IGNOU MLIS Syllabus 2026: Course-wise Subjects, Credits and Study Blocks
Part of IGNOU Syllabus: IGNOU Syllabus 2026: Programme-wise Course Structure
The first semester begins with MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society, a 4-credit compulsory course.
IGNOU MLIS syllabus structure: 40 credits
The IGNOU MLIS programme requires 40 credits for completion. It has a minimum duration of 1 year and a maximum duration of 2 years. The programme fee is Rs. 12,000/- for the full programme, as per the July 2026 prospectus.
The IGNOU MLIS syllabus includes core courses like MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society, and MLII 105 Internship, each carrying 4 credits. The programme also includes MLIP 2 Project, which is a compulsory 4-credit course. The medium of instruction is English, though assignments and the Term-End Examination (TEE) can be written in Hindi. The admission cycles are held in January and July.
MLIS structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 14 courses | 56 |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MLIS Programme courses subjects: Information, Communication and Society, Information Sources
Students complete eight compulsory courses, including MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society, and MLII 101 Information Sources, Systems and Services. The programme also includes a compulsory MLIP 2 Project and MLII 105 Internship, each worth 4 credits.
The programme’s structure ensures foundational knowledge before advanced topics. For example, MLII 103 Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies covers basic computer and communication technology, while MLII 104 Information Communication Technologies: Applications focuses on database design and library automation. Students choose two elective courses from options such as MLIE 101 Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials or MLIE 102 Research Methodology, each carrying 4 credits.
IGNOU MLIS Programme courses: courses and credits
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLI 101 | Information, Communication and Society | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLII 101 | Information Sources, Systems and Services | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLI 102 | Management of Library and Information Centres | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLII 102 | Information Processing and Retrieval | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLII 103 | Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLII 104 | Information Communication Technologies: Applications | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLIP 2 | Project | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLII 105 | Internship | 4 | Compulsory |
| MLIE 101 | Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials | 4 | Elective |
| MLIE 102 | Research Methodology | 4 | Elective |
| MLIE 103 | Academic Library System | 4 | Elective |
| MLIE 104 | Technical Writing | 4 | Elective |
| MLIE 105 | Informatrics and Scientometrics | 4 | Elective |
| MLIE 106 | Public Library System and Services | 4 | Elective |
MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society: study blocks
- Block 1: Information: Nature, Property and Scope
- Block 2: Information Generation and Communication
- Block 3: Information and Society
- Block 4: Knowledge and Society
MLII 101 Information Sources, Systems and Services: study blocks
- Block 1: Information Institutions
- Block 2: Information Sources, Systems and Programmes
- Block 3: Information Products and Services
- Block 4: Information Intermediaries
MLI 102 Management of Library and Information Centres: study blocks
- Block 1: Management Perspectives
- Block 2: System Analysis and Control
- Block 3: Human Resource Management
- Block 4: Financial Management
- Block 5: Marketing of Information Products and Services
MLII 102 Information Processing and Retrieval: study blocks
- Block 1: Organisation of Information
- Block 2: Bibliographic Description
- Block 3: Content Development
- Block 4: Information Storage and Retrieval Systems
- Block 5: Information Retrieval
MLII 103 Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies: study blocks
- Block 1: Computer Technology
- Block 2: Communication Technology
- Block 3: Media and Publishing Technology
- Block 4: Resource Sharing Networks
MLII 104 Information Communication Technologies: Applications: study blocks
- Block 1: Database Design and Management
- Block 2: Library Automation
- Block 3: Library and Information Services
- Block 4: Internet Resources and Services
MLIE 101 Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials: study blocks
- Block 1: Library Materials: Preservation and Conservation
- Block 2: Hazards to Library Materials and Control Measures
- Block 3: Binding
- Block 4: Restoration and Reformatting
MLIE 102 Research Methodology: study blocks
- Block 1: Introduction to Research Methodology
- Block 2: Tools for Research
- Block 3: Research Methods
- Block 4: Research Process
MLIE 103 Academic Library System: study blocks
- Block 1: Development of Academic Libraries
- Block 2: Collection Development
- Block 3: Staffing Pattern and Staff Development for Academic Libraries
- Block 4: Resource Sharing Programme
MLIE 104 Technical Writing: study blocks
- Block 1: Communication Process
- Block 2: Linguistics
- Block 3: Structure and Functions of Technical Communication
- Block 4: Technical Editing and Editorial Tools
MLIE 105 Informatrics and Scientometrics: study blocks
- Block 1: Foundation of Informetrics and Scientometrics
- Block 2: Informetrics: Elements and Applications
- Block 3: Scientometrics: Elements and Applications
- Block 4: Techniques and Modelling in Informetrics and Scientometrics
MLIE 106 Public Library System and Services: study blocks
- Block 1: Public Library: Basic Concepts
- Block 2: Public Library System: Resource Development
- Block 3: Management of Public Library System
- Block 4: Public Library Services
IGNOU MLIS assessment: assignments, term-end exams and pass marks
The IGNOU MLIS programme assesses learners through compulsory assignments and term-end examinations. Assignments must be submitted before taking the Term-End Examination for each course. Learners submit Tutor Marked Assignments to the Coordinator of their Learner Support Centre. Assignments for the current session are available for download from the IGNOU website. A failed assignment requires re-submission, but 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 and abroad. There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course. For projects and practicals, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle. Learners can write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes.
Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post. The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II, or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request. Learners can request a copy of their answer script for Rs. 100 per course. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible. Students who are short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade with one opportunity only.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MLIS study material: printed blocks and eGyanKosh
IGNOU provides self-instructional study material for the Master of Library and Information Science (IGNOU MLIS) programme. This material comes as a print book or an e-book.
The eGyanKosh repository hosts self-learning material for over 3923 courses. For example, MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society includes four study blocks: Block 1: Information: Nature, Property and Scope, Block 2: Information Generation and Communication, Block 3: Information and Society, and Block 4: Knowledge and Society. MLII 101 Information Sources, Systems and Services also has four study blocks, covering information institutions, sources, products, and intermediaries.
Counselling sessions are also available, with schedules set by the Learner Support Centre. Technology-enabled support is provided through Gyan Darshan, Gyan Vani, Swayam Prabha, and web-based resources. One credit represents 30 hours of learner study.
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 MLIS programme?
The full programme fee for IGNOU MLIS is Rs. 12,000 for the July 2026 session. You also pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at admission.
Which courses in the IGNOU MLIS programme include a project or internship? How many credits are required to complete the IGNOU MLIS programme?
The IGNOU MLIS programme requires a total of 40 credits for completion. This includes 8 core courses and 2 elective courses.
What are the study blocks for MLI 101 Information, Communication and Society?
MLI 101 has four study blocks: Block 1: Information: Nature, Property and Scope; Block 2: Information Generation and Communication; Block 3: Information and Society; and Block 4: Knowledge and Society. These are available on eGyanKosh.
Can I write my assignments and term-end examinations in Hindi for IGNOU MLIS?
Yes, learners can write assignments and Term-End Examinations in Hindi, even though the programme medium is English. This option is available for all courses except language programmes.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MLIS programme?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MLIS programme is 1 year. Learners have a maximum duration of 2 years to finish all requirements.
How many elective courses must be chosen in the IGNOU MLIS programme?
The IGNOU MLIS programme requires learners to choose 2 elective courses. There are six elective options available, each carrying 4 credits.
What is the eligibility criteria for admission to the IGNOU MLIS programme?
To be eligible for IGNOU MLIS, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and/or Information Science. Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC is also accepted.
Is there a discount if I choose digital study materials for IGNOU MLIS?
Yes, learners who opt for soft copies of study materials instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. This option is available at the time of admission.
How many core courses are there in the IGNOU MLIS syllabus?
The IGNOU MLIS programme comprises 8 core courses. These compulsory courses cover fundamental aspects of library and information science.