BSW: Full Form, Course Details, Admission, Eligibility, Fees

Duration: 3 Years
Avg Fees: ₹7K - 30K PA
Surobhi Chatterjee
Surobhi Chatterjee

Updated on - Mar 6, 2023

Latest Updates for BSW

  • 28 March 2024 :

    UGC NET Application Form 2024 is expected to be released by the first week of Apr 2024.

  • 28 March 2024 :

    UGC has approved NET scores for PhD admission from the academic session 2024-25.

  • 22 February 2024 :

    MGU CAT 2024 registration is ongoing and the last date to fill out the form is Mar 30, 2024.

  • 17 February 2024 :

    FTII JET 2024 exam is going to be conducted from Apr 6 - Apr 7, 2024.

Bachelor of Social Work or BSW is a 3-year graduate degree that emphasises the promotion of social justice, human rights, and empowerment for marginalised and at-risk groups. BSW graduates have diverse job scopes in various NGOs, Rehab Centres, etc., with roles such as program coordinator, rural development officer, social worker and so on.

Table of Contents

BSW Course Details

Degree Bachelors
Full Form Bachelor of Social Work
Duration 3 Years
Age 19-23
Subjects Required 10+2 equivalent from Recognized Education Board
Minimum Percentage 50%
Average Fees ₹7K - 30K PA
Similar Options of Study MSW
Average Salary INR 2.45 LPA
Employment Roles Social Worker, Teacher, Researcher, Probation Officer, Human Rights Activist, etc.
Top Recruiters Hospitals, Clinics, Counselling Centres, Hospitals, Old Age Homes, etc.

About BSW

The Bachelor of Social Work course highlights the value of self-reflection, ethical behaviour, and cultural sensitivity in social work practise. The BSW course duration in India is 3 years The BSW syllabus and subjects in this course deal with various focal points of societal developments and problems along with techniques to effectively tackle them. The BSW job scope is extensive and employment opportunities are available in both the public and private sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for BSW

Admission for the BSW course in India requires the aspirants to complete their higher education 10+2 from any recognized board. It is an ideal course for aspirants who have completed their higher education in humanities background. All the BSW colleges require students to have scored a minimum of 50 % aggregate marks in their Secondary and Higher Secondary Education to be eligible for a degree in this course. There is no specific age limit or criteria for getting admission.

Admission Process for BSW

The admission process for the BSW course in India is carried out either from the college premises directly or can be done online. The admission process for the course is undertaken strictly based on the scores of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education criteria. The BSW admission process is entirely merit-based.

Admission Process

Listed below are the various procedures to get admission for the course:

How to Apply?

The aspirants eager to study BSW can either apply online or offline for the course. The aspirants can apply for the course details by downloading an admission form available at the university or on the college website. 

Selection Process

The selection criteria for BSW course is listed below:

  • The BSW selection process for the course is carried out based on the scores and performance in Secondary and Higher Secondary Education of humanities background.
  • After completing the 10+2 exam, the college or university conducts a written test, personal interview, counselling, and group discussion.
  • The aspirants are allocated seats based on various criteria fulfilled by the aspirants proposed by the college/university officials.

Who Should Pursue a BSW?

Candidates who are interested in the dynamic and unique helping professions of social work can pursue the BSW course. Those who desire the opportunity to make a difference for marginalized communities can do so with the formal education offered by the BSW course. The course is best for a person whose primary goal is to improve a society's well-being, especially for the most disadvantaged populations.

When To Do BSW?

Students can pursue BSW right after completion of higher secondary education in relevant subjects which are humanities or science. They can appear for various entrance exams prescribed by State or National boards to get admitted into a BSW college of their choice.

Types of BSW

There are 3 modes of pursuing the BSW course which are Full-Time, Part-Time and Distance BSW. Details of all of them are given below:

Full-Time BSW

It is a 3-year course with classroom learning, classroom examinations and hands-on learning. The full-time BSW course is considered a value for money course since it also involves interaction with experienced professors. 

Part-Time BSW

With a rise in demand for social workers in India, this course has been designed in a part-time mode too. People who cannot dedicate their complete time to pursuing BSW can get admission and complete it at their own convenience.

Distance BSW

Many colleges in India such as IGNOU offer BSW distance to interested students in online and distance learning modes. Study materials, live lectures and examinations are offered to students so they can make use of them in the comfort of their homes.

There are no entrance exams for the BSW course for the students can attend. Appearing for entrance exams is not an essential criterion, but a good merit score from the 10+2 education in humanities is important. The graduates can book their seats for the course in any recognized college or university.

Quick Glance At the BSW Entrance Exams

BSW has no entrance exam as of now. The criteria are Secondary and Higher Secondary Education with 50% securement of the marks. Students coming from humanities backgrounds are preferred the most. Here are the tips for preparing for the course:

  • Students should be well versed in the subjects of psychology, social studies, and social work-related syllabus. Students can divide the syllabus and subjects making the learning process easy.
  • Students have to practice how to deal with reasoning and logical questions.
  • They can revise previous papers and sample papers of the respective course for better understanding.

Study BSW in India

In recent years, there has been a surge in Social work graduate and post-graduate colleges owing to the demand for social welfare professionals. BSW Colleges have been established all over the country to cater to that demand. Below are some cities and their top BSW colleges:

Top 10 BSW Colleges in India

Top BSW colleges in India and abroad offer BSW graduate degree courses to students interested in humanities, psychology, social studies, etc. Some of the very best colleges for BSW colleges in India are as follows:

Top BSW Colleges in India
Sl.No. Name of the College
1 Bharathidasan University
2  Jamia Millia Islamia University
3 Indira Gandhi National Open University
4 Osmania University
5 National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences
6 Patna University
7 Aligarh Muslim University
8 Madras School of Social Work
9 University of Delhi
10 Madras Christian College

Top Colleges

Top BSW Colleges in Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India is known for its world-class BSW colleges. Check the table below for the top BSW colleges in New Delhi:

Sl.No Institution
1 Amity University, Noida
2 Gautam Buddha University - [GBU], Greater Noida
3 SD PG College, Muzaffarnagar
4 Hansraj College
5 Dyal Singh College

Read More: BSW Colleges in Delhi

Top BSW Colleges in Pune

Pune, the educational capital of India, has a selection of premier BSW Institutes. Check the table below for the top BSW colleges in Pune:

Sl.No Institution
1 Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune
2 MIT- WPU
3 Wisdom School of Management
4 Karve Institute of Social Service
5 SNDT Women's University

Read More: BSW Colleges in Pune

Top BSW Colleges in Chennai

Check the table below for the best BSW colleges in Chennai:

Sl.No Institution
1 Madras Christian College
2 Stella Maris College
3 Madras School Of Social Work
4 Dr. M.G.R. Educational And Research Institute
5 Hindustan College Of Arts And Science

Read More: BSW Colleges in Chennai

Top BSW Colleges in Bangalore

Bangalore, the startup capital of India has an abundance of BSW Colleges with top faculties and architecture. Check the table below for the best BSW colleges in India:

Sl.No Institution
1 St Joseph's College
2 Acharya Institute Of Graduate Studies
3 Noble Institute Of Education Society
4 Bangalore University
5 St Aloysius College

Read More: BSW Colleges in Bangalore

Top BSW Colleges in Kolkata

Kolkata has some of the most famous and reputed colleges for BSW courses in India. Check the table below for the best BSW colleges in Kolkata:

Sl.No Institution
1 Netaji Subhas Open University
2 St Xavier's College
3 Adamas University
4 Vision Institute of Professional Studies
5 Vidyasagar School of Social Work

Read More: BSW Colleges in Kolkata

Top BSW Colleges in Hyderabad

Check the table below for the top BSW colleges in Hyderabad:

Sl.No Institution
1 Osmania University
2 Maulana Azad National Urdu University [MANUU]
3 Roda Mistry College of Social Work and Research Center
4 Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University
5 Government Domestic Science Training College

Read More: BSW Colleges in Hyderabad

Top BSW Government Colleges

Government institutes for higher education provide high-quality affordable education to eligible candidates. There are lots of offerings when it comes to BSW Government Colleges. Check the table below for the top government colleges in India:

BSW Government Colleges
Sl.No Institution
1 Loyola College, Chennai
2 Presidency College, Chennai
3 St. Joseph’s College
4 Guru Nanak College
5 DAVV Mateshwari Sugni Devi Girls College 

Top BSW Private Colleges

With the emergence of a vast number of Private Institutes all over India, there has been a surge in BSW institutes too. Check the table below for the top BSW private colleges in India:

BSW Private Colleges
Sl.No Institution
1 Christ University
2 Madras Christian College, Chennai
3 Parul University, Vadodara
4 Sophia College For Women, Mumbai
5 Banasthali Vidyapith

Fee Structure for BSW

BSW fee structure ranges from INR 7,000 - 30,000 PA. The fee for a BSW course may vary depending upon the facilities and amenities provided at the college/university and the level of education provided.

BSW Fee Structure
College Name Fees Per Annum
Magadh Mahila College, Patna INR 8,000 PA
Amity University, Lucknow INR 66,000 PA
RKDF University, Bhopal INR 20,000 PA
Patna University, Patna INR 7,000 PA
Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune INR 35,000 PA

Syllabus and Subjects for BSW

The syllabus and subjects for the BSW course are structured in such a way so that the students get a better understanding of different subjects of the course, which are important for them to generate their knowledge in various courses ahead.

Some of the important subjects of the BSW course are:

  • Substance Abuse
  • Science and Technology
  • Social Problems
  • Counselling
  • Field Work
  • Family Education
  • Social Work

Read More: BSW Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose BSW?

The BSW course is for students interested in social work and the social development of the human sector. This course will provide them with adequate knowledge to become agent of social development and change

Why Choose the Course?

What is a BSW All About?

BSW or Bachelor of Social Work is an undergraduate social work course. It is available as a full-time course and through Distance Education Program or Correspondence. The following are some of the subjects included in the syllabus for the students: History, Philosophy, Fields of Social Work, Social Work Research, and Social Statistics. 

What Does a BSW Graduate Do?

BSW postgraduate holds a degree in the social work field, a good career option in India and abroad. A Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) provides students with the knowledge and abilities they need to excel in the area of social work. 

Social Worker: Social work is a profession in which trained professionals help vulnerable people and communities overcome the challenges they face on a daily basis. Social workers assist individuals, families, communities, and society in a range of situations.

Reasons Why BSW Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career

The BSW course trains students to play a better role in promoting community awareness about social practices. The BSW course is for students interested in social work and the social development of the human sector.

Demand: Social Work Degree that provides qualifications for employment with many Human Service Providing Agencies.

Career Growth: BSW course is for students interested in social work and the social development of the human sector. This course will provide them with adequate knowledge to become agents of social development and change.

Read More: BSW Jobs and Scope

BSW Course Comparison

BSW stands for Bachelor of Social Work And is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards Social welfare. Below is a comparison of the BSW course with other courses:

BSW vs MSW

The table below showcases the differences between BSW and MSW:

Course BSW MSW
Full Form BSW Master in Social Work
Stream Social Work Social work
Course Duration 3 years 2 years
Eligibility The aspirants must pass Higher Secondary from a recognized board in humanities background.

Completed BSW, Humanities/Social Science/Science/Management and other backgrounds from a recognized college with a minimum of 50% marks. 
Entrance Exams DUAT, CEE, TISSNET DUET, BHU PET, TISS NET
Top Colleges MCC, Chennai, Amity University, Magadh Mahila college, etc Delhi University, Christ University, Banaras Hindu University, etc.
Fees INR 20,000 - 50,000 PA INR 20,000- 2 LPA

Read More: MSW

Preparation Tips For BSW

BSW students can prepare themselves by learning the basics of humanities and social science. In addition, the students can refer to many books on the social and community to review and practice skills-based questions. Some of the tips mentioned below can be followed for the course preparation:

Make a Plan: Make a course plan that can help the student plan according to the study of the work, enabling them to keep both balanced.

Interact with Professors: The interaction with the professors can bring new insight into the subjects of the course.

Scope For Higher Education

The scope for higher education for BSW with the best salaries offered in India and abroad with almost all private and public sectors of various organizations. After earning a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW), students can pursue a master's degree in:

Salary of a BSW Graduate

BSW course salary varies with different job profiles. With some experience in the field, BSW graduates can earn a very good salary. BSW salary varies according to an aspirant's knowledge and skills. Another factor that changes the average salary package is the company and post you are working for. The BSW course's average salary, which is offered, ranges from INR 2 - 5 LPA.

Read More: BSW Salary

Career Options After BSW 

After completing a BSW, you are eligible for junior-level posts in private and government jobs in India and abroad. BSW aspirants have an excellent job scope in the future and vast job opportunities.

Some of the very best BSW career options is mentioned below:

  • Professor
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Teacher
  • Lecturer
  • Campaigner

Career Options

Skills That Make You The Best BSW Graduates

BSW aspirants should possess critical, analytical skills and work, empathy, effective communication, etc.  In addition, they have to be confident, dedicated and committed to their aspiration. Skills that make you suitable for a graduate:

  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Strong Work Ethics
  • Management Skills
  • Goal-Oriented
  • Inquisitive

BSW Fee Structure

FAQs

What after BSW Course?

Graduates will be given proper training on understanding the concerns of society and human development which they can use in their work area or can also opt for pursuing MSW for further knowledge enhancement.

What kind of internships are offered along with this course?

The course is structured to provide field works for students to gain practical knowledge on the subject. The students will be sent for a minimum of 30-day training at NGOs or organizations for research work.

See Various BSW Colleges in India

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