IGNOU BSW: Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply

IGNOU BSW is a flexible and affordable 3-year undergraduate degree—extendable up to 6 years. Conducted fully through Online/Distance mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU BSW is a popular choice among students aiming for careers in social work, community development, and NGOs. 

IGNOU BSW 2026: Key Highlights

IGNOU BSW Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU BSW program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized board.
• Minimum Marks Required: No specific minimum percentage is mentioned in the prospectus.
• Age Limit: No age limit specified.
• Entrance Exam: No entrance test is required; admission is merit-based.
• Other Requirements: None specified.

IGNOU BSW Admission 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers direct admission to the BSW program; you are not required to appear for any entrance examination.

Admission to BSW at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The BSW admission process at IGNOU is very straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal , upload your documents, and pay the registration fee online. Past applicants suggest keeping scanned copies of your ID, mark sheets, and a passport-size photo ready to avoid delays. Unlike many universities, IGNOU allows you to complete the entire process online, without the need to visit the campus.

How To Apply for IGNOU BSW Online

Admission to the BSW at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.

Step 1: Review Course Details

• Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal .
• Select BSW and check:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Programme fees
  • Duration
  • Study mode (distance)
• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully .

Step 2: Register on the IGNOU Admission Portal

• Click “New Registration” in the applicant login area.
• Fill in the required personal details:
  • Username: 8–16 characters
  • Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters
  • Use your own active email address and mobile number.
• Click “Submit” — your username and password will be sent via SMS and email.
• Already registered? Click “Login” to continue.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

• Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Online Application Form

• Log in with your registered credentials.
• Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
• Upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format and size.
• Review all details carefully before final submission.
• Download/print the application form for future reference.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• The registration/programme fee can be paid online through:
  • Credit Card (Master/Visa)
  • Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)
  • Net Banking

Important Fee & Refund Rules

• Registration fee (Rs. 300/-) is non-refundable.
• Before admission confirmation: full programme fee refundable.
• After confirmation: 15% of the programme fee (max ₹2,000) will be deducted.
• No refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
• Students with fee exemption (e.g., SC/ST students as per IGNOU policy) will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.
• Note: DEB ID is mandatory for submission of the application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the application process.

Tip from past students: Apply early in the cycle (July–August) to avoid last-minute portal slowdowns. IGNOU’s online system works well on desktop but can be slow on mobile devices. Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive an email confirmation along with your student ID.

IGNOU BSW Admission Dates 2026

Important dates for IGNOU BSW admission 2026 are given below.

Fees for IGNOU BSW in 2026

The annual fees to study the BSW from IGNOU is INR 6,000/-, and the total fees range between INR 18,000/- for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional BSW programs offered by universities like Delhi University or Jamia Millia Islamia, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. The IGNOU BSW fee structure for 2026 is as follows:

Additional Fee: None specified for the BSW program.

IGNOU BSW Syllabus

The syllabus for the BSW at IGNOU is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge in social work, focusing on theoretical foundations, practical skills, and fieldwork to prepare students for careers in social services, community development, and advocacy. The program covers core subjects like social work concepts, human behavior, community organization, and practical fieldwork, supplemented by electives in areas like HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and disaster management.

Highlights of the Syllabus:

• Core Subjects: Introduction to social work, human growth and development, social work practicum.
• Fieldwork: Compulsory fieldwork to gain hands-on experience in social work settings.
• Electives: Options to study specialized topics like HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, or disaster management.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Incorporates sociology, psychology, and community development principles.

Programme Details (as per prospectus, page 178):

Year/Semester-Wise Subjects (indicative, based on typical BSW structure from prospectus):

Note: Exact course codes and titles may vary slightly; students should refer to the official IGNOU study material or portal for the detailed syllabus.

Check: IGNOU Courses & Fee

IGNOU BSW Career Opportunities

What are the career opportunities after completing the BSW from IGNOU?

Completing the BSW from IGNOU opens up a wide range of career opportunities in social services, community development, and advocacy. Graduates can work in NGOs, government organizations, healthcare, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) sectors, addressing social issues like poverty, education, health, and human rights. The program’s practical training and flexible learning make it ideal for roles requiring fieldwork and community engagement.

Highlights:

• Diverse Career Paths: Opportunities in NGOs, government programs, healthcare, and CSR initiatives.
• Average Salary: Entry-level roles range from INR 2.5–4 LPA; experienced professionals can earn INR 5–8 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: NGOs like CRY, Oxfam, Save the Children; government bodies like Ministry of Women and Child Development; corporates with CSR wings.
• Further Studies: Graduates can pursue MSW or other postgraduate programs for advanced roles.
• Social Impact: Roles involve direct community work, policy advocacy, and social welfare program implementation.