Nominations Invited | Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS)
The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) invites nominations for the KAPS Excellence in Social Work Awards 2026 – Season 3, recognising outstanding contributions to social work education, professional practice, community development and social transformation.
These awards aim to honour dedicated social work professionals and educators whose commitment, leadership, innovation and service have made a meaningful impact on individuals, families and communities.
Award Categories
1. Social Work Gurushreshta Award
- Number of Awards: 1
- Award: ₹10,000 and Citation
- Eligibility: Social work educators working in Kerala with a minimum of 15 years of teaching experience.
2. Social Work Karmashreshta Award
- Number of Awards: 2
- Award: ₹10,000 and Citation
- Eligibility: Social work practitioners with an MSW qualification and a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in Kerala.
3. Social Work Yuvashreshta Educator Award
- Number of Awards: 1
- Award: ₹5,000 and Citation
- Eligibility: Social work educators below 40 years of age with a minimum of five years of experience. Academicians teaching MSW, BSW or Higher Secondary Social Work may apply.
4. Social Work Yuvashreshta Practitioner Award
- Number of Awards: 2
- Award: ₹5,000 and Citation
- Eligibility: Social work practitioners below 40 years of age with a minimum of five years of professional experience in Kerala.
Important Dates
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submission of nominations | 25 October 2026, by 5:00 PM |
| District-level scrutiny and sharing of applications | 30 October 2026 |
| Submission to the State Award Committee | 6 November 2026 |
| Declaration of Awards | 25 November 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | 4 & 5 December 2026 |
Award Ceremony
The awards will be presented during the 11th Kerala State Social Work Congress, scheduled to be held in December 2026 at Kollam, Kerala.
Application and Nomination Procedure
Eligible candidates are invited to submit their nominations through their concerned KAPS District Chapters. Applicants must complete the prescribed application form and attach relevant supporting documents to substantiate their professional contributions and achievements.
The respective District Chapters are responsible for scrutinising the applications, recommending eligible candidates and forwarding the nominations to the KAPS State Award Committee within the stipulated timeline.
Applicants are advised to ensure that all information is accurate and that supporting documents are properly organised and referenced. Incomplete applications or nominations without sufficient supporting evidence will not be considered for final selection.
Application Forms and Contact
Email: kapssocialworkawards@gmail.com
For application forms, nomination guidelines and further clarification, please contact the KAPS Office : 0481-2993313 & 9778513265
Recognising Excellence in Social Work
The KAPS Excellence in Social Work Awards celebrate the spirit of professional social work and acknowledge the individuals who contribute to social justice, human dignity, inclusive development and positive social change.
KAPS encourages eligible social work educators and practitioners across Kerala to participate in this initiative and showcase their valuable contributions to the profession.
Nominate through your District Chapter and be part of a movement that recognises excellence, inspires change and strengthens the social work profession.
About KAPS
The Kerala Association of Professional Social Workers (KAPS) is a professional association committed to strengthening the social work profession in Kerala through professional networking, capacity building, advocacy, knowledge sharing and the promotion of social justice and human dignity.
KAPS works to enhance the recognition of professional social workers and foster collaboration among practitioners, educators, students and institutions. Through its national and international professional connections, including its association with the Indian Network for Professional Social Workers (INPSWA) and engagement with international social work networks such as the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), KAPS seeks to promote professional exchange, strengthen social work education and practice, and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Through initiatives such as the Kerala State Social Work Congress, professional advocacy campaigns and the KAPS Excellence in Social Work Awards, the association continues to recognise outstanding contributions, encourage emerging talent and build a stronger, more inclusive social work community.
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