IGNOU MSW Admission 2026: IGNOU 2026 has introduced a 2-year postgraduate course in distance mode that teaches about social work and its diversity. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is the best option for those who are interested in pursuing a career in social work.
This program helps you to gain knowledge and skills to address social issues and work in various fields like healthcare, community development, and NGOs. The total fee for the program is Rs. 36,000, which is paid yearly, that is, Rs. 18,000 each. Additionally, there is a one-time registration fee of ₹300.
Admission to this program is completed through the online process. Those candidates who are interested can visit the university’s official website, ignou.ac.in, to register themselves by filling out the application form. However, the IGNOU MSW admission 2026 portal is going to go live soon, and the last date for application submission is 31 January 2026*.
Anyhow, students should know that they must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university to be eligible. The course offers flexible learning, making it ideal for working professionals and students. The program duration is 2 years, with a maximum of 5 years to complete. For details on fees, syllabus, and deadlines, you need to scroll down.
IGNOU MSW Admission 2026 Latest Update
- IGNOU MSW Admission will start for the January Session 2026, and 31 January 2026 is the expected last date to apply.
IGNOU MSW Admission 2026 Key Highlights
| Feature | Detail |
| Course Name | MSW |
| Types of Course | Postgraduate |
| Full-Form | Master’s of Social Work |
| Course Duration | 2 years |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Approved by | UGC-DEB |
| Study Mode | Distance education |
| Age limit | Not specified |
| Eligibility | UG with 50% to 60% marks from a UGC-recognised university |
| Course fee | INR 18,000 per annum |
| Admission start date | 06 June 2026 |
| Admission Last date | 31 January 2026 |
| Offered by | IGNOU |
| Salary offered | INR 3.5 LPA to 5.5 LPA |
IGNOU MSW Admission 2026
The selection process for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program 2026 at IGNOU is very simple and complete through the online process. However, admissions for this program are based on a direct entry system, meaning there is no entrance exam. Students who are interested in entering this course must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university to be eligible. Aspiring applicants need to register on the official IGNOU website, where they need to fill out the application form along with uploading the required documents and paying the admission fee of INR 300/- per student.
If your application is verified and approved, then you will receive a confirmation email from IGNOU. This indicates that your admission has been done, and now you have to pay your course semester or annual fee to start your program.
Eligibility Criteria for IGNOU MSW Admission 2026
Students who are going to apply for the IGNOU Master of Social Work (MSW) program must meet the following eligibility criteria that are written down:
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a verified university is mandatory.
- Minimum Percentage: You have at least 50% marks in your UG degree for the general category, whereas 45% is required for the reserved category.
- There is no upper or lower age limit for admission to the MSW program, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.
- Graduates from arts, science, commerce, or any other stream can apply for this program.
IGNOU MSW Admission Fees 2026
| Events | Fees |
| Full Program Fee | INR 36,000 (for 2 years) |
| Yearly Payment | INR 18,000 per year |
| Registration Fee | INR 300 |
| Fee Concession | Fee reimbursement for SC/ST students (as per government rules) |
| Payment Options | UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking |
How to Apply for IGNOU MSW Admission 2026:
Applying for the IGNOU MSW admission is simple and will be done through online mode. Follow the steps below to successfully complete your registration process.
Step 1: You have begun by visiting the IGNOU official website at @ignou.ac.in.
Step 2: Then you need to make a new account by providing basic details like name, email, and phone number.
Step 3: Move to the application form by logging in with your current password and completing the MSW form. Enter personal, educational, and program-related details carefully.
Step 4: After filling out the details, you need to upload a scan and the required documents, such as a passport-sized photo, signature, ID proof, and educational certificates.
Step 5: Submit the application fee using available payment options like net banking, credit card, or UPI.
Step 1: Now you need to double-check the filled details and submit the form. Save the confirmation for future reference.
IGNOU MSW Documents Required
To apply for the IGNOU MSW program, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport-sized Photograph: Recent and clear, and must be scanned.
- Signature: Scanned.
- Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, voter ID, or passport.
- 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates.A graduation degree or equivalent qualification.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): For SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates.
- PWD Certificate (if applicable): For candidates with disabilities.
- Experience Certificate (if required): Relevant work experience in social work.
Note: Ensure all documents are scanned and uploaded in the required format to complete the application process successfully.
IGNOU MSW Course Syllabus 2026
| Year | Semester | Course Name | Course Code |
|
First Year
|
Semester 1
|
Origin and Development of Social Work | MSW-01 |
| Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | MSW-02 | ||
| Social Work Practicum and Supervision | MSW-05 | ||
| Social Work Practicum – I | MSWL-13 | ||
| Block Placement | MSWL-14 | ||
|
Semester 2
|
Basic Social Science Concepts | MSW-03 | |
| Social Work and Social Development | MSW-04 | ||
| Social Work Research | MSW-06 | ||
| Social Work and Criminal Justice | MSW-32 | ||
| Social Work in an African Context | MSWE-10 | ||
|
Second Year
|
Semester 3
|
Case Work and Counselling: Working with Individuals | MSW-07 |
| Social Group Work: Working with Groups | MSW-08 | ||
| Community Organization Management for Community Development | MSW-09 | ||
| Contemporary Methods and Values of Social Work | MSW-17 | ||
| Social Work Practicum – II | MSWL-15 | ||
|
Semester 4
|
Internship | MSWL-16 | |
| HIV/AIDS: Stigma, Discrimination, and Prevention | MSWE-01 | ||
| Women and Child Development | MSWE-02 | ||
| Disaster Management | MSWE-03 | ||
| International Social Work | MSWE-07 | ||
| Project Work | MSWP-01 |
IGNOU MSW Career Opportunities
A Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from IGNOU has come up with a wide range of career opportunities in several fields of social work. Students can work in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare, and education departments.
Some job roles include social worker, counselor, community service manager, probation officer, and welfare officer. MSW professionals are in demand in child welfare, family services, mental health, and rehabilitation sectors. Meanwhile, after completing this course, freshers can earn from INR 3 LPA to INR 5.5 LPA as per their chosen field or job role. Anyhow, those who are interested in continuing their education can pursue a PhD in the same area.