Bachelor of Library and Information Science [B.Lib.I.Sc]

Kerala University B.Lib.I.Sc is a 1-year distance education programme offered by the School of Distance Education (SDE) for graduates seeking a professional qualification in library management and information services. The programme runs over 2 semesters with mandatory contact classes at the SDE campus in Kariavattom. Total fees are INR 12,615 for Kerala University graduates. The university is ranked 25th among Indian universities in NIRF 2025.

📋 Admission Status: Admissions expected to open August 2026 (Tentative).

Key Points

• 75% attendance mandatory at contact classes for B.Lib students.
• Practical training in Koha library automation software included.
• Covers both theory and practical exams in classification and cataloguing.

Kerala University B.Lib Fees 2026

Component	Amount (INR)
Semester 1 Fee (QC from Kerala University)	INR 6,255
Semester 2 Fee (QC from Kerala University)	INR 6,360
Total Fees	INR 12,615

• Graduates from universities other than Kerala University pay a total of INR 9,255.
• A 5% reduction applies if the full programme fee is paid in one instalment.
• SC/ST students may claim fee concession through the SDE office each semester.

Kerala University B.Lib Admission 2026

Event	Date
Online Registration Opens	August 2026 (Tentative)
Online Registration Closes	October 2026 (Tentative)
Class Commencement	November 2026 (Tentative)

• Registration is completed online at sde.keralauniversity.ac.in.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• A pass in a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kerala or any recognized equivalent university with a minimum of 40% marks.
• SC/ST candidates receive a 5% concession in the minimum eligibility requirement and OBC candidates receive a 3% concession.
• No upper age limit is prescribed for admission to B.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University SDE.

Admission Process

• Register online at the SDE admission portal at sde.keralauniversity.ac.in during the registration window.
• Upload the qualifying degree certificate and mark sheet as part of the online application.
• Allotment is based on marks obtained in the qualifying degree on a merit basis.
• Pay the semester fee online on confirmation of admission and collect self-learning materials (SLM).
• Attend mandatory contact classes (PCP sessions) held at the SDE Kariavattom campus.
• Submit assignments per semester and appear in both theory and practical examinations at the end of each semester.

✓ Opt for this if

• Working professionals seeking a library science qualification via distance mode.
• Graduates wanting a low-cost 1-year professional credential.
• Interested in library automation, classification, and cataloguing as a career.
• Planning to work in school, public, or special libraries in Kerala.

✗ Skip if

• Expecting a regular campus-based learning experience.
• Unable to attend contact classes at Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Seeking placement support or corporate campus recruitment.
• Preferring a UGC NET-focused or nationally recognised library programme.

Kerala University B.Lib Scholarships 2026

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility
e-Grantz Scholarship (Kerala Govt.)	Full fee waiver	SC/ST students, apply annually via e-Grantz portal
Post Matric Scholarship	As per income slab	SC/ST/OBC/SEBC students, income-based, apply via Kerala SC/ST Development Department
Kerala University Merit Scholarship	As per scale	55% or above in qualifying degree, first attempt only

• Scholarship applications are to be submitted through the SDE office each year.

Kerala University B.Lib FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for B.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University School of Distance Education?

Ans. The total fee for B.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University SDE is INR 12,615 for graduates from the University of Kerala, split across two semesters (INR 6,255 in Semester 1 and INR 6,360 in Semester 2). Graduates from other recognized universities pay a total of INR 9,255 for the 1-year programme. A 5% reduction is applicable if the full fee is remitted at once.

Ques. Who is eligible to apply for B.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University?

Ans. Candidates who have passed a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kerala or any recognized equivalent university with a minimum of 40% marks are eligible for B.Lib.I.Sc. SC/ST students receive a 5% concession and OBC students receive a 3% concession in the minimum eligibility requirement. There is no upper age limit for admission to this programme.

Ques. What are the career options after completing B.Lib.I.Sc from Kerala University?

Ans. B.Lib.I.Sc graduates can work as library assistants, library officers, or cataloguers in school libraries, public libraries, special libraries, and academic institutions. The qualification is also recognized for government library posts under the Kerala Public Service Commission. Graduates seeking advanced roles often pursue M.Lib.I.Sc as the next qualification.

Ques. Is attendance mandatory for B.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University SDE?

Ans. Yes. Unlike most SDE programmes that require 50% attendance, B.Lib.I.Sc students must maintain 75% attendance at all contact class sessions (PCP classes) held at the SDE Kariavattom campus. This is a strict requirement for eligibility to appear in the end-semester examinations. Students who cannot attend due to unavoidable circumstances must apply for condonation and pay the applicable condonation fee.

Ques. Does Kerala University SDE provide self-learning materials for B.Lib?

Ans. Yes. Kerala University SDE provides printed self-learning materials (SLM) for all courses in the B.Lib.I.Sc programme. The SLM fee is included in the semester fee paid at the time of admission. Students also have access to the SDE Library at Kariavattom, which holds over 30,000 books, periodicals, and reference materials, with library membership available for a nominal fee.

Ques. How is the B.Lib.I.Sc different from the M.Lib.I.Sc at Kerala University?

Ans. B.Lib.I.Sc is a 1-year programme requiring a Bachelor’s degree as the entry qualification, while M.Lib.I.Sc is a postgraduate programme that requires the B.Lib.I.Sc degree for admission. The B.Lib programme covers foundational topics in library management, classification, cataloguing, and information science. The M.Lib programme builds on these with advanced modules and research components.