The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) offers a Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) to train teachers and other eligible professionals in guidance and counselling practices. The programme combines distance learning, face-to-face practical training and an internship, providing learners with both theoretical knowledge and supervised practical experience.
The Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education (DEPFE), NCERT, New Delhi, along with NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) at Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong, offers the course. The NCERT DCGC 2026–27 course will run from January to December 2027, with admissions conducted through an application screening and selection process.
NCERT DCGC 2026–27: Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) |
| Conducting Department | Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education (DEPFE), NCERT |
| Course Duration | 1 year |
| Course Period | January to December 2027 |
| Course Mode | Distance learning + face-to-face contact programme + internship |
| Phases | Guided Self-learning, Intensive Practicum and Internship |
| Seats | Up to 50 candidates per study center |
| Study Centers | DEPFE, NCERT New Delhi; RIE Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong |
| Medium of Instruction | Hindi and English |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Screening, selection test, essay writing and interview |
| Application Deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Course Fee | Rs 6,000 to Rs 30,000, depending on candidate category |
About the Course, Duration & Number of Seats
The NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) is a one-year programme running from January to December 2027. The course is divided into three phases, combining distance learning with face-to-face practical training and an internship.
| Phase | Duration | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I: Guided Self-Learning | 6 months | Distance |
| Phase II: Intensive Practicum | 3 months | Face-to-face |
| Phase III: Internship | 3 months | In the candidate’s hometown |
- During the distance-learning phase, NCERT will organize tutorials at the study centres, with mentors supporting learners in small groups for academic guidance and clarification of doubts. NCERT will also provide audio-video programmes related to practical work.
- The three-month face-to-face contact programme focuses on intensive practical training and supervised field experience in schools. For in-service candidates, attendance in this full-time phase requires prior permission from their employers.
- Candidates undertake a three-month internship in a school, guidance agency or other guidance institution in their home town/country, under the supervision of an expert.
The programme is offered at six study centers:
- DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi
- RIE Ajmer
- RIE Bhopal
- RIE Bhubaneswar
- RIE Mysuru
- RIE Shillong
The maximum intake is 50 candidates at each study center. Reservation of seats will be applicable as per Government of India norms.
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NCERT DCGC Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements vary according to the candidate’s background. NCERT’s Information Brochure specifies the following categories:
- For In-Service Teachers: Candidates must be graduates with a teaching degree.
- For Candidates Presently Not Working: Candidates who are not currently working must have the following:
- Graduation with a teaching degree; and
- At least two years of teaching or related experience.
- For Postgraduates: Candidates who have completed their postgraduate studies in the following disciplines can apply: Psychology / Education / Social Work / Child Development / Special Education. Preference will be given to candidates with at least one year of teaching or related experience.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates from all the groups must have secured at least 50% marks. A 5% relaxation in the minimum marks requirement is applicable to SC/ST candidates.
NCERT DCGC Method of Selection
Admission to the NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling is based on screening and selection of eligible candidates. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and other applicable criteria are shortlisted for the next stage of the admission process.
Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for a selection test, which consists of:
- Essay writing
- Interview
In-service candidates who are found eligible must obtain prior permission from their employers to appear for the offline selection test. NCERT’s decision regarding admission will be final.
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NCERT DCGC Admission Process and Fee
Candidates seeking admission to the Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling must complete the prescribed online application form available through the NCERT website.
Steps to Apply
The admission process broadly involves the following steps:
- Check eligibility: Candidates should ensure that they meet the prescribed academic qualifications, marks, and experience requirements.
- Complete the online application: Candidates must fill out the application form online and indicate the appropriate study centre based on the regional allocation.
- Upload supporting documents: Candidates must attach self-attested copies of marks/grade sheets, degrees, certificates, and documents supporting their claimed work experience with the application.
- Application screening: NCERT screens applications according to the eligibility and other selection criteria.
- Appear for the selection test: Shortlisted candidates must take the selection test, which comprises essay writing and an interview.
- Admission: Candidates selected through the process can proceed with admission after completing the required formalities and paying the applicable course fee.
Candidates must submit their applications online only. NCERT will not accept applications submitted directly to the department or through email. It sorts applications and sends them to the respective regional study centres according to the Diploma’s rules.
NCERT DCGC Course Fee
The course fee varies according to the candidate’s category:
| Candidate Category | Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government-deputed candidates from centrally funded organizations (India) | Rs. 19,500 |
| Government-deputed candidates from State/UT departments (India) | Rs. 6,000 |
| Private candidates (India) | Rs. 30,000 |
Candidates must pay the course fee before the course begins.
Boarding and Lodging Expenses
The course fee does not cover expenses for boarding, lodging or medical aid, if required, during the face-to-face contact programme. These expenses are to be borne by the candidates.
For the DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi center, non-local candidates can request accommodation at the PG Hostel on the NCERT campus, subject to availability and the applicable rates.
As specified in the Information Brochure, the approximate charges for three months, excluding tax, are:
- Accommodation: Rs. 30,000
- Meals: Rs. 30,000
These rates are subject to revision. Candidates may also make their own arrangements for boarding and lodging.
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Important Dates & Other Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Submit the Application | 6 November 2026 |
Other Important Details
- DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi, and NCERT’s Regional Institutes of Education at Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong offer the course.
- NCERT will give preference to government-deputed candidates during admission.
- Candidates must attach self-attested copies of documents supporting their educational qualifications and work experience with the application.
- In-service candidates must obtain the required permission from their employers for the full-time face-to-face contact programme and, if eligible, for appearing in the offline selection test.
- Reservations will be applicable according to Government of India norms.
- The face-to-face contact programme includes intensive practical training and supervised field experience.
- Candidates undertake a three-month internship in a school, guidance agency or other guidance institution under expert supervision.
- The diploma is awarded after candidates successfully complete the requirements of all three phases and attain the required level of proficiency.
- NCERT has stated that its decision regarding admission will be final.
- Candidates must submit applications online only. NCERT will not accept applications submitted directly to the department or through email.
Need More Help?
If you need further guidance regarding the programme or you need information regarding other psychology entrance exams, you can reach out to UPS Education for assistance.
Contact No.: +91-9990717772
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling?
The NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) is a one-year programme designed to train teachers, teacher educators, school administrators and other eligible personnel in guidance and counselling practices for schools and related settings.
2. Is the NCERT DCGC course completely online?
No. The programme combines distance learning, face-to-face practical training and an internship. Candidates attend the three-month contact programme at their respective study centre.
3. Who is eligible for the NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling?
In-service graduates with a teaching degree; graduates with a teaching degree and at least two years of teaching or related experience who are presently not working; and postgraduates in psychology, education, social work, child development, or special education can apply, subject to the prescribed requirements.
4. What is the minimum percentage required for NCERT DCGC?
Candidates must have at least 50% marks. A 5% relaxation is applicable to SC/ST candidates.
5. What is the selection process for NCERT DCGC?
NCERT screens eligible applications, and shortlisted candidates then appear for a selection test. The selection test includes essay writing and an interview.
6. Is there an entrance exam for the NCERT DCGC?
NCERT refers to the admission process as a selection test. The available admission information specifies essay writing and an interview as its components but does not provide a detailed written-exam pattern.
7. What is the fee for the NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling?
The course fee is Rs 19,500 for government-deputed candidates from centrally funded organizations, Rs 6,000 for government-deputed candidates from State/UT departments, and Rs 30,000 for private candidates.
8. What are the study centers for NCERT DCGC?
The six study centers are DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi, and the Regional Institutes of Education at Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong.
9. Does the NCERT DCGC include an internship?
Yes. The third phase of the programme is a three-month internship in a school, guidance agency or other guidance institution in the candidate’s home town/country, under the supervision of an expert.
