IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling is a one-year programme with a fee of Rs. 15,000 for the July 2026 session. Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university are eligible to apply.
| Detail | Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | PGDCOUN |
| School | School of Social Work (SOSW) |
| Eligibility | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 15,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 15,000 (Rs. 15,000 x 1 year) |
| Total credits | 36 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling (PGDCOUN) is a 36-credit programme offered by the School of Social Work (SOSW). It provides both academic learning and professional education and training in counselling.
This Post Graduate Diploma is tailored for counsellors working in various organizational and community contexts.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling, a candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline. The programme is offered in both English and Hindi mediums.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling (PGDCOUN) programme fee is Rs. 15,000/- per year for the July 2026 session. The total programme fee for the minimum one-year duration is Rs. 15,000, excluding additional charges. Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at admission for the July 2026 session.
Learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed self-instructional material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
The application process is fully online via the ODL admission portal, with payments accepted through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 15,000/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 15,000 (Rs. 15,000 x 1 year) |
| 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 Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) duration and credits
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 3 years. Learners must complete all programme requirements within this three-year period from the date of admission.
The programme requires a total of 36 credits.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling (PGDCOUN) syllabus covers 36 credits, providing both academic learning and professional education in counselling. The programme is tailored for counsellors in various organisational and community contexts, along with individuals within a family setting.
Learners must complete assignments (TMA) for these courses and appear for the term-end examination (TEE).
Successful completion of all 36 credits, including assignments and term-end examinations, is necessary to earn the Post Graduate Diploma.
Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 7 courses | 36 |
Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW-1 | Origin and Development of Social Work | 4 |
| 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 |
| MSWL-11 | Social Work Practicum | 12 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applicants for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling must apply online through the ODL admission portal, the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. The university does not require any printed forms to be sent to a Regional Centre. The admission cycles are held twice a year, in January and July. The current cycle open for applications is the July 2026 session.
Before applying, applicants should have their APAAR ID ready. They also need to prepare several documents as soft copies:
- 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 applicable (SC/ST/OBC), under 200 KB.
The application process involves several steps on the Samarth portal:
- Register on the portal and create a new account.
- Fill in the application form with personal and programme details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the fees online using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
The programme fee for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma is Rs. 15,000/- per year for the July 2026 session. Along with this, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at the time of admission.
IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma(Social Work Counselling) (PGDCOUN) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma. Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) go to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download on the University website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-End Examinations (TEE) are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. Examination centres are available across India and abroad. There are two sessions 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 they registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For projects and practicals, 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 copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible.
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 Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma is Rs. 15,000 for the full minimum duration of one year, as per the July 2026 prospectus. This amount excludes the registration, development, and examination fees.
Are there any additional fees beyond the programme fee?
Yes, additional fees apply. A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission, in addition to the programme fee, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus.
Which courses in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma have a practical component?
The course MSWL-11 Social Work Practicum carries a significant practical component, accounting for 12 credits. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes that include them, according to the July 2026 prospectus.
How many credits are in the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma?
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling has a total of 36 credits. One credit is equivalent to 30 hours of learner study, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
What is the eligibility for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma, you must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Can I complete the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in less than one year?
No, the minimum duration for completing the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma is one year. The maximum duration allowed for completion is three years, as per the programme details.
What is the fee for taking the Term-End Examination for each course?
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the Term-End Examination, as per the December 2026 TEE information. 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.
Where do I submit my assignments for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma?
You must submit your Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) to the Coordinator of your designated Learner Support Centre. Assignments are compulsory and must be completed before you can take the Term-End Examination.
Can I get a discount on the programme fee if I use digital study materials?
Yes, learners who choose to receive soft copies of their study material instead of printed books are eligible for a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available as per the July 2026 prospectus.
What is the process for applying to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma?
The application process is fully online through the IGNOU ODL admission portal, the IGNOU Samarth admission portal. You will need to upload soft copies of your photograph, qualification proof, and category certificate if applicable, and keep your APAAR ID ready.