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PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work): Eligibility, Admission Process, Top Colleges, Syllabus, and Jobs

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Updated on Jun 04, 2025

Kanishka

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDSW) is a 1 year diploma program comprising 2 semesters. A Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work offers specialization in the field, available in regular time, part-time, and distance education modes.

  • To be eligible for PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work), one must complete their bachelor's degree from a recognized college with a minimum of 55% marks.
  • Several colleges and universities run entrance exams for admission to this course, including the IGNOU Entrance Exam, the Manipal University Entrance Exam, the DU Combined Entrance Exam, and others.
  • Sambalpur University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, DBS PG College, and the University of Technology, Jaipur are among the top social work colleges in India that provide education.
  • The average course fee for admissions into these courses ranges between INR 12,000 and INR 35,000 per annum.
  • Various subjects that are taught in the course are Social Science concepts, Social Work, Indian perspective, etc.
  • Students can pursue higher studies after a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work like a PhD in Social Work, a Master's in Social Work, a PhD in Labour Economics, a PhD in Human Rights, a PhD in Human Resource Management, a PhD in Labour Law, a PhD in Labour Welfare, etc.
  • Social Work graduates can pursue a Postgraduate Diploma, securing various job opportunities such as Welfare Officer, Expert Social Work, Humanitarian Consultant, Assistant Director, and Technical Assistant, with top recruiters like UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and CARE.
  • The average salary package ranges from INR 7 lakh to INR 10 lakh.

 

Table of Contents
  1. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work): Course Highlights
  2. What is a PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work)?
  3. Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work v/s Post Graduate Diploma in Labour and Social Welfare
  4. Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Courses Skills
  5. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Eligibility
  6. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Admission Process
  7. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Top Colleges
  8. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Entrance Exams
  9. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Syllabus
  10. Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Scope
  11. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Job Opportunities
  12. PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work): Course Highlights

Below are the course highlights for PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work)

Parameters

Details

Name of the course

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work)

Course Level  

Post Graduate

Duration

1 Year

Course Fees

INR 12,000 and INR 35,000 per annum.

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree from recognised colleges with a minimum of 55% marks.

Entrance Examination

Manipal University Entrance Exam, the DU Combined Entrance Exam, and others.

Salary

INR 6-7 LPA

Top recruiters

UNESCO, UNICEF, and WHO are among the top recruiters for a Welfare Officer.

Job Roles Offered

Expert Social Work, Humanitarian Consultant, and Technical Assistant.

 

 

What is a PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work)?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDSW) is a 1-year program designed to specialise in social work, focusing on assisting vulnerable populations.

  • The postgraduate program focuses on assisting vulnerable populations.
  • The program also equips students with theoretical and practical knowledge.
  • A postgraduate diploma in Social Work promotes social change and contributes to welfare and development.
  • It also emphasises the duty to help the poor and aims to change societal attitudes.
  • The postgraduate diploma in Social work is also available in part-time and distance learning.
  • The program also provides an opportunity to make a tangible difference in needy, poor, and elderly.

 

Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work v/s Post Graduate Diploma in Labour and Social Welfare

The Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work is a distinct field of study compared to the Post Graduate Diploma in Labour and Social Welfare.

Parameters

Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work

Post Graduate Diploma in Labour and Social Welfare

Course

The PGDSW course is a comprehensive social work program designed to help people in need, focusing on the development of skills and knowledge to effectively assist those in need.

The course, PGDLSW, offers a comprehensive understanding of labour laws, focusing on social security and social welfare, ensuring students are well-informed about the complexities of these laws.

Duration

1 Year

1 Year

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree from recognised colleges with a minimum of 55% marks.

Students must obtain a bachelor's degree from a recognised university that is accepted by the syndicate.

Admission Process

Manipal University Entrance Exam, the DU Combined Entrance Exam, and others.

DU Combined Entrance Exam, and others, CUET.

Average fees

INR 12,000 and INR 35,000 per annum.

INR 9000 to INR 35,000

Top colleges

  • TISS, Mumbai,
  • Rabindra Bharati University,
  • School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, DBS PG College,
  • Maharaj Harish Chandra Post Graduate College,
  • Mumbai University,
  • Savitribai Phule Pune University, NIMS University,
  • Navjeevan Law College
  •  Guru Kashi University

Top recruiters

UNESCO, UNICEF, and WHO are among the top recruiters for a Welfare Officer.

NELA, AFL – CIO, NECA, Deloitte, Eaton ltd., ETV News Gujarat, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Allianz, etc.

Roles offered

Expert Social Work, Humanitarian Consultant, and Technical Assistant.

Labour Officer, Employment Lawyer, Welfare Officer, Trade Union Leader, and Project Coordinator.

 

 

Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Courses Skills

Certain skills are required to excel in the domain of social work. Individuals excelling in these skills can expect a successful career. These skills are as follows-

  1. Communication: Soft-spoken, helpful, and empathetic individuals are essential for problem-solving.
  2. Empathy: Understanding and helping needy individuals is crucial.
  3. Active Listening: Paying full attention, acknowledging messages, and responding appropriately is essential.
  4. Critical Thinking: This skill aids in understanding, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating problems.
  5. Organizing: Effective time management, resource utilization, and efficient resource utilization are crucial.
  6. Patience: Patience is essential in understanding different scenarios and accepting suffering.

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Eligibility

Below is the eligibility criteria for pursuing PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work):-

  1. Applicants must complete their bachelor's degree from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks.
  2. The  SC, ST, and OBC categories, including Schedule Tribe (ST), Schedule Caste (SC), and OBC, offer a 5% marks relaxation.
  3. Various colleges and universities conduct entrance exams for this course, including the IGNOU Entrance Exam, Manipal University Entrance Exam, and DU Combined Entrance Exam.

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Admission Process

  1. Admissions to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enable applicants to complete their bachelor's degree from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks.
  2. Students must regularly check the official website for updates on the application form for college entrance exams.
  3. Fill out the form with the necessary information and documents, and submit the required fee.
  4. Admit cards will be released after the application form is closed. Students must visit the examination center on the exam date.
  5. Results will be declared on the official website, and students must verify their names and submit fees on time to avoid rejection.

The admission process at TISS, Mumbai, for PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) is as follows:

  1. The application process for the Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDSW) at Manipal University involves an online application, an entrance exam, and a group discussion.
  2. The entrance exam assesses candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and awareness of social issues, with some programs under the Department of Social Work having entrance exams.
  3. The exam is typically objective-type, with multiple-choice questions, but some parts may be subjective.
  4. Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview or group discussion, which assesses motivation, understanding of social issues, and attitude towards community service.
  5. The final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the entrance exam, interview, and/or group discussion. The university will inform candidates about the selection via email or through the website.
  6. Once selected, candidates must attend a counseling session to finalize their admission by paying the fee and submitting necessary documents.

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Top Colleges

Choosing the right college when pursuing a PDGSW is important. A few of the top colleges and universities offering a PGDSW are given below:

Top colleges/universities

NIRF Rankings 2024

Annual fees (Approx)

TISS, Mumbai

98th in Overall category

INR 50,000

Rabindra Bharati University

Ranked 101-150

INR 21,456

School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya

Ranked 13th

INR 20,000

DBS PG college

INR 14000

Maharaja Harish Chandra Post Graduate College

53 in the College category

INR 12000

Indira Gandhi National Open University

Secured the top position in the "Open University" category

INR 6300

Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University

INR 4000

 

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Entrance Exams

The entrance examinations for programs across the country are listed below for those seeking admission:

Entrance examinations for PGDSW (Post-Graduation Diploma in Social Work)

Exam Dates

Registration Fees

IGNOU Entrance Examination

June 2, 2025- July 11, 2025 (Tentative)

INR 200

CUET PG 2026

March 2026 onwards

INR 1000

DUC Entrance Examination 2026

March 2026 (Tentative)

General Payments and OBC: INR 750

 

ST/SC/ PWD: INR 300

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Syllabus

The table displays the common syllabus for PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) at TISS Mumbai as follows:

Introduction to Social Work

Social Work Theory and Practice

Social Policy and Social Justice

Research Methods in Social Work

Human Behavior and Social Environment

Social Work with Specific Groups

Specializations (Elective Courses)

Fieldwork Practicum

Community Development and Social Intervention

Internship/Project Work

Dissertation or Project

Workshops and Seminars

 

Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Scope

  1. Higher studies include a PhD in Social Work, M. MPhil in Social Work, a PGD in Early Childhood Education and Development, a Master's in Social Work, etc.
  2. Employment opportunities include schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, clinics, disaster management departments, old age homes, NGOs, the health industry, and human rights agencies.
  3. Job opportunities include Welfare Officer, Expert Social Work, Communication Officer, Project Coordinator, Humanitarian Consultant, Junior Research Fellow, Assistant Director, and Technical Assistant.
  4. Top recruiting companies include Danida, JICA, IDRC, YWCA, Red Cross, WHO, CARE, UNESCO, and UNDCP.

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Job Opportunities

Post-graduation holders in social work have numerous work options in universities, both public and private, offering a wide range of opportunities in various industries:

Job Roles

Job Description

Average Package (Approx)

Teaching Assistant

A Technical Assistant handles various administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, composing emails, and assisting with technical tasks such as parameter checks and assisting with creative reports.

INR 2-3 LPA

Project Coordinator

A Project Coordinator is responsible for planning, monitoring, and coordinating meetings for a project, ensuring its timely completion and budget adherence within their set timeframe and budget.

INR 4-5 LPA

Welfare Officer

A Welfare Officer enhances organizational efficiency, boosts employee motivation, and ensures the well-being of the organization by addressing employee well-being.

INR 5-6 LPA

Human Resource Manager

A Human Resource Manager is responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new employees, enhancing employee quality, building a brand, and supervising the company.

INR 7-8 LPA

Social Media Copywriter

A Social Media Copywriter updates a company's social media platforms, maintaining brand reputation, responding to followers, and achieving marketing goals.

INR 4-5 LPA

 

PGDSW (Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What career opportunities are available after completing PGDSW?

Graduates of PGDSW can pursue various careers, including social worker, counselor, community development officer, child welfare officer, social researcher, program coordinator, policy analyst, mental health worker, and human rights advocate. They can also work in sectors like health, education, rural development, urban development, and public administration.

Can I pursue PGDSW through distance learning?

Many universities and institutions offer PGDSW through distance education, offering flexibility for working professionals or those unable to attend regular classes. Distance learning includes online lectures, assignments, and occasional in-person workshops or internships.

Are there any scholarships available for PGDSW?

PGDSW students may be eligible for scholarships based on merit or financial need, so it's recommended to check with the institution for available options and eligibility criteria.

What are the eligibility criteria for PGDSW?

PGDSW requires an educational qualification of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, with minimum marks typically around 50%. Age limit is generally no, but some institutions may have specific age restrictions. Some institutions may prefer candidates with relevant work experience in social welfare or related fields, but not mandatory.

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