IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) Syllabus 2026: Course-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) syllabus structure: 16 credits
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) programme has a total of 16 credits. It consists of four courses, each carrying 4 credits. The programme is designed to sensitise library and information professionals at the grass-roots level.
Students can complete the programme in a minimum of 6 months, with a maximum duration of 2 years. Three of the four courses have both practical and theoretical aspects, while one course focuses only on theoretical aspects. Admission cycles are held in January and July.
Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 4 courses | 16 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) Programme courses subjects: Libraries: An Introduction, Document Processing and Organisation
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) programme covers four core courses, each carrying 4 credits.
The programme totals 16 credits across these four courses. BLII 13, “Information Sources and Library Services,” and BLII 14, “ICT in Libraries,” complete the curriculum.
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) Programme courses: courses and credits
| 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 |
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme has four courses, each assessed through assignments and a term-end examination. BLI 11 focuses only on theoretical aspects.
Assignments are compulsory for all courses and must be submitted to the Coordinator of the Learner Support Centre before a student can sit for the Term-End Examination. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, at examination centres across the country. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course, applicable for the December 2026 TEE. For practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for courses up to 4 credits, and Rs. 500 for courses above 4 credits, as per the January 2023 admission cycle. Students can write the exam in Hindi, even if they registered in English medium, except for language programmes. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
The programme details are available on the IGNOU admission portal for the July 2026 session.
The Certificate in Library and Information Science programme consists of four courses, totalling 16 credits. Each course carries 4 credits. These courses are:
- BLI 11: Libraries: An Introduction
- BLII 12: Document Processing and Organisation
- BLII 13: Information Sources and Library Services
- BLII 14: ICT in Libraries
Three of these courses include both practical and theoretical aspects. BLII 14, ICT in Libraries, is one of the courses with practical components. Printed self-instructional study material is provided for all courses. Learners can also access self-learning material for over 3923 courses on the eGyanKosh repository. Counselling sessions are held at the Learner Support Centre, and attendance at practical sessions is compulsory for programmes that include them.
Study support: IGNOU study material status; IGNOU previous year question papers and IGNOU regional and study centres.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme?
This amount is paid at admission, along with a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400.
How many credits does the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme have?
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme has a total of 16 credits. Each of the four courses in the programme, such as BLI 11 Libraries: An Introduction and BLII 14 ICT in Libraries, carries 4 credits.
Are there any practical components or labs in the CLIS programme?
Yes, three out of the four courses in the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme have both practical and theoretical aspects. Attendance at these practical sessions is compulsory.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the CLIS programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme is 6 months. Learners have a maximum of 2 years to finish all programme requirements, including assignments and term-end examinations.
Can I write my assignments and term-end examinations in Hindi for the CLIS programme?
Yes, while the medium of the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme is English, students can write their assignments and term-end examinations in Hindi. This option is available for all courses except language programmes.
What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science?
To be eligible for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme, applicants must have passed 10+2.
Where can I find the study materials for the CLIS programme?
Printed self-instructional study material is provided as a print book and/or e-book for the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme. Additionally, self-learning material for over 3923 courses is available on the eGyanKosh repository.
Is there a discount if I choose digital study materials instead of printed books?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study material instead of printed material receive a 15% discount on the programme fee.
How many courses are in the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme?
The IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme comprises four courses. These include BLI 11 Libraries: An Introduction, BLII 12 Document Processing and Organisation, BLII 13 Information Sources and Library Services, and BLII 14 ICT in Libraries.
What is the examination fee for each course in the CLIS programme?
The examination fee for each theory course in the IGNOU Certificate in Library and Information Science programme is Rs. 200.