BPHES' Centre for Studies in Rural Development Institute of Social Work and Research, Ahmednagar: Admission, Courses, Fees, Placements

BPHES’ Centre for Studies in Rural Development Institute of Social Work And Research, Ahmednagar, began in 1969. This self-governing college, occupying a fairly small area of 3.62 acres, has been training future social workers for more than fifty years. The institute has a total of 249 students in its enrolment and nine are the members of faculty which in total makes a smaller learning community. On the quality campus, it is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) which testifies the institute’s quality education. Having three programmes and expertise in the sector our primary concentration is in rural development, social work and disaster management to nurture students in the field of social service. 

The institute has some of the best facilities to aid the learning of its students out there. The apex facility for the acquisition of academic inputs is a well-equipped library with a readership exceeding 10,000 volumes in English Marathi and Hindi. The system of open access allows the students to select materials freely plus there is a comfortable reading room for 40 students. To improve the practical aspect, the students use a computer laboratory with main stations connected to the Internet to embed intellectual activity. Internet connection is available, for example through wireless, through which the students can easily browse the internet. In order to cater the needs of the students from different parts of the state and country CSRD-ISWR has arrangements of Hostels separately for boys and girls. Boys’ hostel is on campus where 110 students can reside at a time and girls’ hostel is in Ahmednagar college campus where there is a facility for only 30 students at a time. Both these hostels provide necessary accommodation and facility like solar heating system for water. 

The Centre for Social and Social Work Research and Development International have only three full time courses, each tailored on various aspects of social work and or the community. The institute’s main offering is the Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) that delivers a full-pallet of training in social work practices. In particular, the knowledge that is important to communication and social relations can be received by people who are interested in the MA in Mass Relations programme. In addition, the institute provides the Diploma in Disaster Management which has realised the lack of skilled practitioners in disaster control and prevention. The total strength of the institute is 249 and thus each candidate is given personal attention and quality education.

The admission policy of the CSRD-ISWR is developed with regard to identifying candidates willing to make a difference in rural communities. As a practical learning institute, it is evident that the institute offers transport facilities for field work so that the students can easily move to their respective areas for training. Thus, at CSRD-ISWR, there are secluded volleyball and badminton courts on the college’s compound, additional grounds available at Ahmednagar College for games such as cricket, basketball, football, and other physical activities. There is also a strong alumni base in the institute, where it is much easier to find contact with a potential employer, as it can be beneficial for the current students who need it. In its focus areas and with its specialised programmes, CSRD-ISWR remains a unique institution in the development of socially responsible, committed professionals willing to bring change in the rural areas of the globe.