BAOU MLIS 2026: Eligibility, Fee, Duration and Syllabus
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) offers a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree through distance learning. The programme requires a BLIS degree for entry, charges a total fee of Rs. 9,000, spans 1 to 4 years, and comprises 40 credits including compulsory subjects, electives, a dissertation project, and a mandatory 1-month internship.
Key facts
| Programme Code | MLIS |
|---|---|
| Degree Offered | Master of Library and Information Science |
| Eligibility | BLIS degree or equivalent PG Diploma in Library Science |
| Total Fee | Rs. 9,000 |
| Duration | Minimum 1 Year, Maximum 4 Years |
| Total Credits | 40 Credits |
| Admission Session | August Session Only |
| Medium of Instruction | Gujarati |
BAOU MLIS Programme Overview
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is a post-graduate programme offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science at BAOU in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The revised curriculum aims to impart professional training, upgrading skills for individuals working in libraries or aspiring to hold higher positions in library and information centres across India.
Students enrolled in the programme receive self-learning materials (SLM) and are assigned to designated counseling centers for academic guidance during their period of registration.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Rules
Admissions for the MLIS course at BAOU are conducted exclusively during the August session of each academic year. Candidates seeking admission must meet the academic qualification requirements prior to registration.
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) degree from any recognized university, OR
- An equivalent qualification such as a Post Graduate Diploma in Library Science or Librarianship from a recognized university.
- Professional work experience in a recognized library or information unit carries additional weightage during merit calculation.
Programme Duration and Fee Structure
The MLIS programme is structured to be completed over a period of 1 to 4 years. Tuition and registration fees are charged as a one-time total amount for the entire course duration.
BAOU MLIS Fee and Duration Details (2026)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | Rs. 9,000 |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Year |
| Maximum Duration | 4 Years |
| Total Academic Credits | 40 Credits |
| Admission Intake Cycle | August Session |
MLIS Syllabus and Course Structure
The curriculum consists of 8 compulsory courses and 4 elective subjects. Learners are required to complete all compulsory courses (including a dissertation project and internship) and choose any 2 elective subjects to accumulate a total of 40 credits.
BAOU MLIS Course List and Credit Allocation
| Course Type | Code | Subject Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | MLIS-101 | Information Analysis, Repackaging and Consolidations | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-102 | Management of Library & Information Systems and Centers | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-103 | Research Methodology | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-104 | Digital Library | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-105 | Information Communication and Society | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-106 | Information Communication Technology | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-107(P) | Project / Dissertation Work | 4 |
| Compulsory | MLIS-108(I) | Internship | 4 |
| Elective (Choose 2) | MLIS E-109 | Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials | 4 |
| Elective (Choose 2) | MLIS E-110 | Academic Library System | 4 |
| Elective (Choose 2) | MLIS E-111 | Public Library System and Services | 4 |
| Elective (Choose 2) | MLIS E-112 | Metrics and Analysis | 4 |
Mandatory Internship and Dissertation Project
Students must complete a practical dissertation project under MLIS-107(P) along with a compulsory 1-month internship program under MLIS-108(I) to fulfill the requirements for the MLIS degree.
- Internship Location: Permitted in any college, university, or public library.
- Hour Requirement: A total of 100 internship hours must be logged.
- Daily Schedule: Completed either as 30 working days or at the rate of 5 hours per day.
- Timeframe: The internship must be completed within a maximum window of 3 months from the date of commencement.
Assessment Scheme and Passing Criteria
Student progress is evaluated through a dual assessment framework consisting of continuous assessment assignments and university term-end examinations.
- Continuous Evaluation (30% Weightage): Students must prepare and submit one Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) per paper. The original assignment must be submitted to the assigned study center to receive an official receipt, while keeping a copy for personal records.
- Term-End Examination (70% Weightage): End-of-term written examination carrying 70 marks per 4-credit course.
- Passing Minimum: Students must secure a minimum of 40% marks (at least a Grade ‘D’) in continuous assessment and 40% marks (at least a Grade ‘D’) in the term-end exam separately for each paper.
Previous Year Question Papers
BAOU provides archived question papers online to assist students in preparing for term-end examinations. Students can review past exam papers directly through the university links.
- Access the MLIS exam paper 2020 for previous question patterns.
- Check the MLIS paper July 2021 to review subject-specific question formats.
Important BAOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| View official MLIS distance programme details | baou.edu.in/showpage.aspx?contentid=2264 |
| Explore online MLIS portal and video lectures | baouonline.edu.in/index.php/mlis |
| Download MLIS September 2020 question paper | baou.edu.in/questionpaper/showpage.aspx?contentid=3190 |
| Download MLIS July 2021 question paper | baou.edu.in/questionpaper/showpage.aspx?contentid=4809 |
Official documents (PDF)
- View — eResources PDF — Official BAOU MLIS 2026 prospectus brochure with fee and internship rules
- View — eResources PDF — Complete syllabus unit breakdown for BAOU MLIS courses
- View PDF — Detailed MLIS course curriculum PDF document
Frequently asked questions
What courses does BAOU offer?
BAOU offers undergraduate, post-graduate, diploma, certificate, and Ph.D. programmes across distance and online learning modes. These include degree courses like Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).
What is the eligibility for admission to BAOU MLIS?
Candidates must hold a BLIS degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification, such as a PG Diploma in Library Science or Librarianship. Relevant professional experience in a recognized library or information center is given weightage during selection.
What is the fee for the MLIS course at BAOU?
The total programme fee for the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) at BAOU is Rs. 9,000 for the entire course.
What is the duration of the MLIS course at BAOU?
The minimum duration to complete the MLIS degree is 1 year, and the maximum allowed time period is 4 years.
Is an internship mandatory for BAOU MLIS students?
Yes. Students must complete a compulsory 100-hour internship in a college, university, or public library. This requirement must be completed within 3 months of starting, structured as 30 working days or 5 hours per day.
In which session are MLIS admissions conducted at BAOU?
Admissions for the MLIS programme are offered only during the August session of the academic year.
What are the passing marks for BAOU MLIS exams?
Learners must obtain at least 40% marks (Grade ‘D’) in continuous evaluation (assignments) and 40% marks (Grade ‘D’) in the term-end examination individually for each paper.
Sources
Written from the official BAOU pages and documents below, as read on 3 October 2026.
- Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) | Post Graduate (Open & Distance Learning baou.edu.in/…/MLIS
- Master Of Library Science (MLIS) baou.edu.in/…/showpage.aspx
- MLIS Course Question Paper September-2020 baou.edu.in/…/showpage.aspx
- MLIS Subject Question Paper July-2021 baou.edu.in/…/showpage.aspx
- View — eResources baou.edu.in/…/MLIS Broucher 2026.pdf