BSW-130 IGNOU Guess Paper 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview

BSW-130: Prevention of Substance Abuse is a core component of IGNOU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, focusing on evidence-based strategies to combat substance misuse within socio-cultural contexts. Aligned with the Natural, Physical, and Life Sciences framework, this course integrates biological, psychological, and sociological dimensions of substance abuse, emphasizing preventive interventions rooted in empirical research. Students examine risk factors, neurobiological mechanisms, and community-level approaches to mitigation, preparing them for evidence-informed practice in social work settings. The syllabus bridges theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates can design culturally sensitive prevention programs and advocate for policy reforms.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Block-1: Factual Information on Substance Abuse: This block dissects the biochemical pathways of psychoactive substances, including neurotransmitter interactions (e.g., dopamine, GABA) and their role in addiction. Students analyze pharmacological profiles of substances like opioids, stimulants, and depressants, alongside global epidemiological trends.
• Block-2: Substance Abuse and Its Implications: Here, the focus shifts to psychosocial consequences—exploring cognitive decline, mental health comorbidities (e.g., depression, anxiety), and intergenerational transmission of substance use disorders. Case studies illustrate the intersection of addiction with poverty, gender, and marginalization.
• Block-3: Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Dependence: This unit critiques harm-reduction models (e.g., needle exchange programs) and evidence-based therapies (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing). Students evaluate pharmacological treatments like methadone maintenance and their ethical considerations.
• Block-4: Counselling in HIV and Family Matters: Addressing the nexus between substance abuse and infectious diseases, this block covers stigma reduction strategies and family systems theory. It emphasizes trauma-informed counselling for individuals and families affected by addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are marks distributed in BSW-130’s Term-End Examination (TEE), and what weightage does each question type carry?
A: The TEE for BSW-130 typically allocates 60 marks to descriptive questions (3–4 essay-type questions) and 40 marks to short-answer questions (10–12 questions). The question paper follows a 70:30 ratio between theoretical concepts and applied scenarios, with emphasis on Blocks 1–3 for factual and analytical rigor.

Q: Are there specific study materials or resources IGNOU recommends for mastering high-frequency exam questions in BSW-130?
A: IGNOU’s official Study Material for BSW-130 (available on eGyanKosh) is mandatory, supplemented by NCERT textbooks on Human Physiology (for neurobiological concepts) and WHO guidelines on substance abuse prevention. Prior years’ solved question papers (June/December cycles) reveal recurring themes in Blocks 2 and 3, particularly on harm-reduction frameworks and counselling techniques.