About IGNOU CGHC – Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care
This course teaches you how to look after elderly people by understanding their specific medical, physical, and emotional needs. It prepares students for professional caregiving roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences where specialized support for seniors is required.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you are a health worker, a volunteer, or someone currently caring for an elderly family member and want to learn professional medical support skills, this course is for you. It is perfect for people living in smaller towns who want to get a university-certified qualification to start working as a professional geriatric caregiver or nursing assistant. You don’t need a medical degree to start; you just need a desire to help the aging population live a better, more comfortable life.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this because it is much more affordable than private health care certifications and is recognized by the government. The schedule is flexible, so you can keep working your current job while you study the theory materials at home. It also includes a very important practical training phase in local hospitals, which gives you real-world experience that private online courses usually lack.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After completing the Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care, you can find work in several healthcare settings. Graduates typically work as Geriatric Care Assistants, Home Health Aides, or Patient Care Coordinators at organizations like Max Healthcare, Apollo HomeCare, old age homes, or community health centers. It is also very helpful for people looking to join NGOs that focus on senior citizen welfare and rural health missions.
IGNOU CGHC (Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care) Highlights
The table below provides a quick summary of the CGHC programme structure. This is essential for students planning their academic schedule for the 2026 session.
| Programme Name | Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care |
| Programme Code | CGHC |
| Minimum Duration | 6 Months |
| Maximum Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | Check official IGNOU website for current details. |
| Medium of Instruction | Check official IGNOU website for current details. |
| Offering School | School of Health Sciences |
IGNOU CGHC Admission – Important Details
The IGNOU CGHC Admission process involves both theoretical learning and clinical postings. Once you are enrolled, you will be assigned a Study Centre where you will submit your assignments and attend practical counseling sessions. It is important to stay in touch with your Learner Support Centre (LSC) to know when the clinical training begins in local hospitals. All students must complete the mandatory 14 credits of practical work to get the final certificate.
IGNOU CGHC Admission Last Date 2026
For the January session, the last date for IGNOU CGHC Admission is typically February 28, 2026. For the July session, the application window usually closes on July 31, 2026. Always check the Samarth Portal for the most recent extension notices, as the university often gives students extra time to complete their registration.
IGNOU CGHC Eligibility Criteria
To secure admission in this certificate programme, candidates must meet the following requirements as per the official university guidelines:
- Check official IGNOU website for current details.
IGNOU CGHC Fees Structure 2026
The total fee for the Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care must be paid at the time of admission. Please note that an additional registration fee may apply for new students.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Programme Fee | Check official IGNOU website for current details. |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU CGHC Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a unique username and password for your admission account.
- Log in and fill out the application form — select CGHC from the programme list.
- Select a Regional Centre and a Study Centre that is near your home or workplace.
- Upload required documents: your latest photo, signature, and educational certificates.
- Pay the admission fees online using a Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI.
- Save and print your application form and the payment receipt for future use.
IGNOU CGHC Curriculum and Course Structure
The CGHC curriculum is divided into theory and practical components. You will earn a total of 20 credits, where 6 credits come from theory and 14 credits come from intensive clinical and community postings. This ensures you spend more time learning the actual work of caregiving than just reading books.
| Year / Semester | Core Subjects |
| 1st Year (Theory) | BHT106: Assessment and Support for older persons |
| 1st Year (Theory) | BHT107: Management of Health Care of older persons |
| 1st Year (Practical) | BHTL108: Assessment and Management of Problems in older persons |
| 1st Year (Practical) | BHTL109: Care for older person in Community and Health Care Institutions |
IGNOU CGHC Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Health Sciences.
For academic guidance, contact your nearest IGNOU Regional Centre or visit ignou.ac.in.
Career Opportunities After IGNOU CGHC
Once you finish this course, you can apply for jobs in private hospitals as a nursing assistant or a geriatric care aide. Many families now hire professional caregivers to stay with elderly patients at home, which offers good daily wages. You can also work with government-funded health projects or NGOs like HelpAge India that serve the elderly. This certificate acts as a valid proof of your skills in the healthcare industry across India.
The degree is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is equivalent to any regular university degree of the same level.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Admission details for the 2026 session will be updated after IGNOU releases the official notification. Always verify fees, dates, and eligibility at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in before applying.
Also Read
More resources for CGHC students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU CGHC Admission
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Fee amounts, eligibility criteria, and admission dates are subject to change. Always verify current details at ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
