IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
IGNOU MSW Counselling is a two-year Master of Social Work programme with a fee of Rs. 18,500 per year for the July 2026 session. Any candidate with a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university is eligible to apply.
| Detail | MSW Counselling (MSWC) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSWC |
| School | School of Social Work (SOSW) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 18,500/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 37,000 (Rs. 18,500 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 72 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC): what the programme covers
IGNOU’s Master of Social Work (Counselling) (MSWC) programme provides both academic learning and professional education in counselling. The programme is tailored for counsellors working in various organisational and community contexts, as well as for individuals within a family setting. The total credits for the programme are 72.
The MSW Counselling programme is offered through specific Learner Support Centres under each Regional Centre. For Field Work, a significant focus is placed on specialisation in Counselling, with 40 percent weightage given to the practicum. The first year of the programme carries 36 credits and includes courses like MSW 1 Origin and Development of Social Work and MSWL47 Block Placement. The second year also has 36 credits, covering subjects such as MSW 13 Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling and MSWL49 Internship.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) eligibility: who can apply
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) requires a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The programme is available in both English and Hindi mediums.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme fee is Rs. 18,500 per year for the July 2026 session. For the full minimum duration of two years, the total programme fee is Rs. 37,000. This amount excludes additional charges.
A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable at admission. A University Development fee of Rs. 400 is also paid at admission. These are besides the programme fee. The application process is fully online through the IGNOU ODL admission portal. Payment modes include Net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Learners who choose soft copies of self-learning material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. Printed self-instructional study material is available as a print book or e-book. Over 3923 courses across 384 programmes are accessible on the eGyanKosh repository.
MSW Counselling (MSWC) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 18,500/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 37,000 (Rs. 18,500 x 2 years) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) duration and credits
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Learners must complete all requirements within this 4-year period from the date of admission.
The programme requires a total of 72 credits. In the first year, learners complete 36 credits. Another 36 credits are required in the second year.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme requires 72 credits for completion, with 40 percent weightage given to practicum. This Master of Social Work (Counselling) programme is for individuals working as counsellors in various organisational and community settings, and those supporting families.
The first year of the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme includes 36 credits. It covers foundational courses such as MSW 1 Origin and Development of Social Work (4 credits) and MSW 2 Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives (4 credits). Practical components include MSW 5 Social Work Practicum and Supervision (4 credits), MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I (8 credits), and MSWL47 Block Placement (8 credits).
The second year also comprises 36 credits, focusing on counselling-specific subjects. Students study MSW 13 Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling (4 credits) and MSW 15 Basics of Counselling (4 credits). The practical work in the second year includes MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II (8 credits) and MSWL49 Internship (8 credits), building on the first year’s practicum experience.
The programme provides both academic learning and professional education in Counselling, extending beyond theoretical knowledge. It is offered through activated Learner Support Centres or special Learner Support Centres under each Regional Centre.
MSW Counselling (MSWC) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 7 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 7 courses | 36 |
MSW Counselling (MSWC) 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 1 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| MSW 2 | Professional Social Work: Indian Perspectives | 4 |
| MSW 5 | Social Work Practicum and Supervision | 4 |
| MSW 8 | Social Group Work: Working with Groups | 4 |
| MSW 9 | Community Organisation Management for Community Development | 4 |
| MSWL46 | Social Work Practicum-I | 8 |
| MSWL47 | Block Placement | 8 |
MSW Counselling (MSWC) 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 12 | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges | 4 |
| MSW 13 | Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 14 | Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 15 | Basics of Counselling | 4 |
| MSW 16 | Fields of Counselling | 4 |
| MSWL48 | Social Work Practicum-II | 8 |
| MSWL49 | Internship | 8 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applicants for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme must apply through the Samarth portal. The university offers two admission cycles each year: January and July. For the July 2026 session, the application is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre.
Before starting the application, keep the following documents ready:
- A colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Soft copies of relevant educational qualifications, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- A soft copy of the category certificate (if SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
- Your APAAR ID.
The application process for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme involves these steps:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal for the July 2026 cycle.
- Complete the registration and application form.
- Upload all required documents as specified.
- Pay the fees online. The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 18,500 per year.
- In addition to the programme fee, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission.
- Payment can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly and payments are completed to avoid issues with your July 2026 admission.
IGNOU MSW Counselling (MSWC) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the University website.
IGNOU conducts Term-End Examinations twice a year, in June and December. These examinations are held throughout the country and abroad. Two sessions are scheduled daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Only term-end theory exams are eligible for re-evaluation; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their division with one opportunity, as of January 2026. Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, only with proof of selection for a post or further studies, as of January 2026.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of IGNOU MSW Counselling is Rs. 37,000. This amount is calculated at Rs. 18,500 per year for the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.
What are the eligibility criteria for IGNOU MSW Counselling?
To be eligible for IGNOU MSW Counselling, a learner must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. This degree must be from a university recognized by IGNOU.
How many credits are in the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme?
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme has a total of 72 credits. Each year of the programme carries 36 credits, with the first year having 36 credits and the second year also having 36 credits.
Which courses in IGNOU MSW Counselling involve practical work or projects?
The IGNOU MSW Counselling programme places significant focus on practical work. In the first year, MSWL46 Social Work Practicum-I (8 credits) and MSWL47 Block Placement (8 credits) are practical components. The second year includes MSWL48 Social Work Practicum-II (8 credits) and MSWL49 Internship (8 credits).
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete IGNOU MSW Counselling?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme is 2 years. Learners have a maximum duration of 4 years to complete all requirements for the degree.
Where are the study blocks or Learner Support Centres for IGNOU MSW Counselling?
IGNOU MSW Counselling is offered through activated Learner Support Centres. Initially, the programme is available through one or two Learner Support Centres under each Regional Centre.
What is the weightage given to practicum in the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme?
For Field Work in the IGNOU MSW Counselling programme, 40 percent weightage is given for the practicum. This emphasizes the practical specialization in Counselling within the curriculum.
Can I get a discount if I choose digital study materials for IGNOU MSW Counselling?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available during admission for the July 2026 cycle.
What is the examination fee structure for IGNOU MSW Counselling courses?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle.
Can I write my IGNOU MSW Counselling exams in Hindi?
Yes, learners may write their term-end examinations in Hindi, even if they registered for the English medium. This rule applies to all programmes except specific language programmes.