The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has started admissions for its Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling (DCGC) for the 2026 academic session. Aimed at enhancing the professional competencies of teachers, school administrators, and educational personnel, the course is designed to address the growing need for mental health and career guidance in schools across India. The course will combine both distance and face-to-face modes of education. For the online application form and other details about the course, candidates have to visit-ncert.nic.in- with the last date for submission of the online application form being November 5. The course will be conducted in three phases: a six-month distance learning period from January to June 2026, followed by a three-month face-to-face contact programme at designated study centres from July to September 2026, and concluding with a three-month internship at the participant’s hometown or workplace from October to December 2026. Who can apply? Teachers, teacher educators, school administrators and untrained guidance personnel from India are eligible to apply for this diploma course by the Council. Postgraduates in psychology /education /social work/child development/special education. Preference will be given to those with at least one year of teaching or related experience, as mentioned in the brochure. The minimum percentage of marks for all target groups is 50 per cent, with 5 per cent relaxation for SC Fee Those candidates who are government deputed from the central government-funded organisations have to pay Rs 19,500. The government deputed from state or UT departments have to pay Rs 6,000; on the other hand, private candidates have to pay Rs 30,000. The expenditure for board and lodging during the contact programme will have to be borne by the candidates. However, facilities for the same will be available for non-local candidates. Admission to eligible candidates will be offered at DEPFE, NCERT, New Delhi and the regional institutes of education at Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong. The maximum intake for the course per centre is 50. Screening of candidates will be done by a committee following a selection criterion. Shortlisted candidates will take a selection test, which includes essay writing and an interview. Self-attested copies of marks/grade sheets/degrees/certificates in support of the qualifications and work experience mentioned in the application form should be attached.
