IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) Syllabus 2026: Year-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) syllabus structure: 32 credits
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) programme has a total of 32 credits. This diploma is offered through the School of Continuing Education (SOCE). The programme is structured across four courses, each carrying 8 credits.
The DECE programme has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. The programme fee for the full minimum duration is Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. The syllabus includes 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. DECE 4 is a Project Work component. The Project Work requires learners to identify a preschool centre that follows a play-based pedagogy and organize play activities for 30 working days.
Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 4 courses | 32 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) 1st year subjects: Organizing Child Care Services, Child Health and Nutrition
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) first year includes four core courses, each carrying 8 credits. These courses cover foundational aspects of child care, health, and development. DECE 1, “Organizing Child Care Services,” and DECE 2, “Child Health and Nutrition,” are two of these 8-credit courses.
The first year also includes DECE 3, “Services and Programmes for Children,” and DECE 4, “Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting.” DECE 4 is a project-based course, requiring practical engagement in a child care setting. This project component is the heaviest workload, connecting the theoretical knowledge from courses like DECE 1 and DECE 2 with practical application.
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) 1st year: courses and credits
| 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 |
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education assesses learners through assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments are compulsory for all courses. Learners must submit assignment responses before they can appear for the Term-End Examination.
Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) are submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted. Once an assignment is passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as per the December 2026 TEE schedule. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For Project Work, the fee is Rs. 500, as DECE 4 Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting carries 8 credits.
Learners may write their exam in Hindi even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. Project Work is a vital component of the programme. Learners must undertake original Project Work; copied Project Work or work bought from the market will be rejected.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education (DECE) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) provides study material in both printed and digital formats. The self-learning material for over 384 programmes, including the DECE, is also available on the eGyanKosh repository.
The DECE syllabus is available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Oria mediums. Learners can find assignments for the current session on the IGNOU website for download. These assignments are compulsory and must be submitted to the Coordinator of the Learner Support Centre before taking the Term-End Examination.
The programme includes four courses, each carrying 8 credits, for a total of 32 credits. DECE 4 is a Project Work component, requiring original work with young children in a child care setting. Counselling sessions are held as per the schedule drawn up by the Learner Support Centre to support learners through the programme.
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 Early Childhood Care & 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 Early Childhood Care & Education involve project work?
DECE 4, titled 'Project Work: Working with Young Children in a Child Care Setting', is the project component of the programme. This course carries 8 credits and requires learners to identify a preschool centre for 30 working days of activities.
How many credits does the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education have in total?
The IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education has a total of 32 credits.
Can I study the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education in Hindi?
Yes, the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education is available in Hindi. It is also offered in English, Tamil, and Oria mediums, providing flexibility for learners.
What is the minimum and maximum duration 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 duration of three years to finish the programme from their admission date.
What is the eligibility criteria 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 primary academic requirement for admission to the programme.
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 write and submit their assignment responses before they can appear for the Term-End Examination for each course.
What is the fee for the Term-End Examination for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the Term-End Examination. For project work, which is DECE 4, the fee is Rs. 500 since it is above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Where can I find the study materials for the IGNOU Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education?
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book.
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 ones receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available at the time of admission, as per the July 2026 prospectus.