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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