New 40-Week Online Science Teaching Diploma Announced for Middle School Educators

NCERT has launched a 40-week online diploma course in teaching science for classes six to eight for the 2026-27 session. The programme aims to help in-service and pre-service teachers improve their subject knowledge and teaching skills. Registration opens on October 12, 2026, and closes on November 12, 2026, through the online platform at ncertx.in. The course costs a one-time fee of two thousand rupees, and classes will start on November 16, 2026, before ending around August 31, 2027. Eligible applicants include people with a Bachelor of Science degree, current science teachers for classes six to eight, education degree or diploma holders, and other people involved in science education. However, the council clarifies that this is strictly an academic course and cannot be used as a qualification for teacher jobs or job exemptions. The course contains 40 modules with one new module opening every Monday, and each module takes about six to eight hours to finish. Every module includes an objective test that stays open for 15 days, and learners who finish all modules and tests can take a final exam to receive an e-certificate.

Context

Online professional development courses help educators update their classroom skills without leaving their current jobs. Similar digital learning models are becoming common for continuing education across the country.