IGNOU PGDCFT: Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply

Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 1 Year postgraduate diploma degree—extendable up to 3 Years. Conducted fully through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across counseling, family therapy, and mental health support.

IGNOU PGDCFT 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDCFT Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage specified.
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam (if any): No entrance test required.
• Other Requirements: None, though interest in counseling or social work is beneficial.

How To Apply for IGNOU PGDCFT Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.

Step 1: Review Course Details

• Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.
• Select Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy and check:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Programme fees
  • Duration
  • Study mode (distance)
• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.

Step 2: Register on the IGNOU Admission Portal

• Click “New Registration” in the applicant login area.
• Fill in the required personal details:
  • Username: 8–16 characters
  • Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters
  • Use your own active email address and mobile number.
• Click “Submit” — your username and password will be sent via SMS and email.
• Already registered? Click “Login” to continue.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Online Application Form

• Log in with your registered credentials.
• Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
• Upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format and size.
• Review all details carefully before final submission.
• Download/print the application form for future reference.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The registration/programme fee can be paid online through:

• Credit Card (Master/Visa)
• Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)
• Net Banking

Important Fee & Refund Rules

• Registration fee is non-refundable.
• Before admission confirmation: full programme fee refundable.
• After confirmation: 15% of the programme fee (max ₹2,000) will be deducted.
• No refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
• Students with fee exemption will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.

Note: DEB ID is mandatory for submission of application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.

Tip from past students: Apply early in the cycle (July–August) to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns. IGNOU’s online system works well on desktop but can be slow on mobile devices. Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive an email confirmation along with your student ID.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

IGNOU PGDCFT Fee Structure 2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy from IGNOU is INR 18,000, and the total fees range between INR 18,000 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy program offered by institutions like TISS, Amity University, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDCFT Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy syllabus is designed to provide comprehensive training in counseling and family therapy, covering theoretical foundations, practical skills, and supervised practicum. The program totals 36 credits, including theory courses, practicals, and an internship, equipping students to address family and individual mental health challenges.

• Key Features:
  • Focuses on counseling theories, family therapy techniques, and practical applications.
  • Includes supervised practicum and internship for hands-on experience.
  • Suitable for those pursuing careers in counseling and social work.

The syllabus for Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy covers core and elective subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge.

IGNOU PGDCFT Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy from IGNOU equips graduates with skills to provide professional counseling and family therapy services. Graduates can work in schools, hospitals, NGOs, or private practice, addressing mental health and family relationship issues in diverse settings.

• Career options: Family Therapist, School Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Counselor.
• Top recruiters: Schools (DPS, Kendriya Vidyalaya), hospitals (Apollo, Fortis), NGOs like Childline India, CRY, private counseling centers.
• Average salary: INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5-8 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 10-12 LPA in private practice or senior roles in reputed organizations.

FAQs about PGDCFT From IGNOU

1. Is PGDCFT from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT) from IGNOU is recognized by UGC and equivalent to conventional diplomas, valid for jobs and further studies.

2. What is the fee for the IGNOU PGDCFT course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDCFT is Rs. 18,000 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

3. Does IGNOU PGDCFT require an entrance exam?
   No, admission to IGNOU PGDCFT is merit-based; no entrance exam is required. Eligibility is based on a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

4. What is the duration of PGDCFT at IGNOU?
   The minimum duration for IGNOU PGDCFT is 1 year, extendable up to 3 years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDCFT from IGNOU?
   After PGDCFT, you can pursue roles like Family Therapist, School Counselor, or Mental Health Counselor in schools, hospitals, or NGOs.

6. How can I download the IGNOU PGDCFT syllabus PDF?
   Download the detailed PGDCFT syllabus from the IGNOU website under the School of Continuing Education or in the Common Prospectus 2026 at ignou.ac.in.