The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched a new professional development programme for in-service science teachers. This initiative aims to improve the quality of science teaching at the middle school level across the country. The newly introduced 40-Week Online Diploma is designed especially for teachers handling Classes 6 to 8 and focuses on strengthening subject knowledge, teaching skills, and classroom practices.
Science education at the middle stage plays a very important role in shaping a child’s thinking and curiosity. NCERT has taken this step to help teachers adopt better teaching methods and develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. The programme is fully online and structured in a way that allows teachers to continue their regular school duties while learning.
Registrations for this diploma course are open until December 28, 2025, and eligible teachers can apply through the official NCERTX platform.
40-Week Online Diploma by NCERT
The 40-Week Online Diploma is officially titled Diploma Course in Teaching of Science at Middle Stage. It is a fully online programme developed by NCERT for in-service science teachers currently teaching Classes 6 to 8.
This diploma course runs for a total duration of 40 weeks and focuses on improving how science is taught at the middle school level. The programme encourages teachers to move beyond textbook-based teaching and adopt inquiry-based, activity-oriented, and student-centred approaches.
The course is designed to help teachers explain scientific ideas clearly, promote questioning among students, and support logical thinking. Instead of rote learning, the programme focuses on understanding concepts and developing scientific temper among students.
Teachers are expected to spend about 6 to 8 hours per week on learning activities. This flexible structure makes the 40-Week Online Diploma suitable for working professionals who want to upgrade their teaching skills without leaving their jobs.
40-Week Online Diploma by NCERT Registration Details
The 40-Week Online Diploma follows a structured assessment and certification process to ensure meaningful learning outcomes. NCERT has designed the evaluation system to check both subject understanding and practical teaching skills. Clear registration guidelines have also been provided so that eligible teachers can apply without difficulty.
| Registration Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Diploma Course in Teaching of Science at Middle Stage |
| Duration | 40 Weeks |
| Last Date to Apply | December 28, 2025 |
| Course Fee | Rs 2,000 (non-refundable) |
| Mode of Application | Online through NCERTX portal |
Who Can Apply for the 40-Week Online Diploma Course?
The 40-Week Online Diploma is meant only for in-service science teachers teaching at the middle school level. Teachers from both government and private schools are eligible to apply, provided their schools follow the NCERT curriculum.
The programme is suitable for teachers who:
- Are currently teaching science in Classes 6, 7, or 8
- Want to improve concept clarity and subject depth
- Wish to learn modern teaching and assessment methods
- Aim to make science learning more engaging for students
NCERT has designed this course keeping in mind the challenges teachers face while teaching science at the middle stage. These years are very important for students, as their interest in science either develops or fades during this period. The 40-Week Online Diploma supports teachers in guiding students correctly at this crucial stage.
Key Objectives of the 40-Week Online Diploma Programme
The main goal of the 40-Week Online Diploma is to improve the overall quality of science education in middle schools. NCERT has clearly defined learning objectives to ensure teachers gain both theoretical understanding and practical teaching skills.
The following are some key objectives of the programme:
- Strengthening scientific understanding among teachers
- Helping teachers reflect on their own teaching practices
- Expanding content knowledge beyond the elementary level
- Improving lesson planning and classroom delivery
- Encouraging inquiry-based and activity-driven learning
- Promoting questioning, observation, and critical thinking
- Supporting reasoning-based learning instead of memorisation
The programme also helps teachers understand how children learn science concepts. This knowledge allows teachers to adjust their teaching methods according to students’ learning needs. Through the 40-Week Online Diploma, teachers learn how to guide students toward discovering concepts on their own rather than simply giving answers.
NCERT believes that such an approach will help develop scientific temper, curiosity, objectivity, and creativity among students.
40-Week Online Diploma Course Structure
The 40-Week Online Diploma is offered through the NCERTX digital learning platform. The programme will run from December 29, 2025, to October 18, 2026.
The course is divided into multiple modules, each focusing on different aspects of science teaching at the middle stage. These modules include subject content, pedagogy, assessment techniques, and the use of digital and multimedia tools in the classroom.
Teachers are required to spend 6 to 8 hours per week, which may include:
- Watching recorded lectures
- Reading learning materials
- Completing assignments
- Participating in discussions
- Attempting assessments
The online format ensures flexibility and easy access. Teachers can learn at their own pace within the given schedule. The 40-Week Online Diploma is structured to support continuous learning without disturbing professional responsibilities.
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FAQs on 40-Week Online Diploma
Q1. What is the duration of the 40-Week Online Diploma?
Ans. The diploma programme runs for a total duration of 40 weeks.
Q2. Who is eligible for the 40-Week Online Diploma?
Ans. In-service science teachers currently teaching Classes 6 to 8 in government or private schools following the NCERT curriculum are eligible.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for the 40-Week Online Diploma?
Ans. The last date to submit the application is December 28, 2025.
Q4. How much time is required per week for the course?
Ans. Teachers need to spend about 6 to 8 hours per week on learning activities.
Q5. What certificate is provided after completion?
Ans. Successful participants receive an NCERT e-certificate after completing the programme.
