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

Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System (CSWCJS) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 6-month Certificate degree—extendable up to 2 years. Conducted fully through Online Distance Learning (ODL) 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 CSWCJS is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across social work, criminal justice administration, and community welfare. 

IGNOU CSWCJS 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU CSWCJS Eligibility Criteria 2026

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

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, State Boards).

• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage required.

• Age Limit: No age limit specified.

• Entrance Exam (if any): None.

• Other Requirements: Interest in social work and criminal justice issues is recommended but not mandatory.

IGNOU CSWCJS Admission 2026

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

Admission to CSWCJS at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The CSWCJS admission process at IGNOU is straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal https://ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in/, 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.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

How To Apply for IGNOU CSWCJS Online

Admission to CSWCJS 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 Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System 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 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 will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.

• Note: DEB ID is mandatory for submission of application. Please create your DEB ID before starting the appliFcation 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.

Fees for IGNOU CSWCJS in 2026

The total fees to study CSWCJS from IGNOU is INR 1,600 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than similar programs offered by institutions like Tata Institute of Social Sciences or other private institutes, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU CSWCJS fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU CSWCJS Syllabus

The syllabus for CSWCJS, offered through the School of Social Work, is designed to provide foundational knowledge of social work principles and their application within the criminal justice system. The program includes 16 credits across four courses, covering social work intervention, criminal justice processes, Indian laws, and rehabilitation strategies. Study materials are provided in print and online via eGyanKosh, supported by counseling sessions at study centers.

• Total Credits: 16 (4 credits per course; 1 credit = 30 hours of self-study).

• Focus: Equips learners with skills in social work, victim support, offender rehabilitation, and understanding legal frameworks.

• Practical Component: Includes assignments (30% of marks) to apply social work concepts in criminal justice contexts.

• Delivery: Through printed and digital study materials, with optional counseling sessions at IGNOU study centers.

IGNOU CSWCJS Career Opportunities

Q: What career opportunities are available after completing the Certificate in Social Work and Criminal Justice System from IGNOU?
A: Completing the CSWCJS from IGNOU equips graduates with foundational skills in social work and criminal justice, enabling them to work as social workers, counselors, or rehabilitation officers in NGOs, correctional facilities, or government agencies. Graduates can also pursue further studies, such as a Diploma or Master’s in Social Work, to enhance their expertise. The program’s focus on practical interventions prepares students for roles supporting victims, offenders, and communities within the criminal justice system.

• Career Options: Social Worker, Counselor, Rehabilitation Officer, Community Welfare Officer, NGO Coordinator.

• Average Salary Packages: INR 2–4 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 5–7 LPA.

• Highest Salary Packages: Up to INR 9 LPA for senior roles in reputed organizations or government agencies.

• Recruiters: NGOs (e.g., CRY, HelpAge India), correctional facilities, government departments (e.g., Ministry of Social Justice), and legal aid organizations.

FAQs about CSWCJS From IGNOU

1. What is the eligibility for IGNOU CSWCJS 2026?
   Eligibility includes a 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board, with no minimum marks or age limit.

2. Is there an entrance exam for IGNOU CSWCJS?
   No, admission is direct and merit-based; no entrance exam is required.

3. Can I pursue IGNOU CSWCJS while working full-time?
   Yes, the ODL mode offers flexible study schedules, ideal for working professionals and learners with other commitments.

4. What is the total fee for IGNOU CSWCJS?
   The total fee is INR 1,600 for the 6-month program, plus a one-time registration fee of INR 300 and exam fees (INR 200 per course).

5. What subjects are covered in the IGNOU CSWCJS syllabus?
   The syllabus includes Social Work Intervention in Correctional Settings (MSW-031), Social Work and Criminal Justice (MSW-032), Social Work in Indian Legal System (MSW-033), and Rehabilitation and Prevention (MSW-034).

6. What career options are available after completing IGNOU CSWCJS?
   Graduates can work as social workers, counselors, rehabilitation officers, or community welfare officers, earning INR 2–4 LPA on average, with potential for higher earnings with experience.