IGNOU Opens PGDECFE Admissions – Check Eligibility, Duration & Age Limit

New Delhi, 30 June 2025: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started admissions for a new course called the Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood and Foundational Stage Education (PGDECFE). This program is specially for teachers, educators, and professionals who work with young children from birth up to 8 years of age. It covers preschool, pre-primary, and early primary grades (Class 1 and 2). IGNOU offers the course online and teaches it in English. Applicants can apply for IGNOU PGDECFE program by visiting the official website of the university ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. 

To apply for this diploma program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university. There is no age limit, which means anyone, whether a fresh graduate or a working professional, can join the course. The minimum duration of the program is 1 year, and students are allowed up to 3 years to complete it, making it very flexible and convenient.

This diploma focuses on giving teachers the right knowledge and skills to teach and care for young children. It includes topics such as child development, play-based learning, and how to plan and evaluate early childhood programs. IGNOU has designed the program in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy highlights the importance of early childhood care and education.

The PGDECFE program includes core subjects focused on early childhood education. These include “Development of the Child: Birth to Eight Years” and “Curriculum and Pedagogy for Early Years and Foundational Stage Education.” Each of these subjects carries 6 credits. These subjects will help students to understand how children grow and learn, and how to plan age-appropriate teaching activities.

The total fee for the program is around INR 10,800 (for Indian students), which is affordable compared to many other professional courses. Students will also need to pay exam fees separately. 

This course is a part of the ongoing IGNOU Admission 2025 for the July session. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to build or grow a career in early childhood education. It applies to roles in schools, pre-schools, daycare centres, or even curriculum development.