IGNOU M Lib Course Fee, Eligibility and Admission Process
Part of IGNOU Programmes: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
IGNOU charges a total amount of Rs. 12,000 as the IGNOU M Lib course fee for the 1-year Master of Library and Information Science programme. Applicants pay this fee online along with applicable registration charges through the IGNOU Samarth portal.
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), also known as IGNOU distance university, offers the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme under the School of Social Sciences. The programme builds professional human resources to handle library management and information services across India. IGNOU distance programmes are exempted from UGC regulations and stand at par with UGC-Distance Education Bureau approved courses.
IGNOU MLIS course details: Master of Library and Information Science ODL overview
IGNOU offers the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme under the School of Social Sciences in Open Distance Learning mode. The curriculum comprises 7 core courses and 2 elective courses designed for professional information handling.
IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Programme Details
| Programme Name | Programme Code | Duration | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Library and Information Science | MLIS | 1 Year | Open Distance Learning |
IGNOU M Lib course fee: Rs. 12,000 total fee structure
IGNOU charges a total programme fee of Rs. 12,000 for the 1-year Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) course. Applicants must also pay non-refundable registration and development fees during initial admission.
IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Fee Component Breakdown
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Programme Fee | Rs. 12,000 | Full 1-Year Programme |
| Registration Fee | As applicable | At Admission |
| Development Fee | As applicable | At Admission |
IGNOU MLIS eligibility criteria: Bachelor degree requirements
IGNOU requires candidates seeking admission to the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) to hold a recognized professional qualification. Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science or Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC qualify for admission.
IGNOU has not published a minimum percentage requirement for the qualifying degree on its admission portal as of 27 October 2026.
IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Eligibility Criteria
| Qualifying Degree / Credential | Specialization Stream | Minimum Passing Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Library and/or Information Science | Pass Grade |
| Associateship | NISCAIR or DRTC | Recognized Completion |
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MLIS admission dates: 2026 session updates
IGNOU conducts admissions for January and July academic cycles through official notifications released on its portal. For the January 2026 session, assignment submissions closed on 30 September 2026 at assigned study centres.
IGNOU has not published the official last date for 2026 MLIS admissions on its website as of 27 October 2026.
IGNOU MLIS Academic Timeline and Session Deadlines
| Academic Event / Session | Official Deadline | Status as of 27 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 Assignment Submission | 30 September 2026 | Closed |
| July 2026 / 2026 Admission Last Date | To be announced | Pending Official Release |
IGNOU MLIS required documents: Registration list
Candidates applying for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) must upload scanned images of their original certificates. All uploaded files must be clear and self-attested before submitting the application.
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Scanned signature of the candidate
- Class X mark sheet or date of birth proof
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) degree certificate or NISCAIR/DRTC mark sheet
- Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, or EWS candidates, if applicable
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) certificate, if applicable
IGNOU MLIS application process: Samarth portal steps
Candidates register for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) online via the Samarth portal. Applicants create user credentials, enter educational history, select support centres, upload files, and process fee payments.
- Visit the official IGNOU Samarth admission portal and click on the new registration tab.
- Provide a valid email ID, mobile number, and security password to create your account.
- Log in to the IGNOU Student Portal (Samarth) using your registered credentials.
- Select Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the available programme list.
- Enter personal details, academic qualifications, and choose your preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre.
- Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, qualifying mark sheets, and category certificates.
- Pay the programme fee of Rs. 12,000 plus applicable registration fees using online banking or card options.
- Submit the form and download the payment receipt along with the completed application for your records.
IGNOU MLIS evaluation rules: 30 percent assignment weightage
IGNOU evaluates Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) learners through continuous assessment and Term-End Examinations (TEE). Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA), seminars, and practicals account for 30% of total course marks, while term-end exams hold 70% weightage.
- Candidates complete one Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) for each of the 6 core and 2 elective courses.
- Assignments and seminars can be submitted or presented in either English or Hindi medium.
- Assignments remain valid for one year for the specific admission session attempted.
- Candidates who miss their session deadline must complete the fresh set of assignments published for the subsequent session.
Where to go on the IGNOU site
- Check IGNOU MLIS programme details and feesignouadmission.samarth.edu.in ↗
- Download MLIS course assignmentswebservices.ignou.ac.in ↗
- View official IGNOU admission portal updatesignou.ac.in ↗
- Log in to IGNOU Samarth student portalignou.samarth.edu.in ↗
Key facts
- Programme Full Name: Master of Library and Information Science
- Programme Code: MLIS
- Programme Duration: 1 Year
- Total Programme Fee: Rs. 12,000
- Learning Mode: Open Distance Learning
- Academic School: School of Social Sciences
- Instruction Medium: English
- Evaluation Weightage: 30% Continuous, 70% TEE
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
- IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026 PDF — IGNOU Common Prospectus with programme rules and fee regulations
- English PDF — MLIS English assignment booklet and submission guidelines
- Hindi — MLIS PDF — MLIS Hindi assignment booklet and submission guidelines
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the eligibility criteria for IGNOU MLIS admission 2026?
Candidates applying for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science from a recognized university. Candidates holding an Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC are also eligible to register. IGNOU has not prescribed a minimum percentage requirement for the qualifying degree on its site as of 27 October 2026. Online registration is completed on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
What is the IGNOU MLIS course fee for the 2026 session?
The total programme fee for the IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is Rs. 12,000 for the 1-year duration. Applicants must also pay applicable non-refundable registration and development fees during initial registration. The payment is made online using debit card, credit card, or net banking on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
Are IGNOU degrees recognized by private companies and HR recruiters for jobs?
Yes, IGNOU MLIS degrees are fully recognized across India for jobs and higher education. IGNOU has been exempted from UGC ODL Regulations under UGC letter F. No. 1-8/2019 (DEB-I), making its programmes at par with UGC-Distance Education Bureau approved degrees. Graduates are eligible for professional library and information management roles nationwide.
Is there an upper age limit for taking admission in IGNOU?
No, IGNOU has not specified an upper age limit for candidates enrolling in the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme. Applicants of any age who possess a Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent qualification can apply. Registration is completed online on the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
Can IGNOU MLIS assignments be written in Hindi medium?
Yes, IGNOU allows Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) candidates to write their Tutor Marked Assignments in either English or Hindi medium. While course print materials are prepared in English, assignment submissions in Hindi are evaluated at assigned study centres. Assignments carry 30% weightage toward continuous evaluation.
What is the minimum duration of the IGNOU MLIS course?
The standard duration for the IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) programme is 1 year in Open Distance Learning mode. Candidates with benchmark disabilities of 40% or more receive an additional extension of 2 years beyond standard maximum limits. Learners complete 7 core courses and 2 electives to earn the degree.
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