The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) is a distance learning course offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This course is perfect for people who want to work with young children as teachers, helpers, or caregivers.
The DECE course helps learners understand how to take care of and teach young children. It teaches both theory (classroom learning) and practical skills (hands-on activities), so students are ready to work in the early education field. It is a one-year diploma program and is available in both English and Hindi languages. Students can choose the language they are most comfortable with.
This course is approved by the University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB), and it is recognized all over India. That means the diploma is valid for jobs and further studies across the country.
The Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education IGNOU admission process for the July 2025 session is expected to start in May 2025. The program does not require students to attend regular classes because it is a distance education program, which makes it a good choice for people who are working or cannot attend college in person. The ECCE form last date 2025 is expected to be in July 2025.
Latest Updates: IGNOU DECE Admission Last Date
- DECE IGNOU Admission July 2025 session started: May 2025
- IGNOU DECE Admission Last Date: July 2025 (Tentative)
- IGNOU DECE Re-registration Last Date: 30th June 2025
- Mode of Application: Online via https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
IGNOU DECE Course Highlights 2025
IGNOU is one of the largest open universities in the world, serving millions of students across India and abroad. The DECE program, launched by IGNOU’s School of Continuing Education, focuses on improving the quality of early childhood education. With its flexible mode and affordable fee structure, it is one of the most sought-after diploma courses in the education field.
The table below shows the highlights of DECE IGNOU admission 2025:
| Particulars | Details |
| University | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Course Name | Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) |
| Mode of Education | Distance Learning |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Approved by | UGC-DEB |
| ECCE IGNOU Admission Start Date | May 2025 (Tentative) |
| IGNOU Admission 2025 Last Date | July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU DECE Course Admission 2025
DECE IGNOU Admission for the July 2025 session will begin in May 2025. Interested candidates can apply online through the official IGNOU admission portal.
The entire admission process is done online, making it easy and convenient for applicants. Students must complete the registration, fill in the application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
It is important to apply before the last date. The IGNOU ECCE course admission 2025 last date is expected to be in July 2025.
The table below shows some important IGNOU DECE course details to help candidates complete the process smoothly.
| Events | Dates |
| Admission Starts | May 2025 (Tentative) |
| DECE IGNOU Admission Last Date | July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mode of Admission | Online |
| Admission Portal | https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in |
IGNOU DECE Course Fees & Eligibility
To apply for the DECE course at IGNOU, candidates must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board. This is the basic requirement for admission. There is no entrance exam for this course, so students do not need to appear for any test to get admission.
The DECE course is open to all students who meet the eligibility criteria. It is a good opportunity for those who want to learn about early childhood care and education.
The course helps students gain knowledge and practical skills for jobs in child care, preschools, and other related fields. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply online during the admission period without worrying about any entrance exam.
The table below gives details about the IGNOU ECCE course fees and eligibility criteria:
| Specialization | Total Fees (INR) | Eligibility |
| Early Childhood Care and Education (DECE) | 3,000 | Passed Class 12th from a recognized board. |
Note: Fees are subject to change as per university guidelines.
IGNOU DECE Course Application Process
The admission process for the DECE course at IGNOU is done fully online. To apply, students must first register on the IGNOU admission website. There is a non-refundable application fee of INR 300.
Students are advised to follow these steps for a smooth application process:
Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission portal at ignou.ac.in.
Step 2: Carefully go through all the program-related details, including eligibility criteria, fee structure, and other important admission guidelines.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and locate the notification for the January 2025-26 academic session.
Step 4: Click on the link labeled “Admission Link for ODL Programs”.
Step 5: A new page will open. Here begins the registration process.
Step 6: Choose “New Registration”, then fill in the necessary personal details to create a username and password (must be between 8 to 16 characters).
Step 7: Use your newly created login credentials to access the portal.
Step 8: Begin filling out the application form by entering your personal information in the designated fields.
Step 9: Provide additional personal details such as your parents’ names, occupations, and your residential address.
Step 10: Enter your academic background, including your 12th-grade school name, marks obtained, and other relevant educational details.
Step 11: Upload scanned copies of required documents such as your photograph, signature, category certificate, and any other applicable certificates. Ensure all files meet the specified format and size requirements.
Step 12: Pay the application fee of INR 300 to proceed.
Step 13: Review all entered information thoroughly, then submit the form to complete the first phase of the admission process.
Make sure all the information you enter is correct and is filled out before the DECE course last date. Keep a copy of the confirmation page and payment receipt for future use. This simple online process makes it easy to apply for the course from anywhere.
Documents Needed for IGNOU DECE Application 2025
Before beginning the application, candidates should prepare digital copies of all necessary documents. These must comply with specific size and format guidelines to be successfully uploaded. Key documents include:
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Signature on white blank paper
- Educational certificates and marksheets
- Category or reservation certificates (if applicable)
IGNOU DECE Course Placements 2025
IGNOU does not give direct job placements after the DECE course. However, the course helps students learn useful skills and practical training. These skills can help them find jobs in schools, day-care centres, and non-government organizations (NGOs).
After completing the DECE course, students can work as:
- Child Care Worker
- Preschool Teacher
- Child Development Specialist
- Early Learning Coordinator
- Social Worker
- Entrepreneur
With this training, DECE holders have better chances of getting jobs that match their skills and interests in early childhood care and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the duration of the DECE course?
The course duration of IGNOU DECE is one year. - What is the last date for DECE IGNOU Admission 2025?
The last date for DECE IGNOU Admission is expected to be in July 2025. - Is there an entrance test for DECE IGNOU admission?
No, there is no entrance test to take admission in DECE IGNOU.. - How much is the IGNOU DECE course fee?
The course fees of DECE IGNOU is INR 3000. - Can I apply online for the DECE course?
Yes, the application is completely online. - Is the DECE course recognized?
Yes, the DECE IGNOU has been approved by UGC-DEB. - Can I pursue DECE while working?
Yes, it is a distance learning program suitable for working individuals.