About Master of Library and Information Science [M.Lib.I.Sc]
The Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.) at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Library and Information Science, established in 2008. The programme is designed as per the UGC Curriculum Development Committee (CDC) guidelines and equips students with advanced skills in library management, digital information systems, cataloguing, classification, and information technology applications. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 19,590 (for students from other institutions) over the 2-year duration, making it highly affordable at a NAAC A++ accredited university. The course has a seat intake of 15 and is offered in regular full-time mode on the Bharathiar University campus. Admission is merit-based on UG academic performance, and the programme is popular among graduates aspiring to become professional librarians, information managers, and digital library specialists.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. The online application window is from 09 April 2026 to 07 May 2026 (extended deadline). Candidates must apply online at https://fms.b-u.ac.in/admission and send hard copies to the Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - 641 046 on or before 07 May 2026.
Key Points
- The M.Lib.I.Sc. programme at Bharathiar University is a 2-year integrated programme introduced in 2008, following UGC CDC guidelines and updated as per NEP-2020.
- The department has a well-equipped INFLIBNET Lab, providing students hands-on training in digital library systems and information retrieval tools.
- The programme offers value-added and certificate courses including Certificate Course in Library Automation and Digitisation, and Value Added Course on Digital Information Management and e-Resources Management.
- A Lateral Entry option into M.Lib.I.Sc. was introduced in 2018, allowing B.Lib.I.Sc. holders to join directly in the second year.
- SC/ST students are fully exempted from tuition fees; they pay only the applicable other charges.
BU M.Lib Fees
Fee Breakup by Semester (for students from Other Institutions)
| Semester | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ₹8,400 |
| Semester 2 | ₹3,040 |
| Semester 3 | ₹5,110 |
| Semester 4 | ₹3,040 |
| Total Fees (Other Institution Students) | ₹19,590 |
Fee Breakup by Semester (for BU Students)
| Semester | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ₹7,880 |
| Semester 2 | ₹3,040 |
| Semester 3 | ₹5,110 |
| Semester 4 | ₹3,040 |
| Total Fees (BU Students) | ₹19,070 |
Fee Component Details (Semester 1)
| Fee Component | BU Students (Rs.) | Other Institution Students (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹3,040 | ₹3,040 |
| Other Fee | ₹4,840 | ₹5,360 |
| Total (Semester 1) | ₹7,880 | ₹8,400 |
- SC/ST students are fully exempted from tuition fees.
- They pay only the other applicable charges (Semester 1: Rs. 4,840 for BU students / Rs. 5,360 for other institution students; Semester 3: Rs. 2,070).
- There is no lab fee or course material fee for the M.Lib.I.Sc. programme.
- Hostel fees are not mandatory.
- Students opting for hostel accommodation will be charged separately: Hostel Deposit (Refundable): Rs. 8,500; Application Fee: Rs. 210; Room Rent: Rs. 210 per month.
- Mess charges are additional and vary monthly.
- Online payment of fees is available through the university web portal.
- No EMI options are officially mentioned for this programme.
Source: https://b-u.ac.in/53/department-library-information-science-fees-structure
BU M.Lib Admission 2026
Bharathiar University M.Lib.I.Sc. Admission Dates 2026-27
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 09 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online (Extended) | 07 May 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Last Date to Submit Hard Copy to Department | 07 May 2026 |
| Merit List / Selection (Tentative) | June 2026 |
| Batch Start Date (Tentative) | July 2026 |
Source: https://b-u.ac.in/146/pg-admission and https://b-u.ac.in/sites/b-u.ac.in/files/admissions/2026/notification.pdf
- Admission to M.Lib.I.Sc. is merit-based on UG academic performance.
- No entrance exam is required.
- TANCET is not applicable for this programme.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed any UG Degree from a recognised university.
- No minimum percentage is specified for general eligibility; however, admission is based on merit in the qualifying UG examination.
- Candidates appearing for their final year UG examination are also eligible to apply.
Admission Process
- Register online at https://fms.b-u.ac.in/admission and pay the registration fee of Rs.
- ₹400 (Rs.
- ₹200 for SC/ST candidates).
- Download the completed application form and attach self-attested copies of SSLC, HSC, UG mark statements, community certificate, and provisional/degree certificate.
- Send the hard copy to the Head, Department of Library and Information Science, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - 641 046 on or before 07 May 2026.
- Selection is based on merit in the qualifying UG examination (marks up to the 5th semester or 2nd year are considered).
- Merit list is published by the university; selected candidates must complete fee payment and document verification to confirm admission.
- Reservation norms of the Government of Tamil Nadu are strictly followed.
BU M.Lib Scholarships 2026
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligible Candidates | Income Limit | Amount / Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govt. of India Post Matric Scholarship | SC/ST and SCC candidates of Tamil Nadu with minimum 75% attendance | Below Rs. 2,50,000 per annum | Full tuition and maintenance allowance as per GoI norms |
| Govt. of Tamil Nadu Post Matric Scholarship | BC/MBC and DNC candidates of Tamil Nadu with minimum 75% attendance | Below Rs. 2,00,000 per annum | Tuition fee and maintenance allowance as per GoTN norms |
| Govt. of Tamil Nadu Higher Educational Special Loan Scholarship | SC/ST and SCC candidates residing in university hostel | Below Rs. 2,00,000 per annum | Loan scholarship for hostel-residing students |
| UGC Indira Gandhi / Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship | Single girl child (without a brother) pursuing PG | No income limit | As per UGC norms |
| UGC Post-Graduate Merit Scholarship for University Rank Holders | First and Second rank holders at UG level pursuing PG | No income limit | Rs. 3,100 per month for 2 years (as per UGC norms) |
| UGC Rank Holders Post-Matric Scholarship for Minority Students | Minority students with not less than 50% marks in final exam | Below Rs. 2,00,000 per annum | As per UGC norms |
| Govt. of Tamil Nadu Pricy Money Award | SC/ST/SCC candidates with minimum 75% attendance and 60% marks (PG/M.Phil candidates only) | No income limit | Cash award as per GoTN norms |
- SC/ST students are fully exempted from tuition fees irrespective of parental income, including those whose parents are government employees.
- Upon receiving scholarship amounts from the government, SC/ST students must remit the prescribed tuition fees to the university within 7 days.
- Students with disabilities (5% reserved seats) are exempted from tuition fee and special fee across all categories; visually challenged students receive full fee waiver.
- Scholarship application deadlines are notified by the university separately each academic year.
Source: https://b-u.ac.in/279/scholarship
BU M.Lib FAQs
Ques. Is the M.Lib.I.Sc. at Bharathiar University a 1-year or 2-year programme?
Ans. The M.Lib.I.Sc. at Bharathiar University is a 2-year integrated programme spread over 4 semesters. This is in line with the UGC's recommendation for a 2-year Master's in Library and Information Science. The programme was introduced in 2008 and has been updated as per NEP-2020 guidelines. Students who hold a B.Lib.I.Sc. degree may be eligible for lateral entry directly into the second year of the programme, as the department introduced a Lateral Entry option in 2018.
Ques. What is the eligibility for M.Lib.I.Sc. at Bharathiar University? Do I need a library science background?
Ans. No prior background in library science is required for admission to M.Lib.I.Sc. at Bharathiar University. The eligibility criterion is simply a pass in any UG Degree from a recognised university. This means graduates from any discipline, including arts, science, commerce, or engineering, can apply. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying UG examination, and Tamil Nadu Government reservation norms are followed.
Ques. What kind of practical training or lab facilities are available in the M.Lib.I.Sc. programme?
Ans. The Department of Library and Information Science at Bharathiar University has a well-equipped INFLIBNET Lab, established in 2016, which provides students with hands-on training in digital library systems, bibliographic databases, and information retrieval tools. The department also offers value-added courses on Digital Information Management, e-Resources Management, and Library Automation and Digitisation, giving students practical exposure to modern library technologies beyond the regular curriculum.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing M.Lib.I.Sc. from Bharathiar University?
Ans. Graduates of M.Lib.I.Sc. from Bharathiar University can pursue careers as professional librarians in schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, and corporate information centres. They are also eligible for positions such as Information Scientist, Knowledge Manager, Digital Library Specialist, and Documentation Officer. With UGC-NET/SET qualification, they can apply for Assistant Librarian or Assistant Professor (Library Science) positions in universities and colleges. The degree from a NAAC A++ accredited university is well-recognised across Tamil Nadu and India.
Ques. Is there a separate entrance exam for M.Lib.I.Sc. admission at Bharathiar University?
Ans. No, there is no separate entrance examination for M.Lib.I.Sc. admission at Bharathiar University. Admission is purely merit-based, determined by the marks obtained in the qualifying UG degree (up to the 5th semester or 2nd year). Candidates simply need to apply online through the university portal, submit their documents, and await the merit list published by the department. TANCET is not applicable for this programme.
Ques. With only 15 seats available, how competitive is the M.Lib.I.Sc. admission at Bharathiar University?
Ans. With just 15 seats, the M.Lib.I.Sc. programme at Bharathiar University is quite competitive. Since admission is merit-based on UG marks and Tamil Nadu Government reservation norms are strictly followed, candidates with higher UG percentage scores have a better chance. Given the very affordable fee structure and the reputation of Bharathiar University (NAAC A++), the programme attracts applicants from across Tamil Nadu. It is advisable to apply as early as possible and ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline of 07 May 2026.