DU SOL Online MLIS Program: A Comprehensive Guide (Via Vidyalive)
In today’s world of digital libraries, information architecture, and data-driven research, a postgraduate degree in Library and Information Science (LIS) can pave the way to meaningful careers — from academic libraries to archival institutions, from corporate knowledge management to digital content curatorship. If you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, and the brand value of a major university, the DU SOL Online MLISc (Master of Library and Information Science) program is an option worth understanding deeply. Vidyalive brings you this comprehensive breakdown — what it is, how it works, and whether it may be right for you.
What Is the DU SOL Online MLIS Program?
DU SOL (School of Open Learning), under the University of Delhi, offers a professional postgraduate course in MLISc (Master of Library & Information Science).
The program is part of DU SOL’s Department of Distance & Continuing Education (DDCE), Campus of Open Learning.
It is recognized by the UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau), as mentioned in the prospectus.
This is not a purely “online live lectures” program in the sense of a private online university; rather, it is a distance / open learning program under DU SOL, with study material, recorded lectures, and self-paced study. (Note: be careful when different platforms market it as “online”; what DU SOL officially provides is based on their distance education model.)
Eligibility for DU SOL Online MLIS
To apply for the DU SOL MLISc:
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria laid out in the LIS Prospectus for that year.
According to the 2024–25 prospectus, there are criteria for BLISc and MLISc admissions.
As per the DU SOL site, the Department of Library & Information Science handles this program.
As per the 2025–2026 admission page, there are clearly defined eligibility norms for MLISc under SOL.
In simple terms: to apply for MLISc, you typically need a recognized undergraduate degree (often with BLISc, but check the prospectus for each year). Always refer to the latest SOL / DU prospectus for the exact eligibility for your batch.
Duration & Structure of the Program
The MLISc is structured into semesters. According to the prospectus, total credits for the program are 60 over two semesters in one academic year, as per the 2024–25 prospectus.
The semester-wise modules are clearly laid out. For example:
Semester I includes courses like Information Systems & Programmes (M-101), Advanced Knowledge Organisation – Classification (M-102), Advanced Knowledge Organisation – Cataloguing (M-103), etc.
Semester II includes papers like Information Storage and Retrieval Systems (M-108).
The course is delivered via distance-learning methods. SOL provides study material, self-learning modules, and access to digital content.
Fees – DU SOL Online MLIS
One of the biggest strengths of DU SOL’s MLISc program is its affordability:
According to the DU SOL Fee Structure for 2025–26, the MLISc program has a defined fee schedule.
As per the fee sheet, for Category A (Indian Nationals), there are different heads for fees (tuition, university fund, development fund, examination, etc.).
The PG Fee Structure PDF for 2025–26 shows the total first-year fee (all heads) is about ₹6,558 for some categories.
This makes MLISc under DU SOL very cost-effective compared to many campus-based PU / regular universities.
Syllabus / Curriculum (DU SOL MLIS)
Here is an outline of the DU SOL MLISc syllabus, based on their official documents:
Semester I
M-101: Information Systems & Programmes
M-102: Advanced Knowledge Organisation – Classification
M-103: Advanced Knowledge Organisation – Cataloguing
M-104: Research in Library & Information Science (theory + practice) (check prospectus for exact credit)
And possibly electives / additional papers, depending on year / batch.
Semester II
M-108: Information Storage & Retrieval Systems (theory)
Other core or elective subjects covering topics like knowledge management, digital preservation, information architecture, library management, etc., as per the prospectus.
Because LIS is a field that blends traditional library science and modern information systems, the syllabus is quite balanced — covering classification, cataloguing, information retrieval, research methods, and digital information management.
Specializations
Unlike many professional master’s programs (like MBA or MSc), the DU SOL MLISc does not offer a broad choice of specializations — it is essentially a generalist master’s in Library & Information Science under the DDCE / SOL. The prospectus does not list “specializations” like archival science, digital librarianship, or records management in the way some universities do. (If you want to focus later, you may need to pick electives or do certifications in narrower fields.)
Cut Offs / Admission Selectivity
The concept of a “cut-off” for MLISc at DU SOL is different from campus-based programs: admission happens via a merit list based on eligibility criteria. The DDCE / SOL prospectus provides criteria for how selections are made.
Because the program is through open / distance education, there is generally no entrance exam for many categories, but the exact selection process can change, so always refer to the latest prospectus.
For 2025–26 admissions, DU SOL’s admission portal (DDCE) lists “PG Merit List 2025” for MLISc.
Placements: DU SOL MLIS
There is no publicly available, detailed placement report specifically for MLISc (Library and Information Science) graduates from DU SOL. The official prospectus does not mention placement statistics for MLISc.
More broadly, DU SOL’s placement ecosystem is modest. According to Vidyalive’s review, while DU SOL has a placement cell, students sometimes face challenges:
“As a SOL student … there are not that many placement support.”
On Careers360, there are mixed reviews too: some students report decent placement outcomes; others feel the open-learning mode makes recruiting more challenging.
Because LIS (library science) roles are often specialized and institutional, many MLISc students may find work in academic libraries, research institutions, or as information professionals, but it's not guaranteed via a robust campus placement pipeline.
Therefore, if placements are a top concern, prospective students should reach out to alumni, check LinkedIn for past MLISc graduates from DU SOL, and ask in Vidyalive-style counselling for concrete data.
Reviews & Student Feedback: DU SOL & MLISc
DU SOL reviews note that placement support is “good and bad at the same time,” especially for open learning / distance students.
Points out that while fees are very affordable, administrative and communication issues sometimes trouble students:
“some areas where students have expressed dissatisfaction … mismanagement and inadequate communication.”
From the LIS Prospectus (2024-25), there is a student testimonial:
“Recorded lectures … PCP doubt sessions … recorded lectures … support … accessible 24/7 library … I got N-List access … value of this degree is totally equivalent to regular mode and cost-effective.”
On Reddit, prospective or current SOL students have raised concerns about how SOL handles student data, admissions, and student support, which may be relevant if you’re dealing with a third-party counselling / admission platform. For example:
“some Institute … they call him on his number … they already had all the information … Course, name …”
Another comment: “there is no option for skills … career guidelines nothing.”
These feedback points suggest that while the academic value of MLISc via DU SOL is recognized, students may face administrative friction or limited placement support. Using a platform like Vidyalive to connect with past students or alumni could help you get more clarity.
Strengths of the DU SOL Online MLIS Program
Affordability: The fee is relatively low compared to many regular universities.
Flexibility: As a distance / open learning course, it's ideal for working professionals or those who cannot attend full-time.
Credibility: Because it's offered under the University of Delhi via SOL, the MLISc degree carries strong recognition.
Good Curriculum: Covers core LIS topics — classification, cataloguing, information retrieval, research — relevant for modern LIS roles.
Distance Education Support: Access to self-learning material, recorded lectures, and SOL’s digital library infrastructure.
Challenges / Limitations
Limited Specializations: No many niche tracks; it's a general MLISc.
Moderate Placement Support: There is no well-published placement record for MLISc specifically, and open learning students may not benefit from aggressive campus placement drives.
Self-Driven Study: Requires discipline; distance learning means you must manage your own study largely.
Administrative Pain Points: Some student reviews mention slow communication, unclear processes, or limited hand-holding from the SOL administration.
Risk with Third-Party Platforms: If using platforms like Vidyalive, you must ensure they use official DU SOL admission links and do not misrepresent the program.
Conclusion
The DU SOL (Delhi University, School of Open Learning) MLISc program is a strong, credible choice for anyone seeking a cost-effective, flexible master’s in Library & Information Science. While it doesn’t offer flashy specializations, it delivers core LIS training under the brand of Delhi University.
Via a platform like Vidyalive, you can make this opportunity more accessible — as long as you verify everything carefully, ask for alumni feedback, and set realistic expectations on placements and mode of instruction.
If you're serious about a future in information science — whether in academic libraries, research, archives, or digital content management — the DU SOL Online MLISc is a path worth exploring. Just make sure you do your homework first, using the official SOL prospectus and talking to real students.
