IGNOU Guide IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University · Delhi

IGNOU BLIS Admission: Eligibility, Rs 9,000 Fee & Samarth Portal

Updated 29 October 2026 Programmes 14 min read

IGNOU offers the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) programme for distance learners through the Samarth admission portal. Candidates with a graduate degree and minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PH) can apply. The full programme fee is Rs 9,000 plus registration charges for the 1-year degree.

Indira Gandhi National Open University, also known as IGNOU, offers the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) programme through its School of Social Sciences under Open Distance Learning. This one-year professional degree equips learners with fundamental skills in information management, document processing, ICT applications, and library administration. Offered in English medium with option for Hindi examination script writing, the programme comprises 40 credits across ten courses.

IGNOU BLIS programme structure: 1-year distance degree under SOSS

The Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University is a professional distance learning degree offered by the School of Social Sciences. Designed to train students in modern library management and information services, the programme spans a minimum duration of one year across 40 academic credits. Students enrolled in the distance learning mode can complete their coursework through self-learning material and practical sessions.

Applicants can view detailed degree details on the IGNOU Samarth BLIS programme portal. The programme structure balances theoretical concepts with practical skill acquisition in information technology and document cataloguing.

IGNOU BLIS Programme Overview

Feature Details
Programme Type Degree
Study Mode Open Distance Learning (ODL)
School School of Social Sciences (SOSS)
Duration 1 Year
Total Credits 40 Credits
Medium English (Hindi response permitted for TMA/TEE)

Location of Indira Gandhi National Open University headquarters.

IGNOU BLIS eligibility criteria: minimum 50% marks in graduation

Indira Gandhi National Open University has established flexible eligibility criteria for admission into the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme. Candidates holding a recognized bachelor degree with required minimum percentage marks or relevant professional qualification in library science can apply. The university provides category relaxations in qualifying marks for reserved candidates as per central government norms for distance education admissions.

To qualify for admission into the BLIS degree programme, an applicant must fulfill any one of the following eligibility criteria:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with 50% aggregate marks for General category (45% for SC, ST, OBC, and PH categories).
  • Bachelor’s Degree with a 1-year Diploma in Library Science.
  • Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of working experience in a recognized Library and Information Centre.

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria 2026 (2026).

IGNOU BLIS fee structure: Rs 9,000 for full programme

The fee structure for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University is designed to offer an affordable professional education. The total programme fee covers tuition and course components across the complete one-year duration. Additional non-refundable charges, such as registration fees and university development fees, apply during the initial online application process on the admission portal.

Students must pay the prescribed fees online at the time of form submission. The university also charges separate fees for practical examinations and project evaluations as per general university examination regulations.

Fee Component Breakdown for IGNOU BLIS

Fee Component Amount Applicability
Full Programme Fee Rs 9,000 Mandatory course fee for full programme
Registration Fee As applicable Non-refundable initial admission fee
Development Fee As applicable Charged at time of admission
Practical Examination Fee Slab-based Payable with TEE exam form for practical courses

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU Notification 103 Revised Programme Fees 2026 (2027).

IGNOU BLIS course curriculum: 10 courses with 40 total credits

The course curriculum for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science at Indira Gandhi National Open University consists of ten individual courses totaling 40 credits. The academic structure combines theoretical foundations of information science with hands-on practical training in library management software, document processing, and information technology. All courses carry equal credit weightage across theory, practical practice, and internship components.

Five courses in the curriculum feature mandatory practical components, four are strictly theory-based, and one course provides structured internship experience in library systems.

Course Code, Title, and Credit Distribution for IGNOU BLIS

Course Code Course Title Credits Nature of Course
BLI 221 Library, Information and Society 4 Theory
BLI 222 Information Sources and Services 4 Theory
BLI 223 Organising and Managing Information 4 Theory
BLI 224 ICT Fundamentals 4 Practical Component
BLIE 225 Communication Skills 4 Practical Component
BLIE 226 Management of Library and Information Centre 4 Theory
BLIE 227 Document Processing Practice 4 Practical Component
BLIE 228 Information Products and Services 4 Practical Component
BLIE 229 ICT in Libraries 4 Practical Component
BLII 230 Internship 4 Internship

IGNOU BLIS evaluation scheme: 30% assignments and 70% TEE weightage

Indira Gandhi National Open University follows a comprehensive evaluation system for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme. Learner performance is assessed through continuous internal evaluation in the form of tutor-marked assignments and end-of-term examinations. Students must complete both assignment submissions and term-end theory or practical examinations to successfully earn credit points for each prescribed course.

Students can download question booklets from the IGNOU BLIS assignment repository. Assignments carry 30% weightage while the Term-End Examination (TEE) carries 70% weightage in final grading. Failure to submit assignments by the scheduled deadline requires attempting fresh assignments for subsequent academic cycles.

BLIS Assignment Submission Deadlines by Session

Admission Session Submission Deadline Consequence of Non-Submission
July Session 30th March (following year) Must attempt fresh assignments of subsequent session
January Session 30th September Must attempt fresh assignments of subsequent session

First page of the official IGNOU document: IGNOU PhD Information Brochure July 2026
First page of the official document IGNOU PhD Information Brochure July 2026 (2026).

IGNOU BLIS admission: online registration on Samarth portal

Candidates seeking admission to the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University must submit their application forms online through the official Samarth admission portal. The registration procedure requires applicants to create a user profile, fill in personal and educational details, upload self-attested documents, and pay the prescribed fee online. Successful submission yields a confirmation notification and allows applicants to track admission status.

The application process is conducted on the Samarth admission portal as outlined in the IGNOU Common Prospectus. Candidates do not need to send printed physical application forms to the Regional Centre.

  1. Visit the official IGNOU Samarth admission portal and click on new registration.
  2. Create a User ID and Password using a valid personal email address and mobile number.
  3. Log in using credentials and complete personal, academic, and category details.
  4. Select the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) programme and choose your preferred Regional Centre and Learner Support Centre.
  5. Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and experience certificate.
  6. Pay the programme fee, registration fee, and development fee using Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
  7. Submit the online form and save the completed application form and fee payment receipt for future reference.

Brick buildings behind a decorative fence on the IGNOU campus.
Buildings on the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) campus in New Delhi.

IGNOU BLIS regional study centres: nationwide learner support network

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme across an extensive network of regional centres and learner support centres throughout India. These designated centres conduct academic counselling sessions, facilitate practical training, receive assignment answer sheets, and administer term-end examinations. Students can select an accessible study centre located in their respective region during the admission process.

The following table displays select Regional Centres and Learner Support Centres providing academic support for BLIS learners across different states:

Select IGNOU Regional Centres and Study Centres for BLIS

Regional Centre Study Centre Code Study Centre Name
DELHI 3 Naraina 0775P Delhi Library Association
DELHI 2 ITO 29057 Satyawati College (Morning)
LUCKNOW 2701 Jai Narain Degree College Lucknow
KOLKATA 2842 Bhairab Ganguly College
BANGALORE 13181 M S Ramaiah College of Arts Science and Commerce
JAIPUR 23153 International School of Informatics & Management
HYDERABAD 01131 Aurora’s Business School
SRINAGAR 1231P Deptt. of Library & Information Science

Main entrance gate of IGNOU, with its name, trees, and people.
The main entrance gate of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India.

IGNOU BLIS study material resources: eGyanKosh and practical training

Indira Gandhi National Open University provides comprehensive study material and practical learning resources to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme. Learners receive self-instructional printed books and can access digital study materials online through the eGyanKosh repository free of charge. Practical courses equip students with technical skills in library classification schemes, metadata cataloguing standards, and open-source library automation tools.

Assignment booklets are available in PDF format through the IGNOU BLIS English assignment PDF and IGNOU BLIS Hindi assignment PDF. Practical assignments involve hands-on work with tools such as Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-2R), MARC 21 format, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC 19th edition), LibreOffice suites, and digital library software like Greenstone (GSDL).

  • eGyanKosh Repository: Free digital access to self-learning material blocks and instructional video programmes.
  • Cataloguing and Metadata Practice: Hands-on training in AACR-2R rules and MARC 21 metadata structures.
  • Classification Practice: Practical exercises using Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) 19th edition schedules at study centres.
  • Software Applications: Practical training in LibreOffice Writer, Calc, Impress, Linux OS, and GSDL digital library tools.

Key facts

  • Programme Name: Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS)
  • Offering School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS)
  • Learning Mode: Open Distance Learning (ODL)
  • Programme Duration: 1 Year
  • Total Credits: 40 Credits
  • Medium of Instruction: English (Exams & assignments allowed in Hindi)
  • Full Programme Fee: Rs 9,000 (Plus registration & development fee)
  • Evaluation System: 30% Assignments (TMA) + 70% Term-End Exam (TEE)

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

Common IGNOU Questions

What is the eligibility criteria for IGNOU BLIS admission?

Candidates require a Bachelor’s Degree with 50% aggregate marks, or 45% marks for SC, ST, OBC, and PH candidates. Alternatively, applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree and a one-year Diploma in Library Science, or a Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of working experience in a Library and Information Centre are eligible. Admissions are submitted online via the IGNOU Samarth portal.

What is the full programme fee for IGNOU BLIS?

The total programme fee for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science course at IGNOU is Rs 9,000 for the full programme. In addition to the programme fee, non-refundable registration fees and university development fees are payable at the time of admission. Fee payment is completed online through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI on the admission portal.

In which language can I write IGNOU BLIS exams and assignments?

The official medium of instruction for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme at IGNOU is English. However, IGNOU permits enrolled students to write their tutor-marked assignments and term-end examination answer scripts in Hindi medium. Students can select their preferred response language when attempting internal assignments or filling the term-end exam form.

How many total credits and courses are in the IGNOU BLIS programme?

The IGNOU Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme comprises 10 courses totaling 40 academic credits. The course components include four theory-based courses, five practical-oriented courses covering ICT and document processing, and one internship course. Each individual course carries 4 credits and requires dedicated study time and practical continuous evaluation.

What is the evaluation weightage between assignments and term-end exams for BLIS?

Continuous internal evaluation carries 30% weightage for tutor-marked assignments and practicals, while the Term-End Examination carries 70% weightage. Students admitted in the July session must submit assignments to their Study Centre by 30th March of the following year, while January session learners must submit by 30th September. If a student fails to submit their assignments by the specified deadline, they must attempt a fresh set of assignments issued for subsequent academic sessions.

What are the assignment submission deadlines for IGNOU BLIS students?

For students admitted in the July session, tutor-marked assignments must be submitted to their designated Study Centre by 30th March of the following year. For learners admitted in the January session, the assignment submission deadline is 30th September. Students who fail to submit assignments within the deadline must attempt fresh assignments issued for subsequent sessions.

Does IGNOU BLIS include practical training and internship courses?

Yes, the IGNOU Bachelor of Library and Information Science curriculum includes five practical-based courses and one internship component. Practical courses such as BLI 224, BLIE 225, BLIE 227, BLIE 228, and BLIE 229 train students in library automation tools, cataloguing, and document processing. Course BLII 230 provides structured internship experience in a library environment.

Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU BLIS?

Indira Gandhi National Open University prescribes no upper age limit for admission into the Bachelor of Library and Information Science programme. Eligible candidates of any age can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in during active admission cycles. Applicants create a user profile, enter educational details, upload required scanned documents, and pay fees online. If any application discrepancy is notified by the university, learners must rectify it promptly to avoid admission form rejection.

What documents must be uploaded for IGNOU BLIS admission on the Samarth portal?

Applicants must upload scanned copies of their recent photograph, signature, photo ID proof, Class 10 age certificate, and qualifying degree marksheets on the IGNOU Samarth portal. Candidates claiming reservation or work experience must also submit valid category certificates or experience certificates. All uploaded files must be clear, legible, and self-attested before final submission. If any uploaded document has a discrepancy, the university notifies the applicant via email to re-upload it within a specified deadline.

How can students track their IGNOU BLIS admission application status online?

Learners can track their IGNOU BLIS admission status by logging into the Samarth admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in using their registered user ID and password. The university sends an automated confirmation text message and email to the registered mobile number once admission is officially approved. If there is an application discrepancy, candidates are notified through the portal and registered contact details. If unrectified within the stipulated timeframe, the application form is rejected by the university.

Can IGNOU BLIS students change a course after taking admission?

Yes, IGNOU permits students to request a course change within 30 days from receiving their first batch of study materials. For undergraduate degree courses carrying 4 credits like BLIS modules, a fee of Rs 350 per course is charged for the change. The fee must be paid through a Demand Draft drawn in favour of IGNOU payable at the respective Regional Centre. Written requests along with the demand draft must be submitted directly to the concerned Regional Director for processing.

Do SC and ST candidates get fee exemption for IGNOU BLIS admission?

Indira Gandhi National Open University offers programme fee exemption to eligible SC and ST students during admission. Applicants must upload a valid income certificate issued by an authorized government agency while applying on the Samarth portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The exemption covers only the main programme fee, so learners must still pay registration, development, and examination fees. If an applicant submits forged or invalid category certificates, IGNOU cancels the admission and initiates legal action.

Are practical examination fees charged separately for IGNOU BLIS courses?

Yes, IGNOU charges separate practical examination fees for BLIS courses containing practical components when submitting the term-end examination form. Students must pay the prescribed practical fee online through the examination portal during TEE registration. Learners must present a copy of the online fee payment receipt when attending practical examinations at their assigned study centre. If the practical examination fee is not paid, the student is not permitted to appear for the practical evaluation.

What learning materials and practical software tools are offered in the IGNOU BLIS programme?

IGNOU supplies self-instructional printed material and provides free digital access to course books via the eGyanKosh online repository. Learners receive hands-on practical training in cataloguing and classification tools including AACR-2R, MARC 21, DDC 19th edition, LibreOffice, and Greenstone digital library software. Students can also download assignment question papers directly from webservices.ignou.ac.in. If digital study materials are required, enrolled students can access them through eGyanKosh or the IGNOU e-Content mobile app.

What happens if an applicant submits forged documents during IGNOU BLIS admission?

Submitting forged or fraudulent documents during IGNOU BLIS admission results in immediate cancellation of admission and legal action under Government of India rules. Applicants must upload genuine, self-attested scanned certificates including income certificates on the Samarth portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The university scrutinizes submitted files and notifies applicants of discrepancies through email and mobile alerts. If discrepancies are not rectified within the stipulated timeframe, IGNOU rejects the application form completely.

How can IGNOU students apply for an education loan through the Vidya Lakshmi Portal?

IGNOU students can apply for an education loan online through the Vidya Lakshmi Portal maintained by NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited. The single-window electronic platform connects learners with nearly 40 registered banks offering more than 70 distinct educational loan schemes. Enrolled applicants can search for suitable schemes, submit loan applications, and track their processing status online from initial submission to final bank sanction. If a bank requests additional details, learners can update their application directly on the portal.

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