IGNOU DECE Admission 2026: IGNOU offers the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) for the January academic session 2026. This course is made for those who are interested in working with young children and also focusing on their overall development, health, and education. It covers topics like nutrition, teaching strategies, child psychology, and others.
This diploma course duration is 1 to 4 years, which offers flexibility for students. Meanwhile, the total course fee is Rs. 3,000, which is paid once. However, the admission registration for the January 2026 session will commence on 25 December 2025, and the last date to apply is 31 January 2026.
Even though the selection process is based on the applicant’s eligibility, which you need to know and understand, it is given below in the article. Meanwhile, there are no entrance exams for this program, which makes the process simpler.
So, students who are interested and eligible should start applying for admission on the official website of the university at @ignou.ac.in, with the application fee being INR 300/- per student. In addition, this program opens up various opportunities in the field of early childhood education, such as preschool teachers, childcare workers, and others.
IGNOU DECE Admission Latest Updates
- IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) admission last date to apply is 15 January 2026.
IGNOU DECE Admission 2026 Key Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
| Course Name | DECE |
| Types of Course | Diploma Program |
| Full-Form | DIPLOMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION |
| Course Duration | 1 year |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Approved by | UGC-DEB |
| Study Mode | Distance education |
| Age limit | Not specified |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or its equivalent |
| Course fee | INR 3,000 for the whole program |
| Offered by | IGNOU |
| Salary offered | INR 1.8 LPA to 10 LPA |
IGNOU DECE Admission 2026
The admission process for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) at IGNOU is simple and done through online mode. First, you need to confirm your eligibility, which is necessary for admission. Students must require a 10+2 qualification with 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university. However, there is no entrance exam for DECE, and selection is based on meeting the eligibility criteria.
Then, students can move ahead to fill out the application form by giving their personal and academic details on the university’s website. After submission of the form, students will receive an acknowledgement email or message. Once selected, you will be informed about the course schedule and study materials. For information, the last date to apply for the 2026–26 January session is 31 January 2026*. Interested students can fill out the application form before the last date.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU DECE Admission 2026
To apply to IGNOU for the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education Program (DECE), you must meet the following eligibility requirements, which are given below:
- Educational Qualification: Students have to gain a senior secondary qualification/12th from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: Students must have a 50% mark for the general category, while 45% is mandatory for SC/ST and other reserved categories.
- Stream: You can complete your 10+2 with any stream to pursue this course.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for admission to this course, which makes it open to all age groups.
IGNOU DECE Fee Structure 2026
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) program at IGNOU has a flexible and affordable fee structure for the 2026–26 session. The total fee for the course is Rs. 3000 for the whole course. The fee includes the cost of study materials and registration, but additional charges may apply for examinations or project work submission. Also, the registration fees are included; it is INR 300/- for the one-time payment.
IGNOU DECE Course Syllabus 2026
| 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 |
How to Apply for IGNOU DECE Admission 2026
The registration process for the DECE) At IGNOU for the 2026 session is simple and will be completed online mode. Students have to follow these steps to register for admission:
Step 1: Firstly, go to the official IGNOU website @ignou.ac.in, and navigate to the admissions section.
Step 2: Then, create an account by filling in personal details and need to generate a login ID.
Step 3: After that, you need to log in to complete the application form by providing the necessary information, including educational qualifications.
Step 4: Also, upload some scanned copies of the required documents, such as educational certificates, photographs, and signatures.
Step 5: Pay the application fee through available online payment methods such a net banking, debit card, or UPI.
Step 6: After completing, you need to review the form and submit it online.
Note: IGNOU Registration Form is live now, and the extended last date to apply is 30 June 2026*. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Documents Required
While applying for the IGNOU DECE course, you need to submit the following documents:
- 10+2 Marksheet and Certificate: (Scanned Copy)
- 10th Marksheet: (Scanned Copy)
- Passport-sized Photograph: A recent passport-sized colour photograph.
- Signature: A scanned copy of the student’s signature.
- Proof of Identity: (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport).
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Sports Certificate: (if needed)
Note: Students need to make sure that all documents are uploaded in the correct and same format during the application process to avoid any further issues.
IGNOU DECE Career Opportunities
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) from IGNOU opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the field of early childhood education and child development. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Preschool Teacher: Teaching young children in nurseries or pre-primary schools.
- Child Care Worker: Providing care and development support in day care centres, crèches, or childcare institutions.
- Child Development Specialist: Working with children to monitor and enhance their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Early Childhood Education Coordinator: Managing and coordinating early education programs in schools or educational organizations.
- Social Worker (Child Focus): Engaging in community-based programs for child welfare and protection.
- Entrepreneur: Starting your own daycare centre or preschool.
The DECE course prepares students for better careers that contribute to the well-being and development of young children, offering both professional satisfaction and personal fulfilment.