Compare MPA and MSW: eligibility, entrance exams, salaries, recruiters, and FAQs.
Based on salary, fees, return on fees, admission routes and career options. Figures are midpoints of the ranges reported across colleges.
MSW graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 12.7 L vs ₹ 6.9 L for MPA).
MPA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 2.3 L vs ₹ 2.7 L for MSW). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 86.8 K.
One year of average salary for MSW covers about 4.7× its average fees, compared with 3.0× for MPA.
MPA admits via CUET; MSW admits via CBSE Class 12 Exam, IUET.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
Match the choice to what matters most to you.
MSW leads on higher average salary (₹ 12.7 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (4.7×). MPA has the edge on lower average fees (₹ 2.3 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Eligibility
Graduation
Top Entrance Exams
Eligibility
Graduation
Top Entrance Exams
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.6 L - ₹ 10.3 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.4 L - ₹ 18.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 2.5 K - ₹ 4.6 L
Top Recruiters
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Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 2.2 L - ₹ 23.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.4 L - ₹ 25.2 L
Average Fees
₹ 4.0 K - ₹ 5.3 L
Top Recruiters
For MPA, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: CUET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For MSW, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CBSE Class 12 Exam, IUET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MSW shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹2,20,000 – ₹23,10,000) than MPA (₹3,60,000 – ₹10,29,000).
MPA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹2,454 – ₹4,64,900) than MSW (₹4,000 – ₹5,35,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.