IGNOU DECE Admission 2026, Dates, Eligibility & Fees

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: Admission for IGNOU DECE has started from 16 December 2025 and will close on 15 February 2026 for the academic session 2026. Students seeking a career in early childhood care and education should apply for the DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) through the university's official website. 

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) accepts applications for DECE admission twice a year, for the January and July sessions. Students can apply for the course online by paying an application fee of INR 300 and a course fee of INR 3,500. DECE has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum of 2 years. Eligibility for the course is 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board.

The course syllabus covers Child Psychology, Child Health, and Child Care. IGNOU offers the DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) in three languages: HINDI, ENGLISH, and TAMIL. This diploma course is suitable for those who have done their schooling and are looking to start working at an early age. After completing the course, they may work as preschool teachers, CD (Child Development) specialists, or start their own businesses, such as childcare centres.

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026

The university has opened admissions for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education from 16 December 2025. Students who have completed their 10 + 2 schooling from a recognized board can apply for DECE admission. Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education at an affordable fee. The total diploma fee is INR 3,500. The students also have to pay INR 300 as an application fee when filling out the application form. The admission process is simple and easy; students can apply through the official website of the university (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) for the DECE course. IGNOU DECE Admission Last Date window closes on 15 February 2026. After pursuing this course, the students can start working at an early age.

IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: Latest Update

• IGNOU has extended the registration date for the DECE January 2026 session. Interested students can apply online by visiting the official IGNOU website. The last date to apply is 15 February 2026, so make sure to complete your registration before the deadline.

• IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 Important Points

Why Choose IGNOU DECE?

DECE IGNOU admission is a good choice for students who want to work with small children. The course helps you learn how to take care of young kids and teach them in schools or day care centres. It is easy to study from home. It is not very costly, and gives you a government-approved diploma for future jobs.

• IGNOU is one of the largest and open universities in India.
• A Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is UGC and Government-recognised. 
• The DECE program includes theoretical knowledge with practical training.
• This program prepares students to work as caregivers, preschool teachers, supervisors, and to open their own daycare centres.
• DECE is the best program for future studies, like B.Ed (Bachelor of Education), BA in Education, Specialised degrees in child psychology or developmental studies.

IGNOU DECE Application Form

The application process for the January 2026 academic session opened from 16 December 2025. Interested candidates can IGNOU DECE Apply Online through the official admission portal. Students have to complete and submit the application by 15 February 2026. The application fee is INR 300, and the complete diploma fee is INR 3,500. Students can complete the course in 1 year (minimum). The maximum duration of the DECE course is 2 years (24 months). 

Before filling out the application, students must meet the eligibility criteria to pursue the DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) course. The minimum eligibility to take admission in the course is Class 12 / Intermediate. A valid ID, educational certificates and mark sheets, a passport-size photo, a signature, and a debit or credit card will be required for completing the DECE application.

IGNOU DECE Admission Eligibility Criteria 

DECE IGNOU Admission (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) for students who have completed their Class 12 or its equivalent, and aspire to start a career in early childhood care and education. This course develops an understanding of child psychology, child health and nutrition, and early education strategies.

IGNOU DECE Admission Process 2026

The university has started the admission process for the DECE course on 16 December 2025. Students must submit their application form before 15 February 2026 for the January 2026-27 academic session. Eligibility to apply for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board. Students are advised to fill out the application form through the official admission portal of IGNOU. They must follow the steps below to complete the application.

IGNOU DECE Syllabus 2026

IGNOU DECE syllabus covers a total of 4 subjects, including Project (total 32 Credits). Each subject carries 8 Credits. Students have to work with young children in a child care setting during the project. All subjects are given in the table below:

IGNOU DECE Fee Structure

IGNOU DECE (Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education) fee is given in the following table for the academic session 2026.

*Note: The information is liable to change, depending on the academic year.

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