IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education is a one-year programme with a fee of Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. Applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent.
| Detail | Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | DECE |
| School | School of Continuing Education (SOCE) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or its equivalent |
| Medium | English, Hindi, Tamil & Oria |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 4,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 4,000 (Rs. 4,000 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 32 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE): what the programme covers
It is a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE), offered by the School of Continuing Education (SOCE). This programme is for those working with children from birth to 6 years of age in settings like crèches, preschools, pre-primary classes, and nursery schools.
The programme has a total of 32 credits. It includes four courses, each carrying 8 credits. These courses are DECE 1 Organizing Child Care Services, DECE 2 Child Health and Nutrition, DECE 3 Services and Programmes for Children, and DECE 4 Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting. Project Work is a compulsory component. Learners must identify a preschool centre that uses play-based pedagogy for this project. The project requires organizing play activities and learning experiences with children for 30 working days, as detailed in the Project Manual. Copied Project Work or work bought from the market will be rejected.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education, candidates must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. The School of Continuing Education (SOCE) offers the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education in four mediums: English, Hindi, Tamil, and Oria.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) programme fee is Rs. 4,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs. 4,000. This amount excludes additional charges.
When applying through the ODL admission portal, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is required. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission. These are in addition to the programme fee. Learners can opt for soft copies of self-learning material instead of printed books and receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
Learners can pay fees using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 4,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 4,000 (Rs. 4,000 x 1 year) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) duration and credits
It is a one-year diploma programme. The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is 1 year, with a maximum duration of 3 years.
Learners who do not complete the programme within the minimum 1 year have up to 3 years to finish their studies. The programme carries a total of 32 credits, all of which are completed in the first year.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education is a 32-credit programme structured into four compulsory courses. All courses are completed in a single year, with each course carrying 8 credits.
The programme focuses on continuous knowledge and skills up-gradation for individuals working in the Early Childhood Care and Education sector.
The syllabus includes DECE 1: Organizing Child Care Services, DECE 2: Child Health and Nutrition, and DECE 3: Services and Programmes for Children. Each of these courses is worth 8 credits. The fourth component, DECE 4: Project Work, also carries 8 credits and involves practical application.
The Project Work, DECE 4, is a vital component of the programme. Learners must identify a preschool centre that uses play-based pedagogy to undertake this project. The project requires organizing play activities and learning experiences with children for 30 working days, as detailed in the Project Manual. A preschool centre caters to children between 3+ to 5+ years of age or 3+ to 6+ years of age before they join Class 1.
This is make-or-break to submit original Project Work. Copied Project Work or work bought from the market will be rejected by IGNOU.
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 4 courses | 32 |
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
IGNOU offers admission to the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) twice a year, in the January and July admission cycles. For the July 2026 admission cycle, applications are processed through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
The application process for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is fully online. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. Applicants must pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission, in addition to the programme fee of Rs. 4,000 per year for the July 2026 session.
To apply for the IGNOU DECE programme, follow these steps:
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before starting the application.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload a soft copy of your 10+2 or equivalent educational qualification, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your SC/ST/OBC category certificate, under 200 KB.
- Pay the fees using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education. Tutor Marked Assignments go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. A failed assignment requires re-submission; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education happen twice a year, in June and December, across the country. Examination centres are available across the country and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course, applicable for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, as of the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course, as of January 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
The programme fee for the full minimum duration of one year is Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. This amount excludes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, the University Development fee of Rs. 400, and examination fees.
How many credits does the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education have?
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education has a total of 32 credits. All 32 credits are completed within the first year, which is also the minimum duration of the programme.
Which courses in the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education involve project work?
DECE 4, titled 'Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting', is an 8-credit course dedicated to project work.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education, applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. This is the only academic requirement for admission to the programme.
In which languages is the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education offered?
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education is offered in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Oria. Learners can choose their preferred medium of instruction and study materials.
How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education is one year. Learners have a maximum of three years to complete all programme requirements.
When can I apply for admission to the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
Admissions for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education are conducted twice a year, during the January and July admission cycles. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education. Learners must submit their assignment responses before they can appear for the Term-End Examination for each course.
What is the fee for appearing in the Term-End Examination for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
The examination fee for each theory course is Rs. 200. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study materials?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during the admission process.