An Anganwadi Worker is the frontline functionary of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme — the world's largest integrated child development programme with approximately 14 lakh anganwadi workers across India. The Anganwadi Worker operates the Anganwadi Centre at the village or ward level, providing supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, immunisation coordination, health and nutrition counselling for mothers, and early childhood education for children aged 3–6 years. She also maintains records of beneficiaries, monitors nutrition status using growth charts, and links families to health services.

Most states conduct a written test of 50 objective questions to be answered in 60 minutes covering Child Health and Nutrition basics, General Knowledge and current affairs, Regional Language or Hindi comprehension, and Basic Arithmetic and Reasoning. Some states do not conduct a written test and select candidates based on educational qualifications, age, and interviews. Selection criteria vary significantly between states — some prioritise existing helpers, local women with higher education, or those trained in health or nutrition. Candidates should always check the specific state notification for exact selection process details.

Anganwadi Workers receive a monthly honorarium rather than a salary, as they are considered honorary workers rather than government employees. After the 2018 revision, AWWs receive Rs. 4,500–10,000 per month (varying by state top-up) and Anganwadi Helpers receive Rs. 2,250–5,000 per month. Many states top up the central government honorarium significantly. AWWs also receive performance incentives for achieving immunisation, nutrition, and education targets. Despite not having pensionable service benefits, AWWs receive group insurance, maternity benefit, and some states offer provident fund-like social security schemes.

Yes, experienced Anganwadi Workers are often given priority or relaxation in age limits for ICDS Supervisor recruitment in many states. Some states have quota reservations for AWWs in supervisor posts. AWWs who have completed a graduation degree (often through open universities while serving) and accumulated service experience are well-positioned for supervisor recruitment. The ICDS system is designed to enable career progression from helper to worker to supervisor to CDPO through departmental channels, making it an accessible pathway into government service for women from rural and semi-urban backgrounds.

New Anganwadi Workers undergo induction training of 4 months at State-level Training Institutes or District Training Centres. Training covers child development, nutrition, health, pre-school education, community mobilisation, and record-keeping. Refresher training is provided regularly thereafter. Under Poshan Abhiyaan, AWWs are trained on use of the Poshan Tracker mobile application for real-time data entry on beneficiary weight, immunisation status, and service delivery. AWWs also receive training on identifying and referring Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres.