IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) 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 Creative Writing in English is a one-year programme with a fee of Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. Anyone who has completed 10+2 can apply, or those aged 20 years or above without 10+2.
| Detail | Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | DCE |
| School | School of Humanities (SOH) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or any one without 10 +2 but age should be 20 years or above. |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,000/- |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 4,000 (Rs. 4,000 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 24 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) provides understanding, skills, and professional knowledge in imaginative writing. This programme helps those interested in taking up writing as a career. Applicants for this programme are expected to have a flair for writing.
The Diploma in Creative Writing in English has a total of 24 credits. The programme consists of two compulsory courses and four elective courses. The programme fee is Rs. 4,000/- (Year wise) for the July 2026 session.
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English, candidates must have completed 10+2. Alternatively, individuals who have not completed 10+2 can still apply if they are 20 years of age or older. The programme is offered through the School of Humanities (SOH).
The medium of instruction for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English is English. This means all course materials, assignments, and term-end examinations (TEE) will be in English. The eligibility criteria are straightforward, focusing on either a 10+2 qualification or an age threshold for those without it.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English programme fee is Rs. 4,000 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus. For the full minimum duration of one year, the total programme fee is Rs. 4,000. This amount excludes additional charges such as registration, development, and examination fees.
A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable at admission, along with a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Learners applying through the ODL admission portal for July 2026 must pay these charges plus the programme fee. Payment modes include net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Learners who choose the digital material option receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
| Fee Type | Amount (Rs.) | Details |
|—|—|—|
| Programme Fee (per year) | 4,000 | For July 2026 session |
| Registration Fee | 300 | Non-refundable, paid at admission |
| University Development Fee | 400 | Paid at admission |
| Digital Material Discount | 15% | On programme fee |
Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.4,000/- |
| 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 Creative Writing in English (DCE) duration and credits
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. Learners must complete all programme requirements within this 3-year period to earn the diploma.
The total credits for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English are 24. These 24 credits are distributed across the programme’s courses.
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) syllabus includes two compulsory courses and four elective courses, totalling 24 credits. The programme provides understanding, skills, and professional knowledge in imaginative writing for those interested in a writing career. Applicants for this programme are expected to have a flair for writing.
The total programme fee is Rs. 4,000/- for the July 2026 session, payable year-wise.
Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 6 courses | 24 |
Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCE 1 | General Principles of Writing | 4 | Compulsory |
| DCE 6 | Guided Project Work | 4 | Compulsory |
| DCE 2 | Feature Writing | 4 | Elective |
| DCE 3 | Short Story | 4 | Elective |
| DCE 4 | Writing for Media: Radio and Television | 4 | Elective |
| DCE 5 | Writing Poetry | 4 | Elective |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applying for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) for the July 2026 admission cycle is a fully online process. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. The university conducts admissions twice a year, in January and July. The current cycle open on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
Applicants must keep several documents ready before starting the application. A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB and in JPEG format, is required. A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification, under 200 KB, can be in JPEG or PDF format. If applicable, a soft copy of the category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) is also needed, under 200 KB. Applicants are also told to keep their APAAR ID ready.
The application steps are as follows:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Complete the registration process.
- Fill out the application form for the Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE).
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the admission fees. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 4,000/- (Year wise). In addition to this, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission.
- Payment can be made through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI via the payment gateway.
Eligibility for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English is 10+2, or any individual without 10+2 but aged 20 years or above.
IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English. These Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the University website.
If an assignment fails, re-submission is required. However, once an assignment passes, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade. The Term-End Examinations (TEE) are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country and abroad. There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule.
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, effective from the January 2023 admission cycle. Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course, as of January 2026. For Indian students, an early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course, provided there is proof of selection for a post or further studies.
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 Creative Writing in English?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English is Rs. 4,000 for the minimum one-year duration, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount does not include the non-refundable Rs. 300 registration fee, the Rs. 400 University Development fee, or examination fees.
How many credits are in the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English has a total of 24 credits.
Which courses are compulsory in the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
The IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English includes two compulsory courses: DCE 1 General Principles of Writing (4 credits) and DCE 6 Guided Project Work (4 credits). Learners must complete these alongside four elective courses.
Does the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English have a project component?
Yes, the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English includes a compulsory project component. This is covered by the course DCE 6 Guided Project Work, which carries 4 credits.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English is 1 year. Learners have a maximum of 3 years to finish the programme from the date of admission.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
Alternatively, individuals without a 10+2 qualification can apply if they are 20 years of age or above.
Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before they can appear for the Term-End Examination for each course.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I choose digital study material?
Yes, learners can receive a 15% discount on the programme fee if they opt for soft copies of the study material instead of printed books.
How much is the examination fee per course for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
The examination fee for each theory course in the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English is Rs. 200. For the project component (DCE 6), the examination fee is Rs. 300, as it is up to 4 credits.
When are the Term-End Examinations held for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English?
Term-End Examinations for the IGNOU Diploma in Creative Writing in English are held twice a year, in June and December.