Bachelor of Library and Information Science [B.Lib.I.Sc]
Accepted entrance exams
Fees
Fees at Indira Gandhi National Open University for the Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] program are structured on a semester basis, with students paying tuition fees every six months. The standard semester fee ranges from INR 6,700 to INR 8,000, potentially varying with additional charges for printed study materials. Examination fees are set at INR 200 per subject, with additional fees for practical exams ranging from INR 200 to INR 300.
The total course fee for six semesters typically falls between INR 40,000 and INR 60,000, exclusive of examination fees. For minority and economically disadvantaged students, need-based financial aids and scholarships, such as waivers, may be accessible, though specifics depend on eligibility and individual application. The total cost of study might include optional book fees and non-refundable registration fees of about INR 300. IGNOU's fee structure is economical and consistent, ensuring affordability for a wide demographic.
About Bachelor of Library and Information Science [B.Lib.I.Sc]
IGNOU's Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS), programme code BLIS, is a 1-year undergraduate degree offered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode under the School of Social Sciences. It is a professional programme designed for graduates who wish to build a career in library and information management. The programme covers library organisation, information sources and services, ICT in libraries, document processing, and includes a mandatory internship component. The total programme fee is Rs. 9,000 for the full 1-year programme, making it one of the most affordable library science degrees in India. The programme is offered in English medium, though students can write assignments and TEE in Hindi as well. The maximum duration to complete the programme is 2 years.
Admissions for the January 2026 cycle are currently ongoing. The last date to submit the online application is 30 March 2026. Students can apply at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The July 2026 admission cycle is expected to open around May-June 2026, based on the previous year's pattern.
Distance Mode Centres:
The BLIS programme at IGNOU is offered in distance/ODL mode. Students are assigned to a Programme Study Centre (PSC) near their location for practical sessions, internship, and assignment submission. Key Regional Centres offering BLIS include:
- Hyderabad - Aurora's Business School (01131)
- Karnal - Chotu Ram College of Education (1005), Govt. P.G. National College (1014)
- Shimla - Government Degree Colleges (1101, 1103, 1105, 1107)
- Jammu - Department of Library Science (1212P)
- Bangalore - M S Ramaiah College of Arts Science and Commerce, Nrupathunga University
- Cochin - CMS College (1406)
- Bhopal - IGNOU RC Bhopal, Jiwaji University Gwalior, Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya
- Pune - Abeda Inamdar Senior College (16144)
- Lucknow - Brahmanand College Kanpur, Jai Narain Degree College, PT. JLN PG College Banda
- Kolkata - Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Bhairab Ganguly College, Midnapur College
- Delhi-2 - Satyawati College (Morning) (29057)
- Delhi-3 - Arya Bhatt College (0709), Delhi Library Association (0775P)
- Jaipur - Govt. Arts PG College Kota, ISIM Jaipur, SH. Bhawani Niketan PG College
- Chennai - DDGD Vaishnava College, ER. Perumal Manimekalai P'NIC, Guru Nanak College
- Dehradun - DAV PG College, DSB Campus Kumaon University, HNB Garhwal University
- Ranchi - Jamshedpur Cooperative College, Marwari College Ranchi
- Jorhat - CKB Commerce College, DKD College, Dibrugarh University
- Noida - Hindu College, Meerut College, SD College Muzaffarnagar
- Guwahati - Guwahati University
- Trivandrum - Mar Ivanios College, Sree Narayana College
- And many more across all states and UTs
Students can find their nearest Programme Study Centre at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.
Key Points:
- This is a 1-year professional degree programme (minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years).
- The programme has both theory courses and practical components - 5 out of 9 courses have practical work.
- A mandatory Internship (BLII 230, 4 credits) at a library or information centre is required.
- The programme is offered in English medium; however, assignments and TEE can be written in Hindi.
- Students must secure a minimum of 40% marks in both continuous evaluation (assignments) and TEE for each course.
- BLIS from IGNOU is recognised for librarian posts in government schools, colleges, and public libraries.
- IGNOU is a UGC-recognised Central University; the degree is valid for all government and private sector jobs.
IGNOU BLIS Fees
The BLIS programme at IGNOU is a one-time fee programme. The total programme fee is Rs. 9,000 for the full 1-year programme, payable at the time of admission. In addition, a one-time non-refundable Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is charged. A Development Fee is also applicable as per university norms.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme Fee (full programme, 1 year) | Rs. 9,000 |
| Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| Development Fee | As applicable |
| Examination Fee (per TEE) | As decided by the university |
| Total Fees (Programme Fee + Registration Fee) | Rs. 9,300 |
- The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
- Fee refund policy: Fee paid will be refunded prior to confirmation of admission. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted. No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
- Examination fee is charged separately at the time of filling the exam form and is not included in the programme fee.
- No hostel facility is available as this is a distance learning programme.
IGNOU BLIS Admission 2026
IGNOU conducts admissions for the BLIS programme twice a year - in January and July cycles. The January 2026 admission cycle is currently open. Admissions are based on eligibility criteria (graduation with required percentage). There is no entrance examination. The process is fully online through the IGNOU Samarth portal.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 Admission Cycle Opens | 16 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application (January 2026) | 30 March 2026 |
| July 2026 Admission Cycle (Tentative) | May - July 2026 |
| TEE June 2026 - Exam Form Submission Opens | 10 March 2026 |
| TEE June 2026 - Exam Dates | 1 June 2026 - 15 July 2026 |
| TEE December 2026 (Tentative) | November - December 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's Degree with 50% marks (General category) OR 45% marks (SC/ST/OBC/PH category) from a recognised university.
- OR Bachelor's Degree with a Diploma (one year) in Library Science from a recognised institution.
- OR Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of working experience in a Library and Information Centre.
Admission Process
- Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
- Click on "New Registration" and create a user account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in and select the BLIS programme.
- Fill in the online application form with personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents: passport-size photograph, signature, graduation marksheet and certificate, category certificate (if applicable), experience certificate (if applicable), and ID proof.
- Pay the Registration Fee of Rs. 300 online via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
- Pay the full programme fee of Rs. 9,000.
- Submit the form and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
- Admission confirmation is typically communicated within 2-3 weeks via email/SMS.
IGNOU BLIS Scholarships 2026
IGNOU BLIS students can avail several government scholarships, primarily through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). These scholarships are targeted at students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections. Students are advised to apply on the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of admission.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students | SC category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/year | Up to Rs. 3,000 - Rs. 7,000 per year (varies by state) |
| Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students | ST category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/year | Up to Rs. 3,000 - Rs. 7,000 per year (varies by state) |
| Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students | OBC category, family income below Rs. 1 lakh/year | Up to Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 3,000 per year (varies by state) |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) | Top 20 percentile in 12th board, family income below Rs. 8 lakh/year | Rs. 10,000 per year for UG students |
| NSP - Minority Scholarship (Post Matric) | Minority communities, family income below Rs. 2 lakh/year | Up to Rs. 3,000 per year |
- All NSP scholarships require students to apply online at scholarships.gov.in after admission confirmation.
- Application deadlines for NSP scholarships are typically between October and December each year.
- Students must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account for scholarship disbursement.
- OTR (One Time Registration) on NSP is mandatory from AY 2024-25 onwards.
IGNOU BLIS FAQs
Ques. Is IGNOU BLIS degree valid for government librarian posts?
Ans. Yes. IGNOU BLIS is a UGC-recognised degree from a Central University and is valid for applying to librarian posts in government schools, colleges, public libraries, and other government institutions. Many state governments and central government departments accept IGNOU BLIS for librarian recruitment.
Ques. Can I pursue MLISc (Master of Library and Information Science) after IGNOU BLIS?
Ans. Yes. After completing BLIS from IGNOU or any other recognised university, you are eligible to apply for MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) at IGNOU or other universities. IGNOU offers MLIS in distance mode as well.
Ques. What is the internship requirement in IGNOU BLIS?
Ans. The BLIS programme includes a mandatory Internship course (BLII 230, 4 credits). Students are required to complete an internship at a library or information centre. The internship is typically arranged through the Programme Study Centre (PSC) or students can arrange it themselves at a recognised library. The internship report is submitted and evaluated as part of the programme.
Ques. I already work in a library. Can I get exemption from the internship?
Ans. Students with 2 years of working experience in a Library and Information Centre are eligible for admission to BLIS. However, the internship course (BLII 230) is a mandatory component of the programme and cannot be waived. You will still need to complete and submit the internship report as per programme requirements.
Ques. What is the minimum passing marks requirement in IGNOU BLIS?
Ans. Students must secure a minimum of 40% marks in both the continuous evaluation (assignments/practicals) and the Term End Examination (TEE) for each course. This is different from most other IGNOU programmes where the minimum passing requirement is 35%. The higher passing threshold reflects the professional nature of the BLIS programme.
Ques. Is IGNOU BLIS offered in Hindi medium?
Ans. The BLIS programme is primarily offered in English medium, and study materials are provided in English. However, students have the option to write their assignments and Term End Examinations (TEE) in Hindi. This makes the programme accessible to Hindi-medium students as well.