IGNOU MLIS Admission 2026: Course Fees, Eligibility, Last Date & Syllabus

IGNOU MLIS Admission 2026: IGNOU  (Indira Gandhi National Open University) has started accepting applications for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program from December 16, 2025. It is a 1 year postgraduate degree program offered in distance mode by IGNOU.  The distance mode option is a big advantage for students who want to pursue the MLIS course while preparing for careers in libraries and information centers. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science from a recognized university can apply for the IGNOU MLIS program.  It is expected that the last date is 31st January 2026 for application submission, so must submit your registration form before the last date. Admission to this program is available twice a year in January and July. For filling the application form candidates need to visit the official website of IGNOU and have to pay a non- refundable registration fee of INR 300. The entire course fee ranges between INR 12,000 to INR 12,500. 

IGNOU MLIS Admission Latest Update

• Jan Update: IGNOU January 2026 admission portal has opened now student can apply for the eligible course till 31st January 2026. Go to the official portal and apply. Source
• Jan Update: Re- registration process is open till 15 January 2026. Students must register themselves for the next semester on time. Source

IGNOU MLIS Admission Update

• About the Course: This course provides in-depth knowledge of IT and Library research methods. 
• Program Overview: MLIS teaches advanced library and information management skills
• Duration: 1 year minimum, 2 years maximum
• Eligibility: Candidates have a bachelor’s degree in Library/Information Science (BLIS) or equivalent from a university.
• Application Process: Online application through the IGNOU website
• Curriculum: Covers digital libraries, information technology, and research methods
• Learning Flexibility: Distance education with printed study materials
• Fees Per Semester: ₹5,750 (total program fee ₹11,500)
• Career Opportunities: After completing the MSIS course, you can make a career in Libraries, information centers, and digital archives

IGNOU MLIS Admission Highlight Points 2026

IGNOU MLIS Admission Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Library and/or Information Science
• Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC is also accepted
• No minimum percentage requirement mentioned
• No age limit for applicants
• Open to students from any recognized university in India

It is possible that if a student does not have a Bliss degree, then that student can take admission with a Bachelor’s degree. Many Universities accept the applications of such students.

IGNOU MLIS Multiple Exit and Multiple Entry points

The MLIS programme at IGNOU is a 1-year course, so it does not have multiple exit or entry points like some longer programmes. Students enroll for a full master’s degree and complete it in 1-2 years. This aligns with the traditional postgraduate structure rather than the new flexible options under NEP 2020.

IGNOU MLIS Entrance Exam

• No entrance exam for MLIS admission
• Selection based on eligibility criteria fulfillment
• Direct admission after document verification.

IGNOU MLIS Admission Selection Criteria

• Complete an online application form
• Meet eligibility requirements (Bachelor’s in Library Science)
• Submit all required documents
• Pay application and program fees
• First-come, first-served basis if seats are limited

IGNOU MLIS Admission Fee Structure

• Total MLIS Program Fee: Rs. 11,100
• Registration Fee: Rs. 300 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Re-registration Fee (if needed): To be announced
• Exam Fee: Included in program fee
• Study Material: Free of cost
• SC/ST Fee Support: Check the IGNOU website for the latest information on fee concessions

The application fee is not refundable.

IGNOU MLIS Admission Application Process:2026-27

Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU portal www.ignou.ac.in

Step 2: Click on ” New Admission” and select “Apply Online“

Step 3: Register as a new user if a first-time applicant

Step 4: Fill in your personal and educational details carefully

Step 5: Upload required documents (degree, ID proof, photo)

Step 6: Pay application and program fees online(Credit/Debit and Net banking)

Step 7: Submit the form and note down your application number

Step 8: Check your email for confirmation and further instructions

Documents Required

• Scanned passport-size photograph
• Scanned signature
• 10th class mark sheet
• 12th class mark sheet
• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, mark sheet
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• ID proof (Aadhar card/PAN card)

Examination Pattern

The IGNOU MLIS program follows a comprehensive evaluation system. Students are assessed through both continuous evaluation and term-end examinations.

Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. These are written exams conducted at designated exam centers. They cover the entire syllabus of each course and account for 70% of the final grade. Students must score at least 30% in both assignments and term-end exams to pass a course.

Suggestions for IGNOU MLIS Admission Learners

• Study Regularly: Set a consistent study schedule
• Use Study Materials: Read IGNOU-provided materials thoroughly
• Submit Assignments On Time: Important for continuous evaluation
• Join Study Groups: Connect with other MLIS students online
• Attend Counseling Sessions: If offered at your study center
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Helps in exam preparation
• Time Management: Balance studies with other commitments
• Seek Clarifications: Contact course coordinators if concepts are unclear
• Focus on Practical Applications: Library science is hands-on
• Stay Updated: Follow the latest trends in library and information science.

IGNOU MLIS Evaluation System

• Continuous Evaluation: Through assignments (30% weightage)
• Term-End Examination: Written exams (70% weightage)
• Minimum Pass Score: 40% in both assignments and the term-end exam
• Grading: Letter grades (A, B, C, D, E) based on overall performance
• Practical Components: Some courses may have practical evaluations
• Project Work: Optional 4-credit project with viva-voce.

IGNOU MLIS Admission Program Syllabus

Scholarship 

IGNOU accepts scholarships applicable under all the Central and State Government schemes. There are many schemes available to students that help different categories of students in financing their higher degree education. The online scholarship portal is at @scholarships.gov.in.

Students can apply for scholarship schemes and contact IGNOU during or after the admission process. They can seek help from the Student Service Centre at IGNOU Regional Centre or directly contact IGNOU Head Office at IGNOU New Delhi.

IGNOU MLIS Assignment

Students who are pursuing an IGNOU MLIS course are required to submit assignments for all compulsory subjects. Please submit your assignments before the last date.

• Assignments are a crucial part of the MLIS program
• They help in continuous learning and self-assessment
• Students must submit assignments for each course
• Assignments contribute 30% to the final course grade
• Submission deadlines are strict and must be followed
• Assignments can be submitted online or at study centers
• They prepare students for term-end examinations
• Feedback on assignments helps improve understanding
• Plagiarism in assignments is strictly prohibited

Students can submit MLIS IGNOU assignments in two ways. The regional Centre website can be used to access the Google Form for submitting the assignments online. IGNOU MLIS assignments can also be submitted in person at the allotted regional centre or the study centre.

How to Download Learning Material PDFs

Step 1: The E-gyankosh portal is open for downloading study material at @egyankosh.ac.in

Step 2: In the search bar, type ‘MLIS’.

Step 3: All subjects will be visible to choose the study material from.

Step 4: Click on the selected subject. And choose the topic.

Step 5: Click on the topic and download the MLIS study material PDF file.

Scholorship

IGNOU accepts scholarships applicable under all Central and State Government schemes. Students get many schemes that help different categories of students in financing their higher degree education. Online portal available for such scholarship schemes can be found at @scholarships.gov.in.

Students can approach IGNOU for various types of scholarship programs. Students can contact IGNOU for various types of scholarship programmes. They can take assistance from the Student Service Centre of IGNOU Regional Centre or directly contact IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi.

What career goals can the IGNOU MLIS program help achieve?

• Library Manager: Lead library operations, manage staff, and develop library policies. Knowledge of library management systems and budgeting is crucial.
• Digital Archivist: Preserve and organize digital collections, using skills in digital preservation and metadata management learned in the MLIS program.
• Information Consultant: Provide expert advice on information management to businesses or organizations, applying knowledge of information retrieval and database management.
• Academic Librarian: Support research and learning in universities, utilizing subject expertise and information literacy skills gained from the MLIS curriculum.
• Knowledge Manager: Organize and manage an organization’s information resources, using skills in information organization and knowledge management principles studied in the MLIS program.

IGNOU MLIS Placement Information

After completing a graduate degree in Library and Information Science field, you can either go to the job fields to gain field experience or you can go for higher studies in the same field, one can also do his/her own business in books by setting up his/her own library.

• Library Director: Manage large public or academic libraries (₹8-12 LPA)
• Information Architect: Design information systems for websites (₹6-10 LPA)
• Research Librarian: Support academic research in specialized fields (₹5-8 LPA)
• Digital Collections Manager: Oversee digital archives and collections (₹6-9 LPA)
• Information Literacy Instructor: Teach information skills in educational settings (₹4-7 LPA)

IGNOU MLIS Regional Study Centre Details

Programme Coordinator

Program coordinators handle all the activities specified in the coordinator manual by the university. They perform tasks like finding questions for assignments, updating the syllabus, creating program guides, and monitoring assignment submissions. Details about the MLIS program coordinator are given here- Phone- 011-29572714.

Conclusion

The IGNOU Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program offers a flexible and affordable way to advance your career in library science. With its comprehensive curriculum covering both traditional and digital aspects of library management, the program prepares students for various roles in the evolving information landscape. 

FAQs

Q: Who is eligible for IGNOU MLIS Admission 2026?

Ans: For IGNOU MLIS admission eligibility, the candidate must have passed a Bachelor’s degree or Associateship in Library and Information Science. The fee for the MLIS course is Rs 11,100.

Q. What is the IGNOU MLIS Admission last date?

A: Candidate can apply for IGNOU admission 2026 till 31st January 2026, through samarth portal.

Q: Is the IGNOU MLIS degree recognized by other universities?

Ans: Yes, IGNOU degrees are recognized by all Indian universities and the UGC.

Q: How do I access study materials for IGNOU MLIS?

Ans: IGNOU sends printed study materials by post. Some materials may also be available online through the eGyankosh portal.

Q: Are there any face-to-face classes in the MLIS program?

Ans: While it’s primarily distance learning, some study centers may offer optional counseling sessions or practical workshops.