NCERT announces one-year guidance and counselling course for 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced admissions for its one-year Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling for the year 2026, designed to build professional competence among teachers, administrators, and educators. The programme will be conducted in a blended learning mode, integrating both distance and face-to-face learning components.

According to the official notification, the course will be implemented in three structured phases. The first phase, spanning January to June 2026, will involve a six-month distance learning module. This will be followed by a three-month contact programme at designated regional centres from July to September 2026, and a final three-month internship in the participant’s own locality or workplace from October to December 2026.

Eligibility and Fee Structure

The programme is open to teachers, administrators, teacher educators, and untrained guidance personnel who wish to enhance their professional skills. Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Child Development, or Special Education with at least 50% marks. A relaxation of 5% in marks will be applicable for SC/ST candidates. Preference will be given to those with a minimum of one year’s experience in teaching or related fields.

The course fee has been fixed at Rs 19,500 for central government deputed candidates, Rs 6,000 for state or UT government deputed candidates, and Rs 30,000 for private applicants. Participants will bear their own accommodation and meal expenses during the contact programme, though hostel facilities will be provided for non-local candidates.

Centres and Selection Process

The course will be offered at DEPFE, NCERT (New Delhi) and at the Regional Institutes of Education in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong, with 50 seats available at each centre. Selection will be carried out through a three-step process — screening of applications, a written test (essay writing), and an interview.Interested candidates can apply online and access complete details on the official NCERT website — ncert.nic.in. The last date for submission of applications is November 5, 2025.