About IGNOU PGDCOUN – Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling
This programme teaches you how to support people facing mental health issues, family problems, and emotional stress through professional counselling methods. It prepares students for roles where they can help individuals and communities improve their well-being by using practical social work values and psychological tools.
Who Should Choose This Programme?
If you are a graduate who wants to work in schools, hospitals, or NGOs helping people solve personal and social problems, this course is for you. It is perfect for teachers who want to become school counsellors or social workers who want to learn better ways to talk to clients in distress. Many people who are already volunteering at help centers take this to get a professional certificate that proves their skills.
Why Do Students Choose This Programme?
Most students pick this diploma because it is much cheaper than private psychology courses and allows them to study while keeping their current job. Since IGNOU is a central university, the certificate is trusted by government departments and big NGOs across India. It gives you a clear path to learn about human behavior without needing a full three-year degree in psychology first.
Where Does This Programme Help?
After finishing this course, you can work in many different places. You can apply for jobs as a Student Counsellor in private schools, a Rehabilitation Worker in de-addiction centers, or a Case Worker in family courts. Many graduates also find roles in NGOs like Childline, HelpAge India, or local community health clinics where they help families deal with daily life struggles and mental health needs.
IGNOU PGDCOUN (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling) Highlights
The following table provides a quick summary of the important features of the Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling. It includes the time you have to finish the course and the language you can study in.
| Programme Name | Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling |
| Programme Code | PGDCOUN |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Hindi |
| Offering School | School of Social Work |
IGNOU PGDCOUN Admission – Important Details
Getting an IGNOU PGDCOUN Admission means you will be part of a system that combines books with real-world practice. You will be assigned a Study Centre near your home where you can attend weekend classes and meet your teachers. A big part of this course is the practical work, where you will visit actual social work settings to see how counselling happens in real life. You must submit your assignments on time at your Learner Support Centre to be allowed to sit for the final exams. The credits you earn here are valuable and can often be counted if you decide to study for a Master in Social Work later.
IGNOU PGDCOUN Admission Last Date 2026
For the January session, the last date is typically February 28, 2026. For the July session, the last date is typically July 31, 2026. Students should always complete their registration on the Samarth Portal well before these dates to avoid any last-minute technical problems with the website or payment gateway.
IGNOU PGDCOUN Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this programme, you must satisfy the following conditions set by the university:
- You must have a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any subject from a recognized university.
- There is no entrance test required; you are selected based on your graduation marks.
- There is no age limit, so anyone from a fresh graduate to a retired professional can apply.
- Professional experience in the social sector is preferred but not mandatory for admission.
IGNOU PGDCOUN Fees Structure 2026
The fees must be paid online during the admission process. Below is the exact breakdown of what you need to pay for the programme.
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Total Programme Fee | Rs. 15,000 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 300 (One-time) |
| Examination Fee | As per university norms per course |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for IGNOU PGDCOUN Admission
- Visit IGNOU Admission Portal (Samarth) and click New Registration.
- Create a username and password using your active mobile number and email ID.
- Fill the application form carefully and select PGDCOUN from the programme list.
- Select a Regional Centre and Study Centre near you for submitting assignments and attending classes.
- Upload required documents: your latest photo, signature, and scanned copies of your degree certificates.
- Pay fees online via Credit/Debit card or UPI through the secure payment gateway.
- Save and print your application form and payment receipt for your records.
IGNOU PGDCOUN Curriculum and Course Structure
The PGDCOUN programme is worth 36 credits in total. It is designed to be completed in one year, but you have up to three years if you need more time. The subjects cover everything from how a person grows mentally to the actual techniques used in therapy.
| Year / Semester | Core Subjects |
| Theory Courses | MSW-012: Introduction to Life Span Psychology |
| Theory Courses | MSW-013: Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling |
| Theory Courses | MSW-014: Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling |
| Theory Courses | MSW-015: Basics of Counselling |
| Theory Courses | MSW-016: Fields of Counselling |
| Practical Work | MSWL-011: Social Work Practicum (16 Credits) |
IGNOU PGDCOUN Programme Coordinator
Students seeking academic guidance or clarification regarding the course structure can reach out to the following faculty members at School of Social Work.
| Coordinator Name | Contact Email | Contact Number |
| Dr. N. Ramya | nramya@ignou.ac.in | 011-29571693 |
| Dr. Rose Nembiakkim | rosenembiakkim@ignou.ac.in | 011-29571691 |
Career Opportunities After IGNOU PGDCOUN
Graduates of this programme are ready to work in many social service sectors. You can find jobs as a Rehabilitation Counsellor in NGOs working with addiction, or as a Youth Counsellor in community centers. Many graduates work in old age homes helping senior citizens with emotional support. Large companies also hire people with these skills for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments to manage social welfare projects.
The degree is recognised by the
University Grants Commission (UGC)
and is equivalent to any regular university degree of the same level. This means you can use this diploma to apply for government jobs that require a PG diploma in social work or counselling.
Important Note for Students
⚠️ Admission details for the 2026 session will be updated after IGNOU
releases the official notification. Always verify fees, dates, and eligibility at
ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in before applying.
Also Read
More resources for PGDCOUN students:
Frequently Asked Questions – IGNOU PGDCOUN Admission
Legal & Academic Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to IGNOU
(Indira Gandhi National Open University). All information is provided for educational
and informational purposes only. Fee amounts, eligibility criteria, and admission
dates are subject to change. Always verify current details at
ignou.ac.in.
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✔ Last updated: April 2026
