Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Social Work and Counselling Practice [PGDCSW]
About Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Social Work and Counselling Practice [PGDCSW]
The Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Social Work and Counselling Practice (PGDCSW) at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, is a one-year government-aided programme that bridges advanced social work practice with counselling psychology, equipping graduates to support individuals, families, and communities in clinical settings, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, and government welfare departments. Offered by the Department of Social Work at the historic Kalamassery campus and affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, the PGDCSW integrates clinical social work theory, psychosocial counselling techniques, case supervision, crisis intervention, and supervised fieldwork in hospitals, mental health facilities, and community organisations. The Department of Social Work at Rajagiri RCSS is among the top-ranked social work departments in India, with faculty who bring together research scholarship and active field practice. Graduates of the programme are fully prepared to contribute to mental health promotion, psychosocial rehabilitation, and welfare practice across Kerala and the broader region, with employment pathways spanning the public sector, voluntary organisations, and private clinical and counselling services.
Applications for the 2026-27 batch are open at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi, with PGDCSW admissions based on academic merit and a personal interview, and the programme commencing in August 2026.
Key Points
- One-year government-aided diploma with total fees of just ₹5,003, among the most accessible clinical social work programmes in Kerala.
- Curriculum covers clinical social work theory, psychosocial counselling, crisis intervention, case supervision, and community-based practice.
- Supervised fieldwork placements in government hospitals, mental health facilities, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, and welfare organisations across Kerala.
- Graduates pursue clinical social worker, counsellor, welfare officer, and mental health support roles in hospitals, NGOs, and government departments.
- Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam; delivered at the Kalamassery campus by faculty combining academic research and field expertise.
Rajagiri RCSS PGDCSW Fees
PGDCSW Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹2,190 |
| Registration and Special Fees | ₹2,813 |
| Total Fees (1 Year) | ₹5,003 |
- The PGDCSW is a government-aided programme; tuition fee is ₹2,190 as fixed by the Fee Regulatory Committee.
- Registration and special fees include affiliation, welfare, union, sports, and insurance charges for the one-year programme.
- Total fees for the one-year PGDCSW amount to ₹5,003 as per the official 2024-25 fee schedule at rajagiri.edu.
Rajagiri RCSS PGDCSW Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | December 2025 |
| Application Deadline | May 2026 |
| Interview/Selection | June 2026 |
| Classes Commence | August 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selection Basis | N/A | Merit and Interview (Social Work background) | N/A |
- Admission to the PGDCSW is merit-based, with preference for candidates holding a BSW, MSW, or a degree in Psychology, Sociology, or a related social science discipline.
- Shortlisted candidates may be called for a personal interview at the Department of Social Work, Rajagiri RCSS.
- Applications are submitted online through the Rajagiri admissions portal at rajagiri.edu/admissions with the relevant application fee.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), Psychology, Sociology, or an equivalent social science discipline from a recognised university.
- A background in social work practice, counselling, or mental health is preferred; working professionals are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants completing their undergraduate studies in March-May 2026 may apply provisionally.
Admission Process
- Register on the Rajagiri admissions portal at rajagiri.edu/admissions and complete the PGDCSW application form.
- Upload graduation mark sheets and any relevant work experience certificates, along with photograph and identity proof.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form within the published deadline.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview at the Department of Social Work on the Kalamassery campus.
- Selected candidates pay the programme fee and complete document verification to confirm enrolment.
Rajagiri RCSS PGDCSW Scholarships 2026
PGDCSW Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Government Post Matric Scholarship | As per government norms | SC/ST students from Kerala; applied via National Scholarship Portal |
| SEBC/OEC Scholarship | As per government norms | Socially and Educationally Backward Classes / Other Eligible Communities in Kerala |
| Alumni Award | Merit-based financial aid | Students with outstanding academic or co-curricular contribution |
- Government scholarships are processed through the National Scholarship Portal and Kerala Social Welfare Department; students must apply separately by the government-specified deadline.
- Given the very low programme fee, government scholarship support effectively covers the tuition for most eligible SC/ST/SEBC students.
Rajagiri RCSS PGDCSW FAQs
Ques. What is the duration of the PGDCSW at Rajagiri RCSS?
Ans. The PGDCSW is a one-year (two-semester) full-time diploma delivered at the Rajagiri RCSS Kalamassery campus and affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
Ques. What is the total fee for the PGDCSW programme?
Ans. The total fee is ₹5,003 for the one-year programme, covering tuition (₹2,190) and registration and special fees (₹2,813) as per the official 2024-25 fee schedule.
Ques. Who is eligible to apply for the PGDCSW?
Ans. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW), Psychology, Sociology, or a related social science discipline from a recognised university are eligible.
Ques. What career opportunities does the PGDCSW open up?
Ans. Graduates pursue roles as clinical social workers, counsellors, welfare officers, community development professionals, and mental health support staff in hospitals, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, and government departments.
Ques. Are government scholarships available for PGDCSW students?
Ans. Post Matric scholarships for SC/ST students and SEBC/OEC scholarships from the Kerala Social Welfare Department are available; eligible students must apply separately through the National Scholarship Portal.
Ques. What fieldwork placements does the PGDCSW include?
Ans. Supervised placements are arranged in government hospitals, mental health facilities, NGOs, rehabilitation centres, and welfare departments, providing hands-on clinical and community practice exposure throughout the programme.