Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Colleges, Syllabus, Fees & More

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a 3-year undergraduate degree that empowers students passionate about creating positive change in society. Spanning six semesters, it blends theory in sociology, psychology, social policy, and human development with hands-on skills like counseling, casework, advocacy, and extensive fieldwork in NGOs, communities, and welfare settings. From affordable government colleges to renowned private institutions, aspirants have a range of colleges to choose from for a BSW degree.

Completing the BSW course enables graduates to build careers as social workers, counselors, NGO coordinators, with salaries ranging from Rs. 2.5 to 4 lakhs per annum. Read this comprehensive guide for a detailed overview of the course. Find eligibility and admission process along with major entrance exams. Know about top colleges, fees, salary packages, higher studies’ options and more.

What is BSW?

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a 3-year undergraduate degree focused on social work practice. The curriculum covers core areas such as Social Case Work, Group Work, Community Organization, Social Welfare Administration, and Human Behavior. Students gain practical experience through a minimum of 60 days of field work per year. Graduates can pursue careers in NGOs, CSR, government welfare, and counseling. Here is a quick overview of the course:

Feature	Details
Full Form	Bachelor of Social Work
Course Level	Undergraduate (UG)
Standard Duration	3 years (divided into 6 semesters); some institutions offer 4-year honours/research programs under NEP
Eligibility	10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board in any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) with minimum 45–50% aggregate marks (relaxation for reserved categories)
Admission Process	Primarily merit-based (Class 12 marks); increasingly entrance-based via CUET UG; some colleges conduct interviews or university-specific tests
Entrance Exams	CUET UG (common); some universities have their own tests (e.g., TISS, state-level exams)
Average Fees	Government colleges: ₹12,000–₹40,000 per year Private colleges: ₹50,000–₹1.8 Lakh per year (total course fee range: ₹18,000–₹5.2 Lakh depending on institution)
Mode of Study	Regular (full-time); also available via distance/correspondence (e.g., IGNOU)
Core Subjects / Syllabus Highlights	Introduction to Social Work, Social Work Methods, Sociology & Psychology for Social Work, Human Growth & Development, Community Organization, Social Policy & Planning, Rural & Urban Development, Social Research, Field Work/Practicum (mandatory internships in NGOs, hospitals, communities), Human Rights, Social Legislation, Counselling, etc.
Key Practical Component	Extensive fieldwork, internships, rural camps, and community projects (often 100–200+ hours per year)
Top Colleges / Institutions	Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Delhi University colleges, Amity University, Madras Christian College (MCC), Stella Maris College, St. Joseph’s University (Bengaluru), IGNOU (distance), Banaras Hindu University, Loyola College (Chennai), etc.
Career Options / Job Profiles	Social Worker, Community Organizer, Project Coordinator, Counselor, NGO Manager, Child/Women Welfare Officer, HR Specialist (social aspects), School Social Worker, Medical & Psychiatric Social Worker, Social Activist, Policy Analyst, etc.
Average Starting Salary	₹2–5 Lakh per annum (varies by sector, location, and organization; higher in corporate CSR, international NGOs, or with experience)
Employment Sectors	NGOs, Government welfare departments, Hospitals & Healthcare, Community Development Projects, Education Sector, Corporate CSR wings, Child & Women Protection Agencies, International Aid Organizations, etc.

Course Comparison: BSW vs BA Sociology vs BA Psychology

Here’s a comparison of BSW with BA Sociology and BA Psychology:

Aspect	BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)	BA Sociology	BA Psychology
Primary Focus	Direct practice in social welfare, helping individuals/groups/communities address social issues	Study of society, social structures, institutions, and group behavior	Study of individual mind, behavior, emotions, mental processes, and psychological theories
Core Skills Developed	Case management, counseling, advocacy, intervention, community organization, empathy & fieldwork	Critical thinking, research methods, data analysis, sociological theory, policy analysis	Therapeutic techniques, behavioral analysis, research, statistical methods, empathy & assessment
Curriculum Highlights	Social work theories & methods, human behavior, social policy, legislation, human rights, research, counseling, gender/child rights	Sociological theories, research methods, social stratification, culture, inequality, statistics	Psychological theories, cognitive/behavioral/developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics
Practical Training	Extensive & mandatory fieldwork (e.g., 60+ days/year), internships in NGOs/hospitals/communities, rural camps, agency visits	Limited or optional fieldwork; more emphasis on research projects, surveys, or academic analysis	Limited or optional fieldwork; some programs include lab experiments, internships in counseling/HR
Typical Career Paths	Social Worker, NGO/Project Coordinator, Counselor, Child/Women Welfare Officer, CSR Executive, Community Organizer	Researcher, Policy Analyst, Journalist, HR Specialist, Social Services, Survey Researcher, Teacher	Counselor (School/Family), HR Specialist, Researcher, Mental Health Assistant, Organizational Development
Average Starting Salary	₹2.5 – 5 LPA (higher in NGOs, corporates, or metros)	₹3 – 5 LPA (varies; higher in research/HR roles)	₹3 – 5 LPA (higher in counseling/HR; grows with certifications)
Main Employment Sectors	NGOs, Government welfare, Hospitals, Community Development, Corporate CSR, Child Protection	Research firms, Government/policy, Media/Journalism, Education, HR, NGOs	Counseling centers, HR departments, Schools, Hospitals, Research, Corporate wellness
Further Study Options	MSW (preferred for advanced roles), Public Health, MBA, specialized diplomas	MA Sociology, Research programs, MBA, Journalism, Public Administration	MA/MSc Psychology, Clinical/Counseling Psychology, MBA, HR certifications
Social Impact & Suitability	High direct impact on marginalized communities; ideal for hands-on social justice & service	Focus on understanding & analyzing social issues; suits research/policy-oriented minds	Focus on individual mental health & behavior; suits those interested in therapy & personal development

BSW Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a BSW program in India, candidates typically need to have completed their 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks. A strong interest in social service is generally preferred. While specific criteria may vary, passing 10+2 with the minimum percentage is a basic requirement.

Candidates must have completed their 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks
CUET-UG, DU entrance, and TISS (for integrated programs) are some of the entrance exams for BSW admission
Metric-based admission is also considered at many colleges
Some colleges consider extracurricular activities and social work experience as part of their selection process
Candidates must meet the specific eligibility criteria of the college or university they are applying to
The CUET-UG exam for BSW admission is expected to take place in May 2026

BSW Admission Process & Exams

Admissions into the course are made on the basis on entrance as well as merit. Some colleges may also consider extracurricular activities and social work experience.

Popular Entrance Exam	Applicable Colleges / Universities (Examples)	Tentative Months for 2026 Cycle (Key Milestones)
CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate) – Most popular & widely accepted	Tata Institute of Social Sciences, DU affiliates, BHU, Others… (e.g., many central/state/deemed/private universities accepting CUET scores for BSW)	January–February (Registration) May (Exam) June–July (Results & Counselling)
Merit-Based / Direct Admission (No entrance or university-specific test)	Madras Christian College (MCC), Stella Maris College, St. Joseph’s University, Loyola College, Amity University, IGNOU (distance), Others…	April–July (Applications) June–August (Merit lists & Counselling)
University-Specific Entrance (Less common now; some private/state colleges)	Certain private universities (e.g., some with own tests like LPUNEST or others; most have shifted to CUET), Others…	February–June (Varies by institution)

Top BSW Colleges in India

The top BSW colleges in India offer comprehensive curricula and field work opportunities. These include Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, Delhi University (DU) colleges, and University of Lucknow. Take a look at the top government, private and distance education options below:

College	Approximate Total Course Fees	Placements (Average Starting Salary)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai/Tuljapur	₹2.09–2.43 Lakh	₹3.5–5 LPA
Delhi University (DU) Colleges, Delhi	₹20,000–60,000	₹2.5–4 LPA
University of Lucknow, Lucknow	₹10,000–30,000	₹2.2–3.5 LPA
IGNOU, Delhi (Distance)	₹15,000–25,000	₹2–3.5 LPA (self-driven)
Christ University, Bangalore	₹1–1.5+ Lakh	₹3.5–4.5 LPA
Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai	₹1.5–1.8 Lakh	₹2.5–4 LPA
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi	₹70,000–80,000	₹2.5–4 LPA
Lady Irwin College, Delhi (DU affiliate)	₹20,000–50,000	₹2.5–3.5 LPA
Mumbai University affiliates, Mumbai	₹20,000–50,000	₹2.5–3.5 LPA
Stella Maris College, Chennai	₹1–1.5 Lakh	₹3–4 LPA
St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru	₹2–2.5 Lakh	₹3.5–5 LPA
Loyola College, Chennai	₹50,000–1 Lakh	₹3–4.5 LPA

BSW Syllabus

The BSW syllabus provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social work principles, practices, and research methods. The curriculum is divided into three years, blending theoretical and practical courses. The first year introduces the foundations of social work, including sociology, psychology, and economics. The second year focuses on social work methods, social policy, and research. The third year covers specialized fields, community organization, and administration. Fieldwork comprises approximately one-third of the curriculum, providing hands-on experience.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the BSW syllabus:

Year / Semester	Theory Subjects (Main)	Field Work / Practicum Component
Year 1: Semester 1	Introduction to Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Economics	Concurrent Field Work (orientation visits, 60 days/year equivalent spread)
Year 1: Semester 2	Social Work Profession, Indian Society, Human Growth and Development	Concurrent Field Work (60 days/year; agency-based learning)
Year 2: Semester 3	Social Case Work, Social Group Work, Community Organization	Concurrent Field Work (60 days/year; community/rural exposure)
Year 2: Semester 4	Social Welfare Administration, Social Legislation, Social Justice	Block Placement (30 days; intensive agency immersion)
Year 3: Semester 5	Social Work with Individuals, Social Work with Groups, Social Work with Communities	Rural/Urban Field Work (30 days; specialized settings)
Year 3: Semester 6	Social Work Research and Statistics, Social Policy and Planning	Specialized Field Work (30 days) + Electives fieldwork

BSW Fees

BSW course fees in India vary. Central universities like Delhi University (DU) charge between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per year. State government colleges range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per year. Private colleges can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh per year. IGNOU offers a distance learning option for around ₹19,000 total (updated for 2026 cycle). Scholarships are available for SC/ST, minority, and merit-based categories.

Here’s a breakdown of BSW fees in different institutions:

Category	College/University	Approximate Fees
Central	DU:	₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per year
	JMI:	₹18,000 per year (total ₹73,500 for 4 years under NEP)
	Central University of Kerala:	₹10,000 – ₹12,000 per year
	Central University of Tamil Nadu:	₹12,000 per year
	University of Hyderabad:	₹15,000 per year
	Jawaharlal Nehru University:	₹10,000 per year
	University of Delhi:	₹15,000 per year (same as DU)
State	University of Lucknow:	₹6,000 per year (total ₹18,662 for 3 years)
	Punjab University:	₹15,000 per year
	Osmania University:	₹12,000 – ₹15,000 per year
	Andhra University:	₹10,000 per year
	Kakatiya University:	₹12,000 per year
	Nagarjuna University:	₹10,000 per year
	Sri Venkateswara University:	₹12,000 per year
Private	TISS:	₹81,000 per year (total ₹2.43 Lakh for 3 years)
	Christ University:	₹80,000 per year
	Loyola College:	₹60,000 per year
	St. Xavier’s College:	₹70,000 per year
	Mount Carmel College:	₹80,000 per year
	Women’s Christian College:	₹60,000 per year
	Madras Christian College:	₹60,000 per year (total ₹1.8 Lakh for 3 years)
Distance	IGNOU:	₹19,000 total
	Annamalai University:	₹20,000 total
	Madurai Kamaraj University:	₹25,000 total
	Bharathiar University:	₹30,000 total
	Alagappa University:	₹20,000 total
	Periyar University:	₹25,000 total
	Bharathidasan University:	₹30,000 total

Career After BSW

A BSW degree opens doors to various sectors, including NGOs, CSR, government welfare, counseling, and community work. Graduates can become social workers, program coordinators, CSR managers, welfare officers, counselors, and therapists. Salaries vary by sector, with CSR offering the highest growth potential and the government sector providing stable employment. International NGOs offer lucrative opportunities, often requiring experience and an MSW.

Here’s an overview of career options for BSW graduates:

NGO	CSR	Govt	Counseling	Salary
Program Coordinator at NGOs like Oxfam, Save the Children	CSR Manager at companies like Tata, Infosys	Social Welfare Officer in State Governments	Counselor at schools, hospitals like Apollo, Fortis	₹2.5-5L
Social Worker at NGOs like UNICEF, Red Cross	Project Officer at CSR foundations like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation	Probation Officer in Juvenile Justice System	Therapist at private clinics like Max, Medanta	₹3-8L
Community Worker at grassroots NGOs like SEWA, GOONJ	Sustainability Manager at companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo	Child Welfare Officer in Government Departments	Counselor at NGOs like HelpAge, SOS Children’s Villages	₹2-4L
Project Manager at international NGOs like WHO, UNDP	Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist at companies like Google, Amazon	Social Worker in Government Hospitals	Psychologist at research institutions like NIMHANS, IITs	₹4-6L
Advocacy Officer at NGOs like Amnesty, Greenpeace	Public Policy Specialist at companies like Facebook, Microsoft	Welfare Officer in Government Welfare Departments	Counselor at corporate companies like Infosys, Wipro	₹3-5L
Research Assistant at NGOs like World Bank, IMF	Environmental Sustainability Manager at companies like Reliance, Adani	Child Protection Officer in Government Child Protection Services	Therapist at old age homes like HelpAge, Nightingales	₹2.5-4L
Programme Officer at NGOs like UNHCR, ILO	Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at companies like HDFC, ICICI	Social Worker in Government Schools	Counselor at NGOs like CARE, Oxfam	₹3-6L
Community Development Officer at NGOs like USAID, DFID	Sustainability Reporting Specialist at companies like TCS, Infosys	Welfare Officer in Government Welfare Schemes	Psychologist at hospitals like AIIMS, PGI	₹4-8L

BSW Salary

Salaries for BSW graduates in India vary based on sector, experience, and job role. Further, compensation scale increases with increasing professional experience. Here is an overview of expected fresher salaries ranges for various sectors:

NGO sector: ₹4-7 lakhs per annum
CSR sector: ₹6-15 lakhs per annum
Government sector: ₹35,000-₹60,000 per month
International NGOs: ₹8-20 lakhs per annum
Corporate sector: ₹6-15 lakhs per annum
Counseling sector: ₹2.5-5 lakhs per annum
Social work research sector: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
Academic sector: ₹4-8 lakhs per annum
Average Salary in India – ₹6-12 lakhs per annum

MSW & Scope Further Studies

For BSW graduates, further studies like an MSW can significantly improve career prospects, especially for senior positions. The MSW program is typically 2 years long and is often required for advanced roles. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is a prestigious institution for MSW in India, with fees around ₹1.5 lakhs. Students can also pursue a PhD in Social Work for an academic career or an MBA with a specialization in HR or CSR for management roles. Government jobs via the State Public Service Commission (PSC) are also options, but often require experience. International opportunities, including MSW programs abroad and roles in UN agencies, offer global exposure and higher salaries, typically requiring an MSW and experience.

Here’s a look at higher study options:

MSW colleges in India	PhD	MBA options
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai	PhD in Social Work with specialization in Children and Families	MBA in HR, CSR with a focus on social impact
IIT Delhi	PhD in Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on Social Work	MBA in Public Policy, Management with a specialization in Social Sector
NIT Trichy	PhD in Social Sciences with research focus on community development	MBA in Industrial Engineering, Management with a focus on CSR initiatives
University of Delhi	PhD in Social Work with a focus on clinical social work practice	MBA in Business Economics, Public Policy with a specialization in social entrepreneurship
IGNOU	PhD in Social Work through distance learning with a focus on social policy	MBA in Social Entrepreneurship, Public Policy through distance learning
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University	PhD in Social Sciences with a focus on rural development and agricultural extension	MBA in Agricultural Business, Management with a specialization in rural development
Jamia Millia Islamia	PhD in Social Work with a focus on community organization and development	MBA in Public Administration, Social Work with a specialization in non-profit management
Anna University	PhD in Social Sciences with a research focus on urban planning and development	MBA in Urban Management, Social Work with a specialization in urban planning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the duration of a BSW course?

The duration of a BSW course is 3 years, the same as BA Sociology and BA Psychology courses. This is divided into 6 semesters, with field work and core subjects covered throughout.

Q2. What are the fees for BSW courses in Central Universities?

Fees for BSW courses in Central Universities in India range from ₹30,000–₹80,000 total for the program, as seen in institutions like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Central University of Kerala and others.

Q3. What are the typical career paths for BSW graduates?

BSW graduates can pursue careers in NGO, CSR, Government Welfare, and Counseling sectors. They can work as Social Workers, Program Coordinators, CSR Managers, Welfare Officers, or Counselors, with salaries ranging from 2.5 to 8 LPA. These roles often involve direct social work practice, advocacy, and intervention.

Q4. What are the options for further stud ies after completing a BSW degree?

After completing a BSW degree, students can pursue further studies such as MSW, PhD, or MBA. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is considered one of the best institutions for MSW. A PhD can lead to an academic career, while an MBA can lead to management roles in the social sector. Additionally, students can also prepare for government jobs through State Public Service Commission (PSC) exams.

Q5. What is BSW salary?

The average starting salary for BSW graduates in India is ₹2.5–4 LPA (around ₹20,000–₹35,000 per month), depending on the sector (NGOs, government, CSR), location, and organization. With experience or an MSW, it can rise to ₹5–10 LPA or more.

Q6. What is the scope of BSW bachelor degree?

BSW offers strong scope in social services, with opportunities in NGOs, government welfare departments, hospitals, child/women protection, community development, CSR roles, counseling, and policy advocacy. Graduates can pursue MSW for advanced positions and impactful careers in social justice and human welfare.

Written by Aayush Kukreja

Aayush is a writer and content strategist who turns personal stories into brand narratives. With an experience spanning diverse industries, rely on his writing for simplifying complex subjects & get in-depth insights - always with sharp wit.

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