IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 for the July session has started. The eligibility requirements for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education are 10+2 from a recognized board. Interested students can fill out the ECCE form by the last date of 2026, IGNOU is 15 July 2026, 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. IGNOU DECE fee is INR 3,500 for the whole 1-year program. The course duration can also be extended to 3 years.
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 suitable for individuals working in nursery schools or preschools, creches, pre-primary classes, etc, as it does not require regular classes. Apply on @ignou.samarth.edu.in/
IGNOU DECE Admission Latest Update
- IGNOU has started its admissions for the July 2026 session in ODL and online programs. Students must complete applications before the last date of 15 July 2026. Source
- IGNOU Re-registration process for both ODL and online programs has started. Candidates must complete their registration before the final date, 30th June 2026. Source
IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 Highlight Points
| Aspect | Details |
| DECE 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 ECCE Course Admission 2026
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a 1-year diploma program offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in ODL mode. This program is designed for those who want to work with young children, especially between the ages of 0 and 6 years. IGNOU DECE focuses on the care, growth, and development of children during their early years, which are very important to building a strong foundation for learning and behavior.
DECE program helps learners to understand child psychology, health and nutrition, early activities, and classroom management for young children. This course also teaches how to plan play- based and creative activities that support their physical, emotional, and social development. The Open & Distance Learning mode is a big advantage for teachers, parents, and children workers who want to gain in- depth knowledge in childhood care and education while balancing their jobs and other responsibilities. After completing the DECE program from IGNOU, graduates can work in preschools, anganwadis, daycare centers, or start their own childcare services.
Why Choose the IGNOU ECCE Course Admission 2026
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU DECE Admission 2026
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
IGNOU DECE Admission 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
IGNOU ECCE Course Admission 2026. Students who really want to become a part of the university can apply for the July session 2026 and must fill out the application form on time. 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 2026
Before applying for IGNOU DECE Admission, Applicants must keep some of the relevant documents with them. The list of documents is given below. 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; IGNOU provides application-based tasks that students are supposed to complete at home. These assignments 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 for IGNOU DECE Admission
- 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 Admission: 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 for IGNOU DECE Admission
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 after IGNOU DECE Admission
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.
Also check:
| IGNOU MCom Admission | IGNOU PGDMM Admission |
| IGNOU BBA Admission | IGNOU CTE Admission |
FAQs
Q: What is the salary of DECE?
Ans: After completing the DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education), an individual can expect a starting salary of ₹2 LPA to ₹5 LPA in India, and it also depends on the experience, location, and role.
Q: What is the IGNOU ECCE course admission 2026 last date?
Ans: The IGNOU ECCE course admission 2026 last date is 15 July 2026. The application will be accepted through the official website.
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: Students must complete 10+2 from a recognized board or any equivalent qualification, IGNOU DECE Admission. Generally, the duration of the course is a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years.
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 IGNOU DECE course fees?
Ans: Basically, the duration of DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) is a minimum of one year for the full course. IGNOU charges around ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 (approx.)
Q: What is the IGNOU project submission last date 2026?
Ans: The final date of submission of Final Project /Dissertation/Internship Report for ODL Programmes is 15th June 2026.
