IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 will be open soon for the January session 2026-27. Registration for a diploma in early childhood care and education is expected to begin from 15th December 2025*. Interested students can fill out the application form online and pay a registration fee of INR 300/-. IGNOU DECE program is a 1-year diploma course available in ODL mode. This program is offered in Hindi, English, and Tamil. To be eligible, students must have a 10+2 qualification and pay a full program fee of INR 3500/- at the time of admission. IGNOU DECE is a 32-credit course that will help those working in early childhood care and education to foster the development of young children from birth to 6 years. IGNOU will provide students with learning materials, project guidelines, and video lessons. This course is beneficial for individuals working in nursery schools, preschools, creches, pre-primary classes, etc. Apply on @ignou.samarth.edu.in/ by 15th January 2026*.
IGNOU DECE Admission Latest Update
- 01 Dec 2025: Re-registration for all ODL and Online programmes of IGNOU for the January 2026 session is starting from 1st December 2025, and the last date for re-registration will be 15th January 2026. Source
IGNOU DECE Admission Main Points
- Course Overview: The IGNOU DECE program is a 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 ranges from a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 4 years, providing flexibility.
- Eligibility: Students who complete the 10+2 pass or equivalent from any recognized board.
- Average Fee: The DECE course fee is Rs 3,500, and the registration and development fee. payable in one or two instalments.
- Application Process: DECE IGNOU Online application through IGNOU’s official website.
- Curriculum: The DECE course covers these core subjects, such as child care services, health, nutrition, and practical experience.
- Learning Flexibility: Self-paced study with content provided by IGNOU anywhere, anytime.
- 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.
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IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: 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 | ₹3,500 |
| 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 |
About IGNOU DECE Course
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) offered by IGNOU is a specialised programme designed for individuals who want to work with young children and support their early developmental needs. Aim of this course is to build professional skills for those interested in preschool teaching, childcare services, early learning centres, and family or community-based child development initiatives. DECE programme focuses on understanding the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development of children. IGNOU’s flexible learning system allows students to study at their own pace, making the course ideal for both beginners and working individuals who are looking to enhance their qualifications. Indira Gandhi National Open University provides a flexible, accessible, and affordable education which makes this program suitable for students, working professionals, and homemakers who wish to pursue a career in childcare and preschool education.
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.
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 a complete application and required documents
Fee Structure
IGNOU DECE entrance course fee is Rs 3,500, and registration fee is Rs 300. Pay the fee using debit/credit card, netbanking, and UPI.
- IGNOU DECE Course Fee: ₹3,500
- Payment Options: Full payment or two installments of ₹1,750 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 January 2026-27 must fill out the application form correctly. IGNOU releases the application form on its official website, which the applying candidates can easily access.
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 out their application form. These documents must have a certain size and format; otherwise, the documents will not be uploaded to 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)
Important Points
- Make sure your email and mobile number are valid, as you will receive notifications through these mediums.
- Be careful while making online transactions and do not share your card details or OTP.
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
- The re-evaluation option is available for students who are 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 for the term-end examination, students have to prepare for the examination and IGNOU conducts the assignments; Students have to submit the assignments. Students can use the study material provided by IGNOU, and they can get e-books from e-Gyankosh for term-end programmes.
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
Following the NEP 2020, the number of pre-primary teachers in India has increased rapidly. After completing this course, 12th-grade students can begin their careers as pre-primary teachers, nursery teachers, and Anganwadi teachers in the government and private sectors. A pre-primary teacher’s salary can range from ₹ 2.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per annum.
- 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 any course, or are facing any problem in filling the admission form, they can directly contact the management team. For any queries related to IGNOU, students can contact these helpline numbers: 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.
