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

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), Bhopal offers a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc / BLIS) through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The programme is a 1-year postgraduate-level undergraduate course designed for graduates who wish to build a career in library science, information management, and documentation. It covers subjects such as Library Organisation, Classification, Cataloguing, Reference Services, Library Management, and Information Technology in Libraries. The annual fee is Rs. 9,000 for the complete course. The degree is recognised by UGC-DEB and is valid for employment as a librarian in schools, colleges, government offices, and public libraries.

Admission for the January 2026 session was open and the last date was extended to April 13, 2026. The July 2026 session is expected to begin from approximately May 10, 2026, with the last date tentatively around July 15, 2026. Admission is merit-based with no entrance exam required.

Since this course is offered exclusively in Distance/ODL mode, MPBOU operates through 568 study centres spread across 11 regional centres in Madhya Pradesh. Students are allotted a study centre near their location for assignment submission and examination purposes.

Regional Centres and Study Centres

Key Points

• The BLIS programme at MPBOU is a 1-year course offered in ODL mode, approved by UGC-DEB, making the degree valid for librarian positions in schools, colleges, government offices, and public libraries.
• The medium of instruction is Hindi, making it accessible to students from Hindi-medium backgrounds across Madhya Pradesh.
• Eligibility requires only a graduation (Bachelor's degree) in any discipline, making it open to graduates from all streams.
• The BLIS degree from MPBOU qualifies candidates to appear for library science competitive exams and government librarian recruitment.
• Study material (Self-Learning Material / SLM) is provided by the university; students can also access e-content through the university's digital platforms.
• Assignments are a mandatory component and must be submitted to the allotted study centre before appearing in the term-end examination.
• The programme is aligned with NEP 2020 guidelines and students are required to create an ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) at the time of admission.

MPBOU B.Lib.I.Sc Fees

Fee Structure

• The tuition fee of Rs. 9,000 is as per the January 2026 session fee structure published on the official MPBOU website.
• A one-time registration fee of Rs. 300 is applicable for PG and professional courses at the time of first admission.
• There is no hostel facility offered by MPBOU for distance education students.
• Fees are paid online through the MPOnline portal (mpbou.mponline.gov.in) at the time of form submission.
• No EMI option is officially available; fees are paid in full at the time of admission.
• Examination fees, if any, are charged separately at the time of exam form submission.

MPBOU B.Lib.I.Sc Admission 2026

Important Dates

MPBOU offers admission twice a year - January session and July session. Students can apply for either session. Dates for the July 2026 session are tentative based on previous year patterns.

No mandatory entrance exam is required for BLIS admission at MPBOU. Admission is direct and merit-based. The university conducts its own term-end examination for enrolled students (internal university exam).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university.
• There is no minimum percentage requirement for general category students; however, reserved category relaxations apply as per MP government norms.
• There is no upper age limit for admission to the BLIS programme at MPBOU.

Admission Process

• Visit the official MPOnline admission portal: mpbou.mponline.gov.in
• Select "New Student Admission" and choose the BLIS course under UG programmes.
• Fill in the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
• Upload required documents: passport-size photograph, signature, 10th/12th marksheets, graduation marksheets and degree/provisional certificate, category certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.
• Pay the registration fee of Rs. 300 and the tuition fee of Rs. 9,000 online through the MPOnline portal.
• Select a study centre from the available list near your location.
• The study centre coordinator verifies and approves the application online.
• After approval, the university issues an enrollment number and dispatches the Self-Learning Material (SLM) to the student.
• Create an ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) as it is mandatory at the time of admission.

MPBOU B.Lib.I.Sc Scholarships 2026

Available Scholarships

• All MP government scholarships are applied through the MP Scholarship Portal 2.0 (scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in).
• The application window for scholarships typically opens in August-September each year for the current academic session.
• Students must have a valid Samagra ID and Aadhaar-linked bank account to apply for MP government scholarships.
• Gaon Ki Beti and Pratibha Kiran scholarships are available only to girl students; male students may apply for Vikramaditya Yojana (if eligible) or SC/ST/OBC post-matric scholarships.
• Scholarship amounts are credited directly to the student's bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

MPBOU B.Lib.I.Sc FAQs

Ques. Is the BLIS degree from MPBOU valid for government librarian jobs and competitive exams?

Ans. Yes, the BLIS degree from MPBOU is fully valid for government librarian positions and competitive exams. MPBOU is a state government open university recognised by UGC-DEB. The degree is treated as equivalent to a regular BLIS degree from any recognised university. Candidates with a BLIS from MPBOU can apply for librarian posts in government schools, colleges, public libraries, and other government institutions in Madhya Pradesh and across India.

Ques. What is the difference between BLIS and MLIS? Should I do BLIS first before MLIS?

Ans. BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) is a 1-year undergraduate-level programme that provides foundational knowledge in library science. MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) is a postgraduate programme that offers advanced knowledge. For most librarian positions in schools and small libraries, BLIS is sufficient. However, for senior librarian positions in colleges and universities, MLIS is preferred or required. MPBOU also offers MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) in ODL mode, and completing BLIS from MPBOU makes you eligible to apply for MLIS at MPBOU or other universities.

Ques. Can I do BLIS from MPBOU while working as a library assistant or in another job?

Ans. Yes, the BLIS programme at MPBOU is specifically designed for working individuals. The ODL mode requires no daily attendance. The primary commitments are completing and submitting assignments, self-studying the SLM material, and appearing for the term-end examination (held once a year). Many working library assistants and government employees pursue BLIS from MPBOU to upgrade their qualifications and become eligible for promotion to librarian positions.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing BLIS from MPBOU?

Ans. After completing BLIS from MPBOU, graduates can apply for librarian positions in government and private schools, public libraries, government offices, and corporate organisations. They can also appear for government recruitment exams for library science posts conducted by MPSC, SSC, and other bodies. Additionally, BLIS graduates can pursue MLIS for advanced career opportunities in college and university libraries. The growing digitisation of libraries has also created demand for library information professionals in digital library management roles.

Ques. How is the BLIS examination conducted at MPBOU? Is there a practical component?

Ans. MPBOU conducts the BLIS term-end examination at designated study centres across Madhya Pradesh. Students must appear for the written examination in person at their allotted study centre. The examination is typically held once a year, between May and July. Assignments are a mandatory component and must be submitted before the exam. Depending on the syllabus, there may be a practical component related to library cataloguing and classification, which is also conducted at the study centre. Students should check the current syllabus on the official MPBOU website for the latest examination pattern.

Ques. Is there any age limit or work experience requirement for BLIS admission at MPBOU?

Ans. No, there is no age limit or work experience requirement for BLIS admission at MPBOU. Any graduate from a recognised university can apply for the BLIS programme regardless of age or professional background. This makes it accessible to fresh graduates, working professionals, and even retired individuals who wish to build a career in library science. The only mandatory requirement is a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university.