Social Work Syllabus & Subjects 2024: Semester-wise List, Top Colleges Syllabus PDF

Updated on Jan 6, 2025 05:53 IST

Social work is a field of study that involves helping people, families, groups, and communities. It is the practice of supporting people to make their lives better. Sociology, psychology, political science, public health, community development, law, and economics are all part of the social sciences that are required to study social work. The major goal of social work is to make a difference in the world?.

Syllabus – Important Facts for Social Work

  • Purpose of studying Social Work - The primary goal of social work is to improve people's lives and help them meet their basic and complex needs. This is especially true for vulnerable people, oppressed or living in poverty. Consider social work if you want a job with meaning, action, variety, satisfaction, and a lot of different options.

  • Bachelor in Social Work (6-semester course): A Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) is an undergraduate degree completed over three years. It helps students with the knowledge and skills they need to start a career in society. The course is perfect for people looking to make a difference in society by helping the poor and less fortunate. BSW helps people gain skills to solve different economic and social problems.

  • Masters in Social Work (4-semester course): The MSW course is usually taught over two years, typically split into 4 semesters. After getting a Bachelor's degree in the same field, one can opt for an MSW course. After getting an MSW, candidates can, among other things, work as Healthcare Social Workers, Clinical Social Workers, Therapists, or Social Workers in the Medical Health and Educational sectors. MSW can be taken as a full-time, part-time, or distance education programme. A full-time MSW course lasts two years, while a distance learning MSW course takes five years.

  • Scope for a Career in Social Work in India: The scope for a career in social work in India is spread across schools, hospitals, NGOs, government agencies, private companies, political parties, etc. With a degree in social work, you can work in many different fields, such as community development, education, industry, consulting, family, rehabilitation centres, correctional centres, health care, women, children, disability, social defence, poverty groups, etc. India is still a developing country, and half of its people live below the poverty line. This means that there is a high demand for people with BSW degrees.

  • Salaries for people in social work: A graduate can expect to earn anywhere between INR 2-3 lakhs annually. Throughout their careers, social workers have to handle a variety of tasks and goals, including advising clients, following up on cases, working on current social issues, and leading fundraising efforts.

List of Subjects in Social Work

Typical Core Subjects for Social Work

Subject title

Subject details

History and Philosophy of Social Work

Here, you can learn about the history of social work in a social and political context and know and believe in the ideas that guide social work practice.

  • It also helps us learn how the theoretical approach works in different practice settings.

  • Socio-political Changes and the Rise of Professional Social Work in the West.

  • The Poor Laws, Settlement Houses, the Beveridge Plan, and the Charity Organisation Society.

 

Social Work Education and Profession

This course aims to familiarise students with nature, philosophy, historical growth, and the evolution of social work education and professions. It aims to teach students about social reform movements and social service traditions in our nation and the creation and development of the social work profession in our country and overseas.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

  • Understanding social work philosophy and fostering values in human service workers & professionals

  • Recognising the prerequisites for becoming a professional social worker

  • Appreciating the historical background in which social work arose as a profession.

Psychology for Social Workers: Theories and Applications

This course seeks to create a knowledge of psychology as a burgeoning profession and its application to social work practice. The course's main purpose is to teach students to successfully apply psychological ideas to real-world difficulties and demands.

The student should be able to:

  • Understand the core components of psychology and its relationship to social work practice by the conclusion of the course.

  • Gain insight into the elements that influence personality development.

  • Recognise individual growth and development at distinct phases of life.

Social Work with Groups

This paper provides students with the values, principles, knowledge, and techniques needed to work with individuals in a group setting to develop positive interpersonal relationships and identify and use tools to help improve their social functioning.

Goals of the Course:

  • To give insight into many elements of group processes and group work to create a knowledge of group work as a way of professional social work.

  • Acquire knowledge and abilities for working with groups in various circumstances.

  • Recognise the group as a dynamic social unit and intervention resource

Research in Social Work

The student should be able to do the following after the course:

1. Understand the idea and nature of social work research

2. Be familiar with the nature and method of quantitative and qualitative social work research.

3. Understand the importance of research in social work practice.

Social Work Research Methodology

Social Work Research, Types and Steps

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

This course will assist students in developing a critical knowledge of the social, political, and economic realities. It will improve their understanding of social justice and human rights concerns plaguing our society.

Typical Elective Subjects for Social Work

Subject title

Subject details

Urban Community Development

A professional course in urban planning trains students in the fields of engineering, architectural design, and administration. Urban Planning is a kind of professional degree programme. It offers aid in finding solutions to problems that arise in metropolitan areas and their surroundings.

Social Work Practice in Health

You will be able to build a critical perspective on healthcare services and programmes in the context of the health scenario in the country and comprehend the shifting idea of health as an element of social development.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to grasp the significance, dimensions, and characteristics of social work intervention in health settings.

Social Work with Families and Children

Due to the pervasive nature of family structures, it is essential for individuals who practise social work to have an up-to-date evaluation of the dynamics of families and the treatments that may be implemented within them to accomplish the objectives of social work. This paper aims to offer knowledge of family systems and the conflicts that exist within them. This will allow the students to gain an appreciation for working with families and children and the abilities necessary to do so.

Detailed Syllabus for Social Work

The curriculum for obtaining a Master of Arts in Social Work may be different from one institution to the next, but the disciplines covered are mostly consistent. The following provides an outline of the fundamental and optional topics covered in the first four semesters of the Master of Social Work programme.

Sem

Core/Elective

Subject title

Subject Details

1

Social Work Education and Profession

A Brief Introduction to the Profession of Social Work

 

The Evolution of Social Work Throughout History

 

As a Field of Professional Practice, Social Work

 

Perspectives on Theory Relevant to the Field of Social Work Practice

This topic contributes to the dissemination of information about nature, philosophy, historical growth, and the evolution of social work education and the profession.

1

Social Work with Individuals

The Origins, Development, and Progress of Casework

 

Casework's Foundational Tenets and Constituent Parts

 

Methods of Conducting Casework Practice

Casework is a strategy used in social work, and the purpose of this topic is to educate students on that strategy.

1

Community Practice in Social Work

Community Practice: Concept and Context

 

Theories, Principles and Approaches to Community Practice

This course is designed to teach students about social work practises that focus on either community or group work.

1

Psychology for Social Workers

Theories and Applications

This topic is the foundational knowledge of psychology and the application of its principles to the field of social work.

2

Social Work with Groups

Group Work Practice in Social Work

Understanding Social Groups

Group Work Process and Techniques

Students will become familiar with the values, ideas, information, and strategies necessary to interact effectively with others in a group context after completing this topic.

2

Research in Social Work

Research Methods for Social Work

Research Design

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of research in social work as both a technique of practice and a process of inquiry.

2

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Dimensions of Social Justice and Human Rights

Marginalisation and Human Rights Issues

This topic is designed to teach students about the relationship that exists between social work and human rights concerning the ideals of social justice.

2

State, Political Economy and Governance

State: Concept and Evolution, Structures and Institutions

Political Economy, Democracy, Citizenship

Basic Political Concepts and Theories

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the conceptual understanding and toolkits necessary to analyse the methodological difficulties that arise in political life.

3

Administration of Welfare and Development Services

Welfare and Development Administration

Components of Administration

Strategies and mechanisms of administration

The purpose of this course is to help students have a better understanding of the nature, the importance, components, and principles of social welfare administration as a result of studying this topic.

3

Social Policy Analysis and Practice

Understanding Social Policy

 

Policy Analysis and Practice

This course helps students understand the process of policy analysis and policy formation concerning social welfare by taking this course.

3

Urban Community Development

Urban Communities and Urbanisation

Urban Development Policies and Programmes

This course helps students get a better understanding of urban communities, planning, and development via the study of this topic. In addition, students get the skills necessary to participate in community development activities in an urban environment.

3

Counselling: Theory and Practice

Introduction: Foundations and Approaches to Counselling

Counselling: Techniques, Procedures, skills, competencies and a therapeutic relationship

Students in the Master of Social Work programme take this course to gain information about the characteristics and objectives of counselling as a kind of assistance.

4

Social Action and Social Movements

Social Action: Concepts and Strategies

Guiding Ideologies /Philosophies of Social Action

The goal of this course is to develop an appreciation for the relevance of social action as a strategy in social welfare to ensure social justice for those who have been disenfranchised and marginalised.

4

Social Legislation and Social Work

Social Legislation: Contextual Background

Social Legislation for Weaker Sections and Special Groups in India

Students will get a better understanding of social law and social protection by studying this topic from the viewpoints of the Constitution, the IPC, and the CPC.

4

Field Work

 

Work that includes internships and thesis

Specialisations offered in Social Work

The field of social work has a vast and almost unbounded area of practice. In this line of work, it is not difficult to get employment in organisations that are related to assisting other people. After you graduate, you will find employment in various settings, including schools and other organisations that serve young people, hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, and mental health agencies. It is not possible that, in the foreseeable future, there will be no more job openings available in this industry.

Specialisation

Subjects

Details

Social Work Administration

  • Introduction to social work practice.

  • Introduction to fieldwork practices.

  • Integrated social work practices.

  • Sociology for social workers.

  • Human growth and behaviour.

  • Economy and co-operation.

  • Social casework.

  • Introduction to local self-government.

Individuals who offer social and human services to the general public are supervised by social work administrators in their capacity as social and community service managers.

Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention

  • Social Work and Disaster Management

  • Disaster, Vulnerability and Risk

  • Disaster Governance

  • Community-based Interventions (Preparedness and Response)

  • Psychosocial Care of Survivors

 

A specialisation in disaster, crisis, and intervention gives you the chance to learn how to think critically and deal with societal problems, disasters, and emergencies. Whether a gunman shoots shoppers in a mall or a Category 5 hurricane heads straight for a coastal city, professionals with DSW degrees are on the front line of putting plans into action to help people deal with the trauma.

Children, Families, and Couples

  • Social Work with Families and Children

  • Understanding the dynamics of the family system

  • Child Development: Issues and Challenges

  • Vulnerable children: policy and social work response.

  • Family problems & social work response

Master's programmes with career-aligned clusters, like an MSW with a focus on children, families, and couples, prepare social workers to help families and couples deal with a wide range of emotional problems like sexual trauma, relationship problems, abuse, behavioural disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Books and Authors Related to Social Work

As Social Work is a flexible field with several specialisations, students follow many books for studies during their graduation or post-graduation courses. Here are some of the top books that have been helpful to students:

 

Subject

Book title

Author

Description

Social Work Education and Profession

Introduction to social work.

Skidmore, A. A., Thackeray, M. G. & Farley O. W.

This book teaches students about nature, philosophy, history, and how social work education and practice have changed over time.

Casework Practice in Social Work

Theory and practice of social casework

Hamilton, G.

This book provides knowledge about one of the most popular social work methods known as Casework.

 

Social Policy Analysis and Practice

Concept and Methods of Social Work

Walter A. Friedlander

The book talks about social work as a dynamic phenomenon that changes with time

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Castes old & New Essay in Social Stratification

André Béteille

The book talks about social stratification and how caste in India fits in the same framework.

Social Action and Social Movements

Human Society, New York

Davis K

This book concerns itself with social systems and how society evolves over time.

Entrance Exam for Social Work 2022

Here are the central and state-level exams you need to take to get into the best M.A. social work programmes in India. To be eligible for these exams, you must at least pass the 10+2+3 with at least 55% marks in the bachelor’s exam. Each test has a cutoff score requirement.

  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Exam - TISSNET

  • Delhi University Entrance Exams - DUET

  • Christ University Entrance

  • Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test - BHU PET

  • Central University Entrance Examination - CUET

The written portion of the MSW examination will include questions that fall under the objective question type. The exam will have a minimum of one hundred points attached to it. The bulk of the educational establishments are going to switch to using the negative marking system. The following categories will be used for the questions:

  • General Knowledge

  • Reasoning Ability

  • Social Sciences

  • Verbal Ability

Syllabus for Distance Program in Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) Distance Education programme is a correspondence course that covers a variety of topics related to education and social work. You will not only get practical information from the course material but also enhance your managerial skills, communication abilities, and analytical thinking as a result of taking the course. The syllabus of distance education programs is remarkably similar to the regular programs. IGNOU offers a competent MA in Social Work. It charges INR 32, 400 for the course. The minimum duration of the course is 2 years and the maximum duration is 4 years.

Top Colleges for Social Work

Based on the curriculum, choices of electives offered, and in-house placement opportunities, these are the top colleges for Social Work in India:

 

College/University/Institution

Links For Syllabus

1

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

To be uploaded soon

2

Jamia Millia Islamia

Download Here

3

Delhi University

To be uploaded soon

4

IGNOU Delhi - Indira Gandhi National Open University

To be uploaded soon

5

MSU Baroda - the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

To be uploaded soon

6

Christ University, Bangalore

To be uploaded soon

7

Manipal University

To be uploaded soon

8

Integral University, Lucknow

To be uploaded soon

9

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon

To be uploaded soon

10

Calicut University

To be uploaded soon

FAQs

Q. How should I prepare for the MA Social Work admission exams?

A. The applicant must be knowledgeable, competent, and up to speed on current events or problems in the nation. Focus on the following subjects while studying for an entrance exam:

  • English: fundamental grammar, comprehension, spelling, antonym-synonym, etc.

  • Analogy, categorisation, number series, coding-decoding, directions, and so forth.

  • General Awareness: Current events, general information, news, events, current occurrences, etc.

Q. What books do you need to prepare for the MA Social Work entrance exam?

A. These are the following books you can use to prepare for Social Work.
  • Government of India: Encyclopedia of Social Work in India from Ministry of Welfare

  • India Social Problems by G.R. Madan

  • Principles of Population Studies by Asha A. Bhende and Tara Kanitkar

  • Sociology by C.N. Shankar Rao

Q. Is it smart to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) after completing a Bachelor of Social Work?

A. If you want to be a social worker, pursuing an MSW course can help you improve your abilities and broaden your perspectives. Because this sector needs credentialed individuals, a master's degree may open doors to several jobs.

Q. Can I get a Master of Social Work in any specific field?

A. You certainly can. Candidates may earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) in various specialisations, including Childhood Studies, Medicine, and Research. This helps them narrow down the exact field they wish to work in. There are also other alternatives available, including Social Services, Social Policy, Clinical Social Work, and others.

Q. Is there a way to apply offline for the CUET entrance exam?

A. To register through the CUET entrance exam, there is an online application portal .The only way to sign up is through an online application.

Q. How does the TISS-NET exam for MSW work?

A. There are a total of 100 questions on the TISS-NET test. Thirty questions on English, thirty questions on maths and logic, and forty questions on general knowledge.

Q. Does TISS offer MSW specialisation?

A. TISS has 9 routes for specialisation in MSW:

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Children & Families)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Community Organisation & Development Practice)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Criminology & Justice)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Dalit & Tribal Studies and Action)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Disability Studies & Action)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Mental Health)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Public Health)

  • Master of Arts in Social Work (Women-Centred Practice)

Q. Is there a way to lose points on the TISS-NET and DUET tests?

A. On the TISS-NET exam, there are no points taken away. But DUET has a way of giving negative marks. If you get the question right, you get four points. If you get it wrong, you lose one point.

Q. What is the name of the TISS campuses where the MSW course is offered?

A. Tata Institute of Social Sciences offers specialisation in Masters in Social Work at two different locations, that is in School of Social work at TISS campuses in Mumbai and Guwahati.

Q. Does Christ University offer a specialised MSW course?

A. Yes. Human resource development and management is a specialisation of the MSW programme at Christ University.

Q. How is the DUET test put together?

A. DUET consists of 100 questions. There are 18 questions about general knowledge, 17 questions about reasoning, 20 questions about language, and 45 questions about science, social science, and maths up to the level of the 10th grade.

Q. What are the options after an MA in Social Work?

A. You can join into many roles in medicare, journalism, and business. You can be a social worker, public welfare manager, consultant, project coordinator, professor, programme coordinator, or training coordinator. You may also find employment in Government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), global counselling centres, the health industry, human rights organisations and so on.

Q. Is there any qualifying test that exempts individuals from taking admission tests in India for Social Work?

A. Students who have completed the CSIR NET/ JRF/ GATE/ SLET will be excused from the M.Phil degree requirement. Those who have passed the M.Phil Programme will be also exempted from the Entrance Examination. Besides their personal interview, these applicants need just to take a Research Skill Assessment Test.

Q. Is it possible for PG final-year students to pursue a PhD in Social Work?

A. Yes, final-year PG students may be qualified, although this is subject to the qualifying rules of individual institutions. Some colleges insist on the post-graduate job experience, while others do not.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Social Work. Students interested in pursuing a career on Social Work, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

Feb '25 - Apr '25

CUET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

CUET UG 2025 Application Form Correction

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jul '25

CPGET 2025 Admit Card Release

TENTATIVE

Popular Social Work Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Social Work Colleges in India. Learn more about these Social Work colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
37.84 K - 65.2 K
4.6 LPA

#6 The Week

62.91 K
3.13 - 3.5 LPA

#5 Outlook

2.15 L - 2.64 L
3.53 LPA

#17 Outlook

1.65 L
7.5 LPA

#19 Outlook

65.08 K - 1.46 L
3.6 - 4 LPA

#14 Outlook

21.1 K

#29 The Week

Popular Private Social Work Colleges in India

4 Courses
70 K - 2.8 L
1.25 L - 2.27 L
3.7
2.52 LPA

#47 Outlook

Social Work Applications open. Apply Now

1.48 L - 2.52 L
4 LPA

#84 India Today

1.48 L - 1.8 L
3.6 - 6 LPA

#119 India Today

1.4 L - 2.1 L
4.6 - 7.2 LPA

Popular Social Work UG Courses

Following are the most popular Social Work UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Social Work PG Courses

Following are the most popular Social Work PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Social Work Specializations

Following are the most popular Social Work Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Student Forum

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Write here...

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

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muskan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in a Bachelor of social work degree offered at GKU Bathinda is an undergraduate programme that prepares students to help individuals, families, and communities to increase their well-being. It focuses on community development, social justice, and providing support to those in

...more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The subjects offered in BA Social Work are closely related to sociology, work practice, and society. The names of some subjects offered in the BA Social Work at Guru Kashi University are: 

  • Introduction to Social Work Practice
  • Introduction to Fieldwork Practices
  • Integrated Social Work Practices
  • Sociology

...more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Edge Hill University MA in Social Work course duration is 2 years. Note that this course is approved by Social Work England (SWE). This means that on the successful completion of this course, students are going to gain eligibility to apply to register with SWE as a qualified social worker. The tuiti

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Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

According to Osmania University's official website, a graduate from any discipline can apply for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through CPGET. 

A

Aayushi Madavi

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

IISWBM Kolkata offers MSW or Master in Social Welfare as a 2 year programme affiliated by the University of Calcutta. The programme involves summer internship and field work as a part of the curriculum and is divided in 4 semesters. One of the salient feature of the IISWBM Kolkata MSW is the dual sp

...more

A

Aashi Rastogi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

See the table below for top private MSW colleges in India with their total course fee and eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Eligibility

Amity University, Noida Admission

INR 2.6 lakh

Merit-Based

Christ University Admission

INR 2.48 lakh

Merit-Based

LPU Jalandhar Admission

INR 2 lakh

CUET-PG

Loyola College Admission

INR 65,200

Merit-Based

Amity University Mumbai Admission

INR 1.4 lakh

Merit-Based

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

See the table below for top government MSW colleges in India with their total course fee, seat intake and eligibility:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Eligibility

IGNOU

INR 32,400 - INR 36,000

Merit-Based

University of Lucknow Admission

INR 28,000- INR 1.12 lakh

Merit-Based

PSG College of Arts and Science PSGCAS Admission

INR 24,000

Merit-Based

MSU Admission

INR 18,200

Merit-Based

Panjab University Admission

INR 57,730 

PU CET (PG)

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, MSW colleges in India do offer distance courses and you can refer below for some of them:

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
IGNOUINR 32,400 - INR 36,000Merit-Based
NSOUINR 10,400Merit-Based
Tamil Nadu Open UniversityINR 6,000Merit-Based
School of Distance Education Bharathiar UniversityINR 21,120Merit-Based
KSOUINR 34,290Merit-Based

Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, please refer below for the top specialisations offered by best MSW colleges in India:

Top SpecialisationsNo. of Colleges
Human Resources10+
Psychiatry6
Personnel Management2
Community Medicine Nursing1
Counselling1

Hope this answered your question!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, it can be observed that pursuing MSW in India can be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Hi, listed below are the top MSW colleges in India with their tuition fee and eligibility criteria:

College NameTuition FeeEligibility / Exams
Amity University, NoidaINR 2.6 lakhMerit-Based
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open UniversityINR 32,400 - INR 36,000Merit-Based
Christ UniversityINR 2.48 lakhMerit-Based
University of LucknowINR 28,480 - INR1.12 lakhMerit-Based
LPU INR 2 lakhCUET-PG

Hope this helps!

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

India is home to 800+ best MSW colleges of which 400+ colleges are owned privately180+ colleges are owned by the government and the rest 80+ colleges are owned by semi government institutions. CUET-PG, CPGET and AP PGCET are the top entrance exams for admission to best MSW colleges in India. Amity

...more

A

Aneena Abraham

Contributor-Level 10

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