IGNOU DCE Admission 2026: Last Date, Eligibility & Syllabus

IGNOU DCE Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is now opening its admission window for January 2026 session. Candidates who wish to pursue a Diploma in Creative Writing in English program from IGNOU, must apply before 31 January 2026*. This program is ideal for students who want to build their understanding and knowledge in English and interested in content writing, professional writing and journalism. It is a 1 year diploma program delivered only in English. This program covers core subjects like Feature Writing, Short Story, Writing Poetry, General Principles of Writing and many more. To be eligible for the IGNOU DCE program, candidates generally need to pass their 10+2 in any discipline but their age should be 20 years or above. Fee range of this program for the entire duration is starting from INR 4,000 to INR 4,500 along with a non- refundable application fee of INR 300. The application fee is mandatory to pay at the time of the application process. Candidates must visit the official website of IGNOU and complete all the requirements. www.ignou.ac.in. 

IGNOU DCE Admission 2026 Latest Update

• 01 Dec 2025:IGNOU Re-registration for the DCE Program admission for the January 2026 session is commencing from 1st December 2025, and the last date of re-registration will be 15 January 2026. Source 
• 22 Nov 2025: The schedule of the December 2025 TEE examination is uploaded on the official website by the university. The last exam will be held on 14 January 2026. Source

IGNOU DCE Admission 2026: Quick Update

• About the Course: The DCE program focuses on developing creative writing skills across various genres.
• Program Duration: Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years.
• Eligibility Criteria: 10+2 or age 20 years and above without 10+2.
• Application Process: Students can apply for IGNOU DCE admission through the IGNOU website. Fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
• Curriculum Overview: Covers general principles of writing, feature writing, short story, media writing, and poetry.
• Learning Flexibility: Study at your own pace with distance learning materials.
• Fees: IGNOU DEC programme total fee of approximately INR 6,000.
• Career Opportunities: After completing the DEC course, you can choose these fields: Freelance writer, content creator, journalist, or pursue further studies in literature.
• Scheme of Study: Annual examination mode with assignments and project work.
• No Merit List: Selection is not based on marks or ranking; rather, seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis as applications are received and processed.
• Project: Guided project work is a compulsory component of the program.
• Help Services: If you have any queries, you can contact the university helpline number or email id 011-29571301 or 011-29571528 or csrc@ignou.ac.in. 

IGNOU DCE Admission 2026 Highlight Points

IGNOU Certificate Programmes

IGNOU DCE Admission Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this course must fulfil the following eligibility criteria. 

• Educational Qualification: You must have passed 10+2 from any recognized board.
• Open to all boards including CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, and International Boards
• Alternative Eligibility: Candidates without 10+2 must be 20 years or above
• No specific mark requirements are mentioned for admission
• There is no age limit for an IGNOU DCE Admission candidate. Admissions are open for all age groups.

IGNOU DCE Entrance Exam  

• No entrance exam is required for admission to the DCE program
• Admission is based on eligibility criteria fulfillment
• Candidates need to apply directly through the IGNOU website

Selection Criteria for IGNOU DCE Admission 

• Direct Admission: Based on fulfilling eligibility criteria
• No Merit List: Admission is not based on marks or ranking
• First-Come-First-Served: Seats are allocated as applications are received and processed

Fee Structure

• Total Program Fee: Approximately INR 6,000
• Registration Fee: Included in the total fee
• Study Material Fee: Covered in the program fee
• Examination Fee: Separate fee for each exam attempt
• Project Evaluation Fee: May be applicable for the guided project work
• Fee Support: SC/ST students may be eligible for fee concessions (check IGNOU website for details).
• IGNOU DCE application fee is the processing amount for online application form. Students have to make online payment of Rs 300/-. This fee takes care of the expenses related to website hosting and infrastructure management.
• There will be no refund fees after 60 days from the last date of admission.
• IGNOU DCE Registration fee is not refundable but a cancellation request received after admission, an amount equal to 15% of the fee, up to a maximum of Rs 2,000/-, will be deducted from the paid fee.

Application Process for IGNOU DCE Admission

Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU website at www.ignou.ac.in

Step 2: Click on the ‘Admission‘ or ‘New Admissions‘ section

Step 3: Select the Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) program

Step 4: Fill out the online application form with personal and educational details

Step 5: Upload the required documents scanned  (10+2 mark sheet or age proof)

Step 6: Pay the application and program fee online by UPI, Net Banking, or Credit card.

Step 7: Submit the form and note down the application number

Step 8: Wait for confirmation of admission from IGNOU

Documents Required

• 10+2 mark sheet or certificate (for those with 10+2 qualification)
• Age proof (for candidates above 20 years without 10+2)
• Passport-sized photograph
• Signature
• DEB ID proof
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, or Driving License)
• Category certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC candidates)

Examination Pattern

The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English follows an annual examination system. Students are evaluated through assignments and a final examination for each course. The program includes guided project work, which is a practical application of the skills learned.

Assignments carry 30% weightage of the total marks, while the term-end examination accounts for 70%. Students must submit assignments before appearing for the term-end exam. The guided project work is assessed separately and is crucial for program completion.

Assignments submitted: Go to your assigned regional center’s website. Look for a Google Form in the notifications section. Fill it out with your name, course name, and course code, and then upload your assignment PDF. 

Evaluation System

• Continuous Assessment: Through assignments for each course
• Term-End Examination: Annual exams for all courses
• Project Work Evaluation: Assessment of the guided project
• Minimum Pass Marks: 40% in assignments and term-end exams separately
• Overall Grading: Based on cumulative performance in assignments, exams, and project

IGNOU DCE Admission Syllabus

IGNOU DCE Course Syllabus is an easy syllabus. Student covers these topics and credits numbers:-

Assignment Submission

• Assignments are a crucial part of the evaluation process
• They help in continuous assessment and preparation for final exams
• Students must submit assignments for each course before the term-end examination
• Assignments typically include creative writing tasks and critical analysis
• Submission deadlines are strictly followed to ensure timely evaluation

Career prospects after completing DCE

• Freelance Writer: Create content for various publications, websites, and businesses, utilising the diverse writing skills learned in the program.
• Content Creator: Develop engaging content for social media, blogs, and digital platforms, applying storytelling techniques and creative writing principles.
• Journalist: Write news articles, feature stories, and opinion pieces for print and digital media, leveraging the feature writing skills acquired in the course.
• Screenwriter: Craft scripts for radio, television, or film productions, building on the media writing component of the program.
• Literary Editor: Work with publishing houses or literary magazines to review and edit creative works, using the critical analysis skills developed during the course.
• Digital Marketing: Planning creative content skills, Digital marketing knowledge, content created, SEO. 

Placement

• Content Writer: Average salary ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
• Copywriter: Average salary ₹4-8 lakhs per annum
• Technical Writer: Average salary ₹5-10 lakhs per annum
• Scriptwriter: Average salary ₹4-12 lakhs per annum
• Editor: Average salary ₹5-15 lakhs per annum

FAQs

Q: Is the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English recognized?

Ans: Yes, the diploma is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is valid for further education and employment purposes.

Q: Can I pursue this diploma while working?

Ans: Absolutely. The program’s flexible nature allows working professionals to balance their jobs and studies effectively.

Q: How can I improve my writing skills during this course?

Ans: Regular practice, engaging with study materials, seeking feedback on assignments, and participating in any workshops offered by IGNOU can significantly improve your writing skills.

Q: Can I work as a freelance writer after DCE? 

Ans: Yes, the DCE course covers skills of freelance writing, blogging, professional writing, and content creation.

Q: How to apply for DECE admission in IGNOU?

Ans: Candidates taking admission in DECE can fill out the application form at IGNOU. First of all, candidates have to submit the application form by registering on the official website https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/. 

Q: How to apply for a DECE diploma in IGNOU?
Ans: Candidates interested in DECE can fill out the IGNOU application form. First, candidates must register on the official website https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/ to submit the application form.