NCERT online diploma course registration opens for science teachers; apply by November 12

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has initiated the registration process for its online diploma programme, ‘Teaching of Science at Middle Stage’. The programme, developed by NCERT’s Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), New Delhi, is specifically tailored for teachers instructing Science to students in Classes 6 to 8.

Prospective candidates can submit their applications online through the designated portal, ncertx.in, with the registration window closing on November 12, 2026. The course is scheduled to commence on November 16, 2026, and will run for 40 weeks, concluding on August 31, 2027.

Programme Objectives and Structure

The online diploma programme aims to enhance the quality of science education at the middle-school level by strengthening teachers’ understanding of scientific concepts, improving instructional methods, and equipping them with resources for effective classroom learning. It focuses on helping teachers develop both subject-specific knowledge and pedagogical competencies.

The course is structured around 40 modules, with a new module becoming available every Monday. Participants are expected to complete each module within its designated week. The entire module sequence, along with a final examination, will be covered during the 40-week period. Enrolled candidates are required to dedicate approximately six to eight hours every week to their studies.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible candidates for the diploma programme include individuals with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, in-service teachers currently teaching Science to Classes 6 to 8, those holding a diploma or degree in education, pre-service teachers pursuing an education diploma or degree, and other individuals directly involved in Science education. An enrollment fee of ₹2,000 is required for admission.

Upon successful payment, candidates will receive an ‘Invitation’ email from NCERTX within a week, containing detailed enrollment instructions. The diploma is intended for academic learning and professional development and does not qualify as a teacher-appointment qualification. Each of the 40 modules will include an objective end-of-module test, which participants will have 15 days to complete. Learners who successfully complete all 40 modules and appear for all 40 tests will be eligible for the final examination, and successful participants will receive an NCERT e-certificate.

Course Content and Policy Context

The course content encompasses many topics relevant to middle-school science education. These include physical and chemical changes, acids, bases, and salts, metals and non-metals, motion and force, fluid pressure, energy, heat and temperature, light, electricity and magnetism, sound, particle nature of matter, elementary astronomy, microorganisms, cell structure and function, photosynthesis, digestion and respiration, circulation and excretion, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human-nature interaction.

This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which, in paras 5.15 and 5.16, emphasizes the critical need for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for school heads and teachers. The NEP recommends various training modes, including online teacher development modules, to achieve the target of 50 hours of CPD, thereby enhancing educators’ skills and keeping them updated with innovations in their profession.

To apply, candidates should visit the official website of NCERT at ncert.nic.in, click on the NCERT Diploma Course 2026 link, register on the new page, fill the application form, make the payment, and then submit and download the confirmation page. A hard copy of the confirmation page should be retained for future reference, and further enrollment instructions will be provided via email from NCERTX.

Further reading

• NCERT science teaching diploma registration begins October 12, 2026
• SNAP 2026 registration open for Symbiosis MBA courses, apply by November 25
• APSSB NTME 2026 recruitment for 217 posts: apply online by 5 November
• MICAT 2 exam 2027 registration opens November 25 for MICA postgraduate admissions
• CSIR NET December 2026: Apply when registration opens; exam Dec 20-21

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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