BA Social Work
Undergraduate degree in social work principles, community development, welfare programmes and fieldwork practice.
About BA Social Work
BA Social Work (BSW) is a three-year undergraduate programme that trains students in the knowledge, values and skills required for professional social work practice. The programme covers social work theory, community organisation, social welfare programmes, human rights, child and family welfare, healthcare social work, disaster management and fieldwork. It is the foundation degree for professional social workers in India and prepares graduates for the MSW programme.
Who Should Apply
Students from any stream who are committed to social justice, community development and helping marginalised populations should apply. The programme is ideal for those who want to work in NGOs, government welfare departments, healthcare institutions, correctional services, child protection agencies and international development organisations.
What Will You Learn
You will study history and philosophy of social work, social work with individuals and families (case work), group work, community organisation, social welfare administration, social policy, human rights and social legislation, psychology for social workers, medical and psychiatric social work basics, child welfare, women's empowerment, fieldwork practicum across multiple settings, and disaster management.
Admission Process
Admissions are through CUET for central universities and merit or institutional tests for state universities and private colleges. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has a separate entrance exam (TISSNET) at the postgraduate level. For undergraduate admission, CUET or merit is used at most institutions. Applications open between March and June.
Frequently Asked Questions About BA Social Work
Q. Is BSW required before pursuing MSW? BSW is the preferred undergraduate qualification for MSW admission at most universities including TISS, DU School of Social Work, NIMHANS Social Work and BHU. However, graduates from any discipline are also eligible for MSW at most institutions, especially if they have relevant volunteer or work experience.
Q. What is the TISS TISSNET examination? TISSNET is the national-level entrance test for postgraduate and integrated programmes at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which is India's most prestigious social work institution. TISSNET includes English, Maths and GK components and is the gateway to TISS's highly reputed MSW, MA Social Work and integrated programmes.
Q. What government jobs are available for BSW graduates? BSW graduates can apply for Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Social Welfare Officer in state governments, Probation Officer, Community Organiser in urban local bodies, Medical Social Worker in government hospitals, and NGO coordinators in government-funded welfare schemes like Anganwadi and ICDS.
Q. What is the scope of international social work careers? With an MSW from a recognised institution and experience in development work, social workers can pursue roles in UN agencies (UNICEF, UNHCR, UNODC), international NGOs (Save the Children, World Vision, CARE India) and multilateral development banks. Postgraduate qualifications in development studies or public health significantly enhance international career prospects.
Eligibility Criteria
Class 12 any stream min 45%; CUET or university entrance/merit
How GyanSanchaar Helps You
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A Note from GyanSanchaar
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