IGNOU MSW-012 Assignment 2026-27
Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges
Last updated by IGNOU: 03 Aug 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 26 Oct 2026, 04:24 pm.
| Course code | MSW-012 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Introduction to Life Characteristics and Challenges |
| Programme | Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work Counselling (PGDCOUN)PGDCOUN, MSWC |
| School | School of Social Work |
| Session | July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 31 Mar 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 30 Sept 2026 |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
About the MSW-012 assignment
The MSW-012 assignment covers development across the lifespan, from prenatal influences and childhood to adolescence, adulthood and ageing. It explores family relationships, social influences, developmental challenges and the needs of older people in India.
The assignment has five compulsory questions carrying equal marks, for a total of 100 marks. Questions 1 and 2 offer alternatives and have a maximum of 600 words each. Question 3 requires two responses of about 300 words each, Question 4 requires four of about 150 words each, and Question 5 requires five short notes of about 100 words each.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Discuss either how prenatal environmental conditions affect children's biological development, using examples, or the psychological and social difficulties of adolescence in present-day India. |
| Q2 | 20 | Examine either the contribution of intimacy, commitment and compatibility to family formation in adulthood, or how changing families and urbanization affect older people's status and adjustment in India. |
| Q3 | 10 each | Choose two topics covering developmental tasks in infancy and childhood, peer and media influences on adolescents, obstacles to marital intimacy, or the meaning and importance of active ageing. |
| Q4 | 5 each | Choose four topics concerning prenatal care, adolescent developmental tasks, the family life cycle, adult role conflict, socio-cultural influences on older Indians, or geriatric social work. |
| Q5 | 4 each | Write notes on five topics chosen from role set, nutritional disorder, dementia, population ageing, parenting style, filter theory of mate selection, adolescent identity crisis and teratogens. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Handwrite your assignment, sign it and submit it to your Study Centre by the applicable deadline.
- Complete all five questions while following the choices provided within each question.
- Keep each answer to Questions 1 and 2 within 600 words.
- For Questions 3, 4 and 5, write about 300, 150 and 100 words per selected response respectively.
- Start every answer on a fresh page and leave one line between paragraphs.
- Organize long and medium-length answers with an introduction, subheadings, a main discussion and a conclusion.
- Write specific answers in your own words, based only on IGNOU study materials; do not copy from books.
- Read the relevant units, discuss them with peers and academic counsellors, and revise a draft before preparing the final submission.
Submission dates: 31 March 2027 (June term-end exam); 30 September 2026 (December term-end exam). These follow the current listing; dates can differ by session.
Frequently asked questions
What are the maximum marks and weightage for the MSW-012 assignment?
The assignment carries 100 marks and contributes 30% to the overall course grade.
How many questions must I answer in MSW-012?
All five questions are compulsory and carry equal marks. Choose one alternative each in Questions 1 and 2, two options in Question 3, four in Question 4 and five in Question 5.
What are the word limits for the MSW-012 assignment?
Questions 1 and 2 must not exceed 600 words each. Each selected response should be about 300 words in Question 3, 150 words in Question 4 and 100 words in Question 5.
What are the submission deadlines for MSW-012?
The current listing gives 31 March 2027 for the June term-end exam and 30 September 2026 for the December term-end exam. The PDF has a different session-wise date schedule; dates can differ by session, and the dates here follow the current listing.
Does the MSW-012 assignment need to be handwritten?
Yes. The PDF requires handwritten, signed responses submitted to the Study Centre.
Which sessions and language versions are listed for MSW-012?
The official listing covers July 2026 and January 2027, with English and Hindi versions available.
Other IGNOU PGDCOUN assignments
- MSW-013: Introduction to Psychological Basis of Counselling
- MSW-014: Relevance of Social Case Work in Counselling
- MSW-015: Basics of Counselling
- MSW-016: Fields of Counselling
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.