About IGNOU DWED – Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development
This course teaches you how to plan and run projects that help women improve their lives and gain more power in their communities. You will learn about legal rights, how to start small businesses, and ways to make sure women get fair treatment in government schemes and private jobs.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you are already working with a local NGO or want to start a career in social work, this course is a great fit. It is perfect for people who want to become field officers or community leaders but need a formal certificate to prove their knowledge. Many students who take this course are also looking to work in government offices that handle women’s welfare and child development programmes.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students choose this because it is very cheap compared to similar courses at private colleges and lets you study while you keep your regular job. Since IGNOU is a central university, the certificate is accepted everywhere in India for government and private job applications. It gives you the specific tools to talk about women’s rights and development with actual facts and legal knowledge.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After finishing the course, you can look for work in places like the Ministry of Women and Child Development, state social welfare boards, or international groups like UNICEF and CARE. You can get jobs as a Project Assistant, Gender Trainer, Social Worker, or Health Coordinator. It also helps if you want to work in the CSR department of big companies like Tata or Reliance that run village development projects.
IGNOU DWED (Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development) Highlights
The following table provides a quick look at the basic requirements and duration for the DWED course. This information helps students understand if they can manage the course alongside their other responsibilities.
| Programme Name | Diploma in Women’s Empowerment and Development |
| Programme Code | DWED |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or its equivalent or BPP from IGNOU |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Hindi |
| Offering School | School of Gender and Development Studies |
IGNOU DWED Admission – Important Details
To get your IGNOU DWED Admission 2026, you need to know that the university accepts students twice a year. You will have to choose a Study Centre where you can go for weekend classes and submit your handwritten assignments. These assignments are very important because they carry weight in your final marks. The university will send you books by post, but you can also download them for free from the eGyanKosh website to start reading early.
IGNOU DWED Admission Last Date 2026
For the January 2026 session, the last date for registration is typically February 28. For the July 2026 session, the deadline is usually July 31. These dates are often extended by a few weeks, so you should keep checking the Samarth Portal for the latest updates. It is best to apply early to ensure your study material arrives on time.
IGNOU DWED Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this diploma, you must meet the following simple requirements:
- Successful completion of 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognized board.
- Alternatively, candidates who have passed the Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme (BPP) from IGNOU are eligible.
- There is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply for this programme.
- Students from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) can join the course.
IGNOU DWED Fees Structure 2026
The fee for the course is very affordable. You must pay the full amount online during the admission process.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Total Programme Fee | 3,600/- |
| Registration Fee | 300/- (As applicable) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU DWED Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a username and password using your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the application form carefully and select DWED from the programme list.
- Select a Regional Centre and a Study Centre near your home or workplace.
- Upload required documents like your 10th and 12th certificates, photo, and signature.
- Pay the fees online using a Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Save and print your application form and payment receipt for your records.
IGNOU DWED Curriculum and Course Structure
The course is divided into four main subjects. You have to earn a total of 32 credits to get your diploma. Each subject focuses on a different part of women’s progress in society and the economy.
| Year / Semester | Core Subjects |
| One Year | BWED-001: Empowerment of Women |
| One Year | BWED-002: Gender and Development |
| One Year | BWED-003: Women and Economic Empowerment |
| One Year | BWED-004: Strategies for Women’s Empowerment |
IGNOU DWED Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Gender and Development Studies.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Contact Number |
| Prof. Nilima Srivastav | nilimasrivastav@ignou.ac.in | Check official IGNOU website for current details. |
| Dr. G. Uma | guma@ignou.ac.in | Check official IGNOU website for current details. |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU DWED
Once you finish this diploma, you can apply for jobs in several sectors. You can work as a Community Organizer for local village councils or as a Welfare Officer in government departments. Many NGOs like PRADAN, SEWA, or Child Rights and You (CRY) look for people with this specific diploma to help lead their women’s groups. You can also find work in hospitals as a social counselor or in schools as a gender sensitisation trainer. 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 DWED students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU DWED 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.
Official IGNOU Links
Join IGNOUED Community
Official IGNOU updates, admissions, assignments, results and guidance.
✔ Last updated: April 2026
