The National Council of Educational Research and Training has announced a 40-week online diploma programme in the teaching of science for middle-stage teachers, with registrations for the 2026-27 batch opening on October 12.

The Diploma Course in Teaching of Science at Middle Stage is designed for teachers handling science classes from Class 6 to Class 8. Candidates can enrol until November 12 through the NCERTX online learning platform at ncertx.in. Teaching begins on November 16, and the course is expected to conclude around August 31, 2027.

How the course works

The programme is fully online and self-paced, with 40 learning modules — one released each Monday — and participants are expected to study six to eight hours a week. Each module ends with an objective test, and those who complete all 40 modules become eligible for a final examination.

Developed by NCERT’s Department of Education in Science and Mathematics, the course aims to strengthen both science subject knowledge and classroom teaching skills through interactive, multimedia-based learning resources. It is described as a professional-development programme rather than a traditional academic degree.

Candidates who register will receive an invitation email from the NCERTX platform with instructions to complete their enrolment after the fee payment. The weekly workload is designed so that working teachers can fit the study around school hours, with round-the-clock access on laptops, desktops and mobile phones.

Who can apply and what it costs

The course is open to candidates with a BSc degree, in-service teachers teaching science in Classes 6 to 8, candidates with a diploma or degree in education, pre-service teachers pursuing an education qualification, and others directly involved in science education. Applicants need a laptop, desktop or smartphone with an internet connection and a single active email ID for enrolment.

The one-time enrolment fee is Rs 2,000, with no additional course fee, and successful participants receive an e-certificate from NCERT. The council stresses that the diploma cannot be treated as a qualification required for appointment as a teacher.