Social work practicum is the cornerstone of professional social work education, providing students with opportunities to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In India, the evolution of social work practicum has been closely linked with the development of professional social work education, changing societal needs, and advancements in educational methodologies. With the expansion of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) systems, practicum has undergone significant modifications to maintain professional standards while ensuring accessibility and flexibility for learners. Professional social work education in India began in 1936 with the establishment of the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, now the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The early practicum model was heavily influenced by Western traditions, particularly the American casework approach. Fieldwork was considered an essential component, emphasizing supervised practice in hospitals, community organizations, correctional institutions, and welfare agencies. Students acquired professional competencies through direct interaction with individuals, groups, and communities. After India's independence, the scope of social work expanded considerably due to increasing developmental challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, rural underdevelopment, and social inequality. Consequently, practicum shifted from a predominantly remedial orientation to developmental and community-based interventions. Fieldwork included community organization, rural development, social action, participatory planning, and policy implementation. Institutions increasingly collaborated with government departments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to provide diverse learning opportunities. The establishment of numerous schools of social work across the country further