Chandigarh University Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} (Research) Social Work: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. At Chandigarh University, the program is officially titled BA (Hons./Hons. with Research) (Social Work) under program code BA202, offered by UILAH. This is equivalent to a BSW degree in terms of curriculum and career outcomes. The BA (Social Work) degree from CU is recognized by UGC and is accepted for MSW admissions at universities across India. The Hons. with Research variant specifically includes a research dissertation in the 4th year, making it more research-oriented than a standard BSW.

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Social Worker, Community Development Officer, NGO Program Manager, Child Welfare Officer, Rehabilitation Counselor, School Social Worker, Medical Social Worker, HR Executive (CSR), Policy Analyst, and Social Entrepreneur. Key employers include NGOs, government welfare departments (ICDS, NRHM, MGNREGA), hospitals, schools, corporate CSR departments, and international organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children. The social sector in India is growing rapidly with increased government spending on welfare programs and CSR mandates for corporates.

Ans. Yes, BSW graduates are eligible to pursue MSW (Master of Social Work) at universities across India. For MSW at top universities like TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), students need to appear for TISS-NET. For MSW at Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and other central universities, students need to appear for CUET-PG. At CU itself, MA programs in Psychology and other social science disciplines are available. The Hons. with Research track at CU specifically prepares students for research-oriented higher studies and can strengthen applications for MSW programs.

Ans. Yes, fieldwork is a core component of the BSW/BA (Social Work) program at CU. Students undertake supervised fieldwork placements at NGOs, government welfare agencies, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. The fieldwork is integrated into the curriculum across multiple semesters, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world social work practice. UILAH has established partnerships with social sector organizations for fieldwork placements. Students also undertake a social internship after the 2nd semester (4-6 weeks) and an industry internship after the 4th semester (6-8 weeks).

Ans. Social work as a profession is gaining significant recognition in India. The government's increased focus on welfare programs (PM-KISAN, Ayushman Bharat, MGNREGA, etc.) has created demand for trained social workers. The corporate sector's CSR mandate (2% of net profit) has also created opportunities in corporate social responsibility roles. International organizations like UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, and Save the Children actively recruit social work graduates. BSW from CU at Rs. 5.16 Lakhs total is a cost-effective investment, especially given CU's strong placement network and the growing demand for social work professionals.

Ans. The BA (Hons.) track is a 4-year program where the 4th year includes advanced coursework, open electives, and MOOC certifications. The BA (Hons. with Research) track is also 4 years but the 4th year involves a supervised research dissertation, advanced research methods, and academic writing skills. If you plan to pursue MSW at TISS or other top institutions, or want to work in research-oriented roles at think tanks or policy organizations, the Research track is strongly recommended. If you want to directly enter the social sector workforce after graduation, the regular Hons. track with its practical focus is equally strong.