IGNOU ECCE Course Admission 2026: Application Form and Process
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- 6 Nov 2026IGNOU DECE December 2026 Hall Ticket Released
IGNOU releases the hall ticket for the December 2026 term-end exam on November 6, 2026 at ignou.ac.in. - 13 Oct 2026IGNOU DECE July 2026 Session Admission Closed
The online application submission window for IGNOU DECE July 2026 admission closed on October 13, 2026. - 7 Oct 2026IGNOU December 2026 Exam Form Submission Closed
The submission window for the IGNOU December 2026 term-end exam form closed on October 7, 2026.
IGNOU ECCE (DECE) admission 2026 is conducted online in January and July sessions at ignou.ac.in for 10+2 pass candidates with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST). The total programme fee is Rs. 3,500 plus a registration fee of Rs. 300.
Candidates can secure admission twice a year for this 1-year Open Distance Learning diploma offered in English, Hindi, Odia, and Tamil. Review the essential eligibility standards, fee details, 32-credit syllabus breakdown, application deadlines, and top colleges offering the early childhood care and education programme.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) |
| Conducting University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Duration & Mode | 1 Year (Open Distance Learning) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent (50% for General, 45% for SC/ST/Reserved) |
| Programme Fee | Rs. 3,500 (plus Rs. 300 Registration Fee & Development Fee) |
| Medium of Instruction | English, Hindi, Odia, and Tamil |
| Total Credits | 32 Credits |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Admission Overview
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) under the School of Continuing Education. Delivered in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, the programme spans a duration of 1 year and equips learners with practical skills in early child development and preschool management.
To ensure widespread accessibility across India, IGNOU provides learning materials in four instruction mediums: English, Hindi, Odia, and Tamil. Admissions are opened twice every academic year, catering to both January and July admission cycles.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) |
| Offering University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| School | School of Continuing Education |
| Mode & Duration | Open Distance Learning (ODL), 1 Year |
| Medium of Instruction | English, Hindi, Odia, and Tamil |
| Programme Fee | Rs. 3,500 (plus Registration & Development fee) |
| Application Sessions | Twice a year (January and July) |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Eligibility
To seek admission into the IGNOU DECE programme, candidates must meet the minimum academic qualifications specified by the university. Applicants must have completed Class 10+2 or its equivalent examination from a recognized central or state board of education.
The academic performance requirements specify minimum aggregate marks at the 10+2 level:
- General Category candidates: Minimum 50% aggregate marks.
- SC/ST and Reserved Category candidates: Minimum 45% aggregate marks.
- Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for applying to the IGNOU DECE course.
Important Dates for IGNOU ECCE Admission 2026
IGNOU conducts admissions for the DECE diploma twice every academic year. Candidates planning to enrol must track the official application window opening and closing dates for both sessions alongside term-end examination (TEE) schedules.
| Event | January 2026 Session | July 2026 Session |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Start Date | December 15, 2025 | May 6, 2026 |
| Admission Last Date | February 28, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
| Dec TEE Exam Form Window | September 10 to October 7, 2026 | September 10 to October 7, 2026 |
| December TEE Hall Ticket Release | November 6, 2026 | November 6, 2026 |
| December TEE Exam Dates | December 28, 30, and 31, 2026 | December 28, 30, and 31, 2026 |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Application Process
- Fill out the application form for the IGNOU DECE programme online.
- Upload a scanned passport-size photograph in JPEG/JPG format with a maximum size of 100 KB.
- Pay the required application fee through available digital payment modes.
The registration fee for the IGNOU DECE application form is Rs. 300. Application fees can be paid online using net banking, credit card, or debit card.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare scanned soft copies of essential certificates before filling the online form. Uploaded images must conform to IGNOU guidelines regarding format and size limits.
| Document Type | Format Requirement | Maximum File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Photograph | Coloured JPEG / JPG | 100 KB |
| Candidate Signature | JPEG / JPG | 100 KB |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport | As per guidelines |
| Category Certificate | Caste / Category proof (if applicable) | As per guidelines |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Fees and Payment Methods
The total fee structure for the IGNOU ECCE diploma comprises the course tuition fee along with standard university registration charges. Candidates must remit the complete fee amount online during final application submission.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | Jaipur | Private (aided) | ₹30,000 |
| Kanya Mahavidyalaya | Jalandhar | Private (aided) | ₹34,260 |
| Pradeep Memorial Comprehensive College of Education | Delhi | Private | ₹60,000 |
| Gannabathula Tulasamma Pedatata College of Education for Women | Godavari | Private | ₹40,000 |
| City | Colleges | Fee range | Well-known options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 4 | ₹25,000 – ₹27,000 | Hansraj Jivandas College of Education, Shri MD Shah Mahila College of Arts & Commerce |
| Lucknow | 4 | — | Integral University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University |
| Shillong | 2 | — | St. Mary’s College Shillong, CMJ University |
| Gorakhpur | 1 | ₹40,000 – ₹40,000 | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University |
| Delhi | 1 | ₹60,000 – ₹60,000 | Pradeep Memorial Comprehensive College of Education |
| Godavari | 1 | ₹40,000 – ₹40,000 | Gannabathula Tulasamma Pedatata College of Education for Women |
| Allahabad | 1 | — | Ruchi’s Institute of Creative Arts |
| Asansol | 1 | — | Banwarilal Bhalotia College |
How to Apply for Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Verify that you have completed Class 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST and reserved categories).
- Register on IGNOU Online Portal: Visit ignou.ac.in, enter mobile number and email address, and validate registration using the confirmation code.
- Fill Application Form Details: Log in with credentials, select Application Forms under My Application, and complete all required Applicant Details.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned coloured photograph (max 100 KB), signature (max 100 KB), identity proof, and category certificate if applicable.
- Pay Registration & Programme Fees: Pay the Rs. 300 registration fee and Rs. 3,500 programme fee online via net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Track Admission Status: Log in to the official portal ignou.ac.in using registration credentials to confirm admission status.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
FAQs
What is the minimum eligibility qualification for a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST and reserved categories). There is no upper age limit.
What is the IGNOU ECCE course fee structure?
The programme fee for IGNOU DECE is Rs. 3,500 plus registration and development fees as applicable. The online registration fee is Rs. 300.
What is the IGNOU ECCE course admission last date for 2026?
For the January 2026 session, the last date to apply is February 28, 2026. For the July 2026 session, the last date is October 13, 2026.
Who is eligible for the DECE course at IGNOU?
Anyone who has cleared Class 10+2 with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) can enrol. It is designed for preschool educators, creche managers, parents, and child development workers.
When is the IGNOU ECCE course exam date for December 2026?
The IGNOU DECE December 2026 term-end examinations are scheduled for December 28, 30, and 31, 2026.
What subjects are included in the IGNOU DECE course syllabus?
The 32-credit syllabus includes 4 courses: DECE 1 (Organizing Child Care Services), DECE 2 (Child Health and Nutrition), DECE 3 (Services and Programmes for Children), and DECE 4 (Project Work).
