ONLINE DEGREE | UGC-DEB ENTITLED | NO ENTRANCE EXAM
IGNOU Online MLIS 2026: Fees, Eligibility and Admission
Turn your interest in books, data and information into a postgraduate career with a Master of Library and Information Science from a central university. Study online around your job, learn to organise and manage information for libraries and knowledge centres, and take up to 4 years to finish if work gets busy.
About the Programme
What Is the IGNOU Online MLIS?
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at IGNOU is a postgraduate degree focused on how information is organised, stored, retrieved and managed. It covers research methodology and statistics, information analysis and repackaging, advanced classification and cataloguing, information storage and retrieval, academic library systems and IT applications in libraries.
You study through IGNOU’s online platform with e-book study material and live interactive sessions, complete assignments and project work for each course, and take term-end exams to earn your degree.
Why Choose the IGNOU Online MLIS?
- Central university degree
- No entrance exam
- Work while you study
- Build a career in library & information science
- Up to 4 years to finish
Who Should Consider an Online MLIS from IGNOU?
An Online MLIS from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) suits a wide range of learners. Library staff can earn a higher qualification without leaving their jobs, while graduates who enjoy research and organising information can move into a structured career in libraries, archives and knowledge centres. Learners in smaller towns, or anyone without easy access to a regular university, can study from home on IGNOU’s online learning platform. With an affordable fee and a UGC-DEB entitled degree, the IGNOU Online MLIS is a practical way to build a career in library and information science on your own schedule.
Library Professionals:
Upgrade your qualification and move into senior library and information roles with an Online MLIS, without taking a career break.
Researchers & Academics:
Build skills in research methodology, statistics and literature surveys that support teaching and research careers.
Fresh Graduates:
Add an Online MLIS to your bachelor's degree and stand out for jobs in libraries, archives, documentation centres and information services.
Learners Across India:
Earn an MLIS from a central university from anywhere in the country, with no relocation or hostel costs.
Curriculum
IGNOU Online MLIS Semester
The IGNOU Online MLIS curriculum builds advanced skills in library and information science. Semester I covers research methodology, information analysis and repackaging, advanced classification and information retrieval, while Semester II moves into advanced cataloguing, academic library systems, literature surveys in the social sciences and IT applications, so the Online MLIS syllabus prepares you for professional roles step by step.
- Semester I
- MLIE-101: Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques
- MLIE-102: Information Analysis and Repackaging
- MLIE-103: Advanced Classification Practice
- MLIE-104: Information Storage and Retrieval
- Semester II
- MLIE-105: Advanced Cataloguing Practice
- MLIE-106: Academic Library System
- MLIE-107: Information and Literature Survey in Social Sciences
- MLIE-108: Information Technology: Applications
Learning Methodology at IGNOU
The IGNOU Online MLIS is delivered fully online, so you can learn from anywhere at a pace that suits your job and family commitments. Self-study material, live sessions and continuous assessment work together to help you understand library and information science in depth and apply it in real libraries and information centres.
E-Book Study Material:
Well-structured digital study material for every course, available anytime on your phone or laptop.
Live Interactive Sessions:
Attend live online classes with faculty to clear doubts and discuss concepts in real time.
Projects & Assignments:
Assignments and project work for each course help you apply classification, cataloguing and research skills.
Learning Management System:
Access lectures, resources, announcements and assignment submissions in one place on IGNOU’s online platform.
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 or abroad, with no need to relocate or attend regular classes on campus.
Our Credibility
Accreditation and Approvals
The IGNOU Online MLIS is offered by a central university recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and entitled by UGC-DEB to run online 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 MLIS degree is valid for jobs, promotions and higher studies across India.
Admission Details
Course Duration & Eligibility
The IGNOU Online MLIS has a standard duration of 2 years (4 semesters), with up to 4 years allowed to complete it. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university can apply for this Online MLIS, with no minimum percentage, no age limit and no entrance exam. The fee is ₹2,775 per semester, plus a one-time ₹300 registration fee and ₹200 examination fee per subject.
Course Duration
2 Years (4 Semesters)
Up to 4 years to complete, with flexible online learning designed for working professionals.
Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree
from a recognized university (no minimum percentage, no age limit)
Fees Details
How Much Is the IGNOU MLIS Course Fee in 2026?
The IGNOU Online MLIS fee structure is designed to be affordable for students and working professionals. It is made up of a one-time registration fee, a semester-wise course fee and an examination fee for each subject, and all costs are shared clearly at the time of admission, so there are no surprises. 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
₹2,775 per Semester
Covers tuition, e-book study material and online learning access.
Examination Fee
₹200 per Subject
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 an MLIS degree from IGNOU, a central university that is UGC-DEB entitled and widely accepted across industries and government sectors.
Career Scope
Career Opportunities After IGNOU Online MLIS
An Online MLIS opens up job opportunities in India and abroad, wherever information needs to be organised, preserved and made easy to find. The average salary for an MLIS degree holder in India is around INR 3–4 lakh per annum, and it grows with experience and responsibility. MLIS graduates who also qualify UGC-NET can apply for teaching roles in library science.
- Job Roles
- Librarian
- Assistant / Deputy Librarian
- Information Officer
- Documentation Officer
- Archivist
- Knowledge Manager
- 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 IGNOU Admission 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
our enrolment number follows once IGNOU verifies your documents.
Frequently Asked Question
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 MLIS?
The IGNOU Online MLIS has a registration fee of ₹300, a course fee of ₹2,775 per semester and an examination fee of ₹200 per subject. Confirm the final amount on the official IGNOU portal before you apply.
Q5. What is the salary range for an MLIS degree holder in India?
The average salary for an MLIS degree holder is around INR 3–4 lakh per annum. With job opportunities in libraries, universities, research institutes and information centres in India and abroad, the course offers good potential for career growth.
Q6. Who is eligible for the IGNOU Online MLIS?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. There is no minimum percentage and no upper age limit. Some IGNOU prospectuses ask for a bachelor’s degree in Library and/or Information Science (BLIS) or an Associateship from NISCAIR or DRTC, so check the current eligibility on the official portal before applying.
Q7. What is the duration of the Online MLIS at IGNOU?
The standard duration is 2 years (4 semesters), and you can take up to 4 years to complete the programme if you need more time.
Q8. Is an IGNOU MLIS degree valid for government jobs?
Yes. IGNOU is a central university and its degrees are UGC-DEB entitled, so they are generally accepted for government jobs and exams such as UPSC, SSC and state-level recruitment. Eligibility can vary by exam and post, so always check the specific job notification.