IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science is a 6-month programme with a fee of Rs. 3,400 for the July 2026 session. Students who have passed 10+2 are eligible to apply.
| Detail | Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | CLIS |
| School | School of Social Sciences (SOSS) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 Passed |
| Medium | English. Students can write assignments and TEE in Hindi language also. |
| Duration | 6 months minimum, 2 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 3,400/- |
| Total credits | 16 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) programme is for library and information professionals at the grass-roots level. It provides an opportunity for individuals already working in libraries without professional qualifications. The programme comprises four courses, with three courses covering both practical and theoretical aspects. One course focuses only on theoretical aspects of the subject.
This fee is payable semester-wise. The programme carries a total of 16 credits. CLIS is the programme code for the Certificate in Library and Information Science offered by IGNOU’s School of Social Sciences (SOSS).
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) eligibility: who can apply
To apply for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science, candidates must have passed 10+2. This is the only academic requirement for admission to the programme. The School of Social Sciences (SOSS) offers this Certificate in Library and Information Science.
The medium of instruction for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science is English. Students can, however, choose to write their assignments and term-end examination (TEE) in Hindi language.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
This fee applies to the current session. Learners also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission. These charges are along with the programme fee.
This includes the programme fee, registration fee, and University Development fee.
Learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. Self-learning material for over 3923 courses across 384 programmes is available on the eGyanKosh repository.
Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 3,400/- |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) duration and credits
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science has a minimum duration of 6 months. Learners can complete the programme within a maximum of 2 years. The total credits for the programme are 16. These 16 credits are distributed across all programme courses.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) programme has four courses, totalling 16 credits. Three of these courses include both practical and theoretical aspects, while one course focuses solely on theoretical concepts. This programme is designed to sensitise library and information professionals at the grassroots level. It also provides an opportunity for individuals already working in libraries without formal professional qualifications.
The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 3,400/-. The School of Social Sciences (SOSS) offers this Certificate in Library and Information Science. Learners should note that the programme code CLIS refers to the current Certificate in Library and Information Science offered by IGNOU.
Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 4 courses | 16 |
Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BLI 11 | Libraries: An Introduction | 4 |
| BLII 12 | Document Processing and Organisation | 4 |
| BLII 13 | Information Sources and Library Services | 4 |
| BLII 14 | ICT in Libraries | 4 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The application for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) for the July 2026 admission cycle is fully online. No printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre. The current cycle on the ODL admission portal is July 2026.
The application process involves several steps on the Samarth portal:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
- Register as a new user if you have not applied before.
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before applying.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload a soft copy of your 10+2 Passed qualification proof, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- If applicable, upload a soft copy of your SC/ST/OBC category certificate, under 200 KB.
- Pay the programme fee of Rs. 3,400/- (Semester wise) for the July 2026 session.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 at admission.
- Pay the University Development fee of Rs. 400 at admission.
- Complete the payment using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
IGNOU offers two admission cycles a year: January and July. The July 2026 session is the current admission cycle.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the website. A failed assignment must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. Examination centres are available across the country and abroad. There are two sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as per the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course, as of the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course, as of January 2026. Early declaration of results costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, only with proof of selection for a post or further studies, as of January 2026.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science is Rs. 3,400/- for the July 2026 session. Additionally, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at admission.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science, a candidate must have passed 10+2.
How long does it take to complete the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science is 6 months. Learners have a maximum of 2 years to finish the programme from the date of admission.
Are there any practical components or labs in the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
Yes, three out of the four courses in the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science have both practical and theoretical aspects. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for these courses.
Can I write my assignments and term-end examinations in Hindi for the CLIS programme?
Yes, while the medium of instruction for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science is English, students can write their assignments and Term-End Examinations in Hindi.
How many credits does the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme carry?
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme carries a total of 16 credits. Each of the four courses, BLI 11, BLII 12, BLII 13, and BLII 14, is worth 4 credits.
What is the purpose of the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme?
The programme aims to sensitise library and information professionals at the grass-roots level. It provides an opportunity for individuals already working in libraries without professional qualifications to gain formal training.
Where can I find the study materials for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book. Additionally, self-learning material for over 3923 courses is available on the eGyanKosh repository. Learners can also opt for a 15% discount by choosing soft copy materials.
How do I submit my assignments for the CLIS programme?
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) must be submitted to the Coordinator of your Learner Support Centre. Assignments are compulsory and must be completed before you can appear for the Term-End Examination.
What is the examination fee for the Term-End Examination in the CLIS programme?
The examination fee for theory courses is Rs. 200 per course for the December 2026 TEE.