Candidates must satisfy the specific age criteria based on the course group they are applying for. The age calculation will be based on 31 December 2026.

*Age regulations for Nursing courses strictly follow the Nursing Council of India guidelines[cite: 2735].

The DCECE 2026 covers multiple technical and medical diploma courses. The eligibility conditions are determined by their respective regulatory bodies.

• Polytechnic Engineering (PE): This includes various engineering diploma courses across Govt. and Private Polytechnic Institutes in Bihar. The eligibility conditions adhere to the AICTE rules specified by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Bihar[cite: 2623, 2624].
• Para Medical Matric Level (PMM): This is primarily for the Dresser course in various hospitals and institutes of the Bihar Government. Rules are specified by the Health Department, Govt. of Bihar[cite: 2623, 2625].
• Para Medical Intermediate Level (PM): This covers courses like GNM, ANM, and other para-medical diplomas across state govt. and private institutes. Eligibility norms align with the Health Department and the Nursing Council of India[cite: 2623, 2626].

Candidates must follow the highly specific 5-step process outlined by BCECEB on the online portal. Failure to follow these steps correctly will result in rejection.

Step-One: Initial Registration

• Click on the “New Registration” button on the “Online Portal of DCECE (PE/PMM/PM)-2026″[cite: 2631].
• Use only your own or your parents’ valid Email ID and Mobile Number[cite: 2635]. All important communications will be sent there.
• You will receive two separate Verification Codes (OTPs) to verify your Mobile No. and Email[cite: 2636].
• After successful verification, these contact details cannot be changed during the whole session[cite: 2637]. A Registration Number will be generated[cite: 2638]. Keep your password completely confidential[cite: 2640].

Step-Two: Multi-Step Application Form

• Apply for Course Group: Login and select one or more course groups (PE/PMM/PM) based on your eligibility[cite: 2643].
• Personal & Contact Info: Fill out personal details [cite: 2645] and permanent/correspondence address carefully[cite: 2647].
• Educational Info: Provide your past academic qualification details[cite: 2649].
• Upload Photo & Sign: Upload a high-contrast passport-size color photograph and signatures in both Hindi and English[cite: 2650].Important: The photograph MUST be taken holding a placard displaying the applicant’s name and the date the photo was taken[cite: 2651].
• Live Photograph: It is now mandatory for candidates to capture and upload a Live Photograph through a webcam/camera while filling the form[cite: 2652, 2653].

Step-Three: Preview & Final Submit

• Thoroughly verify all details. If any correction is needed, click “Back to Edit” and update[cite: 2657, 2658].
• Once sure, provide your declaration and click “Final Submit & Proceed to Payment”[cite: 2659]. Forms submitted without the fee will be rejected[cite: 2660].

Step-Four: Payment of Examination / Counselling Fee

• Pay using Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking[cite: 2670].
• Payment Failure Notice: If the fee amount is deducted from your bank account but the status shows failed, you MUST make the payment again. The initially deducted failed amount will be automatically refunded to your bank account[cite: 2683, 2685]. Failure to pay again will make the application incomplete[cite: 2684].

Step-Five: Download Confirmation Page

• Download and print the “Confirmation Page” and “Fee Receipt”[cite: 2688].
• Do Not Send to Board: There is no need to send the hard copy to the BCECEB office[cite: 2689]. Keep it safely with you as it will be strictly required during the counseling process[cite: 2692].
• After final submission, fees cannot be refunded or charged back[cite: 2694].

• BCECEB Diploma Certificate Entrance Competitive Examination (DCECE) 2026 candidate can apply between 19/03/2026 to 21/04/2026[cite: 2714, 2715].
• Candidates must read the entire Prospectus available on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in before applying[cite: 2627, 2630].
• Ensure you have your Educational Certificates, ID Proof, Address Details, and Basic Details ready.
• Get your scan documents prepared: A recent Passport Photo with a Name/Date placard, English & Hindi Signatures[cite: 2650, 2651]. Be ready with a webcam for the mandatory Live Photo.
• Review the Application Preview thoroughly before the Final Submit[cite: 2659].
• Pay the applicable examination fee. In case of issues, contact Helpdesk Phone: 0612-2220230 or Email: bangalorepgsd@billdesk.com[cite: 2686, 2687].
• Take a printout of the Confirmation Page. An Edit Window will be available from 23 April to 24 April 2026 if you make any errors[cite: 2720].