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

The Master of Social Work (MSW) from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 2-year master’s degree, extendable up to 4 years. Conducted fully in Open & Distance Learning (ODL) mode with English & Hindi medium, it is designed for learners aspiring to build a career in social work, NGOs, welfare agencies, counseling, and community development. With strong fieldwork and practicum components, the IGNOU MSW equips students with practical exposure for careers in both national and international social work sectors.

IGNOU MSW 2026: Key Highlights

IGNOU MSW Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU MSW program, candidates must fulfill:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized University.

• Minimum Marks Required: Not specified.

• Age Limit: No age limit specified.

• Entrance Exam: No entrance exam required (direct admission).

• Other Requirements: Fieldwork/Block placement is a mandatory component of the program.

IGNOU MSW Admission 2026

IGNOU offers direct, merit-based admission to the MSW program without any entrance examination. Admission occurs in January & July sessions. Applicants must apply online via the Samarth Admission Portal, upload documents, and pay the fees online.

How To Apply for IGNOU MSW Online

Step 1: Visit IGNOU Admission Portal → “Available Programmes” → Select MSW.
Step 2: Register as a new user, create credentials, and log in.
Step 3: Upload documents (photo, signature, educational certificates, caste/experience certificates if applicable).
Step 4: Fill the application form and verify details before submission.
Step 5: Pay the registration fee + programme fee online.

Important: One-time charges – ₹300 (registration) + ₹400 (University Development Fee) at admission.

IGNOU MSW Fee Structure in 2026

The total programme fee is ₹37,000 (₹18,500 per year for 2 years).

IGNOU MSW Syllabus

Summary: The MSW program consists of 72 credits spread over 2 years. It covers core courses, electives, and compulsory fieldwork, including practicum, block placement, and internship. The curriculum emphasizes global and Indian social work, HIV/AIDS, criminal justice, research, and community development.

Year/Semester-Wise Syllabus:

Year 1

• MSW 1 – Origin and Development of Social Work (4)

• MSW 2 – Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives (4)

• MSW 5 – Social Work Practicum and Supervision (4)

• Electives (choose any 2): MSW 3, MSW 4, MSW 6, MSWE 10, MSW 32 (4 each)

• Field Work: MSWL13 – Social Work Practicum-I (8); MSWL14 – Block Placement (8)

Year 2

• MSW 7 – Case Work and Counselling (4)

• MSW 8 – Social Group Work (4)

• MSW 9 – Community Organisation Management (4)

• MSW 17 – Contemporary Methods & Values of Social Work (4)

• Electives (choose any 1): MSWE1, MSWE2, MSWE7, MSWE3 (4 each)

• Field Work: MSWL15 – Practicum II (8); MSWL16 – Internship (8)

IGNOU MSW Career Opportunities

Answer: After completing an MSW from IGNOU, students can pursue careers in NGOs, welfare agencies, hospitals, correctional institutions, schools, CSR units, and international organizations.

Highlights:

• Careers in community development, counseling, social research, NGO project management, CSR, and policy advocacy.

• Employability in government and non-governmental organizations, UN bodies, and CSR projects.

• Salaries vary widely – entry-level ₹3–5 LPA, with higher packages ₹6–10 LPA in reputed NGOs, CSR projects, and international organizations.

• Roles: Social Worker, Community Mobilizer, Counsellor, Programme Coordinator, Research Associate, CSR Officer.

FAQs about MSW From IGNOU

1. What is the duration of IGNOU MSW?
   Minimum 2 years, maximum 4 years.

2. What is the total fee for MSW?
   ₹37,000 (₹18,500 per year) + ₹300 registration + ₹400 UDF .

3. Is there an entrance exam for MSW?
   No, admission is merit-based.

4. What is the medium of study?
   English & Hindi 

5. Does MSW include fieldwork?
   Yes, compulsory practicum, block placement, and internship.

6. What career options are available after MSW?
   NGOs, CSR, hospitals, schools, correctional institutions, UN/INGOs, and research.