About IGNOU MSW – Master of Social Work
This professional post-graduate course focuses on social welfare, community development, and specialized clinical practice to help marginalized sections of society. The Self Learning Material (SLM) serves as the primary resource because it is specifically designed for distance learners to understand complex social theories and fieldwork requirements without constant classroom supervision.
The study material provided for this programme is organized into a block-based structure. Each course consists of multiple blocks, and every block contains several units that focus on specific topics like social work research, sociology, or psychology. When you start a unit, you will find a clear introduction followed by detailed explanations of concepts. This modular approach allows students living in different parts of India to study at their own pace, ensuring that they can manage their professional work alongside their Master of Social Work studies.
For students appearing in the 2026 examinations, relying on the official SLM is much better than using local guidebooks from the market. The IGNOU MSW Study Material is the actual source from which Term End Examination (TEE) question papers are framed. Within each unit, there are “Check Your Progress” exercises. These are not just for practice; they help you understand how to frame your answers for the final exams. If you can answer these internal questions comfortably, you are likely to perform very well in the actual theory papers.
IGNOU MSW Study Material Highlights
Below is a quick overview of the essential details regarding the Master of Social Work study resources provided by the university for the current session.
| Feature | Details |
| Programme Name | Master of Social Work |
| Programme Code | MSW |
| Official Repository | eGyanKosh (IGNOU Digital Repository) |
| Format | Digital PDF via eGyanKosh and Printed Books |
| Academic Cycle | 2026 |
| Offering School | School of Social Work |
How to Use IGNOU MSW Study Material for Exam Preparation
To prepare effectively, you should start by reading the ‘Learning Objectives’ mentioned at the beginning of each unit. This tells you exactly what you are expected to learn. Read the text slowly and highlight key definitions related to social work intervention or history. After finishing a section, try to solve the Check Your Progress questions without looking at the hints provided at the end. Completing every single unit in all the blocks before your Term End Exam is the only way to ensure you don’t miss any high-weightage topics.
The official SLM maps directly to the TEE question patterns, often using the same terminology and examples found in the exam papers. While external guides might summarize the content, they often miss the depth required for a professional degree like the Master of Social Work. For courses that involve field work or practical components, make sure to read the specific manuals provided alongside the theory blocks. These manuals explain how to maintain your journals and how to conduct yourself during NGO visits or community placements, which is a vital part of your overall marks.
IGNOU MSW Study Material: 2026
All the course blocks listed below are available for download in PDF format. Students can access these official resources for the 2026 session free of charge via the eGyanKosh links provided in the table.
| Course Code | Course Title | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-001 | Origin and Development of Social Work | Download PDF |
| MSW-002 | Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | Download PDF |
| MSW-003 | Basic Social Science Concepts | Download PDF |
| MSW-004 | Social Work and Social Development | Download PDF |
| MSW-005 | Social Work Education and Training | Download PDF |
| MSW-006 | Social Work Research | Download PDF |
| MSW-007 | Case Work and Group Work: Working with Individuals and Groups | Download PDF |
| MSW-008 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | Download PDF |
| MSW-009 | Community Organization Management for Community Development | Download PDF |
| MSW-010 | Social Work Practice in Child Guidance | Download PDF |
| MSW-011 | Social Work Practice in Alcoholism and Drug Substance Abuse | Download PDF |
| MSW-012 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | Download PDF |
| MSW-013 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | Download PDF |
| MSW-014 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | Download PDF |
| MSW-015 | Basics of Counselling | Download PDF |
| MSW-016 | Fields of Counselling | Download PDF |
| MSWE-001 | HIV/AIDS: Stigma, Discrimination and Prevention | Download PDF |
| MSWE-002 | Women and Child Development | Download PDF |
| MSWE-003 | Disaster Management | Download PDF |
| MSWE-007 | International Social Work | Download PDF |
To access all blocks and units visit:
eGyanKosh – IGNOU Digital Repository
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Study material for 2026 is updated periodically by IGNOU. Always
download from
eGyanKosh using your programme code to ensure you have the latest version.
Also Read
More resources for MSW students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU MSW Study Material
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This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU
(Indira Gandhi National Open University). All study material (SLM) is the intellectual
property of IGNOU. We do not host, re-upload, or redistribute any copyrighted content.
All links point directly to the official eGyanKosh repository. Always verify at
ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
