Diploma in Child Health (DCH) Course, Admission 2024, Colleges, Syllabus, Fees, Eligibility, Scope

Diploma in Child Health (DCH) Course, Admission, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 25, 2025 10:04 AM IST

Diploma in Child Health is a postgraduate diploma programme aimed at equipping medical graduates with specialised knowledge in paediatrics. This course trains professionals to manage health issues in infants, children, and adolescents by focusing on their physical, emotional, and developmental well-being. The programme duration typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the university's structure.

This Story also Contains

Diploma in Child Health Course- Highlights
DCH Course Eligibility Criteria
Diploma in Child Health Admission Procedure
Top DCH Entrance Exams
Diploma in Child Health Cutoff
Diploma in Child Health Syllabus
DCH Course Fees Structure
Scope of Diploma in Child Health
Career Opportunities After DCH Course
Top Private Diploma in Child Health Colleges in India
Top Government Diploma in Child Health Colleges in India

To be eligible for the DCH course, candidates must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised medical college or university. However, some institutions may offer diploma-level child health courses after 10+2 in the Science stream, though these are usually more basic in scope.

With the rising demand for specialised child healthcare professionals in India, the DCH programme offers excellent career prospects. Graduates can work as paediatricians in hospitals, child care clinics, government health departments, or choose to pursue further specialisation in paediatrics.

Diploma in Child Health Course- Highlights

The Diploma in Child Health is a specialised programme that offers in-depth training in paediatrics, focusing on the health and development of children. The course includes both academic and clinical components. Here are some key highlights, including duration, eligibility, fees, salary, top recruiters, and common job profiles after DCH.

Particulars	Values
Degree Name	Diploma in Child Health
DCH Type	Diploma
DCH Duration	1 or 3 years
DCH Entrance Exams	NEET PG
DCH Eligibility Criteria	10+2 or MBBS
DCH Admission Process	Entrance Exam/Merit-Based
DCH Average Fees	Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 55 Lakhs
DCH Average Salary	Rs. 10 LPA
DCH Job Profiles	Associate Professor, Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition Coordinator, Sports Nutritionist, Personal Physician, Child Consultant
DCH Top Recruiters	AIIMS, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Apollo’s Children Hospital, Christian Medical Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

DCH Course Eligibility Criteria

To secure admission into the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) programme, candidates must meet specific academic qualifications. While most colleges require an MBBS degree, some institutions may offer entry to candidates with a 10+2 qualification in certain formats. Refer to the official college brochure for exact details. Below are the standard eligibility parameters:

Particulars	Eligibility Parameters
Educational Qualification	MBBS degree from a recognised medical college; some institutes may accept 10+2 in Science
Internship Requirement	Completion of a one-year compulsory rotating internship or nearing completion
Medical Registration	Mandatory registration with the Medical Council of India or the respective State Medical Council
Entrance Examinations	Admission may be through NEET PG or based on merit, depending on the institution

Diploma in Child Health Admission Procedure

Admission to the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) programme is primarily based on merit or entrance exam performance, typically NEET PG. However, the admission process can vary slightly between institutions. Some universities may offer admissions to candidates with a 10+2 qualification under specific diploma models, but the majority require an MBBS degree.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility – Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Most institutions require candidates to hold an MBBS degree, or some colleges may also accept candidates with a 10+2 background in exceptional or alternative diploma formats.

Step 2: Submit Application – Apply to your preferred college by completing the online or offline application form with correct academic and personal details before the deadline.

Step 3: Take the Entrance Exam (If Applicable) – Most reputed institutions require NEET PG scores for admission. Appear for the test if mandated by your target institute.

Step 4: Selection & Counselling – Candidates are shortlisted based on merit or entrance exam scores. Shortlisted candidates are invited for counselling or document verification.

Step 5: Confirm Admission – Secure your seat by submitting all necessary documents and paying the admission fee through the institution’s official channel.

Top DCH Entrance Exams

To secure admission into the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) programme, candidates are typically required to clear a relevant entrance examination. Most reputed medical institutions accept NEET PG scores as the standard criterion. Without a qualifying entrance score, applications are usually not considered for the DCH admission process.

Exam Name	Conducting Body	Exam Schedule
NEET PG	National Board of Examinations (NBE)	NEET PG Exam Date

Diploma in Child Health Cutoff

Candidates must meet the minimum cutoff marks or percentile in the entrance exam to qualify for admission to the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) course. Most top colleges use the NEET PG cutoff as the standard benchmark. Meeting this cutoff is essential to secure a seat in reputed institutions.

Diploma in Child Health Syllabus

The DCH syllabus covers a wide range of paediatric subjects such as growth and development, psychological disorders, nutrition, emergencies, genetics, infectious diseases, and various body systems. It provides comprehensive knowledge essential for child healthcare. This syllabus is from DY Patil University, Kolhapur.

Subjects
The Field of Pediatrics	Growth and Development
Psychological Disorders	Social Issues
Children with special Needs	Nutrition
Patho-physiology of Body Fluids and Fluid therapy (Approach and management)	Acutely Ill Child
Emergencies / Critical Care Pediatrics	Human Genetics
Metabolic Disorders	Fetus and Newborn
Neonatal Infections	Adolescent Health
Immunological system	Allergic disorders
Rheumatology	Infectious diseases
Digestive system	Respiratory system
Cardiovascular system	Blood
Neopalsms	Nephrology
Urological disorders	Gynaecological problems
Endocrine	CNS
Neuromuscular	EYES
EAR	SKIN
Bone / Joint	Genetic skeleton
Metabolic Bone Disease	Unclassified diseases
Environmental	-

DCH Course Fees Structure

The fees for the Diploma in Child Health (DCH) course after MBBS vary widely across institutions. On average, the course fee ranges from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 55 lakhs in India. Factors such as the institution’s type, reputation, and location influence the overall fee structure.

Scope of Diploma in Child Health

The Diploma in Child Health course prepares students to educate and support parents and families on child health and preventive care for childhood disorders. This field offers extensive opportunities both in India and internationally due to the growing focus on paediatric healthcare.

After completing the DCH course, graduates can work in various healthcare roles related to child health and nutrition. Additionally, students may choose to further specialise by pursuing related courses like the Paediatric and Child Health Course, Paediatric Nursing, or Paediatric Surgery for advanced knowledge and career growth.

Career Opportunities After DCH Course

After completing the Diploma in Child Health (DCH), graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and research facilities. Salary depends on qualifications, skills, and experience. DCH professionals earn competitive packages across roles in child healthcare. Here are some common job roles, along with their average salary in India.

Job Roles	Description	Average Salary (LPA)
Paediatric Nursing Specialists	Paediatric nursing specialists take care of infants and children. Their main job is to provide nursing care to infants and children at the community and secondary levels.	Rs. 14 LPA
Academician	Academicians prepare students as specialists, doctors, and other highly trained professionals in child health and development. They teach medical students with knowledge, skill, and aptitude in the field of Paediatrics.	Rs. 5.2 LPA
Critical Care Paediatrician	Critical Care Paediatricians treat children from the core who are going through life-threatening diseases. They take care of children who are very sick.	Rs. 12 LPA
Researcher	Researchers are responsible for clinical trials of new tools and therapies. They study behaviour, development, and environmental and other factors affecting a child’s health.	Rs. 9.1 LPA
Paediatrician	Paediatricians are a medical professional who diagnoses and treats minor health problems to serious disorders of the child. They manage and ensure the child’s physical, behavioural, and mental development until the adolescent stage.	Rs. 15.4 LPA

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

Top Recruiter

AIIMS
P.D. Hinduja Hospital
Apollo’s Children's Hospital
Rainbow Hospital for Women & Children
Christian Medical Hospital
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Benefits of Diploma in Child Health

The DCH course focuses on broad concepts of child development and health-related issues of children. The course involves both academic and practical perspectives of child health for three years.

This DCH course provides child care training to the students and aims to improve their skills and knowledge in the field of paediatrics. Students can opt for higher studies after completing a diploma in child health.

Top Private Diploma in Child Health Colleges in India

Top private colleges in India offering the Diploma in Child Health programme charge relatively higher fees than government institutions. The course typically spans three years and includes six semesters. These colleges are known for their modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, and strong clinical training facilities. Some reputed private institutes include:

Top Colleges	Fees
Jaipur National University	Rs. 50,000
St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore	Rs. 3.25 Lakhs
Dr DY Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai Medical College, Navi Mumbai	Rs. 55 Lakhs
CMJ University, Shillong	Rs. 40,000
Arunodaya University, Itanagar	-
Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata	-
AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore	-
IICTHM Thanjavur	-
Brahm Kamal College of Management and Technology, Mukerian	-
Sikkim International University, West Sikkim	-

Top Government Diploma in Child Health Colleges in India

Top government colleges offering the Diploma in Child Health course focus on developing both clinical expertise and professional skills in paediatric care. These institutions are more affordable compared to private colleges, making them accessible to a wider range of students. Some of the leading government-run DCH colleges include:

Top Colleges	Fees
Government Medical College, Surat	Rs. 40,000
IGNOU	Rs. 30,000
BAOU Ahmedabad	Rs. 5,200
Government Cuddalore Medical College, Annamalainagar	Rs. 14.84 Lakhs
UPRTOU Allahabad	Rs. 4,200
AIIMS Rishikesh	-
GMC Jammu	-
Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool	-
Institute of Child Health, Calcutta	-

The Diploma in Child Health course offers specialised training in paediatrics, equipping medical graduates with essential knowledge and skills to care for infants and children. With growing awareness of child health, this qualification opens up rewarding career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare settings both in India and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Diploma in Child Health?

A Diploma in Child Health is a two to three-year course programme depending on the college management. The course focuses on child development, wellness, disorders, and other issues related to child health.

2. What are the fees for Diploma in Child Health course?

The fees for the Diploma in Child Health vary from college to college. The average course fee is between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 55 lakhs.

3. What are the top entrance exams in Diploma in Child Health?

NEET-PG is the leading entrance exam for admission to the Diploma in Child Health.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for Diploma in Child Health Course?

To pursue the Diploma in Child Health course, candidates must have an MBBS degree and complete a one-year internship. Some institutions may also accept 10+2 qualified students, depending on their specific eligibility criteria.

5. What is the average salary for Diploma in Child Health professionals?

The average salary for a Diploma in Child Health professionals is around Rs. 10 Lakhs.

6. What are the best profiles after completing a Diploma in Child Health?

Top job roles after a Diploma in Child Health include Associate Professor, Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition Coordinator, Sports Nutritionist, Personal Physician, and Child Health Consultant, among others.

7. What is the scope of Diploma in Child Health?

Diploma in Child Health offers ample opportunities in India as well as abroad. Students who complete the course can find jobs in government and in private hospitals, clinics, military hospitals, child healthcare centres, and others.