Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care (CGHC)
18 July, 2025
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Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Invites Applications for Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care (CGHC) Programme
In response to the growing need for trained caregivers for the elderly population, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) announces admissions to its Certificate in Geriatric Health and Care (CGHC) programme for the July 2025 session. Offered through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, this six-month certificate programme is endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. All State Governments have been requested to support the initiative.
The programme is designed to build capacity among 10+2 qualified individuals, as well as 11th and 12th pass candidates with one to two years of experience in the health sector. It aims to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote the health and care of older persons both at home and in institutional settings.
Graduates of the programme will serve as vital links between the elderly and healthcare services. They will be trained to screen for common geriatric conditions, provide basic care, refer critical cases, and promote healthy ageing practices within the community. The curriculum includes managerial and entrepreneurial aspects, enabling learners to contribute effectively in hospitals, health care centres, long-term care facilities, and community health environments.
Learners will receive high-quality study materials developed by experts, including 40 instructional videos created by IGNOU. Training is conducted through both online and offline academic counselling sessions. Practical hands-on training is provided for 8 days in designated medical colleges or large hospitals, followed by a two-month skills development module in district hospitals across the country. Candidates working in hospitals can undergo the practical component in their own institutions as part of their on-the-job training.
Healthcare professionals such as nursing assistants, orderlies, GNMs, ASHA workers, and CHOs, as well as community volunteers, are encouraged to enrol. Hospitals, NGOs, and state health departments are invited to sponsor or nominate their staff for this programme.
As India’s elderly population continues to grow, the demand for formal, trained caregivers is rising sharply. The CGHC programme by IGNOU is a timely response to bridge the existing manpower gap and support the nation’s ageing population with dignity and care.
Programme Fee: ₹6,500 + ₹700 registration fee
Mode of Admission: Online
Admission Cycles: January & July
Apply Now: https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/
All interested candidates can contact us at the following email ids
rkuba@ignou.ac.in
cgca@ignou.ac.in
