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IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) Syllabus 2026: Course-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks

Updated 15 October 2026 Fact-checked by Shakshi Gupta, B.Com student, IGNOU Syllabus 6 min read

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) syllabus structure: 32 credits

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) programme has a total of 32 credits. This one-year diploma is structured around four core courses, each carrying 8 credits. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session, excluding registration, development, and exam fees.

The programme includes three theoretical courses and one project work. DNHE 1 (Nutrition for the Community), DNHE 2 (Public Health and Hygiene), and DNHE 3 (Nutrition and Health Education) each account for 8 credits. DNHE 4 (Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education) also carries 8 credits and is a vital component. Practical manuals accompany the course material. The medium of instruction is English and Hindi.

Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) structure at a glance

Semester / group Courses Credits
Programme courses 4 courses 32

Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) Programme courses subjects: Nutrition for the Community, Public Health and Hygiene

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) programme requires 32 credits for completion. The programme includes four courses, each carrying 8 credits. DNHE 1, “Nutrition for the Community,” establishes foundational knowledge. This content is built upon in DNHE 3, “Nutrition and Health Education,” which covers topics like Nutrition and Health Status of the Community and Community Strategies in Nutrition and Health Education across its six eGyanKosh blocks.

DNHE 2, “Public Health and Hygiene,” focuses on broader health aspects. The programme culminates with DNHE 4, “Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education,” which also carries 8 credits. This project requires learners to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from courses like DNHE 1 and DNHE 3. The project work is a significant component, requiring practical application of nutrition and health education principles.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) Programme courses: courses and credits

Course code Course title Credits Type
DNHE 1 Nutrition for the Community 8
DNHE 2 Public Health and Hygiene 8
DNHE 3 Nutrition and Health Education 8
DNHE 4 Project Work : Nutrition and Health Education 8 Project

DNHE 3 Nutrition and Health Education: study blocks

  • Block 1: Nutrition and Health Status of the Community
  • Block 2: Themes and Messages in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 3: Methods of Communication in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 4: Approaches in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 5: Community Strategies in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 6: Nutrition Programmes

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks

DNHE 1, DNHE 2, and DNHE 3 each carry 8 credits and are assessed with a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) and a term-end theory exam. DNHE 4, the Project Work in Nutrition and Health Education, also carries 8 credits and is assessed as a project.

Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit their assignment responses before they can take the Term-End Examination (TEE) for that course. These assignments are available for download on the IGNOU website for the current session. Tutor Marked Assignments are submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre.

Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Learners may write their exam in Hindi, even if they registered in English medium, for non-language programmes.

If a learner fails an assignment, they must re-submit it. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation.

Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh

IGNOU provides self-instructional study material for the Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) in both print and e-book formats. Learners who opt for soft copies instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee of Rs. 4,000 per year (July 2026 session). The eGyanKosh repository offers self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes, including the DNHE.

The Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) has four courses, each worth 8 credits: DNHE 1 Nutrition for the Community, DNHE 2 Public Health and Hygiene, DNHE 3 Nutrition and Health Education, and DNHE 4 Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education. Practical manuals accompany the course material. The project work is a vital component of the programme.

For DNHE 3, Nutrition and Health Education, the eGyanKosh study blocks are:

  • Block 1: Nutrition and Health Status of the Community
  • Block 2: Themes and Messages in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 3: Methods of Communication in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 4: Approaches in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 5: Community Strategies in Nutrition and Health Education
  • Block 6: Nutrition Programmes

Counselling sessions are held according to the schedule set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is also available through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources.

Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

What is the total fee for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

The programme fee for the full minimum duration of one year is Rs. 4,000, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission.

Which courses in the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education have practicals or project work?

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education includes practicals and a project component. DNHE 4, titled 'Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education', is an 8-credit course dedicated to project work. Practical manuals accompany the course material for other relevant courses.

How many credits are in the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education has a total of 32 credits. Each of the four programme courses, DNHE 1, DNHE 2, DNHE 3, and DNHE 4, carries 8 credits, contributing to the overall credit count.

Where can I find the study blocks for DNHE 3?

The study blocks for DNHE 3, 'Nutrition and Health Education', are available on eGyanKosh. These blocks cover topics such as 'Nutrition and Health Status of the Community' and 'Methods of Communication in Nutrition and Health Education', among others.

Can I get a discount if I choose digital study materials for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process for the July 2026 cycle.

What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education is one year. Learners have a maximum of three years to finish the programme from their admission date.

What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

To be eligible for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education, applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. This is the primary academic requirement for admission to the programme.

Which course is the heaviest in the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

All four courses in the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education carry 8 credits each, making them equally weighted in terms of study hours. DNHE 4, 'Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education', involves a significant project component.

What are the examination fees for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the Term-End Examination.

Can I write the Term-End Examination in Hindi for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

Yes, learners may write the Term-End Examination in Hindi, even if they registered for the English medium. This flexibility applies to all programmes except specific language courses.