IGNOU Certification Library And Information Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Certificate in Library and Information Science (CLIS) at IGNOU is a 6-month Open Distance Learning (ODL) programme offered by the School of Social Sciences, designed to sensitise library and information professionals at the grassroots level. The programme is particularly aimed at individuals already working in libraries without formal professional qualifications, providing them with both theoretical and practical knowledge in library management, document processing, information sources, and ICT applications in libraries. With a total programme fee of Rs. 3,200 and a flexible completion window of up to 2 years, CLIS is one of the most accessible library science certifications in India, requiring only a 10+2 pass for eligibility. The programme is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is popular among library staff, aspiring librarians, and those seeking to formalise their library science skills.

Admission for the January 2026 session for Certificate programmes at IGNOU closed on 28 February 2026. The next admission cycle (July 2026 session) is expected to open in June 2026, with a tentative last date around July/August 2026, based on previous year patterns. Students who missed the January 2026 cycle should monitor the official IGNOU admission portal (ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in) for the July 2026 session announcement.

Distance Mode Study Centres:

The CLIS programme is offered through IGNOU's network of Study Centres across India. Key regional centres offering this programme include:

  • Hyderabad (Aurora's Business School)
  • Karnal (Government P.G. College, Govt. P.G. National College)
  • Shimla (Government Degree Colleges across Himachal Pradesh)
  • Jammu (Department of Library Science, IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu)
  • Bangalore (Nrupathunga University)
  • Bhopal (IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal)
  • Shillong (North Eastern Hill University)
  • Port Blair (JNR Mahavidyalaya, M.G. Govt. College)
  • Bhubaneswar (KIIT, Patia)
  • Jaipur (Multiple Govt. PG Colleges across Rajasthan - DAV College Sriganganagar, Govt. College Ajmer, ISIM Jaipur, and many more)
  • Delhi (Satyawati College, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi Library Association)
  • Dehradun (DAV PG College, DSB Campus Kumaon University, HNB Garhwal University)
  • Ranchi (Jamshedpur Cooperative College, Marwari College)
  • Jorhat (CKB Commerce College, DKD College, Dibrugarh University)
  • Trivandrum (Mar Ivanios Institute, S.T. Hindu College, Sree Narayana College)
  • Aligarh (Aligarh Muslim University)
  • Jodhpur (BJS Rampuria Jain College, Mahila PG Mahavidyalaya, and others)
  • Ahmedabad (L.D. Arts College, M.S. University)
  • Chandigarh, Patna, Nagpur, Siliguri, Darbhanga, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Agartala, Guwahati, and more

A complete list of study centres is available on the IGNOU admission portal under the CLIS programme page.

Key Points

  • The CLIS programme is specifically designed for working library staff who lack formal professional qualifications, making it a career-enhancing certification.
  • Three out of four courses have both practical and theoretical components, ensuring hands-on learning in library operations.
  • Students can complete the programme in as little as 6 months or take up to 2 years, offering flexibility for working professionals.
  • The programme is delivered entirely through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode - no regular campus attendance required.
  • Study materials are provided by IGNOU and are also accessible digitally through eGyanKosh (egyankosh.ac.in).
  • The programme is recognised by UGC and all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
  • Minimum passing marks: 35% in both continuous assessment (assignments) and Term-End Examination (TEE) for each course.
  • The programme is not offered to international students.
  • Exam fees are charged separately at the time of TEE form submission and are not included in the programme fee.
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IGNOU Latest Updates and News

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session re-registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @onlinerr.ignou.ac.in, for all ODL and Online programs. Read News.

16 Sep, 2026 IGNOU July 2026 Session registration deadline has been extended to Sept 30, 2026, @ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. Read More.

IGNOU CLIS Fees

The CLIS programme at IGNOU is highly affordable, with a total programme fee of Rs. 3,200, which includes the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300. A development fee of Rs. 200 is also applicable. Exam fees are charged separately at Rs. 200 per theory course at the time of TEE form submission. With 4 courses in the programme, the total cost including exam fees comes to approximately Rs. 4,200.

Fee Breakdown

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition + Study Material)2,900
Registration Fee (Non-refundable)300
Development Fee200
Exam Fee (Rs. 200 x 4 courses)800
Total Fees4,200
  • The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • Fee paid will be refunded prior to confirmation of admission.
  • After confirmation of admission, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted if cancellation is requested.
  • No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
  • If a student opts for soft copy of study material, the fee is refunded after deducting the Registration Fee only.
  • Exam fees are paid separately at the time of submitting the TEE examination form and are non-refundable once paid.
  • Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
  • No EMI option is available; full fee payment is required at the time of admission.

IGNOU CLIS Admission 2026

The CLIS programme at IGNOU follows a bi-annual admission cycle - January session (admissions open in December, close in February) and July session (admissions open in May/June, close in July/August). The January 2026 session for Certificate programmes closed on 28 February 2026. The next opportunity is the July 2026 session, which is expected to open in June 2026. Students are advised to regularly check the official IGNOU admission portal for updates.

IGNOU CLIS Admission Dates

EventJanuary 2026 SessionJuly 2026 Session (Tentative)
Admission Portal OpensDecember 2025June 2026
Last Date for Certificate Programme Admission28 February 2026July/August 2026
Batch CommencementJanuary 2026July 2026
TEE Exam Form Submission (without late fee)10 March - 10 April 2026September - October 2026
TEE Exam Form Submission (with late fee of Rs. 1,100)11 April - 24 April 2026October 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE)1 June - 15 July 2026November - December 2026

TEE June 2026 Exam Dates

ExamModeExam PeriodForm Submission (No Late Fee)Form Submission (With Late Fee)
IGNOU Term-End Examination (TEE) June 2026Pen & Paper / CBT1 June 2026 - 15 July 202610 March - 10 April 202611 April - 24 April 2026 (Late fee: Rs. 1,100)

Note: July 2026 session dates are tentative and based on previous year patterns. Check ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for official announcements.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 10+2 (Senior Secondary) pass from a recognised board - no minimum percentage specified
  • No age bar (minimum or maximum)
  • Working library staff without formal qualifications are especially encouraged to apply

Admission Process

  • Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • Click on "New Registration" and create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number (OTP verification required)
  • Log in and select the CLIS programme from the available programme list
  • Fill in personal and academic details accurately in the online application form
  • Upload scanned copies of educational certificates, mark sheets, passport-size photograph, and signature (all below prescribed file size limits)
  • Upload category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable
  • Pay the programme fee (Rs. 3,200) and development fee (Rs. 200) online via Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking
  • Submit the form and download/save the application summary for future reference
  • Select a Study Centre from the list of available centres in your preferred Regional Centre
  • Admission confirmation is sent via email/SMS after document verification

IGNOU CLIS Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students can avail scholarships from multiple government and institutional sources. While IGNOU's own SC/ST fee waiver scheme (Notification No. 76) is applicable only to undergraduate programmes and not to certificate courses, students can apply for scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and other state/central government schemes. The table below summarises the key scholarship options available for CLIS students.

Available Scholarships

ScholarshipOffered ByEligibilityBenefitHow to Apply
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC StudentsMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of IndiaSC category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearTuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceApply at scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST StudentsMinistry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of IndiaST category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh/yearTuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceApply at scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC StudentsMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of IndiaOBC category, family income below Rs. 1 lakh/yearTuition fee reimbursementApply at scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)Dept. of Higher Education, Govt. of IndiaTop 20 percentile in Class 12, family income below Rs. 8 lakh/yearRs. 10,000/yearApply at scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
State Government ScholarshipsRespective State GovernmentsVaries by state; SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS categoriesVariesApply through respective state scholarship portals
Ishan Uday Scholarship (NE Region)UGCStudents from North-East states, family income below Rs. 4.5 lakh/yearRs. 5,400/monthApply at scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
  • IGNOU's own SC/ST fee waiver (Notification No. 76) is applicable only to undergraduate programmes (BA, BCom, BSc, etc.) and does NOT cover certificate programmes like CLIS.
  • Students are advised to apply for NSP scholarships after confirmation of admission, as per IGNOU's official guidance.
  • Scholarship deadlines vary by scheme and state; check the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) for current deadlines.
  • Students must not avail double benefits from two different scholarship schemes simultaneously.

IGNOU CLIS FAQs

Ques. I work as a library assistant in a school but have no formal library science qualification. Can I apply for IGNOU CLIS?

Ans. Yes, absolutely. The CLIS programme is specifically designed for people like you - those already working in libraries without formal professional qualifications. The only eligibility requirement is a 10+2 pass. There is no age bar, and working library staff are especially encouraged to apply.

Ques. Does CLIS have practical components? How are practicals conducted in distance mode?

Ans. Yes, three out of four courses in CLIS have both practical and theoretical components. Practicals are conducted at the assigned Study Centre during scheduled Personal Contact Programmes (PCPs). You will need to visit your Study Centre for practical sessions. The schedule is communicated by the Study Centre. The fourth course (BLI 11 - Libraries: An Introduction) is theory-only.

Ques. After completing CLIS, can I apply for BLIS (Bachelor of Library and Information Science) at IGNOU?

Ans. Yes. CLIS serves as a good foundation for BLIS. However, BLIS has its own eligibility criteria (graduation required), so you would need to meet those requirements independently. CLIS credits are not directly transferred to BLIS, but the knowledge gained significantly helps in pursuing BLIS.

Ques. Is the IGNOU CLIS certificate recognised for government library jobs?

Ans. The CLIS is a certificate-level qualification recognised by UGC and AIU. For most government library positions, a BLIS or MLIS degree is required. However, CLIS can help you qualify for lower-level library assistant or library attendant positions in some state government libraries and rural library schemes. Check specific job notifications for exact qualification requirements.

Ques. I missed the January 2026 session deadline. When is the next admission?

Ans. The next admission cycle is the July 2026 session, which is expected to open in June 2026 with a tentative last date in July/August 2026. IGNOU typically announces the July session in May/June. Keep checking the official admission portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for the official announcement.

Ques. How are assignments submitted for CLIS? Is online submission available?

Ans. IGNOU accepts assignment submissions both physically (at the Study Centre) and through online mode (where available). You need to submit assignments to your assigned Study Centre coordinator before the stipulated deadline, which is typically a few weeks before the TEE. Check the IGNOU student portal and your Study Centre for the exact submission mode and deadlines for your session.

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This is a frequently asked question among students navigating higher education decisions.

Important considerations:

  • Research Thoroughly: Verify information through official websites, NIRF rankings, and authentic reviews.
  • Campus Visits: Attend open houses or virtual tours to understand infrastructure and culture.
  • Alumni Insights: Connect with graduates for honest feedback about academics and placements.
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the annual window for changes is narrow — usually the first month of each admission cycle (Jan or July). after the window, changes are not generally accepted. visit ignou.ac.in ? student support or your nearest IGNOU regional center. bring your enrollment ID and relevant documents. call your regional center to confirm the current process as IGNOU procedures can vary slightly by center.

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