International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Scope and Challenges of the Social Work Profession in India

Abstract: Social work in India is a growing profession addressing diverse social needs. Over the past century, formal social work education and practice have expanded from the first programme at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in 1936 to hundreds of institutions today. This article reviews the historical evolution of social work in India, outlines the current scope of practice, and identifies key challenges that the field faces. Methodology: The study was a conceptual review were in the inclusion criteria were language (only English) and cut off year of publication that was 2020 onwards. Results and Discussion: The analysis focuses on the Indian context, highlighting government-led welfare programmes, non-governmental initiatives, and educational frameworks. Data from government surveys and academic studies indicate that over 100,000 students are enrolled in social work programmes and more than half a million social workers are active in sectors ranging from child welfare to health and corporate CSR. However, obstacles include lack of regulatory standardization, uneven educational quality, resource constraints, and socio-cultural barriers. Examples from practice and emerging trends (such as COVID-19 relief efforts) illustrate both progress and limitations. Conclusion: The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening regulation, curriculum, and professional recognition to better align social work’s potential with India’s development goals.