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Library and Information Science — Step-by-Step Roadmap

Your journey, phase by phase

  1. Phase 1 · Class 11–12 and graduation Class 12 and bachelor’s degree Any stream; complete a bachelor’s degree first.
    • Library science is a postgraduate-level professional course in most places, so first complete a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
    • Reading habits and organisation skills help.
    • Choose a degree whose subject may help in specialised libraries (science, law, medicine).
    • Some universities offer integrated programmes or diplomas.
    Prerequisite
    Any bachelor’s degree
  2. Phase 2 · After graduation B.Lib.I.Sc admission A one-year professional degree.
    • Apply to universities through merit or entrance tests (e.g., IGNOU, state universities).
    • Minimum marks of 45–50% in your bachelor’s degree are typically needed.
    • Choose between regular and distance mode, subject to recognition.
    • Complete admission and fee payment.
    Duration
    1 year
  3. Phase 3 · Year 1 B.Lib.I.Sc coursework Library classification, cataloguing and information services.
    • Study Library, Information and Society, Classification and Cataloguing (DDC, CC), Reference and Information Services, and Library Management.
    • Learn library automation and digital library software such as Koha.
    • Complete practicals in classification, cataloguing and reference work.
    • Do a project or internship in a library.
    Core
    Classification, cataloguing, ICT
  4. Phase 4 · After B.Lib M.Lib.I.Sc and higher study One-year master’s, then NET or PhD.
    • M.Lib.I.Sc deepens the subject: research methods, information retrieval, knowledge management and bibliometrics.
    • UGC NET (Library and Information Science) leads to teaching and research roles.
    • PhD options open at universities and research institutes.
    • Add certificates in digital archiving, data management and open-source software.
    Exam
    UGC NET (LIS)
  5. Phase 5 · After qualification Careers Libraries in schools, universities, institutes and companies.
    • Jobs: school librarian, college and university librarian, public library, corporate and special libraries, and digital archives.
    • Government: KVS/NVS librarian, state public libraries and central libraries through recruitment exams.
    • Related roles: information scientist, data curator, records manager.
    • Library jobs value digital skills and information management.
    Recruiters
    KVS, universities, institutes, corporates

Verify on the official source

Exam dates, fees, paper patterns and eligibility rules are revised by the regulator from time to time. Treat this roadmap as your map, and confirm the current rules on the official site before you register or pay any fee.

UGCIGNOU Full Library Science career guide