BSW Syllabus 2024: Subjects, Semester-wise Syllabus PDF, Top Colleges, Books

Updated on Jan 6, 2025 01:24 IST

The Bachelor of Social Work is a professional degree in the discipline of social work that is available at the undergraduate (UG) level. Typically, a BSW degree course lasts three years and is divided into six semesters. Candidates can study BSW as a full-time course or as a correspondence/distance education course. The foundation course, elective course, and fieldwork are the three key components of the BSW program.

Colleges in India provide a BSW degree program in both English and Hindi. Several colleges and universities admit students to this program based on their performance in the Class 12 test, which is followed by a personal interview.

The final selection is based on merit-based admission and a personal interview. Some colleges and universities choose students based on their competence in the admission exam.

BSW Syllabus: Important Facts

  • BSW is a six-semester course: The BSW program lasts three years and is divided into six semesters. Social work is one of the disciplines that may be studied immediately upon the completion of the 12th grade in any stream. There is no set path to take to develop a career in this sector.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work: This is an undergraduate degree program in Social Work whose goal is to provide students with specialised knowledge of various social work ideas.
  • Scope in India: There are several job prospects and career alternatives available upon completion of the BA Social Work program. After graduation, there are a lot of opportunities. As we all know, India is still impoverished and requires development. Social workers can find work as counsellors in healthcare, adoption, environmental protection, Counselling Centres, Disaster Management Departments, Private Clinics, Education Institutes, and Human Rights Agencies.
    • MA Social Work: After finishing the BA Social Work program, students can pursue an MA Social Work degree. A higher degree will assist students in obtaining lucrative wage packages at the top positions in a company.

    • MSW: After completing the BA Social Work course, students can pursue a Master of Social Work degree, and they will be able to discover lucrative income packages in this sector.

  • General examination pattern: Generally, students are evaluated based on fieldwork, assignments, mid-semester examinations, and end-semester examinations.

Bachelor in Social Work: List of Subjects

The BSW degree course consists of three core elements: Foundation Courses, Field Work, and Elective Courses.

BSW Syllabus: Core Subjects

Subject title

Subject details

Introduction to Social Work

The syllabus of this subject includes understanding social service tradition in India and learning about the social work profession, and values. The subject highlights the history of social work in India and the West. The subject will help the students learn about the goals of the social work profession.

Sociology: Social Science Foundation for Social Work

Through this subject, students learn the nature of sociology, the Pioneers of sociology, and the social institutions. The subject enlightens anthropology, social work, autocracy, and the relationship between political science and social work.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Social Institutions

  • Relationship between Economic and Social Work

  • Political Science and Social Work

  • Anthropology and Social Work

Human Growth and Behavior

The subject helps in the understanding of the characteristic needs, and normal development stages of the human life cycle. It helps in learning about abnormal behaviour at different stages of development.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Stages of Human Development

  • Understanding Human Behaviour

  • Basic Psychological Processes

  • Personality

Community and Organisations

This subject helps to comprehend the notion of community and the organisation of the community. It helps in learning about the dynamics of community and power. To comprehend various methods and approaches in Community organisations.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Understanding Community

  • Community Dynamics

  • Community Organizations

  • Strategies in Community Organization

Social Work Research

The subject helps students to get familiar with the identification of research problems, review of Literature, statement of Problems, conceptualization objectives, hypothesis generation, development of research tools, sample, data collection, data processing, and analysis, and presentation of results and reports.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Simple research projects

  • Prepare and administer simple tools for data collection

  • Report writing skills

  • Research Designs

  • Research tools

  • Statistics

Fieldwork: Related to Core subjects

The fieldwork is conducted to develop among the students an understanding of different approaches and to provide help and care.

Some parts of the syllabus include:

  • To introduce students to the professional function of social workers.

  • To increase self-awareness and teamwork orientation.

  • To hone abilities in report writing and monitoring.

BSW Syllabus: Elective Subjects

Subject title

Subject details

Social Exclusion and Inclusion/ Global and Indian Social Movement

Understand the principles and context of Social Movements and Social Action. Develop a grasp of and an ability to analyse issues in a larger framework to respond to important social realities. Developing a strong point of view and the ability to participate in conflicts, demonstrations, and movements. Acquiring an understanding of the principles, processes, and strategies of social advocacy.

Health and Nutrition/ Child and Youth Studies

Learn about the Indian healthcare system.

Understand the different aspects affecting health and the health care system, as well as the community, health, policies, and programs.

The syllabus will include

  • Introduction to Health

  • Classification of Diseases

  • Mother and Child Health Services

  • Mental Health

  • Health Services

BSW Syllabus in Detail

The disciplines taught as part of the BSW program may differ between colleges. Students can review the table below for a list of some of the most popular subjects covered in the BSW course:

Semester

Subject title

Subject Details

1

Language 1 & 2

The language usually consists of different languages like English, Hindi, or Regional Language. The students also get an option to select a language as an elective which might include any regional language, foreign language, etc.

Constitutional Studies

The subject involves how real people actually behave politically – how they act and talk in politically relevant ways – and must be committed to integrating “normative” and “empirical” approaches to political knowledge.

Introduction to Social Work

The subject involves understanding the Indian social service tradition. The students will learn about the profession of social work, its principles, and the role of ethics in professionalisation. To learn about the history of social work in India and the West. Recognize the aims of the social work profession.

Social Science Perspective for Social Work

The subject involves sociology's nature and definition. To learn about sociology's pioneers, meaning, and characteristics mechanisms of socialisation and socialisation agents’ idea of society and culture.

Social work Practicum

The subject involves increasing self-awareness and teamwork orientation. To learn about the fundamentals of using program media. To hone abilities in report writing and monitoring.

Field Work 1

The subject involves:

  • Orientation to Field Work
  • Observation Visits
  • Skill workshops
  • Interaction with social work practitioners
  • Individual Conference
  • Group Conference
  • Viva-Voce

2

Language 1 & 2

The language usually consists of different languages like English, Hindi or Regional Language. The students also get an option to select a language as an elective which might include any regional language, foreign language, etc.

Human Growth and Development

The subjects involve an understanding of the typical demands and phases of development in the human life cycle. Knowledge of anomalous conduct at various phases of development.Learning of anomalous behaviour patterns, their causes, and therapy.

Indian Legal Systems

The subject: legal system introduces readers to the fundamental concepts of the Indian legal system as well as the history of the legal profession in the nation.

Social Casework

The subject involves an understanding of the behaviour and coping capacities of individuals. Understanding of principles and techniques of working with people. Understanding of the application of social casework in various settings.

Social Work Practicum 2

To develop among students an understanding of different approaches to providing help to people in need. To familiarise the students with the professional role of social workers. To develop self-awareness and orientation to teamwork. To develop introductory skills in the use of program media. To develop skills in report writing and use of supervision

Fieldwork 2

The subject involves:

  • Orientation to Field Work
  • Observation Visits
  • Skill workshops
  • Interaction with social work practitioners
  • Individual Conference
  • Group Conference
  • Viva-Voce

3

Language 1 & 2

The language usually consists of different languages like English, Hindi or Regional Language. The students also get an option to select a language as an elective which might include any regional language, foreign language, etc.

Social Group Work

The subject involves developing a grasp of the many sorts of groups, as well as the procedures and tactics used in group work. It involves improving your ability to use the group work approach. Recognize and apply the group work technique in a variety of circumstances.

Social Intervention with groups and individuals

The subject involves developing a social work process and learning the selection of intervention methods to help the clients achieve their goals.

Introduction to rural, Urban, and Tribal Communities

The subjects involve students who will be educated on the needs and issues of tribal, rural, and urban populations. It helps in gaining a critical grasp of these communities' initiatives. To provide students with unique skills and approaches for interacting with tribal, rural, and tribal cultures.

Fieldwork 3

  • To improve one's ability to see and analyse social reality.
  • To get an awareness of the requirements, issues, and programs for various target groups
  • To gain a grasp of the job of a social worker in various circumstances. To get experience in observation, interviewing, recording, group discussions, and leadership. To improve abilities in report writing and supervision.

4

Language 1 & 2

The language usually consists of different languages like English, Hindi, or Regional Language. The students also get an option to select a language as an elective which might include any regional language, foreign language, etc.

Social Casework

Individuals' understanding of their behaviour and coping abilities. Knowledge of the ideas and strategies for dealing with people. Knowledge of how to use social casework in a variety of situations.

Work with Communities

The subject involves comprehending the notion of community and the organisation of the community. To comprehend the dynamics of community and power. To comprehend various methods and approaches in Community Organization. To comprehend community organisation tactics.

Social Administrative Services

The subject involves fundamental ideas of administration in social work practice. To demonstrate the capacity to apply the fundamental concepts of social welfare. To give the essential understanding of Welfare Organization Administration. To have a better grasp of the organisation as a whole.

Fieldwork 4

  • To develop the capacity for observation and analysis of social realities.
  • To develop an understanding of needs, problems, and programs for different target groups.
  • To develop an understanding of the role of a social worker in different settings

5

Social movement and social action

The subject involves understanding the principles and context of Social Movements and Social Action. Developing a strong point of view and the ability to participate in conflicts, protests, and movements.

Learn about the concepts, processes, and techniques of social advocacy.

Human growth and development

The subject involves understanding the typical demands and phases of development in the human life cycle. Knowledge of anomalous conduct at various phases of development. Knowledge of anomalous behaviour patterns, their causes, and therapy.

Social Work and Healthcare

The subject involves learning about the Indian healthcare system. Understanding the different aspects affecting health and the health care system, as well as the community, health, policies, and programs.

Learning how to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Disaster Management

The subject will help to comprehend the variables that contribute to disaster. To learn about and comprehend the disaster management process. To get an awareness of the Social Worker's position in the disaster management team.

6

Social Policy and Planning

The subject will help in understanding Social Policy, Planning, and the Process of Planning. Understand the notion of social development, as well as its method, measures, and factors. Develop the ability to devise the tactics required for social growth.

Child Protection and Child Rights

The subject will involve child development stages, child rights, and child protection rights. Knowledge of how to use social work in diverse Child Protection contexts. Be familiar with the Child Protection Acts.

Community Development

Students will be educated on the needs and issues of tribal, rural, and urban populations. To gain a critical grasp of these communities' initiatives. Students will be given specialised skills and approaches for dealing with tribal, rural, and tribal populations.

Social Work with Disability

The subject will introduce diverse viewpoints on disability, people with disabilities, and their families in their various circumstances and environments. To comprehend various policies and measures for people with disabilities. Understand how social work practice with persons with disabilities is carried out.

Project Work (Field)

- Concurrent Field Work in a Community.

- Organising activities at individual and group levels for women, children and youth.

- Educational Tour

- Individual Conference

- Group Conference

- Viva-Voce

BSW Specialisations

After earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a candidate's abilities are improved and students can go on to work for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), hospitals, schools, colleges, and a variety of other organisations. There are other possibilities available, like opting for further education such as a Master's degree in Social Work or doing specialisations in various other areas.

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Child Welfare

- Child Psychology

- Counselling

- Human Behaviour

- Foster Care

- Paediatrics

Specialisation in Child Welfare is to train students for careers in child welfare services provided by the government and non-profit organisations.

School Social Work

- Crisis intervention

- Programs for behavioural intervention

- Promotion of health

- Education

- Prevention of Truancy – Sexual education

The specialisation offers a liaison between students, instructors, and students' families to ensure that everyone is on the same page. A school social worker is frequently in charge of specific programs.

BSW Syllabus: Prescribed Books

As BSW is a highly versatile field with many specialisations, students follow a wide range of books during their graduation or post-graduation courses. Listed below are some books that are highly referred to.

Subject

Book title

Author

Description

Social Work

Introduction to Social Work

Jainendra Kumar Jha

The book provides an introduction to social work, and is organised into twenty-seven chapters, such as what is social work? History of social work; principles; as a discipline; meaning and concepts; social work research; areas for social work interventions; social worker and the horizon of developmental social work.

Social Work Intervention

Social Work Intervention with Community and Institutions

Gracious Thomas

Social Work Intervention with Individuals and Groups has been presented in two volumes comprising thirty-one chapters. The first six chapters deal with casework which is the oldest and the most developed method in the social work profession.

Sociology

An introduction to sociology

Ken Brown

The book involves various segments of sociology covering social stratification, wealth and poverty, gender, family, inequality, religion, and population.

Counselling

Counselling and Guidance

Narayan Rao

It goes into great detail on the counselling process while also discussing the representative ideas and their key outlines without subjecting the reader to polemics. "Counselling Across the Human Lifespan."

Entrance Exams for BSW

The following are the essential qualifying requirements for admission to BSW:

  • Applicants must have passed their Intermediate and Secondary schooling (10+2) or an equivalent test in liberal arts and sciences.
  • Aspirants from the SC/ST groups must score at least 40% in the qualifying board exams. This ratio may vary depending on the institution.
  • Because these admissions are frequently dependent on merit, a high school diploma is often necessary to enrol at a prestigious institution.

Different entrance exams are conducted to help aspiring students secure admission to the BSW courses. A few of such entrance exams are:

  • TISSNET (Tata Institute Entrance test)
  • IPU CET (Indraprastha University Entrance Test)
  • SET (Symbiosis University Entrance Test)

Distance Education in BSW

Distance BSW is a three-year correspondence program for students who are unable to attend a full-time course. The UGC and DEB must both approve the course. In this situation, the degrees are recognized and accepted for employment in both the private and state sectors. Several universities, including Annamalai University and IGNOU, offer BSW programs via distance education.

In collaboration with the UGC's Distance Education Board, IGNOU provides a UGC-approved BSW (DEB). IGNOU offers the Distance BSW program for three years, with a maximum length of six years. Students must have at least a 50 per cent grade point average in their prior 12th-grade qualification, which must be approved by a recognized educational body. Applications based on the Diploma can also be filed.

Syllabus for Distance Program in BSW

Students who cannot afford full-time courses can get their degrees through distance education. Also, students who are unable to meet the eligibility requirements for full-time courses, opt for part-time or distance BSW programs. The syllabus of distance education BSW programs is quite similar to the regular BSW programs.

The top colleges for distance education are Annamalai University and IGNOU, which allow students who want to get their BSW through distance education.

Top Colleges for BSW

Based on the curriculum, and choices of electives offered, these are the top colleges for BSW in India.

College/University/Institution

Syllabus PDFs

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

To be uploaded soon

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences

To be uploaded soon

Department of Social Work, University of Delhi

To be uploaded soon

Madras School of Social Work

To be uploaded soon

Loyola College of Social Sciences

To be uploaded soon

Amity University

To be uploaded soon

Madras Christian College

To be uploaded soon

Stella Maris College

To be uploaded soon

Aligarh Muslim University

To be uploaded soon

Jamia Millia Islamia

To be uploaded soon

 

FAQs on BSW Syllabus

Q: What is the scope of BSW?

A: The scope of Social Work in India is boundless because there is a severe shortage of specialists in the sector. There are numerous departments in which people can work, whether they are government jobs, private organisations, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Professionals are needed because India continues to face numerous problems, such as poverty, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, child labor, etc. and solutions to these problems must be developed. Candidates who have completed their BSW anticipate a bright future in finding jobs in their fields of interest. Schools, hospitals, organisations, government welfare departments, agencies, commercial corporations, political parties, NGOs, and a variety of other sectors are all examples.

Q: What are the subjects in BSW?

A: Some of the subjects covered in BSW are:
  • Introduction to Social Work
  • Human Growth and Behavior
  • Work with Individuals and Families
  • Social Work and Research
  • Social Administration
  • Counselling and communication
  • Community Interventions

Q: Is BSW a good course?

A: BSW is appropriate for those who want to provide professional support to those in need. BSW is designed specifically for those who want to improve the quality of life for the poorest of the poor as it recognizes the rising demand for properly educated social workers across the country. Having strong observation and evaluation abilities, as well as prior awareness of current social concerns, aids in achieving greatness in this topic.

Q: What is the salary of a social worker?

A: In India, the average income for a Social Worker is between INR 2 lakh and INR 3 lakh per year. You may anticipate an extremely fantastic wage package as you get more experience and responsibility. This salary varies depending on your choice of career.

Q: Will I get a job after the BSW course?

A: After completing BSW you can become one of the following professionals:
  • Social Worker
  • Social Educator
  • Project Coordinator
  • Teacher

Q: Is there any eligibility criteria for BSW?

A: Candidates must have a Class 12 diploma. The majority of colleges accept a minimum qualifying score of 50% aggregate. Some colleges, however, may not have a minimum score requirement. Before applying for admission, candidates should review the qualifying requirements established by each college.

Q: How many semesters are there in a Bachelor of Social Work degree program?

A: The Bachelor of Social Work program lasts three years and consists of six semesters.

Q: How does the BSW admissions process work?

A: Various institutions provide admission to BSW courses based on merit and direct admissions, while some universities offer admission to BSW based on the completion of an entrance exam.

Q: What are the prerequisites for a BSW program?

A: The candidate must have completed their Class 12 from a recognized board in any stream with a minimum of 45 per cent aggregate.

Q: Can we apply for the Bachelor of Social Work program after 12th?

A: The BSW program lasts three years and is divided into six semesters. Social work is one of the disciplines that may be studied immediately upon the completion of the 12th grade in any stream. There is no set path to take in order to develop a career in this sector.

Q: I have a BA in Sociology; may I pursue a BSW?

A: Of course. Candidates may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work program. You can also apply for a Master of Social Work degree; however, the candidate must fulfil the qualifying conditions, which may differ from university to university.

Q: What is the distance program for BSW?

A: Distance BSW is a three-year correspondence program for students who are unable to attend a full-time course. The UGC and DEB must both approve the course. In this situation, the degrees are recognized and accepted for employment in both the private and state sectors.

Q: Which Institutes provide distance education in BSW?

A: Several universities, including Annamalai University and IGNOU, offer BSW programs via distance education. In collaboration with the UGC's Distance Education Board, IGNOU provides a UGC-approved BSW (DEB).

Q: Is there any entrance for BSW?

A: Most of the colleges take students based on their 12th scores, although some universities like TISS, Delhi university, and others conduct their entrance exams.

Popular BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Colleges in India. Learn more about these BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3.9 L - 5.2 L
4.6
4.5
3.13 LPA
2.15 L
3.3
1.46 L
3.6 LPA
12 K
2.9
1.8 L
3.6 LPA

Popular Private BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) Colleges in India

1.8 L
3.6 LPA
1.71 L - 2.27 L
4.0
3.9 L - 5.2 L
4.6
2.1 L
4.6 LPA
90 K
4.5
3.13 LPA
qna

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 13 hours ago

Hello!

BSW or Bachelor of Social Work courses are available in both government and private institues. The average fees for pursuing a BSW course from a private college is more expensive than a BSW degree from government institutes. Some colleges and institutes that offer a full-time/regular BSW cours

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m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 14 hours ago

Hello!

If you want to pursue a BSW course from IGNOU, first you will have to fill out the online application form on the official website of IGNOU. You will be required to submit your identity proof documents, along with the application fees. Students are generally not required to take any entrance e

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 14 hours ago

The document verification process is an integral part of the BSW course admission procedure. Some important documents that students will be required to submit along with their application forms are:

  • Identity Proof Documents (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Drivers Licence, Voter ID, etc. )
  • Class X Certificate

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 14 hours ago

Students who wish to become Social Workers or work in jobs requiring human interaction, BSW courses can be very beneficial for them. BSW is a professional degree that certifies you with the necessary skills to become a Social Worker. It allows students to expand their experience, gain theoretical kn

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m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 14 hours ago

The difficulty of the BSW programme is different for different students and can be determined by many factors like the student;s academic background, personal strengths and weaknesses, and the syllabus of the programme that has been chosen. Students who have a deep interest in topics like sociology,

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m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Hello!

Yes, you can pursue a BSW degree from a distance/correspondence college. Here are some colleges that you might want to look into:

CollegeAverage Fees
IGNOUINR 12,000
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 10,000
Karnataka State Open UniversityINR 33,000
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University INR 24,000

Hope this answered your query.

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Hello!

A BSW course is an undergraduate degree. It can be pursued by any student who has completed their class 12. Students from all streams can apply for this course but they should have scored at least around 45-50% marks in their exams. Most colleges admit students based on entrance exam ranks or

...more

m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The full form of BSW is Bachelors of Social Work. It is a 3-year undergraduate degree. Students who pursue this degree can work in job profiles like social work, education, project management, mental health counselors, etc. BSW graduates can work in government offices, NGOs, or even private sector f

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m

muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Here is the admission process for the BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) at TransStadia University

  • Online Application: Fill out the online application form, providing personal details, educational background, and other relevant information.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria,

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A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The fee structure for the BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) course at Transstadia University is not explicitly mentioned on its official site. However, other undergraduate courses at the university range between INR 2,10,000 and 3,75,000 annually, depending on the program. It is recommended to contact t

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A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

A BSW is a three-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for entry-level social work positions. Generally, there is no prescirbed age limit for enrolling in a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. However, some colleges may have their own admission requirements, such as a minimum age, or a

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

 Yes, students from any stream, including Commerce and Science, can apply for a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) course. This course does not ask for any specific requirement, but it may depend on the institution and the type of course you are going to pursue. The basic eligibility criteria is to have

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

If you're someone who is interested in supporting children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or abuse, or you're emotionally resilient and driven to find new solutions to challenges and social problems, you like helping others and you want to take this passion as a profession than you shou

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S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

BSW syllabus topics typically includes Social work history, Social work profession,  Social work services and practices etc. Subjects and Topics are covered, including core areas like social work methods, human behavior, social policy, and fieldwork requirements.

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

BSW programs place a strong emphasis on practical experiences, such as internships and fieldwork, to prepare students for real-world social work.

Fieldwork Placements:

  • Community Organizations
  • Healthcare Settings 
  • Schools and Educational Programs 
  • Government and Social Welfare Agencies

Internships:

  • Structur

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

BSW stands for Bachelor of Social Work, this course is a professional degree majoring in the field of social work offered at the undergraduate level. After completing this cousre you  will be qualified for entry level positions in areas such as mental heath, aging services, or residential treatment.

...more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

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