BSW Course: An Overview
BSW course is an undergraduate program in social work. The BSW Full Form is Bachelor of Social Work and this program usually lasts for 3 years, broken down into six semesters. In order to address societal issues, advance social justice, and enhance the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, the BSW course focuses on giving students both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. For Bachelor of Social Work programs, online, distance/correspondence, and regular modes of instruction are available. The three main components of BSW courses are fieldwork, elective courses, and core subjects.
For BSW eligibility, a student must normally have completed class 12 from an accredited board with at least 45% of the possible points. BSW Admission is available to students via CUET, PUBDET, SAT India, and other entrance exams are used to admit students to BSW programs.
Some of the best BSW universities that provides this program are Amity University, Noida, IGNOU, Stella Maris College, St. Joseph's University, MSU, Visva Bharati University, Parul University, NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and NIMS University. The BSW average fees ranges between INR 25,000 to INR 5 Lakh.
Some of the BSW subjects are Introduction to Social Work, Social Problems in India, Social Work Research & Statistics, Social Work Administration, and other subjects that students must learn in a BSW program. After graduating with a BSW, students have the option to pursue MSW courses and PhDs in social work.
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In India, there are many different job options for BSW graduates. They may be employed by private welfare organizations, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations. Social workers, teachers, researchers, social activists, project coordinators, mental health educators, life coaches, counselors, human resources specialists, client advocates, and others are among the professions that BSW graduates frequently choose. UNICEF, Goonj, Help Foundation, Oxfam, Helpage India, Smile Foundation, Give India Foundation, Pratham, and others are some of the leading employers for BSW graduates. BSW average salary usually ranges between INR 3 LPA and INR 5 LPA. Furthermore, to know more about the BSW Course read the complete article below -
BSW Course Details
Specification | Details |
BSW Full Form | Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) |
BSW Eligibility | Must have passed 12th along with a minimum of 50% |
BSW Admission | Merit and Direct Admission process |
BSW Course Duration | 3 Years |
BSW Distance Education Course Duration | Minimum Duration: 3 Years Maximum Duration: 6 Years |
BSW Course Fees | INR 1.46 LPA - 2 LPA |
BSW Course Colleges | Madras Cristian College, Stella Maris College, Amity University, Aligarh Muslim University, SJC Bangalore, Hindustan College of Arts and Science, etc. |
BSW Course Scope | Social Worker, Social Educator, Project Coordinator, etc |
BSW Salary in India | INR 2 - 3.4 LPA |
BSW Eligibility Criteria
The candidates who are interested in pursuing the course of Bachelor of Social Work should make sure that they possess the required eligibility criteria. Furthermore, one can find the BSW Eligibility below:-
- Must have qualified their 12th from a recognized institute.
- The qualifying marks must be at least 50% for the general category students and for the candidates who belong to SC/ ST, they are required to score a minimum of 40% in their 12th. However, the qualifying criteria might vary from institute to institute.
BSW Admission 2025
The candidates interested in BSW Admission should make sure to be familiar with the same. The BSW Admission Process varies from college to college. However, the general admission in the course of BSW is done on a merit basis.
BSW Distance Education
Candidates who are unable to complete a full-time study might enroll in a three-year BSW Distance Education course. Candidates need to confirm that the distance-learning BSW programs are recognized and accredited by the Distance Education Board (DEB)-UCG. Universities like IGNOU and Annamalai University provide a distance learning program for BSW. Only then are the degrees recognized for work in government and private institutions of higher education. Age is no barrier. Exams can be taken in person or online at testing locations the institute designates.
BSW Distance Education Admission -
The candidates who are interested in pursuing the course of Bachelor of Social Work from Distance Education should be well versed with the whole admission process. Furthermore, the BSW Distance Education Admission Process varies from institute to institute. The admission procedure in detail can be found below:-
- The needed grade in the 12th grade or an exam of a comparable level is 50% or higher for the candidates.
- Candidates from the reserved category may receive a 5% relaxation.
- The BSW distance learning program lasts for three years. The longest possible time frame is five years.
- The typical BSW course fee ranges from INR 6800 to INR 12,000.
BSW Course Entrance Exams 2025
For the BSW course entrance exams, candidates should promptly read the official notification and complete the online application forms. Some entrance exams that applicants can take to gain admission to the BSW program are listed below:
BSW Entrance Exam | BSW Entrance Exam Dates |
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) | May '25 (Tentative) |
Presidency University Bachelor's Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET) | July '25 (Tentative) |
Scholastic Assessment Test India (SAT India) | March 8, 2025 |
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
BSW Distance Education: College-Wise Course Details
There are various colleges that offer the course of BSW through Distance Education. Moreover, the complete details about the BSW Distance Education College Wise Course Details are mentioned below:-
Name of BSW Distance Education Institute | BSW Distance Education Admission Process | BSW Course Duration | BSW Course Fees |
IGNOU | Merit-Based, on the basis of 12th marks | 3-6 Years | INR 12,000 |
Karnataka State Open University | Merit-Based | 3 Years | INR 5350 |
Annamalai University | 50% in the qualifying Exam or a 3-year diploma after class 10. | 3 Years | INR 6580 |
BSW Course Subjects
The candidates who are interested in pursuing the course of Bachelor of Social Work must know completely about its subjects. Additionally, the details about the BSW Course Subjects can be found in the table below:-
BSW First Year Subjects | BSW Second Year Subjects | BSW Third Year Subjects |
Introduction to Social Work | Basics & Emergence of Social Work | Current Issues in Community & Organization |
Social Work Intervention with Communities | Psychology Concepts of Human Behavior | Sexual Health Education |
Social Work Intervention with Institution | Field Work | Role of NGOs |
Introduction to Family Education | Science and Technology | Approaches in Social Work |
Substance Abuse | Relevance of Psychology in Social Work | Factual Information of Substance Abuse, Relevance & Implications |
Humanities & Social Science | Social Problems & Services | Developing Skills & Competencies for Intervention of Strategies |
Introduction to HIV/ AIDS | Basic Concepts of Social Psychology | Empowerment of Women |
Counselling | Introduction to Social Psychology | Empowerment of Women |
Methodology to Understand Social Reality | Contemporary Social Problems & Social Defense | Cultural & Social Values in Family Life |
BSW Elective Subjects
Most institutions provide a selection of BSW electives from which to choose. The specialization process can be greatly aided by these electives. Following is a list of both basic BSW courses and electives:-
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science and Technology
- Introduction to Social Work
- Basics of Psychology for Social Workers
- Social Work Intervention with Individuals and Groups
- Social Work Intervention with Communities and Institutions
- Empowerment of Women
- Sexual Health Education
- Marriage, Partnership and Parenthood
- Introduction To HIV/AIDS
- Substance Abuse and Counselling
- Basics of Counselling
Types of BSW Courses
There are basically two types of BSW courses that a candidate can choose from. The list of the Bachelor of Social Work are-
1. Full-Time BSW Course -
Full-Time BSW Course is a 3-year course in which the aspirants need to study the course regularly. Furthermore, this course is basically for those candidates who are able to attend regular classes.
2. BSW Distance Education Course -
The distance learning program is primarily for applicants who are unable to regularly attend classes. Some particular institutions are offering this course. Additionally, it should be noted that the syllabus for the distance education course may be different from the syllabus for the full-time course. BSW Distance Course is offered by several institutes like IGNOU, Annamalai University, etc.
BSW Colleges
There are various BSW colleges in India. Moreover, to get the complete knowledge of the Top BSW colleges in India, have a look at the table below:
BSW Distance Colleges in India
BSW Distance College in India | BSW Course Fee |
IGNOU | 12,000 |
Annamalai University | 6,580 |
Karnataka State Open University | 5,350 |
BSW Course Job
After the candidates qualify the course of Bachelor of Social Work, they will be able to get great jobs. The list of the BSW jobs can be found below:-
- Habilitation specialist
- Group home worker
- Teaching parent
- Mental health assistant
- Residential counselor
- Program coordinator
- Activity director
- Workshop director
- Charity officer
- Volunteer coordinator
- Youth worker
- Play therapist
- Community development worker
- Adult guidance worker
- Advice worker
- Social Worker
- Special Educator
- Project Manager
- Habilitation Specialist
- Teacher
BSW Course Salary
The aspirants who are looking forward to building their career in the BSW field should ensure to get the complete knowledge of the salary scope in the same. Moreover, the undermentioned are the details of the BSW Salary -
BSW Job | BSW Salary |
Social Worker | 3,16,000 |
Special Educator | 2,16,000 |
Project Manager | 4,50,000 |
Habilitation Specialist | 7,50,000 |
Teacher | 4,50,000 |
What After BSW?
After the candidate completes the course of Bachelor in Social Work, he/ she can pursue the following courses:-
- MA Social Work
- MSW
- PGD in Social Work