, which the applying candidates can easily access.
If you match the eligibility for the above course in IGNOU, you have to follow the procedure given below to apply for the course.
Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU website at www.ignou.ac.in
Step 2: Click on the ‘Admission’ tab and select ‘Apply Online’
Step 3: Register by creating a new user account
Step 4: Fill in the online application form with accurate personal details
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents (10+2 mark sheet, ID proof, photograph)
Step 6: Pay the application fee online through a credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI
Step 7: Submit the completed application and note down the application number
Step 8: Track your application status using your application number
Documents Required for IGNOU DECE Admission
Applicants applying for the DECE program must keep some required documents with them while filling their application form. These documents must have a certain size and format otherwise, the documents will not be uploaded on the portal.
- 10+2 mark sheet and certificate
- Valid ID proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, or Driving License)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC)
Examination Pattern
IGNOU DECE follows a comprehensive evaluation system. Each course has two components: continuous assessment through assignments (30% weightage) and term-end examination (70% weightage). Assignments are practical, application-based tasks that students complete at home. These help in understanding the concepts and preparing for the final exam.
The term-end examination is conducted twice a year, in June and December. It consists of objective and descriptive questions testing the learner’s understanding of child development theories and practical applications. Students must score a minimum of 35% in both assignments and term-end exams to pass each course.
Evaluation System
- Continuous Assessment: 30% through assignments
- Term-End Examination: 70% weightage
- Minimum passing score: 35% in both assignments and exams
- Project Work: Mandatory 30-day practical experience evaluated separately
- Results declared online on the IGNOU website
- Re-evaluation option is available for students unsatisfied with their scores
IGNOU DECE Program Syllabus
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DECE-1 | Organizing Child Care Services | 8 |
| DECE-2 | Child Health and Nutrition | 8 |
| DECE-3 | Services and Programmes for Children | 8 |
| DECE-4 | Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting | 8 |
DECE Study Material
To appear in the Term-end examination, students need to study for the examinations, and IGNOU conducts assignments; candidates have to submit the assignments. Students can use the study materials provided by Ignou, and you can get the ebooks from the egyankosh for dece programs.
IGNOU DECE Assignments
Assignments are an important part of the DECE IGNOU program and contribute 30% to the final grade:
- Assignments are a crucial part of the continuous assessment
- Students must submit assignments for each course
- Assignments help in understanding the practical applications of theories
- Submission deadlines are strict and mentioned in the assignment booklet
- Assignments can be submitted online or at the nearest IGNOU study center
- Feedback on assignments helps improve understanding and performance.
Career Scope
- Preschool Teacher: Lead early learning activities, design curricula, and foster child development using play-based methods learned in the course.
- Daycare Center Manager: Oversee operations, staff training, and implement health and nutrition programs based on DECE knowledge.
- Child Development Specialist: Assess child growth, recommend interventions, and guide parents using expertise in early childhood services.
- Early Intervention Coordinator: Design programs for children with special needs, applying DECE principles to support inclusive education.
- Parent Educator: Conduct workshops and counseling sessions, sharing insights on child care and nutrition from the DECE curriculum.
Placement Information
- Preschool Teacher: Average salary ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per month
- Daycare Center Manager: Approx. ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 per month
- Child Development Specialist: Range of ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month
- Early Intervention Coordinator: About ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month
- Parent Educator: Freelance opportunities, ₹500 – ₹1,500 per session
IGNOU DECE Programme Coordinator
If students have any queries related to IGNOU DECE Admission or course they wish to take admission in or are facing any problem in filling the admission form, they can directly contact the management team. Students can contact these helpline numbers for any IGNOU-related queries – 29572209, 29572202.
Coordinator Name – Prof. Rekha Sharma Sen,
Email contact – rekhasharmasen@ignou.ac.in,
Phone Number – Ph. 011-29572958
Conclusion
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for those passionate about child development. With its affordable fee structure, practical approach, and multiple language options, it caters to a wide range of learners. The program’s focus on hands-on experience through project work ensures graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges in childcare settings.
FAQs
Q: Is IGNOU DECE recognized by employers?
Ans: Yes, IGNOU DECE is widely recognized by employers in the education and childcare sectors due to IGNOU’s reputation and the program’s comprehensive curriculum.
Q: Can I pursue DECE while working?
Ans: Absolutely. IGNOU DECE’s flexible learning model is designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing you to balance work and study.
Q: What is the eligibility for IGNOU DECE Admission?
Ans: For Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) DECE Admission, candidates must have passed class 12th from a recognized board.
Q: Are there any scholarships available for DECE students?
Ans: IGNOU provides a fee concession for SC/ST students. Additionally, contact your local IGNOU centre for any state-specific scholarships.
Q: What is the last date for IGNOU DECE Admission 2025?
Ans: The last date to apply for DECE Admission 2025 July Session is 15 August 2025.
Q: Are IGNOU Assignments checked?
Ans: Yes, IGNOU Assignments are checked. These are evaluated by the Study Centre counsellors just like the term-end examinations. The evaluation considers various factors, such as presentation, relevant information, and whether the assignment follows guidelines.
