DECE Course Fees Duration What you Learn
DECE Course Fees Duration What you Learn
DECE – Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education
- Full form: Diploma In Early Childhood Care And Education
- Level: Diploma from IGNOU (Govt. recognized)
- Duration: 1 year minimum, max 3-4 years allowed
- Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent, no age bar
- Age focus: Birth to 6 years – more focused on care, health, nutrition, early development.
- What you learn: Holistic development of young children, child growth, health & nutrition, organizing crèches, preschools, pre-primary classes
- Fees: IGNOU – Rs. 3,500 for whole course Private colleges charge up to Rs. 90,000
- Medium: English, Hindi & Tamil, and now Odia also – released in Bhubaneswar in Aug 2025 by Deputy CM Pravati Parida This is very useful for Anganwadi workers and preschool teachers in Odisha.
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NPTT vs DECE – Which to choose?
Point
NPTT
DECE (IGNOU)
Recognition
Private diploma, widely accepted in private schools
Govt. University (IGNOU), more value for Anganwadi, ICDS, govt jobs
Job Scope
Nursery Teacher, Primary Teacher (up to Class 5), Preschool in-charge, Curriculum planner
Anganwadi Worker/Supervisor, Crèche Manager, Preschool Teacher, NGO work, Early Childhood Educator
Teaching Range
3-10 years
0-6 years – deeper care focus
Best if you want
Private school job quickly
Govt. recognized certificate + want to work in early care, Odia medium available