Best Colleges for Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in India: Check Eligibility Criteria and Top Careers

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on developing more skilled professionals in the field of social work.  This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the principles, methods, and practices involved in professional social work. Core areas of study include integrated social work practice, social welfare policies, child rights and advocacy, psychology, family and child welfare, legal frameworks that are relevant to social work, social development, and sociology.

The Master's of Social Work Program focuses on both academic rigour and field-based learning, fostering critical thinking, ethical practice, and leadership skills. An MSW program aims to help students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex social issues, advocate for marginalized communities, and contribute to the betterment of society through various social welfare initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria for Master of Social Work

The eligibility criteria for the Master of Social Work Program may vary from one college to another in India. Students can choose to study the MSW program full-time, part-time, or through distance learning, depending on what suits them best. While many colleges offer admission based on the marks scored in graduation, some top colleges also require students to clear an entrance exam to get admission into their MSW program. The most popular entrance examination is the CUET PG conducted by the NTA. 

Given below is the eligibility criterion for admission to the Master of Social Work program:-

• A candidate must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• A candidate must have at least secured 50% marks in the graduation examination.
• There is no age limit to pursue the Master of Social Work program.
• Some of the universities may require a Bachelor of Social Work degree to further pursue a master's in the same discipline.

Best Colleges in India for the Master of Social Work Program

India is home to some of the best colleges for an aspirant to pursue the master of social work program, providing excellent opportunities for students aspiring to build a career in social work.  The Master of Social Work program is available in various modes of study, including full-time, part-time, and distance learning, allowing students to choose the format that best aligns with their personal and professional commitments.

While many colleges grant admission based on a candidate’s bachelor’s degree, some colleges require the candidate to qualify for the entrance examination as part of the selection process. Given below is the list of some of the best colleges in India for a candidate to seek admission in the Master of Social program:-

Top Careers to Pursue after a Master of Social Work

The postgraduate degree of the Master of Social Work helps the student to a better understanding of social work. After completing the Master of Social Work program there are plenty of career opportunities available in both the private and government sectors. 

The degree of the Master of Social Work program opens the door to diverse career paths. Given below are some of the top career paths in both the government and private sectors that a student can pursue after the completion of the Master of Social Work program:-

Private Sector 

In the private sector, the Master of Social Work program offers various career opportunities like:-

•  Human Resource Manager, 
• School Counsellor, 
• Mental Health Counsellors, 
• Community Outreach Specialist, 
• Social Worker
• Rehabilitation Counsellors,
• Care Managers,
• NGO/ CSR roles
• Management Trainee
• Program Associate, etc

Many NGOs, hospitals, private schools, corporate companies, and international organisations also offer rewarding career options. 

Also, check these colleges:-

• Top Arts Colleges in India
• Top Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Colleges in India
• Top Sociology Colleges in India
• Top BSW Colleges in India
• Top Social Work Colleges in India
• Top B.Sc Psychology Colleges in India
• Top Family Resource Colleges in India
• Top Management Colleges in India
• Top MSW Colleges in India

Government Sector

In the Government sector, the Master of Social Work program offers various career options:-

• Associate professors
• Field Executives
• Social Workers in various departments of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Rural Development, or the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Probation Officers
• Case Managers
• Program Coordinators
• Community Development Officer
• Child Protection Officer

Moreover, an aspirant can aim for prestigious government jobs after completing the master of social work program and clearing the national-level examinations.

Also, check these articles:-

1. Top Career Choices after Completing Arts Stream in India: Check Leading Colleges to Study Arts
2. List of Colleges Accepting NATA Scores 2025: Check Latest Updates, Seat Intake and Eligibility Criteria
3. List of AIIMS Campuses offering BSc Nursing Course: Check Seats and Eligibility
4. List of NIFT Campuses in India 2025: Check Fashion and Design Courses Offered
5. XLRI Placements 2025 for PGDM BM, HRM Batch: Check Packages, Top Recruiters and Key Highlights
6. List of Updated Participating Universities in CUET UG 2025: Check List of Central, State, Private, Deemed and Other Universities
7. Want to pursue a career like Sunita Williams? Check Best Colleges and Courses to Become an Astronaut
8. Admissions Open for National Forensic Sciences University 2025-26 at nfsu.ac.in Check: Eligibility Criteria and the Programs offered
9. Delhi University Colleges Accepting CUET UG 2025 Scores: Check College List, Courses Offered and Eligibility Criteria
10. List of Participating Universities in TANCET 2025 for Admission to MCA
11. Colleges Accepting TANCET Score Between 80 to 90 Percentile: Check Top List of Colleges
12. Top MBA Colleges Accepting TANCET 2025 Scores: Complete List Here
13. List of ITI Colleges in Lucknow: Check Government and Private ITIs, Courses and Seats offered and Admission Process
14. Open Universities in India 2025: Check Full List, UG, PG Courses Offered
15. Top Pilot Training Colleges in India: Check Fees, Eligibility and Admission Process