NCERT launches 40-week online diploma for classes 6–8 science teachers: Apply online by this date

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced a 40-week online diploma course for teachers handling science at the middle school level (Classes 6 to 8). The programme, titled Diploma Course in Teaching of Science at Middle Stage, will be conducted through the NCERTX online platform, with registrations open till December 28, 2025.

According to NCERT, the course will run from December 29, 2025, to October 18, 2026, and is aimed at in-service teachers currently engaged in classroom teaching. The fully online format requires a weekly commitment of 6 to 8 hours. Applicants are required to pay a registration fee of Rs 2,000, and those completing all academic requirements will be issued an e-certificate by NCERT.

Registration details, fee and course timeline

Teachers interested in enrolling in the diploma programme must apply online through ncertx.in before the closing date.

Check major registration details below:

• Last date to apply: December 28, 2025
• Course start date: December 29, 2025
• Course end date: October 18, 2026
• Duration: 40 weeks
• Mode: Fully online
• Registration fee: Rs 2,000 (non-refundable)
• Direct link to apply for the course: Click here

The course is structured to require 6 to 8 hours of engagement per week, allowing working teachers to balance professional responsibilities with academic learning.

Who the course is meant for

The diploma programme is primarily aimed at in-service science teachers teaching at the middle stage (Classes 6–8) across schools following the NCERT curriculum.

According to NCERT, the course seeks to address long-standing gaps in concept clarity, inquiry-based teaching and assessment practices at the middle school level, a stage considered critical for building students’ scientific temper.

Teachers from both government and private schools who are currently handling science at the middle stage are eligible to apply.

Course structure and syllabus overview

The 40-week programme integrates science content knowledge with pedagogy, focusing on how students learn science and how teachers can translate concepts effectively in classrooms.

Major syllabus components include:

• Foundations of science teaching
• Nature of science
• How children learn science
• Engaging learners in classrooms
• Teaching–learning strategies
• Assessment in science
• Physical sciences
• Motion and force
• Energy, heat and temperature
• Light, electricity and magnetism
• Physical and chemical changes
• Chemical concepts
• Acids, bases and salts
• Metals and non-metals
• Particle nature of matter
• Life and environmental sciences
• Cells and microorganisms
• Photosynthesis
• Human body systems
• Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Human–nature interaction

The curriculum places emphasis on conceptual understanding, classroom experiments, and application-based learning rather than rote instruction.

Assessment and certification details

Participants will be assessed through module-wise evaluations and a final assessment. Teachers who successfully complete all academic requirements will be awarded an NCERT e-certificate.

NCERT officials have stated that the programme is intended to help teachers:

• Improve classroom transaction of science concepts
• Promote critical thinking and inquiry among students
• Align teaching practices with contemporary learning outcomes

The course materials will remain accessible throughout the programme duration, enabling teachers to directly apply learning outcomes in their classrooms while the course is underway.
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