Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Certificate in HIV and Family Education (CAFE) is a six-month programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under its School of Social Work (SOSW). The programme provides comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, family life education, facts of life, and substance abuse, with a focus on behaviour modification and community awareness. It is designed for school teachers, NGO functionaries, para-medical staff, parents of adolescents, and the general public interested in health education. The programme carries 16 credits (2 compulsory + 2 elective courses of 4 credits each) and has a total fee of Rs. 1,500, making it one of the most affordable awareness programmes at IGNOU. Available in both English and Hindi medium, CAFE has a very wide study centre network spanning colleges, ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans, and Army centres across all major states.

Admissions to CAFE are offered in two cycles: January and July. As of March 2026, the January 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with the last date for application submission extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 cycle is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with a last date around August 2026.

Distance Mode Study Centres (CAFE is offered in ODL mode at a very large network of study centres across India. A representative list by region is given below):

Regional Centre	Representative Study Centres
Hyderabad	Aurora Degree College; Kavitha Memorial Degree College; Lal Bahadur College; Govt. ITIs (multiple); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Karnal	Chotu Ram College of Education; Govt. PG College; Govt. College for Women; IGNOU RC Karnal
Shimla	Government Degree Colleges (multiple); Govt. ITIs (30+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Bangalore	Bapuji Institute of Engineering; Nrupathunga University; Jan Shikshan Sansthans; PMKK Centres
Bhopal	Holkar Science College; Jiwaji University; Govt. ITIs (50+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Jaipur	Govt. PG Colleges; International College of Girls; Govt. ITIs (75+ centres); Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Lucknow	Bareilly College; Lucknow Christian PG College; Jan Shikshan Sansthans (multiple)
Noida	Hindu College; Meerut College; St. John's College; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Kolkata	Midnapur College; Muralidhar Girls' College; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Chandigarh	SGGS College; DDE Punjab University; Govt. Model ITI; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Patna	Gaya College; JP University; IGNOU RC Patna; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Ranchi	Bokaro Steel City College; Marwari College; Govt. ITIs; Jan Shikshan Sansthans
Army Centres	Western Command HRDC; HQ Northern Command; HQ 14 Corps; HQ 16 Corps; HQ 39 MTN DIV
Delhi	Govt. ITI Arab Ki Sarai; Govt. ITI Jijubai Sirifort; Jan Shikshan Sansthan Prayas (Delhi 1 and Delhi 2)
Goa	Sh. Damodar College of Commerce; Jan Shikshan Sansthan Goa

Note: CAFE has one of the largest study centre networks at IGNOU, with centres in 40+ regional centres across all states and union territories. Students can check the complete list on the IGNOU Admission Portal.

Key Points

CAFE is offered under the School of Social Work (SOSW) and is designed to create awareness about HIV/AIDS, family life education, and substance abuse.
The programme has a unique elective structure: 2 compulsory courses (BFE-101 and BFE-102) and a choice of any 2 from 4 elective courses (BFEE-101 to BFEE-104), totalling 16 credits.
Available in both English and Hindi medium, making it accessible to a very wide audience.
Eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent (or BPP from IGNOU), making it open to fresh 12th pass students as well as working professionals.
The programme is particularly suited for school teachers, NGO workers, para-medical staff, parents of adolescents, and community health educators.
CAFE has one of the largest study centre networks at IGNOU, including colleges, ITIs, Jan Shikshan Sansthans, PMKK centres, and Army HRDCs across India.
At Rs. 1,500, CAFE is one of the most affordable certificate programmes at IGNOU.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

06 May, 2026 IGNOU has opened re-registration for the Jul 2026 session for all ODL and Online programs. Register now! The last date to apply @ignou.ac.in is Jun 30, 2026.

IGNOU CAFE Fees

The CAFE programme has a total fee of Rs. 1,500 for the full programme, making it one of the most affordable certificate programmes at IGNOU. A one-time Registration Fee and Development Fee are also applicable as per IGNOU norms. The total payable amount at the time of admission is approximately Rs. 1,800 (including registration fee). No hostel facility is provided as the programme is in ODL mode.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)	1,500
Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable)	300
Development Fee	As applicable
Total Fees	1,800 (excluding development fee)

The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
SC/ST students are eligible for fee support under IGNOU's fee waiver scheme; they pay only the Registration Fee (Rs. 300) and Development Fee (Rs. 200), totalling Rs. 500.
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
In case of cancellation after confirmation of admission, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted.
No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
No EMI option is available for this programme.

IGNOU CAFE Admission 2026

Admissions to CAFE are conducted twice a year in January and July cycles. The January 2026 cycle is currently open with the last date extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 cycle is expected to open in May 2026. Candidates must apply online through the IGNOU Admission Portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) and select an available study centre. There is no entrance exam; admission is based on 10+2 eligibility.

Admission Dates

Event	January 2026 Cycle	July 2026 Cycle (Tentative)
Admission Window Opens	December 2025	May 2026
Last Date for Application Submission	30 March 2026	August 2026
Distribution of Study Material	January - March 2026	July - September 2026
Contact Programmes / Counselling Sessions	February - November 2026	August 2026 onwards
Assignment Submission	March - September 2026	October 2026 onwards
Term-End Examination (TEE)	June 2026	December 2026
Result Declaration	August 2026	February 2027

Term-End Examination Dates

Examination	Session	Tentative Dates
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)	June 2026	1 June 2026 - 15 July 2026
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)	December 2026	December 2026 (dates to be announced)

Note: CAFE does not require any external entrance exam. The TEE is the internal university examination conducted by IGNOU.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or its equivalent from a recognised board.
Candidates who have passed BPP (Beginners Programme in Preparatory) from IGNOU are also eligible.
Medium of instruction: English and Hindi.
There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process

Visit the official IGNOU Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Register as a new user and create a login account.
Select the CAFE programme and choose an available study centre.
Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, Class 12 marksheet/certificate, and category certificate (if applicable).
Pay the programme fee (Rs. 1,500) and registration fee (Rs. 300) online.
Submit the application and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
Study material will be dispatched to the registered address after confirmation of admission.

IGNOU CAFE Scholarships 2026

IGNOU CAFE students can avail of several government-sponsored scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). SC/ST students benefit from IGNOU's internal fee waiver scheme. Given the very low programme fee of Rs. 1,500, the financial burden is already minimal, but scholarships can further reduce or eliminate the cost for eligible students.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship / Scheme	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit	How to Apply
IGNOU Fee Support for SC/ST Students	SC/ST students seeking fresh admission	Full programme fee waiver; pay only Registration Fee (Rs. 300) + Development Fee (Rs. 200)	Applied at the time of admission by selecting SC/ST category
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students	SC students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Covers tuition and other fees as per state norms	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students	ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum	Covers tuition and other fees as per state norms	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Scholarship for OBC Students	OBC students with family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annum	Partial fee reimbursement as per scheme norms	Apply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
Balika Doorasth Shiksha Yojana	Female students enrolled in IGNOU ODL programmes	Fee reimbursement for eligible female students	Apply through IGNOU Regional Centre

SC/ST students must submit their category certificate at the time of admission to avail the fee waiver.
NSP scholarships must be applied for after confirmation of admission; the IGNOU enrolment number is required.
The Registration Fee (Rs. 300) is non-refundable even for scholarship beneficiaries.

IGNOU CAFE FAQs

Ques. I am a school teacher. How is CAFE relevant to my work?

Ans. CAFE is specifically designed for school teachers as one of its primary target groups. The programme equips teachers with comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, family life education, and substance abuse, enabling them to conduct awareness sessions for students and parents. It also helps teachers identify at-risk students and provide appropriate guidance. The counselling skills developed through CAFE (especially BFEE-104) are directly applicable in a school setting.

Ques. What are the compulsory and elective courses in CAFE? How do I choose electives?

Ans. CAFE has 2 compulsory courses: BFE-101 (Basics of HIV/AIDS, 4 credits) and BFE-102 (Basics of Family Education, 4 credits). You must choose any 2 from 4 elective courses: BFEE-101 (Elective on HIV/AIDS), BFEE-102 (Elective on Family Education), BFEE-103 (Alcohol, Drugs and HIV), and BFEE-104 (Communication and Counselling in HIV), each carrying 4 credits. You select your electives at the time of admission. Total credits required: 16.

Ques. Can I pursue CAFE in Hindi medium?

Ans. Yes. CAFE is available in both English and Hindi medium. You can choose your preferred medium at the time of admission. Study materials and assignments are available in both languages.

Ques. Is CAFE useful for NGO workers working in HIV/AIDS awareness programmes?

Ans. Yes, CAFE is one of the most relevant programmes for NGO functionaries working in HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and support. The programme covers HIV/AIDS basics, family life education, substance abuse, and communication and counselling skills, all of which are directly applicable to NGO work. Completing CAFE can also enhance your credibility and effectiveness as an HIV/AIDS awareness worker.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing CAFE?

Ans. After completing CAFE, you can work as an HIV/AIDS awareness educator, family life education counsellor, community health worker, NGO programme coordinator, school health educator, or para-medical support worker. The programme is also useful for those working in government health programmes, ASHA workers, and social workers who deal with HIV/AIDS-affected families.

Ques. Is there any difference between CAFE and DAFE (Diploma in HIV and Family Education) at IGNOU?

Ans. Yes. CAFE (Certificate in HIV and Family Education) is a 6-month programme with 16 credits and a fee of Rs. 1,500. DAFE (Diploma in HIV and Family Education) is a longer programme (1 year) with more credits and a higher fee of Rs. 3,000. CAFE provides foundational knowledge, while DAFE offers a more in-depth study. Students who complete CAFE can consider pursuing DAFE for advanced knowledge in the same area.