MLIS – Master of Library and Information Science: IGNOU Syllabus, Fees & Notes
Master of Library and Information Science
Build professional knowledge for organising, retrieving and managing information. MLIS combines library management with information services, communication technologies and practical experience.
Official sources checked: 6 October 2026 · Independent student guide
MLIS at a glance
Master of Library and Information Science is a postgraduate degree programme offered by IGNOU through Open and Distance Learning. The programme code is MLIS; individual papers have their own course codes in the syllabus below.
School: School of Social Sciences (SOSS)
Medium: English
Duration: 1–2 years
Credits: 40
Sources: official MLIS programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
Eligibility, duration & fees
Who can apply?
BLIS or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university/institution. The July 2026 prospectus also lists a bachelor’s degree in Library and/or Information Science or Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC.
What is the programme fee?
The listed tuition is ₹12,000 full programme. The standard programme tuition works out to ₹12,000 programme fee. This excludes examination fees and any applicable registration, development or other charges; bridge-course charges may apply to MCA_NEW entrants.
The published completion window is 1–2 years. Choose MLIS on the admission portal and check the selected mode, medium and supporting-document requirements.
Sources: official MLIS programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
MLIS syllabus & course structure
The tables list the published programme structure. Course codes are shown in a consistent hyphenated format; the prospectus sometimes prints the same codes with spaces or without leading zeroes.
Core courses · eight courses · 32 credits
| Code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MLI-101 | Information, Communication and Society | 4 |
| MLI-102 | Management of Library and Information Centres | 4 |
| MLII-101 | Information Sources, Systems and Services | 4 |
| MLII-102 | Information Processing and Retrieval | 4 |
| MLII-103 | Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies | 4 |
| MLII-104 | Information Communication Technologies: Applications | 4 |
| MLIP-002 | Project Work / Dissertation | 4 |
| MLII-105 | Internship | 4 |
Elective pool · choose any two · 8 credits
| Code | Course title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MLIE-101 | Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials | 4 |
| MLIE-102 | Research Methodology | 4 |
| MLIE-103 | Academic Library System | 4 |
| MLIE-104 | Technical Writing | 4 |
| MLIE-105 | Informetrics and Scientometrics | 4 |
| MLIE-106 | Public Library System and Services | 4 |
Sources: official MLIS programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
Blocks, units & detailed syllabus
This is the programme-level course list. For the complete block and unit contents, open the official programme guide and the study material for each paper. Use the table of contents in the material matching your enrolled code; a similar title from an older curriculum may have a different structure.
Detailed rules: official programme guide. Check subsequent notifications for changes.
Study material, assignments & examinations
Use the official study material first
Start with the registered course codes in your student record. Search the official eGyanKosh repository by those codes, check the title and work through the material systematically. Keep a list of concepts you need to discuss with your academic counsellor. Supplementary notes can help revision, but should be checked against the prescribed material.
Assignment preparation
Download the assignment booklet for your registered course code and admission session. Follow its questions, word limits and submission instructions. Use your own explanations, keep a copy and retain proof of submission. Confirm the centre’s accepted submission method and current deadline before sending your work.
Assessment & passing requirements
The July 2022 MLIS guide requires at least 40% in continuous evaluation and the term-end examination, and 50% in MLIP-002. It also specifies 75% attendance in practical sessions. Read the detailed component rules and any later notices applicable to your batch; the project does not follow the same continuous-evaluation arrangement as theory courses.
Detailed rules: official programme guide. Check subsequent notifications for changes.
Examination checklist
- Check registration validity and whether you meet the examination eligibility conditions.
- Use the current examination notification, form and date sheet for your session.
- Confirm that the hall ticket shows the correct course codes and centre.
- For practicals, seminars and viva, follow the separate instructions issued by your centre.
- After results, check each required component in your grade card and keep submission receipts until all marks appear.
Project, practical & fieldwork requirements
MLIP-002 is the 4-credit project/dissertation; MLII-105 is the separate 4-credit internship. The programme guide requires proposal approval for the dissertation. Follow the current internship SOP for placement, records and assessment. Computer practicals and seminars are part of the programme; ask your study centre for its schedule.
Sources: official MLIS programme page and IGNOU July 2026 Common Prospectus, sections 3.22–3.26.
A practical study approach
The suggestions below are revision advice, not additional IGNOU requirements.
Practise information retrieval
Keep a short search log showing your query, chosen database and why particular results were useful.
Link management to library work
Apply budgeting, staffing and collection decisions to a library you know. This makes abstract concepts easier to explain.
Keep project and internship records separate
Maintain a research folder for the dissertation and a distinct activity record for the internship. Use the official formats required for each.
Build a simple weekly routine
Choose a small reading target, write a one-page summary and test yourself without looking at the notes. Keep assignment preparation separate from last-minute exam revision. At the end of the week, review weak areas and decide which questions to raise with your counsellor.
Useful IGNOU links
- MLIS official programme page — programme details and linked resources.
- July 2026 Common Prospectus — published programme structure, eligibility and fees.
- Official programme guide — detailed syllabus and assessment instructions.
- ODL admission portal — check session availability and admission requirements.
- IGNOU student portal — student account and registration information.
- eGyanKosh — search for official self-learning material.
- IGNOU official website — latest assignment, examination and student-service links.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for MLIS?
Applicants need the prescribed library/information science qualification. Check the official eligibility wording for BLIS equivalents and the listed associateships.
How many electives should I choose?
Choose any two from the six electives in the published structure.
Does MLIS include an internship?
Yes. MLII-105 is the 4-credit internship, separate from the 4-credit MLIP-002 project.
Is MLIS taught in Hindi?
The medium is English. The official guide and prospectus allow assignments and TEE answers in Hindi as well.