IGNOU CCH Admission: 2026
The IGNOU CCH Admission process for 2026 is designed specifically for nursing and Ayurveda professionals aiming to strengthen the primary healthcare delivery system. This 6-month certificate programme, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focuses on improving the clinical skills and public health competencies of healthcare providers at the grassroots level. Prospective candidates can check official updates on the IGNOU Official Website to stay informed about the latest session details.
Last Updated: January 2026
Securing IGNOU CCH Admission allows students to gain specialized knowledge in maternal health, child health, and adolescent healthcare services. The programme is a mandatory requirement for those seeking to work as Community Health Officers (CHOs) in Health and Wellness Centers across various states. It bridges the gap between traditional medical education and the practical requirements of community-based healthcare management in rural India.
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IGNOU CCH (Certificate in Community Health) Highlights
The Certificate in Community Health (CCH) is a highly specialized professional development programme. It is offered through the School of Health Sciences (SOHS) at IGNOU and follows a rigorous practical and theory-based training model.
| Programme Name | Certificate in Community Health (CCH) |
| Minimum Duration | 6 Months |
| Maximum Duration | 2 Years |
| Course Fee | INR 15,000 (Subject to change) |
| Minimum Age | No bar |
| Maximum Age | No bar |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
Who Should Choose This Programme?
This certificate is designed specifically for registered nursing professionals and Ayurveda practitioners who intend to serve at the grassroots level. It suits those committed to working within the primary healthcare system to bridge the gap between rural communities and formal medical institutions.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students enroll because this qualification is often a mandatory requirement for being posted as a Community Health Officer in Health and Wellness Centers. The curriculum provides practical exposure to public health management that is frequently missing from standard clinical training pipelines.
Where Does This Programme Help?
The training proves invaluable when managing maternal and child health services or implementing national health programmes in under-resourced areas. It builds the necessary confidence to handle outpatient care and emergency referrals independently in rural sub-centers.
What Happens After Completing This Programme?
Completing this course allows healthcare workers to transition into leadership roles within community settings, focusing on preventive rather than just curative care. Graduates typically find themselves better equipped to manage local health teams and improve overall health outcomes in their assigned regions.
Programme Coordinator Details
The programme is managed by expert faculty members from the School of Health Sciences. Students can contact the coordinators for academic queries or specific guidance regarding the practical training components of the curriculum.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Department |
| Prof. Pity Koul | pkoul@ignou.ac.in | School of Health Sciences (SOHS) |
| Dr. Reeta Devi | reetadevi@ignou.ac.in | School of Health Sciences (SOHS) |
Programme Coordinator details mentioned above are based on information published in the official IGNOU Prospectus and are provided here only for general reference. IGNOUED is an independent educational information platform and does not represent Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, students are encouraged to refer directly to the official IGNOU prospectus or website.
IGNOU CCH Admission – Important Details
Prospective applicants should note that IGNOU CCH Admission is often conducted through a sponsorship model by State Health Societies (NHM). While individual applications may be processed in specific cycles, the majority of seats are allocated to candidates nominated by the government to serve as Community Health Officers. It is essential to verify the current admission cycle status directly through the regional center or the national portal.
IGNOU CCH Admission Last Date
The deadline for IGNOU CCH Admission typically aligns with the January and July academic cycles. However, because this is a professional certification linked to the National Health Mission, dates may vary based on state-specific recruitment drives. Candidates are advised to monitor the official Samarth portal for the most accurate and up-to-date deadline announcements for the current 2026 session.
IGNOU CCH Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for IGNOU CCH Admission, candidates must meet specific professional educational requirements. The eligibility is generally restricted to Integrated GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery), B.Sc. Nursing, or Ayurveda Practitioners (BAMS). Some states may have additional criteria regarding registration with the respective Nursing or AYURVEDA Councils. This ensures that all students have a foundational medical background before entering the community health specialization.
IGNOU CCH Fees Structure
The fee structure for the CCH programme is competitive, designed to be accessible for working healthcare professionals. In many cases, if the candidate is sponsored by the National Health Mission, the fees may be covered by the sponsoring authority.
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
| Registration Fee | INR 300 |
| Programme Fee | INR 15,000 |
| Total Fee | INR 15,300 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU CCH Admission
- Visit the official admission portal at https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/.
- Click on the “New Registration” button and provide your basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
- Login using your newly created credentials to access the IGNOU CCH Admission application form.
- Select “Certificate in Community Health (CCH)” from the programme list and choose your preferred Regional Centre.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including professional nursing/BAMS certificates and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee through the integrated online payment gateway using credit/debit card or net banking.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the application for future reference.
CCH Curriculum and Course Structure
The curriculum is divided into theory and practical components, totaling 22 credits. The courses are designed to provide a holistic understanding of community health management and clinical protocols.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
| BNS-041 | Foundations of Community Health | 8 Credits |
| BNS-042 | Primary Health Care in Common Conditions | 8 Credits |
| BNSL-043 | Public Health and Primary Health Care Skills | 6 Credits |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU CCH Admission
Completing the IGNOU CCH Admission and successfully passing the examination opens significant career pathways within the public health sector. The primary role for graduates is that of a Community Health Officer (CHO) at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers. These professionals play a vital role in providing primary care, implementing national health programmes, and conducting community outreach. Additionally, this certification enhances the resume of nursing professionals seeking roles in public health administration or NGO-led rural health initiatives.
🔗 Also Read
These related pages provide additional clarity on syllabus structure, study resources, and assignment guidelines associated with this programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary objective of IGNOU CCH Admission?
The primary objective is to train healthcare professionals (Nursing/BAMS) to function effectively as Community Health Officers in rural settings.
Q2: Is IGNOU CCH Admission open to private candidates?
While the programme is primarily for NHM-sponsored candidates, individual eligibility can be checked on the Samarth portal during active admission cycles.
Q3: What is the validity of the certificate after IGNOU CCH Admission?
The certificate is highly recognized by State Health Societies across India and is a standard requirement for CHO recruitments under the National Health Mission.
Q4: Can I complete the IGNOU CCH Admission process offline?
No, IGNOU has moved most of its registration processes online. You must apply through the official Samarth admission portal.
Q5: What are the passing marks for the programme after IGNOU CCH Admission?
Students must secure the minimum prescribed percentage in both the theory assignments and the term-end examinations, as well as the practical components.