IGNOU CFN Admission: 2026
The IGNOU CFN Admission portal for the January 2026 session is now open. The Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN) is a flagship post-literacy level awareness programme offered by the School of Continuing Education (SOCE). It is designed to educate the general public on the vital role of nutrition in healthy living. You can apply for this 16-credit programme via the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal.
Last Updated: January 2026
Securing IGNOU CFN Admission is ideal for homemakers, health workers, and anyone interested in community welfare. The programme covers essential topics such as food selection, kitchen gardening, food safety, and nutritional needs across different life stages. It is famously accessible, requiring no formal educational background other than basic literacy.
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IGNOU CFN (Certificate in Food and Nutrition) Highlights
The CFN is a highly flexible 6-month certificate that focuses on the practical application of nutritional science in daily life.
| Aspect | Details |
| Programme Name | Certificate in Food and Nutrition |
| Programme Code | CFN |
| School | School of Continuing Education (SOCE) |
| Minimum Duration | 6 Months |
| Maximum Duration | 2 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English, Hindi, and 8 other Indian languages |
| Total Credits | 16 Credits |
Who Should Choose This Programme?
This certificate is ideal for community workers, parents, or homemakers who want to gain a deeper understanding of how nutrition impacts family and social health. It serves individuals who lack a formal science background but have a genuine interest in the relationship between balanced diets and disease prevention.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Many students enroll because the course material simplifies complex nutritional concepts into practical, everyday advice that can be applied immediately at home. The flexibility allows learners to study at their own pace while gaining foundational knowledge about food groups and sanitary preparation methods.
Where Does This Programme Help?
The curriculum is particularly beneficial for those working in grassroots health initiatives, school canteen management, or social welfare departments. It provides the necessary scientific vocabulary to communicate effectively about malnutrition and dietary habits within diverse community settings.
What Happens After Completing This Programme?
Graduates often feel more confident pursuing advanced diplomas in dietetics or volunteering for health awareness campaigns in their local areas. While it is an introductory course, it acts as a stepping stone for those looking to transition into the broader field of public health and wellness.
Programme Coordinator Details
For academic guidance or queries regarding regional study materials, students may contact the SOCE coordinator:
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Phone Number |
| Prof. Deeksha Kapur | deekshakapur@ignou.ac.in | 011-29536347 |
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 CFN Admission – Key Requirements
To complete your IGNOU CFN Admission for 2026, you will need to generate a DEB ID and ABC ID. The evaluation consists of Assignments (30%) and a Term-End Examination (70%). This programme is unique because it is offered in 10 languages, including Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, and Tamil, alongside English and Hindi.
IGNOU CFN Admission Last Date
The IGNOU CFN Admission for the January 2026 cycle is active. The final date for online applications is 31st January 2026. As this is a popular community-based course, students are encouraged to register early to ensure their study materials are dispatched promptly.
IGNOU CFN Eligibility Criteria
The IGNOU CFN Admission process is designed to be inclusive, removing traditional academic barriers:
- Educational Qualification: No formal qualification is required. Applicants only need basic reading and writing skills.
- Age Limit: Minimum age of 18 years as of the last date of admission.
- Target Group: Individuals, parents, and community workers interested in family health and nutrition.
IGNOU CFN Fees Structure
The fee for the CFN programme is highly affordable, ensuring that nutritional education reaches the grassroots level.
| Fee Component | Amount (for 2026 Session) |
| Full Programme Fee | Rs. 1,900 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 300 (One-time) |
| University Development Fee | Rs. 200 (One-time) |
| Total Payable at Admission | Rs. 2,400 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU CFN Admission
- Go to the IGNOU Admission Portal.
- Create your ABC ID / APAAR ID via the DigiLocker link (Mandatory for 2026).
- Register as a “New User” to get your login credentials.
- Select CFN from the programme list and provide your personal details.
- Upload scanned copies of your ID proof, Age proof (Birth Certificate/10th Marksheet), and Signature.
- Pay the total admission fee of Rs. 2,400 online.
- Download the IGNOU CFN Admission confirmation slip for your records.
CFN Course Structure
The 16 credits are divided into three theory courses covering the fundamentals of food, nutrition, and household economics.
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
| CFN-1 | You and Your Food | 6 |
| CFN-2 | Your Food and Its Utilization | 6 |
| CFN-3 | Economics of Food | 4 |
Career and Social Impact
Completing IGNOU CFN Admission offers potential for community-level roles and personal development:
- Community Health Volunteer: Supporting local health initiatives and nutrition awareness camps.
- Nutrition Aide: Assisting in school mid-day meal programmes or Anganwadi centres.
- Home Entrepreneur: Starting small-scale units in food preservation or healthy catering.
- Public Health Advocacy: Educating peers on food safety, consumer rights, and balanced diets.
🔗 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: Is 10th or 12th pass required for CFN?
No, there is no formal education requirement. If you are 18+ and can read and write, you are eligible for IGNOU CFN admission.
Q2: Can I study this course in my local language?
Yes, the CFN is one of the few IGNOU courses available in 10 Indian languages. You can select your medium during the application process.
Q3: Is there any exam fee?
While the admission fee covers the course material, you will need to pay a separate Term-End Examination (TEE) fee (usually Rs. 200 per paper) when you fill the exam form.