The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced the commencement of admissions for the Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) for the 2026 academic session. This prestigious program aims to strengthen the professional competencies of teachers, school administrators, and educational personnel, equipping them to effectively address the rising need for mental health support, student well-being, and career guidance in schools across India.
The DCGC 2026 course blends distance learning and face-to-face training, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Interested candidates can apply online, with the last date to submit the application form being November 5, 2025.
Course Structure and Duration
The Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) is structured into three key phases spread across one year:
Phase I: Distance Learning (January–June 2026): Candidates will undergo a six-month distance learning module, focusing on the fundamentals of guidance, counselling techniques, and educational psychology.
Phase II: Face-to-Face Contact Programme (July–September 2026): A three-month in-person session will be conducted at designated NCERT study centres across India. During this phase, participants will engage in practical sessions, case studies, and peer discussions.
Phase III: Internship (October–December 2026): The course concludes with a three-month internship, allowing candidates to apply their learning in real-world settings at their hometown or workplace.
Eligibility Criteria
The DCGC 2026 course is open to:
- Teachers, teacher educators, school administrators, and untrained guidance personnel working in India.
- Postgraduates in disciplines such as Psychology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or Special Education.
Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of teaching or related experience. The minimum eligibility marks required are 50%, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates.
Fee Structure
The NCERT has set a differential fee structure based on the category of candidates:
- Central Government Deputed Candidates: ₹19,500
- State or UT Government Deputed Candidates: ₹6,000
- Private Candidates: ₹30,000
Participants will have to bear the cost of board and lodging during the contact programme. However, accommodation facilities will be provided for non-local candidates at the respective centres.
Study Centres and Admission Process
The Diploma in Guidance and Counselling will be conducted at the following NCERT regional centres:
- DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi
- Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Ajmer
- RIE, Bhopal
- RIE, Bhubaneswar
- RIE, Mysuru
- RIE, Shillong
Each centre will have a maximum intake of 50 candidates.
The selection process involves a screening of applications followed by a selection test, which includes essay writing and an interview. Candidates are required to attach self-attested copies of mark sheets, certificates, and work experience documents along with the application form.
Empowering Educators for Student Well-being
Through the Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, NCERT aims to equip educators with professional counselling skills to promote emotional resilience, address behavioural concerns, and support students’ academic and career development.
This initiative reflects NCERT’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive and student-centred education in alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
