About Institute of Social Sciences, Agra 🏛️
The Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), established in 1955, is a constituent institute of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra. It is one of the pioneering institutions for professional social work education in India. The institute is highly renowned for its flagship **Master of Social Work (MSW)** program, which is considered one of the best in the state. ISS focuses on creating skilled professionals for the social development sector through a curriculum that rigorously integrates academic theory with extensive, hands-on fieldwork.
Key Information at a Glance 📊
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fees (Approx.) | Less than ₹20,000 for the entire MSW course (2 years) |
| Flagship Program Intake | Varies by program (MSW, MA Sociology, etc.) |
| Highest Package (2025) | Not applicable; focus is on the social/development sector. |
| Average Package (2025) | Starting salaries in NGOs/CSR: ₹3.5 LPA - ₹5 LPA |
| Median Package (2025) | Not Applicable |
| Scholarship Availability | Yes, primarily through UP Government scholarship schemes |
| Top Career Avenues | NGO Management, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Government Projects, Counseling |
| Top Recruiters | UNICEF, WHO, CRY, Save the Children, Tata Trust, Reliance Foundation, various government ministries |
| Approvals | UGC |
Career Prospects & Further Studies 📈
As a premier institute for social work, ISS prepares students for impactful careers in the social development sector. The ROI is exceptional due to the negligible fees and the high demand for professionally trained social workers.
| Primary Career Paths after MSW | |
|---|---|
| NGOs & INGOs | The primary career path for graduates is to work as Program Officers, Project Coordinators, or Counselors in national and international NGOs. |
| Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Graduates are recruited by the CSR departments of large corporations to manage and execute social projects. |
| Government Sector | Opportunities in various government schemes and departments related to rural development, women & child welfare, and public health. |
| Research & Academia | Many students pursue M.Phil/Ph.D. to become researchers and professors in the field of social work. |
Fee Structure & Scholarships: Funding Your Education 💰
The most significant advantage of ISS is its highly subsidized government fee structure, which makes professional postgraduate education extremely affordable.
Fee Structure (Approx. per year)
- MSW Program Fee: ~ ₹8,000 - ₹10,000
- Note: These fees are extremely low and subject to change as per university norms.
Scholarship Opportunities
Financial assistance is a key feature for students:
- UP Government Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme: This scheme is availed by a vast majority of eligible students, often covering their entire annual tuition fees.
Fieldwork & Practical Training 🏢
Practical training through concurrent and block fieldwork is the cornerstone of the MSW curriculum at ISS, making it distinct from a regular Master of Arts degree.
- Concurrent Fieldwork: Students are placed in various social welfare agencies, NGOs, and communities for two days every week throughout the two-year program.
- Block Fieldwork: Students undergo mandatory block placements for an extended period, often in rural areas or with specialized national-level organizations.
- Rural Camp: A compulsory rural camp is organized to provide students with first-hand experience of rural society and its challenges.
- Dissertation: A research-based dissertation is a mandatory component of the final year.
The Real Campus Experience: Life at ISS 🧑🎓
The Institute of Social Sciences is located within the historic Paliwal Park campus of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, offering a traditional and scholarly environment.
Campus Facilities
The institute has its own dedicated building and resources within the university campus.
- A dedicated departmental library with a rich collection of books on social work and social sciences.
- Access to the university's large central library.
- Seminar halls for workshops and guest lectures.
- Hostel facilities are available through the main university campus.
A Day on Campus
The daily life of an MSW student is a unique blend of classroom lectures and extensive fieldwork in the community.
- A strong focus on group discussions, presentations, and community interaction.
- Close interaction with experienced faculty members who are experts in the field.
- An environment that fosters social consciousness and a commitment to service.
Admissions Process & Eligibility (MSW) 📝
- Check Eligibility: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories).
- Online Web Registration: Admissions are conducted through the centralized web registration portal of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra.
- Entrance Test: The university typically conducts its own Entrance Test for admission to its postgraduate programs, including MSW.
- Merit List & Counseling: Based on the rank secured in the entrance test, the university releases a merit list. Shortlisted candidates are then called for counseling.
- Final Admission: During counseling, candidates complete document verification and fee payment to confirm their admission to the Institute of Social Sciences.
