IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: Last Date, Fees, Eligibility

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity for students interested in early childhood education. The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a one-year program designed to prepare learners for working with young children. This distance learning course provides flexible study options with affordable fees starting from INR 4,500.

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IGNOU DECE Admission: Latest Update 2026

IGNOU has extended the DECE admission deadline for the January 2026 session. Applicants now have time to submit their online application until 28 February 2026, giving students an extra two weeks to complete their registration and document submission. Source
Those students are waiting for the re-registration for the IGNOU DECE program, January Session 2026. They can visit the official website of the University for registration before the deadline of 28 February 2026. Source

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 is conducted through a simple online registration process for the upcoming academic session. The program is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and recognized nationally for quality distance education. IGNOU is the largest open university in the world, established in 1985 to provide accessible education to all. The School of Continuing Education (SOCE) offers the DECE program with complete flexibility for working professionals and homemakers. Students can apply through the official admission portal ignou.ac.in by filling the online application form. The course covers important subjects like child development, health and nutrition, early childhood education, and community engagement. Registration fees of INR 200 must be paid during application submission. The IGNOU DECE Admission program stands out for its practical approach, interactive learning sessions, and focus on real-world teaching skills for young children.

IGNOU DECE Updates 2026

Program Duration: The DECE course has a minimum duration of 1 year and can be extended up to 4 years, allowing students to complete assignments and examinations at their own pace without time pressure.
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must have passed their class 12th examination from any recognized board with at least 35% marks for general category students and relaxation available for reserved categories.
Application Method: Students need to visit the official IGNOU admission portal, register with basic details, fill the application form completely, upload required documents, and pay fees online through various payment options.
Course Content: The IGNOU DECE Admission curriculum includes six courses covering child development psychology, health and nutrition basics, play and learning methods, working with communities, understanding young children, and organizing early childhood programs effectively.
Flexible Learning: Students can study from home using self-learning materials, attend optional counseling sessions at regional centers, watch online video lectures, and submit assignments through online or offline mode.
Semester Fees: The total program fee is INR 4,500 which includes study materials, examination fees, and registration charges, making it one of the most affordable diploma courses available today.
Career Growth: Graduates can work as preschool teachers, daycare supervisors, anganwadi workers, child development officers, counselors, or start their own playschools and early learning centers with confidence and knowledge.
Study Pattern: The IGNOU DECE Admission program follows a semester system with continuous evaluation through assignments, practical work, and term-end examinations conducted twice yearly at designated examination centers across the country.
Project Work: Students must complete a practical project involving direct work with children in community settings, schools, or centers to gain hands-on experience in early childhood care and education.
Entry Options: IGNOU offers multiple entry points during January and July admission cycles, allowing students to begin their studies at their convenience without waiting for long periods.

IGNOU DECE Admission Highlights

Parameter	Details
Course Name	Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
Course Code	DECE
Department	School of Continuing Education (SOCE)
Duration	Minimum: 1 Year, Maximum: 4 Years
Instruction Medium	English and Hindi
Course Fees	INR 4,500 (Total Program)
Age Requirements	No specific age limit
Eligibility	Class 12th pass from recognized board
Admission Sessions	January and July (Twice yearly)
Program Structure	6 Courses + 1 Practical Project

Why Choose IGNOU DECE in 2026

Affordable Education: The IGNOU DECE Admission program costs only INR 4,500 for the complete diploma, making quality early childhood education training accessible to students from all economic backgrounds without financial burden or heavy loans required.
Flexible Study Options: Students can learn at their own speed, balance work and family responsibilities, attend optional counseling sessions, access online study materials, and choose examination centers near their home location easily.
Recognized Qualification: The DECE diploma is valid across India and accepted by schools, anganwadi centers, daycare facilities, NGOs, and government organizations working in child development and early education sectors nationwide.
Practical Skills Development: The IGNOU DECE Admission course emphasizes hands-on training through community projects, child observation activities, creating teaching aids, planning learning activities, and understanding real classroom challenges faced by early childhood educators daily.
Growing Job Market: India needs lakhs of trained early childhood educators for expanding preschools, government programs like Integrated Child Development Services, private playschools, and NGOs focusing on child rights and education development.
Subject Variety: Students learn diverse topics including child psychology, health and hygiene, nutrition planning, play-based learning, parent counseling, community mobilization, and program management for holistic child development understanding completely.

IGNOU DECE Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification: For IGNOU DECE Admission Candidates must have successfully passed their class 12th or higher secondary examination from any recognized board in India including CBSE, state boards, NIOS, or equivalent educational bodies.
Minimum Marks: General category students need at least 35% marks in their qualifying examination, while SC/ST/OBC candidates receive relaxation as per government norms and Admission policies for reserved categories.
Age Limit: There is no upper or lower age restriction, making this program suitable for young students, working mothers, career changers, and senior citizens interested in childcare.
Work Experience: Prior experience in teaching or childcare is not mandatory for admission, though candidates working with children or having volunteer experience may find the course content more relatable and applicable.
Additional Requirements: Students must have access to a community or center with young children for completing practical project work as part of course requirements and evaluation during the diploma program duration.

IGNOU DECE Counselling Support

Interactive Contact Sessions: During IGNOU DECE Admission session organizes face-to-face counseling sessions at regional centers where academic counselors explain difficult concepts, clarify doubts, demonstrate teaching methods, share practical experiences, and help students prepare for assignments and examinations effectively. These sessions are optional but highly beneficial for better understanding.

Virtual Counseling Platform: Students can access online counseling through IGNOU’s digital platforms where recorded video lectures, live doubt-clearing sessions, study material downloads, and discussion forums are available 24/7. Academic counselors provide guidance through email, phone calls, and online chat support for continuous learning assistance throughout the program.

IGNOU DECE Fee Structure

Total Program Fee: INR 4,500 covers complete IGNOU DECE Admission diploma including all six courses, study materials, practical project guidance, and term-end examination fees for both attempts if needed by students.
Registration Fee: One-time non-refundable registration fee of INR 200 must be paid separately during first-time admission application submission on the official IGNOU portal online.
Payment Options: Students can pay fees through online modes like credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or offline modes through demand draft favoring IGNOU at designated banks.
SC/ST Support: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students receive 50% fee reduction as per IGNOU’s financial support policy, making the total program cost only INR 2,250 for eligible candidates.
No Hidden Charges: In IGNOU DECE Admission course, there are no additional charges for examination forms, study materials posting, or certificate issuance after successful program completion and result declaration.

IGNOU DECE Application Process 2026

Visit Official Portal: Go to the IGNOU admission website ignou.ac.in, click on ‘Online Admission’ link, select ‘Fresh Admission’ option, and choose the DECE program from the list of available diploma courses displayed on screen.
Register Account: Create a new account by providing your email address, mobile number, and creating a password, then verify your registration through OTP sent to your phone and email for security purposes.
Fill Application Form: Enter personal details like name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, gender, category, address, educational qualifications, upload photograph and signature in specified format and size requirements.
Select Study Center: IGNOU DECE Admission course provide option to choose your preferred regional center and study center from the dropdown menu based on your location, considering distance, accessibility, and availability of counseling sessions for your convenience.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload required documents including class 12th marksheet, certificate, category certificate if applicable, identification proof, and recent passport-size photograph following the size and format guidelines provided.
Pay Fees: Complete the payment of program fees and registration fees through online payment gateway using credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI, ensuring to save the payment receipt for future reference.
Submit Application: Review all entered information carefully, make corrections if needed, read the declaration statement, check the confirmation box, and submit the application form to receive acknowledgment number on screen immediately.
Take Printout: Download and print the confirmation page showing your enrollment number, program details, fee payment status, and study center allocation for maintaining personal records and future correspondence with university.

Required Documents

Class 12th Marksheet and Certificate
Date of Birth Proof
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable)
Passport Size Photograph (recent colored)
Signature Scanned Copy (white background)
Aadhaar Card or Identity Proof
Migration Certificate (if from different board)
Address Proof Document
Email ID and Mobile Number (active)

IGNOU DECE Examination Pattern

Grading System: IGNOU DECE Admission follows a division system where students scoring 60% and above get first division, 50-59% receive second division, and 40-49% pass in third division. Candidates must score minimum 40% in each course individually and overall to successfully complete the diploma program.

Assessment Methodology: Students must complete tutor-marked assignments for each course worth 30% marks and appear for term-end written examinations worth 70% marks conducted at designated examination centers. Both components are compulsory for final evaluation and certificate eligibility.

Student Must Visit:

IGNOU Assignment Session2026

IGNOU Result 2026

IGNOU DECE Learner Suggestions

Understand Credit System: Each IGNOU DECE Admission course carries 4 credits representing study hours and effort needed, helping students plan their study schedule effectively. Complete all 28 credits required for diploma by finishing assignments and examinations sincerely.
Regular Study Schedule: Set aside specific hours daily for reading study materials, making notes, practicing activities, and preparing assignments to avoid last-minute pressure and ensure thorough understanding of child development concepts covered.
Attend Counseling Sessions: Participate in contact programs at your study center whenever possible to interact with counselors, clarify doubts, learn practical teaching techniques, and network with fellow students pursuing similar career goals.
Complete Assignments Promptly: During IGNOU DECE Admission course students must submit tutor-marked assignments before deadlines as they carry 30% weightage in final evaluation. Write detailed answers, include examples from real situations, and follow the prescribed format for better scores.
Practical Project Planning: Start your practical project early by identifying a suitable community setting or center, taking necessary permissions, planning observation and activity sessions, maintaining proper records, and preparing the final project report systematically.

IGNOU DECE Assignment Section

Assignment Purpose: Tutor-marked assignments help students understand course content deeply, develop writing skills, apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, and prepare effectively for term-end examinations through continuous learning and evaluation throughout the year.
Submission Process: Students must download assignment questions from IGNOU website, write handwritten or typed answers following prescribed format, submit at study center before deadlines, or upload through online submission portal if available, keeping acknowledgment receipt safely.
Evaluation Criteria: Assignments are evaluated based on content understanding, presentation quality, use of examples, length appropriateness, originality of answers, and timely submission. Scored assignments contribute 30% marks to final grade in each course component.
Academic Importance: Completing assignments is mandatory for appearing in term-end examinations. Students who fail to submit assignments cannot take exams and must resubmit in next cycle, causing delays in program completion and certificate issuance.

IGNOU DECE Career Paths

Preschool Teacher: After completing IGNOU DECE Admission course, students work in private or government preschools teaching children aged 3-6 years through play, stories, activities, and creative methods. Develop lesson plans, assess child progress, communicate with parents, and create nurturing learning environments. Required skills include patience, creativity, communication, and love for children.
Anganwadi Worker: Join government Integrated Child Development Services program providing nutrition, health education, and preschool activities to children under 6 years in rural and urban areas. Support mothers, conduct surveys, maintain records, and organize community events requiring dedication and social awareness.
Daycare Supervisor: Manage daycare centers for working parents, oversee daily routines, ensure child safety, plan age-appropriate activities, train staff members, and maintain hygiene standards. Need organizational skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and childcare knowledge for successful center operations.
Child Development Officer: After completing IGNOU DECE Admission course, students work with NGOs or government departments implementing child rights programs, conducting training workshops, monitoring anganwadi centers, preparing reports, and supporting community-based childcare initiatives. Requires understanding of policies, documentation skills, and field experience with diverse communities.
Playschool Entrepreneur: Start your own playschool or learning center offering quality early education services. Design curriculum, hire staff, manage operations, market services, interact with parents, and ensure compliance with regulations. Entrepreneurial mindset, investment capacity, and educational passion are essential.

IGNOU DECE Syllabus

Semester	Course Code	Subject	Credits
1st Year	DECE1	Understanding Children	4
1st Year	DECE2	Child Development	4
1st Year	DECE3	Health, Nutrition and Hygiene	4
1st Year	DECE4	Early Childhood Education	4
1st Year	DECE5	Working with Communities	4
1st Year	DECE6	Organizing Programs for Young Children	4
1st Year	DECP7	Practical/Project Work	4

IGNOU DECE Placement Information

Preschool Teacher Positions: Starting salary ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 18,000 monthly in private preschools, play schools, and nursery schools across education sector requiring IGNOU DECE Admission qualified candidates with good communication and child-handling skills.
Daycare Supervisor Roles: Salary ranges from INR 12,000 to INR 20,000 monthly in corporate daycare centers, residential complexes, and standalone childcare facilities in urban areas of the childcare industry requiring management capabilities.
Anganwadi Worker Jobs: We join Government as anganwadi worker and government offer INR 8,000 to INR 12,000 monthly honorarium under ICDS program in social welfare sector, providing job security, pension benefits, and opportunities to serve underprivileged children and families.
NGO Program Officers: Positions in child-focused NGOs offer INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 monthly for implementing education and nutrition programs, conducting community training, and monitoring field activities in development sector across India.
Entrepreneur Opportunities: Self-employed playschool owners earn variable income from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000+ monthly depending on student enrollment, location, facilities, and quality of education services provided in the private education sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the duration of IGNOU DECE Admission program?

A: The DECE diploma has minimum duration of 1 year and maximum 4 years, allowing flexible completion based on student’s pace and circumstances.

Q: Is there any entrance examination for DECE admission?

A: No entrance test required. Admission is granted based on merit in class 12th examination marks following IGNOU’s first-come-first-served admission policy.

Q: Can working professionals pursue IGNOU DECE course?

A: Yes, the distance learning mode allows working people to study at convenient times without attending regular classes, making it ideal for professionals.

Q: What is the minimum percentage required for IGNOU DECE Admission eligibility?

A: General category students need 35% marks in class 12th, while reserved category candidates receive relaxation as per government norms and IGNOU rules.

Q: Are assignments compulsory for IGNOU DECE students?

A: Yes, submitting tutor-marked assignments is mandatory for appearing in term-end examinations as they carry 30% weightage in final evaluation system.

Q: What career options are available after completing IGNOU DECE Admission?

A: Graduates can work as preschool teachers, anganwadi workers, daycare supervisors, start playschools, or pursue higher education like B.Ed or degree courses.