Master in Social Work [MSW]

UPRTOU’s Master in Social Work (MSW) is a two-year distance mode programme preparing graduates for professional roles in social development, community welfare, and public sector service delivery across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Ranked 3rd in the NIRF Open University category 2025, UPRTOU delivers the MSW through self-study materials and term-end examinations at regional centres. Total fees are INR 17,000 and admission is merit-based on previous academic performance.

📋 Admission Status: Applications are currently open. Last date to apply is 15 August 2026.

• UPRTOU operates regional study and examination centres in Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Agra, Bareilly, Meerut, Noida, Jhansi, and Faujabad.

UPRTOU MSW Fees 2026

Component	Amount (INR)
Annual Course Fee	INR 8,500
Total Fees (2 Years)	INR 17,000

• Total fees are paid in two annual instalments of INR 8,500 each.
• Application fee of INR 500 is non-refundable and payable separately at registration.
• Fees are payable online through the UPRTOU Samarth admission portal.

UPRTOU MSW Admission 2026

Event	Date
Application Opens	25 May 2026
Last Date to Apply	15 August 2026

• Students must create an ABC ID and DEB ID before completing the online application.
• Admission is strictly merit-based on marks obtained in the qualifying graduation degree.
• Regional centre selection during the application cannot be changed after submission.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university is the minimum requirement for MSW admission.
• Minimum 50% aggregate marks in graduation. Relaxed to 45% for SC/ST/OBC/Minority category candidates.
• Graduates in Social Work, Social Sciences, or Humanities are particularly encouraged to apply.
• No upper age limit. Working professionals in the social sector and NGOs are eligible to apply.

Admission Process

• Visit the official UPRTOU Samarth portal at uprtou.ac.in and register with a valid email and mobile number.
• Generate an ABC ID through the Academic Bank of Credits portal and a DEB ID through the UGC-DEB portal before applying.
• Fill the online application form with accurate academic credentials and personal details.
• Upload scanned copies of graduation certificate, mark sheets, 10+2 and 10th certificates, photo ID, and passport-size photograph.
• Pay the non-refundable application fee of INR 500 through the Samarth portal payment gateway.
• Select a preferred UPRTOU regional centre near the place of residence for examinations and study support.
• Retain the application acknowledgement receipt downloaded from the portal for future reference.

✓ Opt for this if

• Working in an NGO or social sector and need a formal MSW credential.
• Seeking affordable PG qualification in social work at INR 17,000 total fees.
• Interested in community development, welfare administration, or government schemes.
• Based in UP with access to UPRTOU’s 11 regional centres for examinations.

✗ Skip if

• Need fieldwork placements or internships as part of the MSW programme.
• Targeting international social work roles requiring campus-based MSW credentials.
• Require structured mentoring, supervision, and case study workshops on-campus.
• Looking for a university with dedicated placement support for MSW graduates.

UPRTOU MSW Scholarships 2026

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility/Schedule
UP Post-Matric Dashmottar Scholarship	Fee reimbursement	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students with annual family income below INR 2 lakh
Central Sector Scholarship via NSP	Varies by category	SC/ST students at UGC-DEB recognized distance institutions
UPRTOU SC/ST Fee Concession	Partial fee waiver	SC/ST students submitting valid caste certificate at admission

• Apply for UP Post-Matric Dashmottar Scholarship at scholarship.up.in by October 2026.
• NSP scholarships available at scholarships.gov.in after UPRTOU enrolment confirmation.
• Submit valid caste certificate at the time of admission for in-house fee concession.

UPRTOU MSW FAQs

Ques. Is the UPRTOU MSW degree valid for government social work jobs?

Ans. Yes. UPRTOU is UGC-approved and the MSW is recognized by the Distance Education Bureau. The degree is equivalent to a campus-mode MSW and is accepted for government social welfare department vacancies, NGO positions, and public sector social development roles. Graduates can also apply to PhD programmes in Social Work at recognized universities.

Ques. Does UPRTOU MSW include fieldwork or practical training components?

Ans. Being a distance mode programme, the UPRTOU MSW is primarily theory-based. The curriculum focuses on social work principles, welfare policy, community development, and social legislation through self-study materials. Students seeking formal fieldwork placements, supervised internships, or hands-on case study training should consider a full-time campus MSW instead.

Ques. Can I pursue UPRTOU MSW while working in an NGO or social sector?

Ans. Yes. The programme is designed for working professionals in the social sector. UPRTOU dispatches study materials to the registered address and examinations are held at regional centres across 11 cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur. No campus visits or attendance are required at any stage of the MSW programme.

Ques. What documents are needed for UPRTOU MSW admission 2026?

Ans. Applicants need graduation degree certificate and mark sheets, 10+2 and 10th pass certificates, a government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar or voter ID, recent passport-size photographs, and a caste or category certificate for SC/ST/OBC/Minority quota applicants. All documents are uploaded as scanned files on the UPRTOU Samarth portal.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing MSW from UPRTOU?

Ans. UPRTOU MSW graduates can work as social workers, community development officers, welfare programme coordinators, and NGO project managers. The degree also qualifies for government positions in social welfare departments, child development programmes, women and child protection services, and rural development ministries at the state and central government level in Uttar Pradesh and across India.

Ques. What topics are covered in the UPRTOU MSW programme?

Ans. The UPRTOU MSW curriculum covers social work theories and methods, community organisation, social welfare administration, social legislation and policy, human behaviour and the social environment, research methods in social work, and programmes for vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The programme spans two years through distance mode study materials.