Hodgson cited "footballing reasons" for Ferdinand's exclusion in his squad for the Euro 2012 finals and he has remained out of his plans ever since.
The Football Association also confirmed that West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster had been recalled after reversing his decision to retire from international football.
Ferdinand won the last of his 81 caps against Switzerland at Wembley in June 2011 in a Euro 2012 qualifier. His call-up comes at a time when Phil Jagielka is sidelined with an ankle injury, Joleon Lescott has only a bit-part role at Manchester City and question marks hover over Gary Cahill's form.
Ferdinand, 34, has been in outstanding form for Manchester United this season.
Foster made himself unavailable for his country towards the end of the 2010-11 campaign because of a back problem and other injury niggles.
Hodgson, who managed Foster last season when in charge at the Baggies, was unable to persuade him to make himself available for Euro 2012. But he received a more positive response when again recently sounding out the 29-year-old.
Foster, Albion's player of the year last season, has again been in outstanding form in their push for a Europa League spot after signing a new five-year contract in the summer. He won the last of his five England caps against France in November 2010 and will provide competition for Joe Hart.
Hodgson is currently without the services of injured Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy while Stoke's recent signing, Jack Butland, is likely to be required for European Under-21 Championship duty this summer.
Foster will also be reunited with goalkeeping coach, Dave Watson, whom he worked with during his spell at Birmingham. The former Manchester United player spoke recently of his burning desire to play in a major tournament for England and is now clear of his past injury problems.
Source: PA
Source: PA