IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a short-term course that teaches students how to care for food and educate children from birth to 6 years of age. The program combines both theory and practical learning. Students understand child development clearly. This course is completed in 12 to 24 months. During the program, students learn how to run childcare services, take care of children’s health and nutrition, and plan activities for their overall development.
At the end of the course, students must complete practical projects by working in a real childcare or preschool setting. The DECE course helps students work as teachers, caregivers, or managers in creches, preschools, and Anganwadis. It is also useful for working teachers who want formula training or for people who wish to start their own preschool or childcare centre.
Indira Gandhi National Open University has started DECE admission in January 2026 session, and last date to apply is 15 February 2026, Candidates need to visit the official portal of the university @ignou.ac.in. To apply for this course, students must have passed 10+2. The course is available in English, Hindi, and Tamil, making it easy for many students to study.
The total IGNOU DECE course fee is INR 3500 along with an INR 300 registration fee, which makes it very affordable for students. The diploma opens doors to jobs in both government and private education sectors. If they want to work with young children and help shape their future.
IGNOU DECE Course Highlights Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) |
| Conducting University | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration | Minimum 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Mode of Study | Distance / Open Learning |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Total Credits | 30 Credits |
| Course Fee | INR 3,500 |
| Admission Cycle | January & July Session |
| Examination Mode | Term-End Examination (Offline) |
| Study Material | Printed + Online (eGyanKosh) |
| Evaluation Method | Assignments + Term-End Exams + Practical Work |
| Focus Area | Early Childhood Care, Education & Development |
| Certificate Awarded By | IGNOU |
IGNOU DECE Course Details
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a specialised 32-credit program designed to provide theoretical and practical expertise for those working with children from birth to six years of age. IGNOU offers this course through the School of Continuing Education. The course focuses on the broad specialisation of early childhood care and education, covering essential topics such as child health, nutrition, and the organisation of childcare services.
To be eligible for admission, students must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised board. The total program fee is INR 3500, along with a one-time registration fee of INR 300. Students can complete this diploma in English, Hindi, and Tamil, making it accessible to a wide range of students aiming for careers as preschool teachers, daycare managers, or Anganwadi workers
IGNOU DECE Admission 2026
The IGNOU Admission process for DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) course under the January 2026 academic year and last date is to apply 15 February 2026. Interested students can easily fill out the application form on the official website @ignou.ac.in to gain in depth knowledge of child development for ages zero to six. To apply, students must have completed 10+2 in any stream. IGNOU DECE total course fee is INR 3500 plus a one-time registration fee of INR 300, which must be paid online during submission.
This 36-credit program covers essential subjects like child nutrition and health, preparing students for roles in preschool, anganwaddi, or even starting their own childcare centre. IGNOU makes sure to provide students with a smooth experience by allowing them to study at home and complete the entire process. If students face any issues, they can visit the regional centres for official support to ensure their admission is successful.
IGNOU DECE Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the iGNOU DECE program for the 2026 session, students must meet the following simple criteria:
- Students must have passed 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised board like CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.
- IGNOU generally accepts a pass of 50% marks for general category students and 45% for SC/ST/OBC/PH category.
- There is no age bar for admission, whether students are fresh graduates or working professionals. Students can apply at any age.
- The course is open to all, including parents, preschool teachers, and individuals wanting to start their own daycare centers.
IGNOU DECE Fees Structure
The fee structure for the IGNOU DECE program is designed to be affordable for all students. For the January 2026 session, the total fee for the course is approximately INR 3800. Below is the fee structure of IGNOU DECE, broken down. Students must check:
- The total course fee is INR 3500 for the full one-year course.
- A one-time non-refundable fee of INR 300 is paid during the initial application.
- An additional INR 200 is usually charged at the time of admission.
- Students must pay a separate fee, approximately. INR 200 per theory paper when filling out the examination form before the term-end exams.
IGNOU DECE Admission Process
Interested students applying for the DECE course at IGNOU need to follow the steps below to complete the procedure:
- Step 1: Go to the official IGNOU admission website https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/.
- Step 2: Click on the button with New Registration.
- Step 3: Enter their basic details like their name, phone number, and email address.
- Step 4: Choose a username and a password for their account. Students will get a code on their phone to verify it.
- Step 5: Once registered, log in using their new username and password.
- Step 6: Fill out the application form with their personal and educational details.
- Step 7: Choose DECE as the desired program and select the nearest study center.
- Step 8: Upload the scanned copies of their documents (like their photo and degree).
- Step 9: Pay the fee of INR300, which is the registration fee online.
- Step 10: Submit the form and download the confirmation page for their records.
IGNOU DECE Course Syllabus
| Course Code | Title of the Course | 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 |
| Total Credits | 32 |
Why Choose IGNOU DECE Course?
The IGNOU DECE program is a great option for students who want to build a career in early childhood education. Below are the key reasons to choose this course:
- Balanced syllabus: The course includes both classroom learning and practical training. It focuses on the care, learning, and overall development of children aged 0 to 6 years.
- Study at their own pace: The course duration is 12 to 24 months, allowing students and working people to learn at their own pace without attending regular classes.
- Very Affordable Fees: With a total fee of just INR 3500, this diploma is one of the most budget-friendly professional courses available.
- Multiple Career Options: After completing the course, students can work in preschools, nursery schools, and Anganwadis. It is also helpful for those planning to open their own daycare or preschool.
- Language Options: To make learning easier for students from different backgrounds, the course is offered in English, Hindi, and Tamil.
Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photos
- Class 10th certificate
- Class 12th certificate
- Bachelor degree
- Signature
- Id proofs
- Category certificate
- Caste certificate
- Migration certificate
- Transfer certificate
Career Opportunities After IGNOU DECE
Graduates of the IGNOU DECE program can expect a starting salary that varies depending on the sector and location. In the private sector, freshers joining as preschool teachers or daycare coordinators can earn between INR 10,000 and INR 18,000 per month. With 1-2 years of experience, this can increase to INR 20,000 or more, especially in established private schools. For government jobs like Anganwadi worker or supervisor, the salary is usually a fixed monthly amount decided by the state government.
In most cases, the pay ranges from INR 8000 to INR 15000 per month. Students who decide to open their own playschool or preschool can earn more depending on the number of students and how well they manage the centre. Since this course is well recognised and the total fee is only around INR 3500, it is a good investment for anyone who wants to start a career in teaching or child care.
Jobs After Completing IGNOU DECE Course
| Job Role | Average Salary (India) |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | INR 2 – INR 4 LPA |
| Nursery Teacher | INR 2.5 – INR 4.5 LPA |
| Anganwadi Supervisor | INR 3 – INR 6 LPA |
| Child Care Worker | INR 2 – INR 4 LPA |
| Early Childhood Educator | INR 3 – INR 5 LPA |
| Daycare Center Coordinator | INR 3 – INR 6 LPA |
| NGO Program Assistant | INR 3 – INR 5 LPA |
| Home Tutor (Preschool) | INR 2 – INR 5 LPA* |
| Play School Coordinator | INR 4 – INR 7 LPA |
| Self-Employed (Playschool Owner) | INR 4 – INR 10 LPA* |
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