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

IGNOU MSW is a flexible and affordable 2-year Postgraduate degree—extendable up to 4 years. Conducted fully through Online Distance Learning 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 Master of Social Work is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across social welfare, NGOs, healthcare, and community development.

IGNOU Master of Social Work 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Master of Social Work at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU Master of Social Work Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Master of Social Work program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or a higher degree from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage specified; however, some sources mention 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) as a common requirement.
• Age Limit: No minimum or maximum age limit.
• Entrance Exam: No entrance exam required; admission is merit-based.
• Other Requirements: Preference given to candidates with a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW). No work experience required unless specified for certain specializations.

IGNOU Master of Social Work Admission 2026

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers merit-based admission to the Master of Social Work program; you are not required to appear for any entrance examination.

Admission to Master of Social Work at IGNOU takes place twice a year, in January and July sessions. The Master of Social Work admission process at IGNOU is very straightforward—you’ll apply through the Samarth Portal ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in, upload your documents, and pay the registration fee online. Past applicants suggest keeping scanned copies of your ID, marksheets, 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 Master of Social Work Online

Admission to Master of Social Work 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 (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in).
• Select Master of Social Work and check:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Programme fees
  • Duration
  • Study mode (distance)
• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus (http://www.ignou.ac.in) 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 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 Master of Social Work Admission Dates 2026

Important dates for IGNOU Master of Social Work admission 2026 are given below.

Check: IGNOU Admissions 2026

Fees for IGNOU Master of Social Work in 2026

The annual fees to study Master of Social Work from IGNOU is INR 18,000, and the total fees range between INR 36,000 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Master of Social Work program offered by universities like Delhi School of Economics or Jamia Millia Islamia, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Master of Social Work fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Additional Fee:

• University Development Fee: INR 200 (one-time, as per page 28 of the prospectus).

IGNOU Master of Social Work Fees 2026: Specialization-Wise

IGNOU Master of Social Work is offered in 2 specializations via Online Distance Learning. The annual fees for all IGNOU Master of Social Work courses are given below.

Check: IGNOU Courses & Fee

IGNOU Master of Social Work Syllabus

The syllabus for the IGNOU Master of Social Work program, as outlined in the prospectus (pages 75–76), is designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social work. It includes core courses, elective courses, fieldwork, and a dissertation, totaling 72 credits over two years. The curriculum covers the history, principles, and methods of social work, including case work, group work, community organization, and specialized areas like HIV/AIDS, women and child development, and disaster management.

• Core Subjects: Focus on foundational and professional aspects of social work, such as its origin, Indian perspectives, and practicum supervision.
• Elective Subjects: Allow students to specialize in areas like social work research, criminal justice, or international social work.
• Fieldwork: Mandatory practicum and block placement to gain hands-on experience.
• Dissertation: A research project to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.

IGNOU Master of Social Work Career Opportunities

What are the career opportunities after completing Master of Social Work from IGNOU?

Completing a Master of Social Work from IGNOU opens diverse career paths in social welfare, NGOs, healthcare, government, and corporate sectors. The program equips graduates with skills in community development, counseling, and policy formulation, making them eligible for roles in both public and private sectors. Graduates can work in NGOs, government agencies, healthcare settings, or start their own initiatives, contributing to social change.

Highlights:

• Career Options:
  • NGO Program Manager
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Child Protection Officer
  • Community Development Officer
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • Policy Analyst
• Average Salary Packages:
  • NGO Program Manager: INR 4–6 LPA
  • Medical Social Worker: INR 3.5–5 LPA
  • Child Protection Officer: INR 4–5.5 LPA
  • CSR Manager: INR 6–10 LPA
• Highest Salary Packages: Up to INR 15 LPA for senior roles in international organizations or CSR.
• Top Recruiters:
  • NGOs (CRY, Oxfam, Save the Children)
  • Government Departments (Women and Child Development, Social Justice)
  • International Organizations (UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO)
  • Healthcare Sector (Apollo Hospitals, Fortis)
  • Corporate Firms (Tata, Reliance for CSR roles)