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UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2026: Official PDF Download & Exam Pattern

R
Virat
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
6 MIN READ
The official UGC NET Social Work syllabus is now available. Download the updated 2026 syllabus PDF in both Hindi and English directly from this article.

What is UGC NET Social Work 2026?

The UGC NET Social Work exam is a premier national-level eligibility test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the University Grants Commission. This exam is designed to identify eligible candidates for the Assistant Professor role in Social Work across universities and colleges in India. Below is a comprehensive guide to the exam structure and essential details.

UGC NET Social Work Exam 2026
Name of the exam  UGC National Eligibility Test
Subject code  10
Conducting Authority  National Testing Agency (NTA)
Number of papers  2 (Paper I & Paper II)
Exam frequency  Twice a year

UGC NET Social Work Exam Pattern 2026

The UGC NET Social Work examination consists of two papers—Paper 1 and Paper 2. To succeed, candidates must have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and the syllabus. Here is the breakdown of the official UGC NET exam pattern:

Particulars  Paper I Paper II
Number of questions 50 100
Marks per question (2 marks) 100 marks  200 marks 
Duration of exam 3 hours collectively 

 

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper I

Paper 1 of the UGC NET covers 50 mandatory multiple-choice questions for a maximum of 100 marks. The paper is structured across 10 distinct sections, which we have outlined in the detailed syllabus table below for your convenience.

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper I
Part Topic
I Teaching Aptitude
II Research Aptitude
III Reading Comprehension
IV Communication
V Reasoning (Maths)
VI Logical Reasoning
VII Data Interpretation
VIII Information & Communication Technology
IX People & Environment
X Higher Education System: Governance, Polity & Administration

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper II

The UGC NET Social Work Paper II syllabus delves into vital topics, including human behavior, social work methodology, and professional ethics. Below is the organized list of units included in the updated syllabus for Social Work.

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus Paper II
Units  Details
Unit I: Nature and Development of Social Work
  • Social Work: Definition, Scope, Principles, Nature, Goals and Process
  • Historical Development: Development of Professional Social Work across the world (U.K., U.S.A., and India)
  • Social Reform and Professional Social Work: Contribution of Social Reformers in 19th and 20th Century in the development of Professional Social Work in India.
Unit II:  Society
  • Sociological Concepts: Social Structure, Social Institutions and Social Groups, Socialization, Social Control and Social Change.
  • Approaches to the study of Society: Functionalist, Conflict/Dialectical, Structuralism and Post Modernism.
  • Social System and Stratification: Major Social Systems (Family and Religion), Social Stratification: Marxist, Functionalist and Weberian approach.
Unit III:  Social Work with Individuals and Groups
  • Basic Social Case Work Concepts: Social Roles, Social Functioning, Need Assessment, Adaptation, Social environment, Person-in-Environment Fit, Principles and Components.
  • Approaches to Social Case Work Practice: Diagnostic and Functional Approach, Problem Solving, Task Centered and Radical Approach.
  • Process and Techniques of Social Case Work: Phases of Case Work Intervention, Techniques of Case Work Intervention, Principles of Interviewing and Case Work Recording.
Unit IV: Social Work with Communities and Social Action
  • Community Organization – Concept, Definition, Scope and Historical Perspective in India, UK, and USA, The Role of Community-Based Organizations, Human Capital & Social Capital.
  • Process of Community Organization: Steps in Community Organization, Methods, Principles, Skills, Assumptions, Record Maintenance, Involving NGOs in Community Organization.
  • Approaches in Community Organization Practice– Models, Strategies, The role of Community-Based Organizations, Leadership Development and Leaders, Building Partnerships and coalitions.
Unit V: Research in Social Work: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
  • Quantitative Research
  • Qualitative Research
  • Mixed Method Research
Unit VI: Administration, Welfare and Development Services
  • Social Welfare Administration: Meaning, History, Principles, Nature and Type of Organizations.  Types of Administration: Distinction between Social Welfare Administration, Public Administration and Social Security administrations.
  • Registration of Welfare Agencies: Laws relating to Societies, Trust and Non – Profit organizations, Challenges
  • Structure of Social Welfare Administration: Service Providers, Administrative structures (Government and Non – Government), Organization and Management of Institutional Welfare Services.
Unit VII: Social Policy, Planning and Social Development
  • Social Policy: Concept, Goals, Scope, Context and Models of Social Policy and applicability in the Indian context.
  • Historical Development: Evolution and Historical perspective of various Policies, Implementation of Social Policies especially for Marginalized and Vulnerable sections of the society.
  • Process of Policy Formulation: Determinants and Steps, Approaches to Social Policy formulation, Impact of Changing Political Scenario in a Country.
Unit VIII: Indian Constitution, Social Justice, Human Rights and Social Work Practice
  • Indian Constitution: Characteristics, Features, Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy and Articles.
  • Social Justice: Concept, Definition, Historical Development, Dimensions, Manifestations and Social Justice as a Core Value of Social Work Profession.
  • Instrument of Social Justice: Constitutional Base and Indian Legal System, Legal and Public Advocacy, Role of Civil Society as a Pressure group, Statutory bodies.
Unit IX Areas of Social Work Practice I
  • Medical Social Work and Psychiatric Social Work: Concept, Evolution, Roles, Functions / Responsibilities of Medical Social Workers and Psychiatric Social Workers.
  • Mental Health and Disease: Normal and abnormal behaviour, Epidemiology, Etiology, Types, Clinical Manifestation and Management of Schizophrenia, etc.
  • Theories of Aging and Vulnerability: Psychological and Sociological Theories of Aging, Psychological, Social, etc.
Unit X: Areas of Social Work Practice II
  • Social Defence: Concept, Philosophy and Changing Dimensions, Children in Need of Care and Protection, Juveniles in Conflict with law, Street and Working Children and Young Offenders, Probation and Parole. Emerging issues in Social Defence.
  • Legislations and Criminal Justice System: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1986, etc.
  • Social Work with Families: Functions, Developmental Stages and Family Patterns, Family Dynamics and Theoretical Models of Family Functioning (Circumflex model, Mc Master Model and Structural Model) and Social Work Interventions.

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF

Candidates are advised to download the UGC NET Social Work syllabus PDF to simplify their study planning. Keep this document handy throughout your preparation to ensure every unit is covered thoroughly and efficiently.

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus PDF
Language UGC NET Social Work Download PDF
English Download PDF
Hindi Download PDF

Benefits of UGC NET Social Work Syllabus

The UGC NET Social Work curriculum builds a robust academic foundation while fostering practical expertise in the field. It emphasizes theoretical concepts, advanced research methodologies, and contemporary social welfare issues. Mastering this syllabus will sharpen your analytical capabilities and improve your career prospects in academia and social practice. Key benefits include:

  • Comprehensive Coverage – The syllabus includes core areas like social work theories, methods, social justice, human rights, and welfare policies, ensuring a thorough understanding of the discipline.
  • Alignment with Current Trends – It incorporates emerging social issues, such as mental health, gender studies, and sustainable development, keeping candidates updated with real-world challenges.
  • Enhances Research & Analytical Skills – By focusing on research methodologies, data analysis, and fieldwork, it strengthens candidates’ ability to conduct evidence-based social work interventions.
  • Career Advancement – Clearing UGC NET with a strong grasp of the syllabus opens doors to teaching, research roles (JRF), and high-level social work positions in NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
  • Boosts Confidence for Exams – A well-structured syllabus helps in organized preparation, reducing exam anxiety and improving performance.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach – It integrates knowledge from psychology, sociology, and public administration, providing a broader perspective on social issues.
  • Ethical & Professional Development – Emphasis on social work ethics, advocacy, and policy-making ensures candidates develop professional integrity and leadership qualities.

UGC NET Social Work Syllabus 2026 PDF Download_2.1

 

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