Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Selection, Seats, Placements & Career Scope
The Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) at Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh is one of India’s premier centers for education and research in Library & Information Science (LIS). The department offers professionally oriented programs designed to prepare students for careers in libraries, digital archives, research institutions, academia, and IT-driven knowledge systems.
For the 2026 admission cycle, Panjab University offers B.Lib.I.Sc, M.Lib.I.Sc, and Ph.D. programs through this department, with admissions primarily based on merit.
Step 1: Overview of Library & Information Science Programs at PU
Library Science today is no longer limited to traditional libraries. With the integration of Information Technology, LIS has evolved into a discipline that combines:
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Information Management
- Digital Technologies & AI-based systems
At PU Chandigarh, LIS programs emphasize professional skills, research orientation, and IT integration, making graduates suitable for both government and private sector roles in India and abroad.
Step 2: Courses Offered – Department of Library & Information Science
📘 Program Summary (2026)
| Course Name | Duration | Seats | Admission Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Library & Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc) | 1 Year | 60 + 5 NRI + 3 Foreign National | Merit |
| Master of Library & Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc) | 1 Year | 40 + 5 NRI + 2 Foreign National | Merit |
| Ph.D. (Library & Information Science) | Minimum 3 Years | Subject to availability | As per PU/UGC norms |
Step 3: B.Lib.I.Sc – Course Details
📚 Bachelor of Library & Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Seats | 60 + 5 (NRI) + 3 (Foreign National) |
| Fee Structure | ₹16,150 (1st Instalment) + ₹4,735 (2nd Instalment) |
| Fee Reference Year | 2025–26 |
| Admission | Merit-based |
🎓 Eligibility for B.Lib.I.Sc
- Graduation in any discipline (BA / BSc / BCom / equivalent)
- Minimum Marks:
- 50% (General category)
- 45% (SC / ST / BC / PwD)
- Minimum Marks:
- Candidates with a Master’s degree are also eligible.
Step 4: M.Lib.I.Sc – Course Details
📘 Master of Library & Information Science (M.Lib.I.Sc)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Seats | 40 + 5 (NRI) + 2 (Foreign National) |
| Fee Structure | ₹16,150 (1st Instalment) + ₹4,735 (2nd Instalment) |
| Fee Reference Year | 2025–26 |
| Admission | Merit-based |
🎓 Eligibility for M.Lib.I.Sc
- Bachelor of Library & Information Science (B.Lib.I.Sc)
- Minimum Marks:
- 50% (General category)
- 45% (SC / ST / BC / PwD)
- Minimum Marks:
Step 5: Ph.D. in Library & Information Science
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Minimum 3 Years |
| Seats | Subject to availability |
| Fees | As per University rules |
| Eligibility | M.Lib + UGC-NET / JRF |
The Ph.D. program focuses on advanced research in information science, digital libraries, metadata, AI-driven information systems, and knowledge management.
Step 6: Fee Structure Snapshot (Reference for 2026)
| Course | Total Annual Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| B.Lib.I.Sc | ₹20,885 |
| M.Lib.I.Sc | ₹20,885 |
| Ph.D. | As per PU rules |
Note:
- Fees are indicative and may be revised for 2026.
- Additional charges (library, examination, student welfare) may apply.
Step 7: Selection & Admission Process — Step by Step
- Check Official Notification
Visit the Panjab University admission portal for 2026 updates.
- Check Official Notification
- Verify Eligibility
Ensure minimum marks and degree requirements are met.
- Verify Eligibility
- Apply Online
Complete the PU online application form and upload documents.
- Apply Online
- Merit List Preparation
Admissions are granted purely on merit basis.
- Merit List Preparation
- Counselling & Verification
Documents verified as per schedule.
- Counselling & Verification
- Fee Payment & Enrollment
Pay instalments and confirm admission.
- Fee Payment & Enrollment
Step 8: Seats, Reservation & Special Categories
- Seats are allocated according to PU reservation policy.
- Separate seats for:
- NRI candidates
- Foreign Nationals
- Separate seats for:
- Category-wise relaxation applicable for SC / ST / BC / PwD candidates.
Step 9: IT Integration in Library & Information Science
Library Science has transformed into Information Science with strong IT orientation:
💻 Key Skills Covered
- Database Management Systems
- Digital Cataloguing
- Metadata Standards (MARC, Dublin Core)
- Digital Archives & Preservation
- AI tools for information retrieval
- Knowledge Management Systems
🌐 Industry Relevance
LIS graduates are increasingly recruited for:
- Data curation
- Content & taxonomy management
- Digital libraries
- Knowledge repositories
Step 10: Career Opportunities After B.Lib / M.Lib
Career Scope in India
Career Scope in India🏛 Government Sector
- Universities & Colleges: Librarian, Assistant Librarian
- Schools: Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya, Private Schools
- Research Institutes: CSIR, ICSSR, IITs, IIMs
- Competitive Exams:
- UGC-NET (Library Science)
- UPSC / State PSC librarian posts
- Competitive Exams:
🏢 Private Sector
- Corporate knowledge centers
- Publishing houses
- Digital archives & repositories
- IT firms (knowledge management, content systems)
🌍 Career Opportunities Abroad
- Digital Libraries & Archives (USA, UK, Canada)
- Knowledge Management roles in IT firms
- Research in metadata & AI-based information systems
Step 11: Benefits of Studying LIS at Panjab University
- Stable government career opportunities
- Strong blend of Humanities + IT + Management
- Global demand for digital librarians & knowledge managers
- Excellent research exposure
- Renowned faculty and academic reputation
Quick Checklist Before Applying
- Graduation degree & marksheets
- B.Lib degree (for M.Lib applicants)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photo & signature
- Online fee payment method