DISTANCE LEARNING | UGC-DEB APPROVED | NO ENTRANCE EXAM
IGNOU Online BLIS 2026: Fees, Eligibility and Admission
Start a career in libraries and information centres with a Bachelor of Library and Information Science from a central university. The IGNOU Online BLIS runs for just 1 year through self-learning study material, fits around your job, and gives you up to 2 years to finish.
About the Programme
What Is the IGNOU Online BLIS?
The Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) at IGNOU is a 1-year professional degree offered in open and distance learning (ODL) mode. It covers library and society, information sources and services, organising and managing information, ICT fundamentals, communication skills, library management, document processing and ICT in libraries, and ends with an internship.
You study from IGNOU’s self-learning material, attend counselling sessions and practicals at your study centre, submit assignments for each course and take term-end exams in June and December to earn your degree.
Why Choose the IGNOU Online BLIS?
- Central university degree
- No entrance exam
- Finish in just 1 year
- Practical training and internship
- Full programme fee of ₹9,000
Who Should Consider a Online BLIS from IGNOU?
A Online BLIS from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) suits graduates who want a professional qualification in library science without attending regular classes. Library assistants and staff can formalise their skills without leaving their jobs, while graduates who enjoy books, research and organising information can enter libraries, archives and documentation centres. With a low fee, a 1-year duration and study centres across India, the IGNOU Online BLIS is a practical first step towards a career in library and information science, and towards an MLIS later.
Library Staff:
Turn your work experience into a recognised BLIS degree and qualify for librarian and assistant librarian posts without a career break.
Graduates of Any Stream:
Add a professional library science degree to your bachelor's and open up jobs in schools, colleges, public libraries and information centres.
Future MLIS Aspirants:
Build the foundation in classification, cataloguing and library management you need before moving on to an MLIS.
Learners Across India:
Earn a BLIS from a central university from anywhere in the country, using your nearest IGNOU study centre for counselling and practicals.
Curriculum
IGNOU Online BLIS Syllabus
The IGNOU Online BLIS curriculum is spread over one year and 40 credits. Core courses cover library and society, information sources, organising information, ICT fundamentals and communication skills, while the practical courses train you in library management, document processing, information products and ICT in libraries, followed by an internship, so the Online BLIS syllabus prepares you for professional library work.
- Core Courses
- BLI-221: Library, Information and Society
- BLI-222: Information Sources and Services
- BLI-223: Organising and Managing Information
- BLI-224: ICT Fundamentals
- BLI-225: Communication Skills
- Practical Courses & Internship
- BLIE-226: Management of Library and Information Centre
- BLIE-227: Document Processing: Practice
- BLIE-228: Information Products and Services
- BLIE-229: ICT in Libraries
- BLII-230: Internship
Learning Methodology at IGNOU
The IGNOU Online BLIS follows IGNOU’s open and distance learning model, so you can learn from anywhere at a pace that suits your job and family commitments. Self-learning material, counselling sessions, practicals and continuous assessment work together to help you understand library and information science and apply it in real libraries.
Self-Learning Material:
Structured printed and digital study material for every course, available on IGNOU's eGyanKosh portal as well.
Counselling Sessions:
Attend counselling sessions at your study centre to clear doubts and discuss concepts with academic counsellors.
Practicals & Assignments:
Assignments, practical courses and an internship help you apply classification, cataloguing and library management skills.
Online Student Services:
Check results, grade cards, assignment status and announcements on IGNOU's student service portals.
Study Centre Support:
Get academic and administrative support from IGNOU’s wide network of regional and study centres.
Worldwide Reach:
Study from any city in India, with no need to relocate or attend regular classes on campus.
Our Credibility
Accreditation and Approvals
The IGNOU Online BLIS is offered by a central university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by UGC-DEB to run open and distance learning programmes. IGNOU holds an A++ grade from NAAC, is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is ranked No. 1 in the Open University category of NIRF 2025, so your Online BLIS degree is valid for jobs, promotions and higher studies such as an MLIS.
Admission Details
Course Duration & Eligibility
The IGNOU Online BLIS has a minimum duration of 1 year, with up to 2 years allowed to complete it. You can apply with a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PH), a bachelor’s degree plus a one-year diploma in library science, or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience in a library or information centre. There is no entrance exam. The programme fee is ₹9,000, plus a one-time ₹300 registration fee and ₹200 examination fee per course.
Course Duration
1 Year (Up to 2 Years)
Self-paced distance learning with practicals and an internship, ideal for working professionals.
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree
with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), or a degree plus a library science diploma or 2 years' library experience
Fees Details
How Much Is the IGNOU BLIS Course Fee in 2026?
The IGNOU Online BLIS fee structure is designed to be affordable for students and working professionals. It is made up of a one-time registration fee, the programme fee and an examination fee for each course. Always confirm the latest fee on IGNOU’s official portal before you pay.
Registration Fee
₹300
One-time fee paid at the time of admission.
Course Fee
₹9,000 Full Programme
Covers tuition and self-learning study material for the full year.
Examination Fee
₹200 per Course
Paid for each course when you register for the term-end exams.
Sample Degree
Get a Recognised Degree
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a BLIS degree from IGNOU, a central university that is UGC-DEB approved and widely accepted by schools, colleges, government libraries and other employers.
Career Scope
Career Opportunities After IGNOU Online BLIS
A Online BLIS qualifies you for professional roles wherever information needs to be organised, preserved and made easy to find, from school and college libraries to research institutes and corporate information centres. Many graduates go on to an MLIS to move into senior and teaching roles in library science.
- Job Roles
- Librarian
- Assistant Librarian
- Library Assistant
- Information Assistant
- Archivist
- Content Curator
- Where You Can Work
- Schools, Colleges & Universities
- Public & Government Libraries
- Research Institutes & Laboratories
- Corporate & Law Firm Libraries
- Museums & Archives
- Media & Publishing Houses
How to Apply for the IGNOU Online BLIS 2026
Two admission sessions run each year, July and January. Apply on the official admission portal.
1
Choose your program and mode
Check eligibility and pick ODL or online.
2
Create APAAR/ABC ID and DEB ID
You can’t submit the form without them.
3
Register on the right portal
Use Samarth for ODL, or Online Portal for OL.
4
Fill the form and upload documents.
You’ll need a photo, signature, mark sheets, and category certificate
5
Pay the fee online
Your enrolment number follows once IGNOU verifies your documents.
Online BLIS: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is this the official IGNOU website?
No. This is an independent guidance resource; all applications are completed on IGNOU’s official Samarth portal, linked above.
Q2. What’s the difference between Online and ODL modes?
Online programmes are delivered fully through a digital platform; ODL (Open and Distance Learning) combines printed study material with periodic contact sessions.
Q3. Can I switch programmes after admission?
Programme change requests are handled by IGNOU directly within a specified window each session — check the current prospectus for dates.
Q4. What is the fee for the IGNOU Online BLIS?
The IGNOU Online BLIS has a programme fee of ₹9,000, a registration fee of ₹300 and an examination fee of ₹200 per course. Confirm the final amount on the official IGNOU portal before you apply.
Q5. Can I do an MLIS after the IGNOU BLIS?
Yes. A BLIS is the usual entry route to a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), and IGNOU offers an MLIS that you can join after completing your BLIS.
Q6. Who is eligible for the IGNOU Online BLIS?
You need a bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PH), or a bachelor’s degree plus a one-year diploma in library science, or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience in a library or information centre. There is no entrance exam, so check the current eligibility on the official portal before applying.
Q7. What is the duration of the Online BLIS at IGNOU?
The minimum duration is 1 year, and you can take up to 2 years to complete the programme if you need more time.
Q8. Is an IGNOU BLIS degree valid for government jobs?
Yes. IGNOU is a central university and its distance programmes are UGC-DEB approved, so a BLIS is generally accepted for library posts in government schools, colleges and public libraries. Eligibility can vary by post, so always check the specific job notification.