IGNOU MSW Admission 2026: Indira Gandhi National Open University offers a postgraduate course known as the master of Social Work (MSW). This course is designed for students who wish to build a career in professional social work, community development, and social welfare. The course is suitable for fresh graduates, social activists, and working professionals in the development sector. IGNOU offers the MSW course through its School of Social Work (SOSW) in open distance learning mode.
The IGNOU MSW course focused on helping students from both a global and an Indian perspective of social work. Through this course, students will gain knowledge about administrative theories, social work research, migration, globalization, and social work in the criminal justice system. A key highlight of the program is the practical competence, which includes hands-on training through fieldwork, block placements, and internships. This ensures that students develop the necessary professional skills to work in diverse environments like NGOs, Government social sectors, and international agencies like the UN.
To study this course at IGNOU, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. There is no age limit, allowing students from any educational background to opt for the course. The fee for the IGNOU MSW is INR 18500 per year, with a registration and development fee ranging between INR 200 and INR 300. IGNOU has commenced the admission procedure for MSW course under the January 2026 session, and last date is 15 February 2026. Students interested can apply online through the official admission portal @ignou.ac.in. For more information, students can refer to the details below.
IGNOU MSW Course Highlights Table
| Feature | Details |
| Course Name | Master of Social Work (MSW) |
| Conducting University | Indira Gandhi National Open University |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | Minimum 2 Years |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Mode of Study | Distance / Open Learning |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a recognized university
|
| Total Credits | 66 Credits |
| Course Fee | INR 37,000 |
| Admission Cycle | January & July Session |
| Examination Mode | Term-End Examination (Offline) |
| Study Material | Printed + Online (eGyanKosh) |
| Evaluation Method | Assignments + Term-End Exams + Field Work |
| Degree Awarded By | IGNOU |
IGNOU MSW Course Details
IGNOU Master’s of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year postgraduate degree designed to provide professional knowledge in social welfare, community development, and social justice. The curriculum helps students understand how to address complex social issues like poverty, migration, and healthcare within the Indian and global context. IGNOU offers this course through the open distance learning mode, making it an ideal choice for working professionals, social activists, and students who require a flexible learning schedule to balance their studies and field commitments.
The curriculum is designed around a credit-based system where students must complete 72 credits, including compulsory theory papers and field work. Important subjects covered include the origin and development of social work, social work research, and specialized topics like HIV/AIDS and criminal justice. IGNOU offers the MSW course in both English and Hindi media to provide a diverse range of students.
IGNOU MSW Admission 2026
15 February 2026 is the last date to apply for IGNOU MSW Admission 2026 in January 2026 session. The IGNOU Admission procedure started for their Master of Social Work (MSW) in January 2026 academic year. Interested students can submit their applications through the official portal @ignou.ac.in. Interested students are advised to apply early to ensure their documents are verified on time.
To apply, students must first register on the portal, fill out the online application form, and upload scanned copies of their educational certificates and ID proofs. The annual course fee, along with the registration and development charges, must be paid using the online payment gateway. Once the process is completed, IGNOU will send a confirmation email to the student’s registered address.
Students can choose to apply offline by visiting their nearest IGNOU regional centre. By submitting the physical application along with the required documents and a fee of INR 300, students from all regions can easily secure their enrolment.
IGNOU MSW Course Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program at IGNOU for the 2026 session, students must meet the following simple criteria:
- Students must have a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university.
- Students holding a higher degree in any discipline are also eligible to apply.
- IGNOU generally requires a minimum of 45% to 50% marks for a graduate degree.
- There is no maximum age limit to join the course, making it accessible for students.
IGNOU MSW Course Fee Structure
The IGNOU MSW program fee structure is highly affordable compared to other universities. The university is dedicated to providing professional social work education at an affordable fee that is accessible to everyone. Below are the complete fee details:
- The total course fee for the Master’s of Social Work (MSW) is INR 37,000.
- Students are required to pay INR 18,500 per year, which makes the payments manageable and student-friendly.
- Apart from the course fee, the university charges a one-time registration fee of INR 300 and a development fee of INR 200 at the time of admission.
- All fees can be paid securely online through the official admission portal using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
IGNOU MSW Re-registration 2026
IGNOU has opened the re-registration portal for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program for the January 2026 academic session, allowing existing students to continue their journey. Re-registration is mandatory for students moving from the 1st year to the 2nd year. Students do not need to wait for your 1st year exam results or assignment grades to apply.
At the time of re-registration, students are required to pay the 2nd year program of INR 18500. The last date to apply for IGNOU MSW re-registration for the January 2026 session has been extended to 15th February 2026 without any late fee. Students must visit the official IGNOU Re-registration portal to complete the process @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in.
Why Choose the IGNOU MSW Course?
Choosing the IGNOU MSW program is a smart move for those looking to build a career in social welfare while maintaining a flexible schedule. Here are the top reasons to opt for this course:
- Global and modern curriculum: The course includes important topics like globalisation, migration, and international social work. This helps students understand current social issues and prepares them for real-world challenges.
- Practical Training: IGNOU focuses on practical learning. Students must complete fieldwork, internships, and block placements, which give them real experience in social work, not just book knowledge.
- Low Fees: The course fee is around INR 18500 per year, making it one of the most affordable master’s degrees in social work in India.
- Flexible Study Mode: The program is offered through open distance learning (ODL). This is helpful for working professionals, civil services aspirants, and students who cannot attend regular college classes.
- Good Career Opportunities: IGNOU MSW degrees are UGC recognised, and students can apply for government jobs, work in NGOs, or even apply to international organisations like the UN and WHO.
- Available in Hindi & English: the course is offered in both English and Hindi, making it easier for students from different backgrounds to study comfortably.
IGNOU MSW Admission Process 2026
To successfully enroll in the IGNOU Master’s of Social Work (MSW) program, students should follow these simple steps to complete their admission for the 2026 session:
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission portal @ignou.ac.in.
- Step 2: Click on the New registration link on the homepage.
- Step 3: Enter basic details, including the student’s full name, active email ID, and 10-digit mobile number.
- Step 4: Create a secure password. Complete the CAPTCHA and finish the registration.
- Step 5: Log in to the portal using their newly created username and password.
- Step 6: Fill out the online application form with your personal details and academic qualifications.
- Step 7: Upload the required scanned documents in the prescribed size and format.
- Step 8:Review the form and pay the 1st year course fee plus the registration fee of INR 300 online.
- Step 9: Click on the submit button to complete the application.
Documents Required
- Class 10th marksheet
- Class 12th marksheet
- Bachelors degree
- Category certificate
- Identity proofs
- Photographs
- Signature
- Migration
- Transfer certificate
IGNOU MSW Course Syllabus
1 Year
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| MSW 8 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW 9 | Community Organisation Management for Community Development | 4 |
| MSWL 46 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL 47 | Block Placement | 8 |
2nd Year
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 12 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | 4 |
| MSW 13 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 14 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 15 | Basics of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 16 | Fields of Counselling | 4 |
| MSWL 48 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL 49 | Internship | 8 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU MSW Course
Students who complete the IGNOU Master of Social Work (MSW) can pursue a rewarding career in both the public and private sectors. This course is especially beneficial for those aiming to work in community development, mental health, and social welfare. It also serves as a strong foundation for candidates preparing for civil services and social justice-related government exams, as it provides a deep understanding of social policies and human rights.
Graduates can work in various roles such as Social Worker, Project Coordinator, CSR Manager, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Child Welfare Officer, and Program Manager. The degree opens doors to employment in government departments (like the Ministry of Women and Child Development), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), hospitals, corporate firms, and international agencies like UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO.
At the entry level, MSW graduates can expect to earn between INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA. With experience and specialized skills in areas like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Mental Health, professionals can earn between INR 6 LPA and INR 12 LPA or more in senior leadership and consultancy roles.
Jobs After Completing IGNOU MSW Course
| Job Role | Average Salary (India) |
|---|---|
| Social Worker | INR 3 – INR 6 LPA |
| Medical Social Worker | INR 3.5 – INR 7 LPA |
| Child Welfare Officer | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
| School Counselor | INR 3 – INR 6 LPA |
| NGO Program Coordinator | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
| CSR Executive | INR 5 – INR 9 LPA |
| Community Development Officer | INR 4 – INR 7 LPA |
| Probation Officer | INR 4 – INR 8 LPA |
| HR Executive (Social Sector) | INR 4 – INR 7 LPA |
| Lecturer (After NET/PhD) | INR 5 – INR 12 LPA |
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