IGNOU BSW Syllabus 2026 – Detailed Course Structure, Subjects & Credits

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IGNOU BSW Syllabus: 2026

The IGNOU BSW Syllabus provides a comprehensive professional foundation for students aspiring to work in the social development sector. This programme is meticulously designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical field interventions, ensuring that learners understand the complexities of social issues in India. By following the IGNOU BSW Syllabus, students gain expertise in social work research, community organization, and social welfare administration.

Understanding the structure of the IGNOU BSW Syllabus is essential for effective academic planning throughout the three-year duration. The curriculum is organized to facilitate a progressive learning path, starting from basic social work concepts and advancing toward specialized practical field work. This guide provides the most current details on course codes, subject names, and credit distributions as per the official university curriculum for 2026.

IGNOU BSW Syllabus Highlights

The following highlights offer a summary of the key academic and administrative components associated with the IGNOU BSW Syllabus. This overview helps students quickly reference the programme requirements and credit framework.

Programme Name	Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Programme Code	BSW
Academic Cycle	2026
Minimum Duration	3 Years
Maximum Duration	6 Years
Total Credits	132 Credits

IGNOU BSW Course Structure

The Bachelor of Social Work programme is structured over three academic years, divided into six distinct semesters. This academic progression is designed to move from foundational theory in the first year to advanced practice and field work in the subsequent years. Students must successfully complete a mix of core theory papers and mandatory field work journals to meet the requirements of the IGNOU BSW Syllabus and qualify for the degree.

Academic Year / Semester	Nature of Courses	Credits Overview
1st Year (Semester I & II)	Core / Foundation / Field Work	44 Credits
2nd Year (Semester III & IV)	Core / Elective / Field Work	44 Credits
3rd Year (Semester V & VI)	Core / Elective / Field Work	44 Credits

IGNOU BSW Syllabus: 2026

1st Year
First Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-121	Professional Social Work and its Values	6
BSWL-101	Social Work Practicum-I	10
BEVAE-181	Environmental Studies	4
BHDLA-135	Hindi Bhasha: Vividh Prayog	6

Second Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-122	Society, Culture and Development	6
BSWL-102	Social Work Practicum-II	10
BEGAE-182	English Communication Skills	2

2nd Year
Third Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-123	Community Organization and Social Action	6
BSWL-103	Social Work Practicum-III	10
BSW-125	Social Case Work	6

Fourth Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-124	Human Growth and Development	6
BSWL-104	Social Work Practicum-IV	10
BSW-126	Social Group Work	6

3rd Year
Fifth Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-127	Public Health and Social Work	6
BSWL-105	Social Work Practicum-V	10
BSW-129	Social Welfare Administration	6

Sixth Semester

Course Code	Course Name	Credits
BSW-128	Social Policy and Social Development	6
BSWL-106	Social Work Practicum-VI	10
BSW-130	Social Work Research	6

Total Credits: 132

IGNOU BSW Credit System

The IGNOU BSW Syllabus follows a credit-based system where each credit represents approximately 30 hours of learner study time. This total time includes reading the course material, watching audio-visual content, attending counseling sessions, and performing field work. To successfully complete the programme, students must earn a total of 132 credits. The field work component holds significant weight in the IGNOU BSW Syllabus, emphasizing the importance of practical application alongside theoretical examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where can I access the official IGNOU BSW Syllabus?
The official syllabus is available in the Programme Guide provided by the School of Social Work at IGNOU, which can be downloaded from the university’s official website.

Q2: Is the IGNOU BSW Syllabus valid for the current academic session?
Yes, the IGNOU BSW Syllabus presented here is based on the latest academic curriculum authorized for 2026.

Q3: How should students use the IGNOU BSW Syllabus for exam preparation?
Students should use the syllabus to identify core topics, understand the credit weightage of each course, and ensure that all mandatory field work requirements are met before the Term-End Examinations.

Q4: Can I download previous year question papers based on the IGNOU BSW Syllabus?
Yes, previous year question papers are accessible through the IGNOU digital repository (eGyanKosh) and are organized according to the course codes mentioned in the syllabus.

Q5: What is the university’s syllabus revision policy for BSW?
IGNOU reserves the right to revise the IGNOU BSW Syllabus periodically to include emerging trends in social work. Students are advised to refer to the official prospectus for the most up-to-date course structure.

Legal & Academic Disclaimer

The information provided regarding the IGNOU BSW Syllabus is for educational purposes only. While every effort is made to maintain accuracy, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) may update the curriculum, course codes, or credit distributions at any time. Students must verify all syllabus details with the official IGNOU Prospectus or their respective Regional Centres before appearing for examinations or field work assessments.