Master of Library and Information Science [M.Lib.I.Sc]

Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), Madurai offers a 2-year full-time Master of Library and Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc.) through its Department of Library and Information Science under the School of Information Technology. Established in 1972, the department has been offering library science education for over five decades. Since 2017, the programme has been restructured as a 2-year integrated M.Lib.I.Sc. under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), replacing the earlier 1-year format. The programme covers library management, information organization, digital libraries, knowledge management, information retrieval, and research methodology. The department currently has 15 M.Lib.I.Sc. students per batch, 4 M.Phil. scholars, and 24 Ph.D. research scholars (5 full-time, 19 part-time), with 2 full-time scholars funded by UGC-RGNF fellowships. Notably, the department reports a 90% placement rate for its students every year. The total fees for the 2-year programme are approximately Rs. 25,320. Admission is merit-based (non-entrance), and the programme is popular among students aspiring for careers in academic, public, and special libraries, as well as information management roles.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are currently open. Applications were made available from 02 March 2026, and the last date to submit applications is 06 April 2026. Counselling and selection are expected in May-June 2026, with the academic session commencing in July 2026.

Key Points

• The department reports a 90% placement rate for M.Lib.I.Sc. students every year, making it one of the strongest placement-oriented library science programmes in Tamil Nadu.
• The 2-year integrated M.Lib.I.Sc. programme under CBCS (introduced in 2017) provides a more comprehensive education compared to the earlier 1-year format.
• Lateral entry admission for M.Lib.I.Sc. has been implemented from 2017-18, allowing B.Lib.I.Sc. graduates to join directly.
• The department has 2 full-time Ph.D. scholars funded by UGC-RGNF (Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship) fellowships, reflecting strong research support.
• The programme is offered under the School of Information Technology, providing students access to modern IT infrastructure and digital library resources.

MKU M.Lib Fees

The M.Lib.I.Sc. programme at MKU is among the most affordable library science postgraduate programmes in India. The total fee for the 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 25,320 for OC/BC/MBC/DNC category students. SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government norms. The caution deposit is fully refundable at the end of the programme.

Fee Structure

• SC/ST students are exempt from tuition fees as per Tamil Nadu Government policy.
• Differently abled students are exempt from tuition fee and special fee.
• Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is fully refundable at the end of the programme.
• Application/Registration fee for non-entrance programmes: Rs. 500 (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempt for the first application).
• Refund Policy: 80% refund (excluding special fee and caution deposit) if withdrawal is made at least 15 days before the closing date of admission; 50% refund if withdrawal is less than 15 days prior; no refund after the closing date of admission.
• Hostel fees (optional, not mandatory): Approximately Rs. 24,000-35,000 per year for accommodation; mess charges are additional and managed by students on a dividing system.

MKU M.Lib Admission 2026-27

Admissions to M.Lib.I.Sc. at MKU for 2026-27 are currently open, with applications available from 02 March 2026. The programme follows a non-entrance based merit selection process, where candidates are ranked based on UG marks up to the 5th semester. Lateral entry is also available for B.Lib.I.Sc. graduates. The selection list and waitlist are published on the university website and department notice boards.

MKU M.Lib.I.Sc. Admission Dates

Relevant Entrance Exam Dates

Note: MKU M.Lib.I.Sc. admission is non-entrance based (merit in UG). CUET PG and TANCET scores are not required for MKU admission but may be used for admission to other universities offering M.Lib.I.Sc.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A pass in any Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) is required for direct admission.
• B.Lib.I.Sc. graduates are eligible for lateral entry into the 2nd year of the M.Lib.I.Sc. programme.
• Candidates appearing in the final year/semester of UG are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process:

• Visit the official MKU admissions portal at admissions.mkuniversity.ac.in and register online.
• Fill in the application form and upload required documents (SSLC, HSC, UG mark sheets up to 5th semester, community certificate, passport photo, and signature).
• Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 online (SC/ST and Christian AdiDravidar students are exempt for the first application).
• Selection is based on UG marks up to the 5th semester; no entrance examination is required.
• The merit/selection list is published on the university website and department notice boards.
• Selected candidates must report to the Department of Library and Information Science with original certificates for verification and pay the prescribed fees through SBI I-Collect on the day of admission.
• Waitlisted candidates are informed of their position and must report on the specified date; fees must be paid on the same day.

MKU M.Lib Scholarships 2026

MKU M.Lib.I.Sc. students can avail a range of government scholarships based on community and merit. The university follows Tamil Nadu Government reservation and scholarship policies, ensuring financial support for students from SC/ST, BC, MBC, and minority communities. Additionally, UGC-RGNF fellowships are available for SC/ST students pursuing Ph.D. after M.Lib.I.Sc.

Scholarship Details

• SC/ST students are exempt from paying tuition fees at the time of admission as per Tamil Nadu Government policy.
• Differently abled students are exempt from tuition fee and special fee.
• Students must apply for government scholarships through the Tamil Nadu e-Grantz portal or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) within the stipulated deadlines (usually October-November each year).

MKU M.Lib Placement 2026

The Department of Library and Information Science at MKU has an impressive 90% placement rate for M.Lib.I.Sc. students every year. Graduates are placed in academic libraries (universities, colleges), public libraries, special libraries (corporate, research, government), digital library projects, and information management roles. The strong placement record reflects the growing demand for qualified library and information science professionals in India.

Placement Details

MKU M.Lib FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the old 1-year M.Lib.I.Sc. and the current 2-year integrated programme at MKU?

Ans. Prior to 2017, MKU offered separate 1-year B.Lib.I.Sc. and 1-year M.Lib.I.Sc. programmes. From 2017, the department restructured the programme into a 2-year integrated M.Lib.I.Sc. under CBCS, which provides a more comprehensive and in-depth education in library and information science. The 2-year format covers both foundational and advanced topics, making graduates more competitive in the job market.

Ques. What is the lateral entry option for M.Lib.I.Sc. at MKU?

Ans. From 2017-18, MKU implemented lateral entry admission for M.Lib.I.Sc. This allows candidates who have already completed a B.Lib.I.Sc. (1-year Bachelor of Library and Information Science) to join directly into the 2nd year of the 2-year M.Lib.I.Sc. programme, effectively completing their master's degree in just 1 additional year. This is a significant advantage for working library professionals who already hold a B.Lib.I.Sc.

Ques. What is the placement scenario for M.Lib.I.Sc. graduates from MKU?

Ans. The Department of Library and Information Science at MKU reports a 90% placement rate for M.Lib.I.Sc. students every year. Graduates are placed in academic libraries (universities and colleges), public libraries, special libraries (corporate, research, government), digital library projects, and information management roles. The growing digitization of libraries and the demand for information professionals has further strengthened placement prospects.

Ques. Can M.Lib.I.Sc. graduates from MKU appear for UGC NET Library and Information Science?

Ans. Yes, M.Lib.I.Sc. graduates from MKU are eligible to appear for UGC NET in Library and Information Science, which is required for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) positions in library science. Qualifying UGC NET opens doors to teaching positions in college and university libraries, as well as research fellowships. The 2-year M.Lib.I.Sc. programme at MKU provides a strong foundation for NET preparation.

Ques. What research opportunities are available after M.Lib.I.Sc. at MKU?

Ans. After completing M.Lib.I.Sc., students can pursue M.Phil. in Library and Information Science (started from 2013 at MKU) and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science. The department currently has 4 M.Phil. scholars and 24 Ph.D. research scholars. Two full-time Ph.D. scholars are funded by UGC-RGNF fellowships. Research areas include digital libraries, knowledge management, information retrieval, and bibliometrics.

Ques. What is the scope of Library and Information Science as a career in India?

Ans. Library and Information Science is a growing field in India with increasing demand for qualified professionals. Key career opportunities include positions as librarians and information officers in universities, colleges, schools, government departments, research institutions, corporate organizations, and public libraries. The digitization of libraries and the growth of digital content management have created new roles in digital library management, metadata management, and information architecture. Government positions (through UPSC, TNPSC, and other PSCs) also recruit library and information science graduates for various posts.