NCERT Launches Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling for 2026: Details and How to Apply

A Crucial Step for Student Mental Health: NCERT’s DCGC 2026

In a major move to address the increasing need for student support and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has officially announced admissions for its one-year Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) for the 2026 session. The NEP 2020 strongly emphasizes the need for well-trained counsellors and social workers to promote holistic development and address the mental health concerns of students.

The course aims to enhance the skills of educators to handle students' academic, socio-emotional, and ethical challenges, ultimately promoting their well-rounded development.

Who Can Apply for the DCGC?

This vital course is open to various professionals in the Indian education system. NCERT specifies three main target groups:

Eligibility Criteria

• In-service teachers: Graduates with a teaching degree.

• Candidates 'presently not working': Graduates with a teaching degree and at least two years of teaching or related experience.

• Postgraduates: Individuals with a postgraduate degree in psychology, education, social work, child development, or special education.

  • Note: Preference will be given to postgraduates who have at least one year of teaching or related experience.

For all applicants, the minimum percentage of marks is 50%, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates

Course Structure and Phasing

The DCGC is a one-year program that runs from January to December. It employs a unique blend of distance and face-to-face learning across three distinct phases:

1. Phase I: Guided Self-Learning (Distance) - This phase lasts six months (January–June 2026). During this time, tutorials will be organized at all study centres, and learners will be attached to mentors for clarification and help.

2. Phase II: Intensive Practicum (Face-to-Face) - This is a three-month contact program (July–September 2026) that provides intensive practical training and supervised field experience in schools. In-service candidates must ensure they have due permission from their employers to attend this full-time phase before taking admission.

3. Phase III: Internship - This final phase is for three months (October–December 2026) and involves an internship or 'on-the-job experience' in an actual job setting, such as schools or guidance agencies, typically in the candidate's home town.

   
   

Admission Centres and Capacity

Candidates from different regions of India will be admitted on a regional basis at six study centres:

• DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi

• Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer

• RIE, Bhopal

• RIE, Bhubaneswar

• RIE, Mysuru

• North East Regional Institute of Education (NERIE), Shillong

There is a maximum capacity of 50 candidates per study centre. Reservation will be applied as per the Government of India norms.

Application Details and Fees

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online only. Applications complete in all respects should be submitted by the deadline, mentioning clearly one of the study centres based on regional coverage.

Last Date for Submission of Online Application Form: 05th November, 2025.

Screening will be conducted by a committee, and shortlisted candidates will take a selection test that includes essay writing and an interview.

Course Fee

The course fee is determined by the category of the candidate:

• Government Deputed from Centrally Funded Organisations: Rs. 19,500/-.

• Government Deputed from State/UT departments: Rs. 6,000/-.

• Private candidates: Rs. 30,000/-.

Candidates must bear the expenditure for board and lodging during the contact program