BSW - Bachelor of Social Work

BSW stands for Bachelor of Social Work. It is 4-year undergraduate degree program train students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in social work. The program centers around the field of social work, and BSW graduates work in areas like healthcare, education, child welfare, and mental health.

Admissions to BSW courses are done on the basis of merit. Students who have qualified for class 12 board exams with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above are eligible to pursue BSW. BSW Admissions are done through direct mode or via a lateral entry scheme. The average BSW Course fee ranges between INR 18,000-INR 50,000. The top BSW colleges in India that provide the BSW Course in India are Patna University, Amity University, Madras Christian College and many more.

Why Study BSW?

BSW course opens unique doors to students that are not available in other streams. There is good money and various diversifications to choose from. There is less competition with good pay. The details are explained in the infographic below: 

BSW Eligibility

The Eligibility Criteria for studying BSW are:

The aspirants must pass (10+2) Secondary and Higher Secondary from a recognized board in humanities and science background.

Candidates belonging to the SC/ST require at least 40% marks at the qualifying examinations. This percentage may vary depending upon the University.

Most admissions take place through the merit system and thus a good mark in the HS is necessary to study in a good college.

BSW Syllabus

BSW First Year Subjects

Introduction to Social Work

Social Work Intervention with Communities

Social Work Intervention with Institution

Introduction to Family Education

Substance Abuse

Humanities & Social Science

Introduction to HIV/AIDS

Counselling

Methodology to Understand Social Reality

BSW Second Year Subjects

Basics & Emergence of Social Work

Psychology Concepts of Human Behaviour

Field Work

Science & Technology

Relevance of Psychology in Social Work

Social Problems & Services

Basic Concepts of Social Psychology

Introduction to Social Case Work

Contemporary Social Problems & Social Defense

BSW Third Year Subjects

Current Issues in Community & Organization

Sexual Health Education

Role of NGOs

Approaches in Social Work

Factual Information of Substance Abuse, Relevance & Implications

Developing Skills & Competencies for Intervention of Strategies

Empowerment of Women

Cognitive & Psychoanalytical Techniques

Cultural & Social Values in Family Life

Job Profiles for BSW Graduates

Social Worker

Role: Provide support and advocacy for individuals and families, address social issues, and connect clients with resources.

Settings: Healthcare facilities, schools, community organizations, social service agencies.

Responsibilities: Conduct assessments, create and implement intervention plans, provide counseling, and advocate for clients' needs.

Case Manager

Role: Coordinate care and services for clients, manage cases from start to finish, and ensure clients receive appropriate support.

Settings: Healthcare providers, social service agencies, community organizations.

Responsibilities: Develop care plans, connect clients with resources, monitor progress, and adjust services as needed.

Community Outreach Worker

Role: Engage with communities to provide information, resources, and support on various issues.

Settings: Nonprofit organizations, community centers, government agencies.

Responsibilities: Organize events, conduct outreach activities, provide education, and build relationships within the community.

School Social Worker

Role: Support students' emotional, social, and academic needs within the school setting.

Settings: Public and private schools, educational institutions.

Responsibilities: Provide counseling, work with teachers and parents, develop intervention plans, and address issues such as bullying and absenteeism.

Healthcare Social Worker

Role: Assist patients and their families in managing the emotional and practical aspects of illness and healthcare.

Settings: Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities.

Responsibilities: Provide counseling, help with discharge planning, connect clients with resources, and support patients' families.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Role: Help individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction through counseling and support.

Settings: Rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community health organizations.

Responsibilities: Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, provide individual and group therapy, and support clients in recovery.

Mental Health Counselor

Role: Provide counseling and support to individuals dealing with mental health issues.

Settings: Mental health clinics, private practices, community organizations.

Responsibilities: Conduct therapy sessions, develop treatment plans, provide crisis intervention, and support clients in managing mental health challenges.

Policy Advocate

Role: Work to influence public policies and advocate for social change related to social justice and human rights.

Settings: Advocacy organizations, government agencies, think tanks.

Responsibilities: Research policies, advocate for legislative changes, work with stakeholders, and raise public awareness on key issues.

Program Coordinator

Role: Manage and oversee programs and services within organizations that serve specific populations.

Settings: Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community centers.

Responsibilities: Plan and implement programs, manage staff and resources, evaluate program effectiveness, and ensure program goals are met.

Child Welfare Social Worker

Role: Work with children and families involved in the child welfare system to ensure safety and well-being.

Settings: Child protective services, foster care agencies, adoption agencies.

Responsibilities: Conduct investigations, provide support and resources, develop and monitor safety plans, and advocate for children's needs.

BSW Top Recruiters 

UNICEF: 

CRY (Child Rights and You)

Smile Foundation

Helpage India

Oxfam

Goonj

Pratham

Nani Kali

Care India

Sammaan Foundation