How to become a Social Worker in India
सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता
Support vulnerable people and communities through welfare schemes, counselling, case work and community action.
- Streams
- Any stream
- Time it takes
- 3 years (BSW), or 5 years with MSW
- Key exams
- CUET, CUET
What you actually do
- Work with individuals and families facing poverty, illness, abuse or disability
- Connect people to government schemes, health and legal services
- Plan and run community programmes with NGOs, hospitals or government
A day in the life
Visiting families in a community, helping a woman apply for a welfare scheme, coordinating with a hospital on a patient’s discharge, and writing case notes for the NGO.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: volunteer with community activitiesabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: any stream; CUET (UG) for many universitiesabout 2 yr
- BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) or BA in a related subject (3 years)about 3 yr
- MSW (2 years) — at TISS or other universities; check the TISS admissions page for the current entrance routeabout 2 yr
- Field work placements and internships with NGOs or hospitalsabout 6 mo
- First job: Social Worker / Case Worker / Programme Officer with an NGO, hospital, CSR team or government projectabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year (usually May–June) |
| CUET (PG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Government universities and TISS: low to moderate fees
Private route
Private universities: moderate fees
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Pay differs widely between small NGOs, large international organisations, CSR foundations and government projects. We do not quote figures.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You care deeply about social justice
- You are comfortable working in the field
- You can stay patient with slow change
Maybe not, if…
- You want a high salary early on
- You prefer working only in an office
Not sure yet? Take the Career Explorer quiz — 18 questions, answers stay on your device.
Start learning free
ROADMAP GENERATOR · PRIVATE · ON YOUR DEVICE
Where are you now, and where do you want to be?
Loading your dates…
Common questions
How do I become a Social Worker in India?
1. Class 9–10: volunteer with community activities 2. Class 11–12: any stream; CUET (UG) for many universities 3. BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) or BA in a related subject (3 years) 4. MSW (2 years) — at TISS or other universities; check the TISS admissions page for the current entrance route 5. Field work placements and internships with NGOs or hospitals 6. First job: Social Worker / Case Worker / Programme Officer with an NGO, hospital, CSR team or government project
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Social Worker?
CUET (UG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)); CUET (PG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Social Worker?
Any stream.
How long does it take to become a Social Worker?
3 years (BSW), or 5 years with MSW
How much does it cost to become a Social Worker?
Government route: Government universities and TISS: low to moderate fees. Private route: Private universities: moderate fees. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Social Worker in India?
Pay differs widely between small NGOs, large international organisations, CSR foundations and government projects. We do not quote figures.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Social Worker: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences · University Grants Commission
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
CUET (UG) — National Testing Agency (NTA) · CUET (PG) — National Testing Agency (NTA)
IndiaDigital is an independent project and is not affiliated with any government department, ICAI or the GST Network.