IGNOU Guide IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University · Delhi

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission

Updated 15 October 2026 Fact-checked by Palak Grover, B.Com student, IGNOU Courses & Fees 8 min read

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education is a one-year programme with a fee of Rs. 4,000 for the July 2026 session. Any candidate who has completed 10+2 or its equivalent is eligible to apply.

Detail Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE)
Programme code DNHE
School School of Continuing Education (SOCE)
Eligibility 10+2 or its equivalent
Medium English & Hindi
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 Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE): what the programme covers

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) programme requires 32 credits for completion. This diploma is offered in both ODL (Open and Distance Learning) and Online modes, providing opportunities to gain knowledge about nutrition and public health. The programme also enables learners to develop skills in communicating nutrition and health-related information to the community.

The programme’s structure includes a strong emphasis on practical application and project work. Practical Manuals accompany the course material, and Project Work is a vital component. The eGyanKosh study blocks for DNHE 3 cover areas such as “Nutrition and Health Status of the Community” and “Methods of Communication in Nutrition and Health Education.” Learners will also study “Themes and Messages in Nutrition and Health Education,” “Approaches in Nutrition and Health Education,” and “Community Strategies in Nutrition and Health Education,” concluding with “Nutrition Programmes.” The programme aims to develop a knowledge base in nutrition and public health.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) eligibility: who can apply

To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education, applicants must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. The School of Continuing Education (SOCE) offers the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education in both English and Hindi mediums.

Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) course fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 4,000 per year. The total programme fee for the minimum one-year duration is Rs. 4,000, excluding additional charges.

Learners pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission for the July 2026 session. These fees are along with the programme fee.

A 15% discount on the programme fee is available for learners who choose digital study materials instead of printed self-instructional study material. The eGyanKosh repository provides self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes. Learners apply fully online via the ODL admission portal, ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, for the July 2026 session. Payment modes include net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.

Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) 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 Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) duration and credits

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years.

The programme totals 32 credits.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) syllabus: semester-wise courses

The IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) programme has a total of 32 credits. This diploma provides opportunities to gain knowledge about nutrition and public health, and also helps learners develop skills in communicating nutrition and health-related information to the community. The programme is offered in both ODL and Online modes.

The syllabus for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education is structured around several courses, which include practicals and a project work. Practical Manuals accompany the course material. Project Work is a vital component of the programme, requiring significant effort from the learner.

The eGyanKosh study blocks for DNHE 3 cover a range of topics. These include 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, and Block 6: Nutrition Programmes.

Learners should note the credit weight of each course, as this indicates the expected study load. The programme aims to develop a knowledge base in areas of nutrition and public health, promote awareness about concepts and principles in communication, and develop skills for nutrition/health educators in the community.

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

Semester / group Courses Credits
Programme courses 4 courses 32

Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) Programme courses

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

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

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal

IGNOU offers admission to the Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) programme twice a year, in the January and July admission cycles. For the July 2026 cycle, applications are currently open on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.

To apply for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education for the July 2026 session, applicants must complete the process fully online. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. The total fees payable at admission for the July 2026 session include the programme fee of Rs. 4,000/- per year, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400.

Applicants should prepare the following documents before starting the online application:

  • A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
  • A soft copy of the relevant educational qualification (10+2 or its equivalent), under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
  • A soft copy of the category certificate (if SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.

Applicants are also told to keep their APAAR ID ready before applying. Payments can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.

IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education (DNHE) exams and assignments

Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education programme. Assignment responses must be written before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). Learners submit Tutor Marked Assignments to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre (July 2026). Assignments for the current session are available for download from the website (July 2026). 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 for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education are held twice a year, in June and December (July 2026). These examinations take place at centres across the country and abroad (July 2026). There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE). The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (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, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026).

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 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 the University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission.

What are the admission cycles for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

IGNOU offers admission to the Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education in two cycles each year: January and July. The current admission cycle on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.

Does the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education include practicals or project work?

Yes, the programme includes both practicals and a project. DNHE 4 is a dedicated 8-credit Project Work: Nutrition and Health Education, and practical manuals accompany the course material for other courses. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory.

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

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 each.

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

To be eligible for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education, a learner must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi medium.

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 complete all programme requirements.

Are assignments compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education?

Yes, assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre before taking the Term-End Examination for each course.

Can I opt for digital study material and get a fee discount?

Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of the self-learning material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. All self-learning material is also available on the eGyanKosh repository.

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

The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project work, the fee is Rs. 500 since DNHE 4 (Project Work) is above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.

Where can I find the study blocks for DNHE 3: Nutrition and Health Education?

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, Methods of Communication, and Community Strategies in Nutrition and Health Education.