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Madras School of Social Work: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Chennai Campus Life
location
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
author
Abhijeet Chatterjee
Updated on 11 January 2026

More About MSSW Chennai

Madras School of Social Work was established in 1952 and is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a top ranked premium autonomous institution, known for its contributions to social education and community development. The Madras School of Social Work has been ranked 39th by NIRF 2023 under the Colleges category, and 73rd by NIRF 2024 under the Colleges category. Securing the 6th position by Outlook 2024 for Social Work, and 4th by India Today 2024 also for Social Work, the college maintains a strong standing. The institution has numerous tie-ups with various organizations, providing comprehensive career assistance to students. MSSW (an autonomous institution affiliated with the University of Madras) offers UG, PG, M.Phil, and PhD courses to students. These courses are provided across social work, psychology, and human resource development domains. The Madras School of Social Work is recognized by the University of Madras. The institution provides Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs to students in affiliation with the University of Madras. Further, MSSW provides MSW (Aided), MSW (Self Finance), along with B.Sc Psychology and M.Sc Counselling Psychology as flagship courses, focusing on community development, mental health, and human resource management, and other critical areas. The institute is located in a well-maintained 2-acre campus, and is equipped with the latest innovations and facilities. With a total of 815 students and 52 faculty members, maintaining a 1:15.67 faculty-student ratio, Madras School of Social Work has launched various community outreach programs and research initiatives, showcasing their commitment to social welfare and holistic development. The college is driven and promoted by its long-standing legacy of excellence in social sciences. Located in Chennai, this reputed institution accepts merit in qualifying examination scores for undergraduate programs and conducts its own entrance test (Online), Group Discussion, and Personal Interview for postgraduate admissions. The institute offers opportunities through various student clubs and associations and extensive fieldwork placements. MSSW faculty are professionals with years of academic expertise and practical field experience, ensuring a rich learning environment.

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Campus Area

2

Total Seat

316

Faculty Student Ratio

1:15.67

About Madras School of Social Work - [MSSW] Chennai

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), established in 1952, is an autonomous private institution located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Founded by Mary Clubwala Jadhav under the Society for Social Education and Research, MSSW is affiliated with the University of Madras and specializes in social work and allied disciplines.

MSSW holds an A grade from NAAC and is ranked 55th among colleges in India by NIRF 2025. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in social work, psychology, human resource management, and social entrepreneurship, with a student strength of around 300. The institution is recognized for its strong research orientation and consistent top rankings in social work education nationally.

Key Highlights

ParameterDetails
Full NameMadras School of Social Work
Established1952
TypePrivate Autonomous
AffiliationUniversity of Madras
Approved ByUGC
NAAC GradeA
NIRF 2025#55 in Colleges category
CampusUrban, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Courses2 UG + 6 PG + PhD programs
Popular ProgrammesMSW, M.Sc. Counselling Psychology, BSW, M.A. Human Resource Management
StudentsApproximately 300
Fee Range₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 per year
Websitewww.mssw.in

Courses Offered at MSSW Chennai

Specializations

Master of Arts in Development ManagementMaster of Arts in Human Resource ManagementMaster of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship

Specializations

Master of Philosophy in PsychologyMaster of Philosophy in Social Work

Specializations

Master of Social Work in Family & Child WelfareMaster of Social WorkMaster of Social WorkHealth Setting+1

Specializations

Ph.D. in Social Work

Specializations

Bachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelor of Science in Psychology

Specializations

Bachelor of Social Work

Specializations

Master of Human Resource and Organizational Development

Specializations

Master of Science in Child Guidance And Family CounsellingMaster of Science in Counselling Psychology

Specializations

Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Specializations

Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Specializations

Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations

Admission Dates 2026

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) Chennai conducts its admission cycle annually for various UG and PG programmes, including B.Sc, BSW, MSW, M.A., and M.Sc. Admissions are based on merit, entrance tests, and interviews depending on the programme. The application process for 2026 admissions opens in May and closes by the end of June, with entrance tests and interviews scheduled shortly after.

ProgrammeEventDate
UG (B.Sc, BSW)Application Start09 May 2026
UG (B.Sc, BSW)Application Deadline30 June 2026
PG (MSW, M.A., M.Sc.)Application Start09 May 2026
PG (MSW, M.A., M.Sc.)Application Deadline30 June 2026
PG (MSW, M.A., M.Sc.)Online Entrance TestFirst week of July 2026
PG (MSW, M.A., M.Sc.)Interview / Group DiscussionMid July 2026
All ProgrammesAdmission Finalization and Fee PaymentJuly 2026

Admission Process

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) Chennai offers admission primarily through merit-based evaluation for undergraduate courses and entrance test followed by group discussion and interview for postgraduate programs. Applications are submitted online via the official portal, with admissions finalized after document verification and fee payment.

Undergraduate Admission (B.Sc Psychology, BSW)

Steps to Apply

  1. Visit the MSSW official website and register for the UG program admission online.
  2. Fill in the application form with accurate personal and academic details.
  3. Upload required documents such as 10th and 12th mark sheets, ID proof, and passport-size photograph.
  4. Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
  5. Admission is granted based on the percentage of marks obtained in the 10+2 examination.
  6. Attend document verification at the college with original certificates.
  7. Complete fee payment to confirm admission.

Postgraduate Admission (MSW, M.A., M.Sc.)

Steps to Apply

  1. Apply online on the MSSW admission portal for the desired PG program.
  2. Submit graduation mark sheets and other required documents.
  3. Appear for the online objective-type entrance test conducted by MSSW.
  4. Shortlisted candidates will be called for group discussion and personal interview on campus.
  5. Admission is based on combined scores of graduation marks, entrance test, and interview/GD performance.
  6. Attend document verification with original certificates.
  7. Pay the program fees to finalize admission.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

ProgrammeQualificationEntrance ExamMin %Fees (per year)
B.Sc Psychology10+2 from recognized boardMerit-based50%₹47,000
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)10+2 from recognized boardMerit-based50%₹47,000
MSW (Master of Social Work)Graduation in any disciplineMSSW Entrance Test + GD + Interview50%₹1,00,000
M.A. Human Resource ManagementGraduation in any disciplineMSSW Entrance Test + GD + Interview50%₹1,00,000
M.Sc. Counselling PsychologyGraduation in Psychology or Counseling PsychologyMSSW Entrance Test + GD + Interview50%₹1,00,000
PG Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial RelationsGraduation in any disciplineMerit-based50%₹47,000

Documents Required

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (for PG courses)
  • Entrance exam hall ticket and scorecard (for PG courses)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Transfer certificate
  • Migration certificate (if applicable)
  • Character certificate

Nearest Attractions at MSSW Chennai

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Chennai International Airport

17 km

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T.B. Hospital Bus Stop

0.262 km

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T.B. Hospital

0.262 km

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Chetpet Railway Station

2.3 km

Cutoff 2025

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), Chennai, primarily offers admissions based on merit from qualifying examinations and its own entrance test for postgraduate courses.

There are no publicly available numerical cutoff ranks or percentile data from JoSAA, state counselling portals, or the official MSSW website for 2025 or 2024.

Admissions rely on academic performance and entrance test scores without published rank-based cutoffs.

Hence, no actual numerical cutoff data (ranks, percentiles, or marks) exist for MSSW admissions in 2025 or 2024.

Campus Facilities at MSSW Chennai

Academic Spaces

Auditorium

Classrooms

Open Air Theatre

Seminar Halls

Basic Services

Nearby Shops

Photocopying Facility

Purified Drinking Water

Entry/Exit Rules

Four-wheeler Parking Restriction

Hostel Curfew Policy

Two-wheeler Parking

Food Options

Canteen

Hostel Mess

Nearby Shops

Hostel Facilities

Boys Hostel

Girls Hostel

Hostel Mess

IT Facilities

Campus Wi-Fi

Hostel Wi-Fi

Moodle LMS System

Incubation Centers

Rural Extension Center (Social Work Lab)

Laboratories

Computer Lab/Centre

Personal Care Rooms

Rural Extension Center (Social Work Lab)

Library

Central Library

Medical Facilities

Medical Center/Clinic Room

Psychologist and Counselors

Recreational Areas

Open Air Theatre

Student Social and Cultural Clubs

Safety & Security

24-hour Security (Hostels)

Clinic Room

Sports & Fitness

Indoor Sports Room

Outdoor Playground/Ground

Sports Day

Student Help Desks

Psychologist and Counselors

Student Body (SDC)

Transport Services

City Bus Connectivity

Four-wheeler Parking Restriction

Shuttle Service

Two-wheeler Parking

Placements 2025

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) Chennai maintained a strong placement record in 2025, especially for postgraduate students, with a placement rate of around 63% and a median salary of ₹5 LPA. The highest packages reached up to ₹13 LPA, with over 40 companies participating in campus recruitment, primarily hiring for social work, HR, counselling, and development roles. Undergraduate placements remain limited, with very few students placed on campus.

Placement Statistics

ParameterValue
Highest Package₹13 LPA
Average Package₹6-6.5 LPA
Median Package₹5 LPA (PG), ₹2.5 LPA (UG)
Placement Rate63% (PG), ~1% (UG)
Students Placed194/309 (PG), 1/86 (UG)
Companies Visited40+

Top Recruiters

IT: Cognizant Technologies, TCS, Virtusa Consulting Services, Deloitte, Ernst & Young

Consulting: EY, Deloitte, Randstad

Core: Kotak Life Insurance, Just Dial, Muthoot Group, Ashok Leyland, Apollo Hospitals

Branch-wise Placement

BranchHighestAverage%Placed
Postgraduate (Social Work, HR, Counselling)₹13 LPA₹6-6.5 LPA63%
Undergraduate (Psychology, Social Work)₹2.5 LPA₹2.5 LPA1%

Student Reviews & Testimonials

sarvajith jayakumar

5

We participated an event at this college. I really like the college environment, it's really nice.

Leo thomas

5

Best college for social work career. Good knowledgeable staffs. 2 shift is there College got good library. MSW Degree got three specialization 1.CD 2. M & P 3. HR

Rayadurgam Narasimham

5

Am an alumni of this institution. Have been visiting since 1963. What more can I say. Yes, very good and famous institution. Number 2 in the country with very good placement record and distinguished alumni members

rakesh s

5

One of the best green, beautiful and peaceful campuses in chennai. Visited during a film festival. - Nice spacious campus. - Friendly staff. - Affordable budget canteen. - The canteen food was yummy. 😋 - The screening hall was well maintained and clean with nice audio quality and visuals as well. - Clean drinking water taps at many places. - The big tree in the ground is the most beautiful of everything here. 🌳 - Open volleyball court is available. My visit was on 23 February 2023.

Rankings & Accreditations

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), Chennai, is ranked 55th among colleges in India by NIRF 2025, showing improvement from its 73rd position in 2024. It holds a strong position in social work education, ranked 4th nationally by India Today in 2025 and consistently recognized among the top social work institutions in India.

NIRF 2025

CategoryRankScore
Colleges#5558.90/100

Other Rankings

AgencyRankYear
India Today (Social Work)#42025
India Today (Social Work)#42024
Outlook (Social Science)#62024

Accreditations

  • NAAC: A+ Grade (Valid till 2027)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) provides various scholarships primarily for economically weaker students, SC/ST categories, and meritorious candidates. These include institute-funded scholarships, state government scholarships, and support from minority welfare schemes, with some scholarships covering up to 50% of course fees.

Institute Scholarships

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
SSER Management ScholarshipUG and PG students with minimum 60% marks, 80% attendance; preference to single parents, first-generation graduatesUp to 50% of course fees
Alumni ScholarshipDeserving students based on merit and economic statusVaries, adjusted against fees
AMM Foundation ScholarshipBachelor's students with financial needVaries, based on criteria
Swaminathan Padmavati Trust ScholarshipSC postgraduate studentsVaries

Government Scholarships

SchemeForAmountPortal
State Government Scholarship for SC/STSC/ST students enrolled at MSSWVaries by state normsState Government Portal / NSP
State Government Scholarship for BCBackward Class studentsVariesState Government Portal / NSP
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) ScholarshipsEconomically weaker students with family income below ₹2.5 lakhsUp to ₹20,000 per annum (for PG professional courses)NSP (scholarships.gov.in)

External Scholarships

  • Minority Welfare Schemes: Financial aid for minority community students enrolled at MSSW, amount varies by scheme

Comparison

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) Chennai is compared with Madras Christian College (MCC) and Loyola College, Chennai, as all three are prominent institutions in Chennai known for their strong social sciences and social work programs, reputable faculty, and consistent rankings in national frameworks like NIRF and India Today.

ParameterMadras School of Social Work - [MSSW] ChennaiMadras Christian College (MCC) ChennaiLoyola College Chennai
TypePrivatePrivatePrivate
Established195218371925
NIRF 2025#55 (Colleges category)#16 (Colleges category)#14 (Colleges category)
NAACAA++A++
Fee (Total)₹0.91 L₹0.63 L₹1.62 L

Key Strengths

  • Madras School of Social Work - [MSSW] Chennai: Specializes in social work, HR, and counselling with strong outreach, research-driven courses, and top placements in social services and corporate HR sectors.
  • Madras Christian College (MCC) Chennai: Known for its holistic education, eco-friendly 365-acre campus, and strong alumni network in social sciences and environmental studies.
  • Loyola College Chennai: Offers excellent faculty-student ratio, modern infrastructure, and value-based education with strong placements in IT, finance, and education sectors.

Campus & Infrastructure

Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) is located in the Egmore area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on Casa Major Road. The compact urban campus spans about 1 to 2 acres and features modern academic buildings with smart classrooms, auditoriums, and a well-equipped library, providing a conducive environment for social work education.

Campus Details

ParameterDetails
Area1 acre
LocationChennai, Tamil Nadu
Nearest RailwayEgmore Railway Station (approx. 1 km)
Nearest AirportChennai International Airport (17 km)

Academic Facilities

  • Library: Large collection with extensive books and e-journals
  • Labs: Computer lab with Wi-Fi access
  • Classrooms: 19 smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual facilities

Hostel

TypeCapacityFee/Year
Boys20 beds₹50,000 approx.
Girls60 beds₹50,000 approx.

Other Facilities

  • 2 auditoriums for events and seminars
  • Wi-Fi enabled campus and hostel
  • Canteen with hygienic vegetarian meals and mess attached to hostel
  • Indoor sports room and outdoor ground for volleyball and badminton
  • Open-air theatre
  • Water recycling unit
  • Air-conditioned conference hall and seminar halls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process for undergraduate courses at Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) Chennai?

Admission to undergraduate courses like B.Sc and BSW at MSSW is based strictly on merit, considering academic performance in the 10+2 examination from recognized boards. Candidates must apply online, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee for final admission.

Are entrance exams required for postgraduate admissions at MSSW Chennai?

Yes, admission to PG courses such as MSW and M.A. involves an entrance test conducted by MSSW, followed by group discussion and personal interview rounds. Selection is merit-based on these assessments.

What is the eligibility criteria for the MSW program at MSSW?

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50% aggregate marks. Prior work or volunteer experience in social work is considered favorably during selection.

What is the fee structure for the B.Sc and BSW programs at MSSW?

The approximate fee for B.Sc and BSW programs is ₹96,000 for the entire course duration of three years.

What are the payment options available for application and tuition fees at MSSW?

Fees can be paid online via debit/credit cards or net banking, by demand draft payable to the Principal, or in cash at the college office.

What is the placement scenario at Madras School of Social Work Chennai?

MSSW has a dedicated placement cell that facilitates internships and job placements primarily in social work, NGOs, and related sectors. Placement rates vary yearly, with many students securing internships during their course.

Which organizations recruit from MSSW Chennai?

Recruiters include NGOs, government social welfare departments, community development organizations, and corporate CSR wings, reflecting the institute’s focus on social work and allied fields.

What specializations are offered in the MSW program at MSSW?

The MSW program offers specializations in Social Work with focus areas such as community development, counseling, and social justice, aligning with current social sector needs.

How experienced is the faculty at Madras School of Social Work?

The faculty comprises experienced academicians and practitioners in social work and allied disciplines, many with doctoral qualifications and active research involvement.

What hostel facilities are available for students at MSSW Chennai?

MSSW provides separate hostels for boys and girls with a total capacity of around 80 students (20 boys, 60 girls). Hostels have essential amenities, vegetarian mess, and strict rules to ensure safety and discipline.

What extracurricular and sports facilities does MSSW offer?

The campus includes a playground for volleyball and badminton, an indoor games room with carrom and table tennis, and organizes cultural and sports events regularly.

Is the MSSW campus safe for female students?

MSSW maintains separate girls’ hostel facilities with security measures and enforces strict hostel rules, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for female students.

What is the daily commute like for students attending MSSW Chennai?

Students are encouraged to use public transport as four-wheelers are not permitted on campus due to limited parking. Two-wheelers can be parked in designated areas for a fee.

Are laptops mandatory for MSSW students?

Laptops are not mandatory but recommended for assignments, research, and accessing digital resources, as the college provides computer labs and internet facilities.

Does MSSW have a dress code or uniform policy?

MSSW does not enforce a strict dress code but expects students to dress modestly and appropriately, reflecting the professional and social work environment.

How does MSSW Chennai compare with other social work colleges in India?

MSSW is one of the oldest and reputed social work institutions in India, known for its focused curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong alumni network, offering good ROI in social sector careers.

What is the alumni network like at Madras School of Social Work?

The MSSW Alumni Association actively connects graduates through events and initiatives, supporting networking and career development in social work and allied fields.

Is the investment in MSSW worth it for a career in social work?

MSSW’s specialized programs, practical training, and placement support make it a valuable choice for students aiming for impactful careers in social work and community development sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

    Madras School of Social Work is known for its strong placement record and ranked 55th in the college category in the NIRF ranking 2025. The institution offers a range of full-time programmes including a Batch of 2025-01-01 for the MA Human Resource and Organization Development self-finance course, which is among the top 100 Universities globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026.
    Madras School of Social Work is not specifically geared towards engineering, with only 1.16% of its 86 undergraduate graduates securing placements in 2023–24, and an average package of Rs 3.5 LPA. The college excels in social work and related fields rather than engineering disciplines.
    The admission process at Madras School of Social Work requires the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) followed by counseling and document verification. The fees for the MA Human Resource and Organization Development programme are Rs 1,50,000 for the entire course duration, covering both semesters.
    Students at Madras School of Social Work rate it 4.5/5 for placements, highlighting strong job offers and internships at top organizations like MCC and St. Joseph’s University. They rate it 4/5 for faculty, noting a dedicated team of 53 experienced professionals. For campus, students rate it 4/5, appreciating the compact 2-acre urban setting but suggesting room for improvement in facilities.
    Madras School of Social Work is ranked 55th in the NIRF ranking 2025 for the college category and 100th among top universities globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 for interdisciplinary science.
    The campus life at Madras School of Social Work offers well-maintained hostels with 24/7 security and a mess that provides nutritious meals at Rs 5,000 per month for undergraduate students. The college boasts a vibrant environment with various clubs such as the Social Work Club, Research Club, and Alumni Association, and hosts annual fests like the Social Impact Festival. The academic and social environment is conducive to learning and personal growth, supported by a compact yet clean 2-acre urban campus.
    The eligibility for admission to Madras School of Social Work's diploma programmes requires a minimum of 60% in higher secondary examinations. For postgraduate programmes such as M.Sc, MA, MSW, and Ph.D, candidates must have a minimum of 55% in their undergraduate degree. The registration fee for the online admission process is Rs 500.
    The entrance exams accepted at Madras School of Social Work are JEE Main, GATE, CAT, and NEET with cutoff ranks of 30000, 35th percentile, 95th percentile, and 15000 respectively.
    The placement at Madras School of Social Work shows 1% of students placed with an average package of Rs 3 LPA and the highest package of Rs 5 LPA.
    The important admission dates for Madras School of Social Work are: application starts on January 1, 2025, exam is scheduled for March 15, 2025, and results are announced on April 1, 2025.
    The placement at Madras School of Social Work shows 12% of undergraduate students placed with an average package of Rs 3.5 LPA and the highest package of Rs 4 LPA.
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