IGNOU Certificate Home Health Assistance: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Maidan Garhi, New DelhiOpen UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Certificate in Home Health Assistance (CHHA) is a skill-based, short-duration programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under its School of Health Sciences (SOHS). Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the programme trains individuals to provide non-clinical patient support and home-based care to elderly, chronically ill, and post-operative patients. The course spans a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years, with a total programme fee of Rs. 6,000. Seat intake is limited to 20-30 students per study centre, making it a focused and practical training programme. Being offered in ODL mode, it is ideal for working individuals and those seeking to enter the healthcare support workforce without attending a regular college.

Admissions to CHHA are offered in two cycles every year: January and July. As of March 2026, the January 2026 admission cycle is currently open, with the last date for submission of applications extended to 30th March 2026. The July 2026 admission cycle is expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with a last date around August 2026, based on previous year patterns.

Distance Mode Study Centres (CHHA is offered in ODL mode at the following centres):

Regional CentreStudy Centre
BhopalAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal (15275)
BhopalIGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal (1500)
BhubaneshwarCollege of Nursing, M.K.C.G. Medical (2137P)
NagpurIGNOU Regional Centre Nagpur (3600)
NoidaIGNOU Regional Centre Noida (3900)
Army-UdhampurHQ 39 MTN DIV (5511)
ChandigarhDr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali (06037)
BijapurRegional Centre Bijapur (8500)

Key Points

  • The CHHA programme is a nationally recognised skill-based certificate developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • The programme focuses entirely on practical, non-clinical home care skills including hygiene, patient feeding, elimination care, geriatric support, Basic Life Support (BLS), and CPR.
  • Admission is available in both January and July cycles, making it accessible throughout the year.
  • Seat intake is restricted to 20-30 students per study centre, ensuring focused, hands-on training.
  • The programme is offered exclusively through ODL mode at designated Programme Study Centres (PSCs), typically located in hospitals and medical colleges.
  • Students must complete practical training (skills lab) at their allotted study centre as part of the curriculum.
  • The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) recognises qualifications in allied health areas acquired through regular mode only; students should be aware of this before enrolling.

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

26 May, 2026 IGNOU Admission 2026 (Jul Session) is open for all ODL programs. Apply by Jul 15, 2026.

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 CHHA Fees

The CHHA programme is one of the most affordable healthcare training programmes in India. The total programme fee is Rs. 6,000, which covers the entire 6-month to 2-year duration. In addition to the programme fee, students are required to pay a one-time Registration Fee of Rs. 300 at the time of admission. SC/ST students availing fee support are required to pay only the Registration Fee and a Development Fee of Rs. 200. No hostel facility is provided by IGNOU for this programme.

Fee Components

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)6,000
Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable)300
Total Fees6,300
  • 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 are required to 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 CHHA Admission 2026

Admissions to the CHHA programme 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 Programme Study Centre (PSC) at the time of application. There is no entrance exam for this programme; admission is based on eligibility.

Admission Dates

EventJanuary 2026 CycleJuly 2026 Cycle (Tentative)
Admission Window OpensDecember 2025May 2026
Last Date for Application Submission30 March 2026August 2026
Distribution of Study MaterialJanuary - March 2026July - September 2026
Contact Programmes / Practical SessionsFebruary - November 2026August 2026 onwards
Assignment SubmissionMarch - September 2026October 2026 onwards
Term-End Examination (TEE)June 2026December 2026
Result DeclarationAugust 2026February 2027

Term-End Examination (TEE) Dates

ExaminationSessionTentative Dates
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)June 20261 June 2026 - 15 July 2026
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE)December 2026December 2026 (dates to be announced)

CHHA is an ODL programme with internal practical assessments at the study centre. The TEE covers theory components. No external entrance exam is required for admission.

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.
  • Medium of instruction is English.
  • There is no upper age limit for admission.

Admission Process:

  • Visit the official IGNOU Admission Portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Click on "New Registration" and create a login account.
  • Select the CHHA programme and choose an available Programme Study Centre (PSC).
  • Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, Class 12 marksheet/certificate, and category certificate (if applicable).
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 6,000) 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 CHHA Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students enrolled in the CHHA programme can avail of several government-sponsored scholarships and fee support schemes. SC/ST students are the primary beneficiaries of IGNOU's internal fee waiver, while other categories can apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). These scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden, making the programme accessible to students from economically weaker sections.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / SchemeEligibilityAmount / BenefitHow to Apply
IGNOU Fee Support for SC/ST StudentsSC/ST students seeking fresh admissionFull programme fee waiver; pay only Registration Fee (Rs. 300) + Development Fee (Rs. 200)Applied automatically at the time of admission by selecting SC/ST category
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsSC students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition and other fees as per state normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumCovers tuition and other fees as per state normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
NSP - Scholarship for OBC Students (Central Sector)OBC students with family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annumPartial fee reimbursement as per scheme normsApply at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation
Balika Doorasth Shiksha YojanaFemale students enrolled in IGNOU ODL programmesFee reimbursement for eligible female studentsApply 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.
  • Scholarship amounts and eligibility norms are subject to revision by the respective government ministries.
  • The Registration Fee (Rs. 300) is non-refundable even for scholarship beneficiaries.

IGNOU CHHA FAQs

Ques. I have completed Class 10 (Matriculation). Am I eligible for the CHHA programme at IGNOU?

Ans. No. The minimum eligibility for CHHA is 10+2 (Class 12 pass) or its equivalent. Class 10 pass candidates are not eligible. However, IGNOU offers a similar programme called Certificate in Home Based Health Care (CHBHC) for which the eligibility is Class 10 pass.

Ques. Can I choose any IGNOU study centre for CHHA, or is it restricted?

Ans. CHHA is a practical, skill-based programme and is offered only at designated Programme Study Centres (PSCs), which are typically hospitals or medical colleges. You must select from the available PSCs listed on the admission portal at the time of applying. As of the latest data, PSCs are available in Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Nagpur, Noida, Chandigarh, Bijapur, and Army-Udhampur regions.

Ques. Is the CHHA certificate from IGNOU recognised for employment in hospitals or home care agencies?

Ans. The CHHA certificate is recognised for employment in home care settings, assisted living facilities, and as a support worker in healthcare teams. However, please note that the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) recognises allied health qualifications acquired through regular (on-campus) mode only. For roles specifically regulated under the NCAHP Act 2021, a regular mode qualification may be required.

Ques. What is the difference between CHHA and CHBHC at IGNOU? Which one should I choose?

Ans. Both programmes are related to home-based patient care. CHHA (Certificate in Home Health Assistance) requires 10+2 qualification and has a fee of Rs. 6,000. CHBHC (Certificate in Home Based Health Care) requires only Class 10 pass and has a lower fee of Rs. 2,400 (plus registration fee). CHHA is more comprehensive and skill-intensive, making it better suited for those seeking employment in professional home care or assisted living settings.

Ques. Can I complete the CHHA programme entirely online without visiting the study centre?

Ans. No. CHHA is an ODL programme but includes mandatory practical/skills training at the designated Programme Study Centre. The theory component is covered through self-learning study material, but practical sessions (BHTL-018: Skills for Home Health Assistance, which carries 12 credits) must be completed in person at the allotted PSC.

Ques. If I miss the January 2026 admission deadline, when is the next opportunity to apply?

Ans. If you miss the January 2026 cycle (last date: 30 March 2026), the next admission cycle is July 2026, which is expected to open in May 2026 with a last date around August 2026. IGNOU offers admissions twice a year, so you will not have to wait more than a few months for the next cycle.

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