CUET-PG Library & Information Science Exam 2026 Guide Latest Syllabus, Books, Exam Pattern, Seats in Central Universities,Eligiblity Criteria Question Paper, Cut-off & Preparation Tips 

CUET-PG Library & Information Science Exam 2026 is a golden gateway for aspirants aiming to secure admission into prestigious Central Universities across India for postgraduate studies in Library & Information Science. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this national-level entrance test. In this comprehensive guide, we cover every detail you need to know for CUET-PG Library & Information Science 2026 — including the latest syllabus, updated exam pattern, best reference books, seat availability in Central Universities, eligibility criteria, previous year question papers, expected cut-off trends, and expert preparation tips to help you plan strategically and score high. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional seeking specialization, this article will serve as your one-stop resource to crack the exam with confidence.

CUET-PG Library & Information Science 2026 – Exam Overview

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate (CUET-PG)
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Course Offered	M.Lib.I.Sc. / M.L.I.Sc. (Master of Library & Information Science)
Exam Level	National Level
Mode of Examination	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration	2 hours (120 minutes)
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions	100
Marking Scheme	+4 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for incorrect answer
Language of Paper	English & Hindi (as per NTA guidelines)
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s Degree in Library & Information Science or equivalent from a recognized university (specific criteria may vary by university)
Participating Universities	40+ Central & Participating Universities across India
Frequency	Once a year
Official Website	https://cuet.nta.nic.in

CUET-PG Library & Information Science Syllabus (COQP13)

Unit	Key Topics Covered
1. Foundation of Library & Information Science	• Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom; Knowledge Society • Information Generation, Storage & Dissemination • Five Laws of Library Science; Historical Development of Libraries • Types, Objectives & Functions of Libraries and Information Centres; Public Relations & Extension Activities • Library Legislation in India: Press & Registration of Books Act; Delivery of Books and Newspapers (Public Libraries) Act; Copyright Act; RTI Act; IPR; Information Technology Act • Librarianship as a Profession; Professional Ethics • National & International Associations: ILA, IASLIC, IATLIS, IFLA, ALA, CILIP, ASLIB, SLA • Role of UNESCO, UGC, RRRLF in Library Promotion & Development
2. Library Management	• Fundamentals of Management: Concept, Scope, Schools of thought; Management Principles & Functions • Acquisition of Books; Subscription to Periodicals; Technical Processing; Circulation Methods; Maintenance; Stock Verification; Shelf Rectification; Binding; Preservation • Library Finance: Sources, Estimation, Budgeting, Accounting & Auditing; Cost Effectiveness & Cost Benefit Analysis; Human Resource Management • Library Committee; Library Statistics; Annual Report; Library Rules & Regulations; Building & Space Management
3. Information Sources, Systems & Services	Information Sources, Documentary and Non-Documentary Sources, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources of Information: Human Sources of Information; Institutional Sources. Reference Sources: Characteristics, Types, Usefulness, Electronic Sources: E- books, E-journals, ETDs, Subject Gateways, Web Portals, Bulletin Boards, Discussion Groups/Forum, Multimedia Resources, Databases, Institutional repositories, Evaluation of Reference Sources and Electronic Information Sources. Reference Service: Concept, Purpose, Types, Theories, Documentation Services: Current Awareness Service (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), Translation Services, Indexing and Abstracting Services, Bibliographical Services, Document Delivery Services, Inter Library Loan (ILL) Service, Online Services: Instant Messaging, RSS Feeds, Podcasts, Vodcasts, Ask a Librarian, Mobile-Based Library Services and Tools; Collaborative Services: Social Networks, Social Bookmarking; Community Information Services. Information Systems: Characteristics, Functions, National Information Systems and Networks: NISCAIR, NASSDOC, DESIDOC, SENDOC, ENVIS, NICNET, ERNET; National Knowledge Network (NKN), Global Information Systems and Network: MEDLARS, AGRIS, INIS, INSPEC, BIOSIS, ERIC, Patent Information System (PIS), Biotechnology Information System (BIS), Library resources sharing and Consortia
4. Knowledge Organization – Classification	Universe of Knowledge: Nature, Attributes, Subject: Meaning, Types (Basic, Compound, Complex), Modes of Subject Formation, Universe of Knowledge as Mapped in Different Classification Schemes (DDC, UDC, CC, LCC). Library Classification, Canons and Postulates, Knowledge Classification and Book Classification, Notation, Call number. Species of Library Classification Schemes, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Colon Classification (CC); Universal Decimal Classification (UDC, Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Current Trends: Simple Knowledge Organization Systems (SKOS), Automatic Classification, Web Dewey, Taxonomies, Folksonomies
5. Knowledge Organization – Cataloguing	Library Catalogue, Physical Forms of Library Catalogue: Conventional and Non- conventional, Types of Catalogues: Dictionary Catalogue, Classified Catalogue, Alphabetic-Classed Catalogue, Alphabetic-Subject Catalogue. Catalogue Codes, Normative Principles, Catalogue Entries according to CCC and AACR (latest editions), Authority File. Subject Catalogue: Meaning, Purpose, Union Catalogue: Concept, Purpose, Tools and Techniques for Deriving Subject Headings, Selective, Simplified, Cooperative and Centralized Cataloguing. ISBD, CCF, RDA, FRBR and Bib frame Metadata: Meaning, Purpose, Types, Uses, MARC 21, DUBLIN CORE, TEI (Text Encoding Initiative), METS, EAD, VRA Core, MODES, Standards for Bibliographic Interchange and Communication: ISO 2709, Z39.50and Z39.71.
6. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)	 Computers, Concept, Generations, Types; Hardware; Units of Computers: Arithmetic and Logic Unit, Control units; Input and Output Unit, Memory Unit,  Software: System Software – Operating Systems-MS-Windows, UNIX and LINUX; Application Software – MS-Word, MS-Excel and MS-Power Point, Introduction to Character Recognition, Programming Languages.  Library Automation, Planning and Implementation of Automation in Housekeeping Operations, Retrospective Conversion, Standards for Library Automation, Library Management Software: Proprietary, Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS);  Telecommunication, Transmission Channels, Mode, and Media, ISDN, PSDN, Technologies Modulation, Frequency, Bandwidth and Multiplexing, Standards and Protocols, Wireless Communication: Media, Wi-fi, Satellite Communication, Mobile Communication.  Computer Networks: Concept, Need; Topologies; Types: LAN, MAN, WAN, Internet: Web Browsers, WWW, E-mail; Search Engines Internet Protocols and Standards: HTTP, FTP, SMTP, TCP/IP, URI, URL; Search Strategies; Data and Network Security: Firewalls, Cryptographic Techniques, Anti-virus software, Anti- spyware, Intrusion Detection System, Library Networks (Regional, National, International).

📊 CUET PG Library Science: Chapter-wise Question Distribution (2022–2025)

Year	Foundation of LIS	Library Management	Information Sources, Systems & Services	Classification	Cataloguing	ICT	Total
2022	13	12	10	13	12	15	75
2023	11	10	13	12	14	15	75
2024	12	10	13	12	13	15	75
2025	11	12	11	13	13	15	75

📊 CUET PG Library Science (COQP13) — Exam Level Analysis (2022–2025)

Year	Difficulty Level	Key Observations
2022	⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)	– Balanced mix of factual and conceptual questions – Heavy focus on Cataloguing, Classification, ICT – Direct textbook-based questions from Ranganathan, AACR2, DDC – Some questions were memory-based (dates, abbreviations)
2023	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate to Difficult)	– Increase in analytical and match-the-following type questions – ICT section became deeper (database, Linux, protocols) – Emphasis on chronological ordering and act-based questions – Cataloguing had scenario-based MCQs (RDA, AACR2 rules)
2024	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate to Difficult)	– Paper tested application of concepts more than just theory – ICT questions included newer topics (metadata, digital repositories) – Some tricky questions in Library Legislation & Management – Assertion-Reason and Match List I-II questions increased
2025	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate to Difficult)	– Higher conceptual focus in all sections – Cataloguing & ICT had integrated questions – Case-study style questions (especially in management & classification) – Less factual recall, more understanding-based MCQs

📚 CUET PG Library Science – Chapter-Wise Recommended Books

Unit / Chapter	Recommended Book(s)	Author / Publisher
Unit 1: Foundation of LIS	Foundations of Library and Information Science	Ranganathan & Khanna
	Library and Information Science Fundamentals	Dr. B. L. Gupta
	Library Legislation in India	Krishan Kumar
Unit 2: Library Management	Library Administration and Management	Kumar & Sharma
	Library Management	C.K. Sharma
	Management Concepts for Library Science	R.R. Gulati
Unit 3: Information Sources, Systems & Services	Information Sources & Services	R. R. Gulati
	Reference and Information Services in Library	R. L. Gupta
	Library and Information Services	Seetharama S.
Unit 4: Knowledge Organization – Classification	Library Classification	B.S. Kumar
	Colon Classification (6th Edition)	S.R. Ranganathan
	DDC Summaries & Tables	OCLC (official online resource)
Unit 5: Knowledge Organization – Cataloguing	Cataloguing Practice	A.L. Mohan
	AACR2 & RDA Cataloguing Rules	C.K. Sharma
	ISBD: International Standard Bibliographic Description	IFLA Publications
Unit 6: ICT (Information & Communication Technology)	Computer Fundamentals	P.K. Sinha
	Library Automation & Digital Libraries	N.K. Sharma
	Koha 3 Library Management System Manual	Koha Community Docs
	SOUL & DSpace User Guide	INFLIBNET

📘 CUET PG – Library Science (MLIS) Seat Matrix & Eligibility Criteria (2025)

University Name	MLIS Seat Intake	Eligibility Criteria (General Category)
Central University of Haryana (CUH)	30 seats	Bachelor’s degree (any discipline), minimum 50% marks
Central University of Gujarat (CUG)	33 seats	Bachelor’s degree (any discipline), minimum 50% marks
Central University of Punjab (CUP)	30 seats	Bachelor’s degree (any discipline), minimum 50% marks
Assam University	25 seats	Bachelor’s degree (any discipline), minimum 50% marks
University of Delhi (DU)	58 seats	B.L.I.Sc. or equivalent degree, with minimum 50% marks
Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN)	19 seats	Bachelor’s degree with: General – 50%, OBC-NCL/EWS – 45%, SC/ST – 40%
Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU)	33 seats	Bachelor’s degree (any discipline), minimum 50% marks

📊 CUET PG – MLIS Cut-Offs (Past Years)

University	Program	Exam Year	Category	Cut-Off Score (CUET-PG)
Delhi University (DU)	M.Lib.I.Sc.	2023	General	56.00 (Round 3)
			OBC	Approx. 50–52
			SC/ST	Approx. 45–48
JNU (Estimated Range)	M.Lib.I.Sc. / PG	2023	General	180–210
			OBC	170–195
			SC	165–180
			ST	160–175

CUET-PG Library and Information Science Previous Year Paper

CUET-PG Library Science PYQ 2022	CUET-PG Library Science PYQ 2023
CUET-PG Library Science PYQ 2024	CUET-PG Library Science PYQ 2025

📊 Career Scope After CUET-PG – Library & Information Science

Career Role	Estimated Salary (Per Annum)	Key Responsibilities
Academic / Public Librarian	₹2.5 L – ₹6 L	Manage books, journals, user services, cataloguing, reader assistance
Digital Librarian / Archivist	₹3 L – ₹8 L	Manage digital resources, metadata, digitization, e-repositories
Subject Librarian	₹4 L – ₹9 L	Specialized support in academic institutions (science, law, etc.)
Corporate Information Executive	₹5 L – ₹12 L	Maintain knowledge systems in companies, research data handling
Museum / Archive Officer	₹4 L – ₹6 L	Preserve rare manuscripts, historical records, museum documentation
Research / Information Analyst	₹4 L – ₹10 L	Analyze and present data; work in think tanks, institutions, consultancy
Faculty / Lecturer (LIS)	₹4 L – ₹10 L	Teach LIS at university level, guide students, pursue academic research
Library Automation Specialist	₹3.5 L – ₹7 L	Implement and manage systems like Koha, SOUL, DSpace
Knowledge Manager / Taxonomist	₹5 L – ₹10 L	Organize digital knowledge, develop taxonomies and metadata frameworks
User Experience (UX) Librarian	₹4.5 L – ₹9 L	Enhance digital library services and improve user navigation experience

📚 CUET-PG LIS Syllabus Overview (Core Areas)

Major Topics	Subtopics
Foundations of Library & Information Sci	Role, objectives, ethics, Five Laws, library legislation
Information Sources & Services	Reference services, bibliographies, evaluation of sources
Library Classification & Cataloguing	CC, DDC, AACR, MARC, Subject heading systems
Library Management	Principles, functions, financial, human resource and marketing management
ICT Applications in Libraries	Networks, automation (Koha, SOUL), e-resources, library software
Research Methodology & Statistics	Research types, sampling, hypothesis, data analysis
Digital Libraries & Web Technologies	Digital repositories, metadata, institutional repositories, databases
Current Trends & Organizations	IFLA, UNESCO, RRRLF, consortia (INFLIBNET, DELNET, etc.)

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📆 45-Day Study Timetable (Flexible & Reusable)

Day Range	Focus Area	Tasks
Days 1–5	Library Foundations	Study 5 Laws, types of libraries, acts, history
Days 6–10	Info Sources & Services	Learn primary/secondary sources, user studies
Days 11–15	Classification Systems	DDC, CC, Colon classification, practical examples
Days 16–20	Cataloguing	AACR, MARC, Sears List, OPAC
Days 21–25	Library Management	Planning, organization, HRM, budgeting
Days 26–30	ICT in Libraries	Library software, networks, digitization, e-resources
Days 31–35	Research Methodology	Types, sampling, hypothesis, tests
Days 36–40	Digital Libraries & Consortia	INFLIBNET, Shodhganga, NDL, DSpace
Days 41–45	Revision + Mock Tests	Solve PYQs, mock tests, revise weak topics

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🕓 Daily Routine Plan (Suggested – 6 Hours)

Time Slot	Activity
6:00 – 7:00 AM	Revision of Previous Day
7:00 – 8:00 AM	New Topic Study (Concept Building)
5:00 – 6:00 PM	Practice MCQs
6:00 – 7:00 PM	Note-making & Formulae Review
9:00 – 10:00 PM	PYQs / Mock Test (1 Section Daily)

📌 CUET-PG Library & Information Science (FAQs)

Question	Answer
1. What is the exam pattern for CUET PG (Library Science)?	75 questions (MCQs) to be attempted in 105 minutes. No sections. +4 for correct, –1 for wrong.
2. What is the syllabus of CUET PG for Library & Information Science?	Topics include: Foundations, Management, Cataloguing, Classification, ICT, Research Methodology, Digital Libraries, Information Sources & Services.
3. Is there a negative marking in CUET PG LIS?	Yes. +4 for each correct answer and –1 for each incorrect answer.
4. Which books are best for CUET-PG Library Science?	Arihant’s CUET PG LIS Guide, Youth Competition Times PYQ, Krishan Kumar’s books on Classification, Cataloguing, and Library Management.
5. Is CUET PG Library Science conducted in Hindi also?	Yes, the paper is bilingual (Hindi & English).
6. What is the eligibility for CUET PG Library Science?	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (some universities require BLIS or equivalent). Check university-wise eligibility.
7. Which universities offer Library Science via CUET PG?	DU, JNU, BHU, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Guru Ghasidas, Pondicherry University, HNBGU, etc.
8. What is the expected cutoff for DU/JNU in LIS?	DU: 240–260 / 300 approx.; JNU: 230–250 (varies by category and year).
9. What is the career scope after CUET PG Library Science?	Roles in academic/public libraries, digital libraries, archives, cataloguing, research, faculty, knowledge management, etc.
10. Are mock tests available for CUET PG LIS?	Yes. Available through Arihant, Testbook, Adda247, GradeUp, and NTA sample papers.
11. Is CUET PG tougher than UGC NET for LIS?	No. CUET PG is easier and mostly fact-based, while UGC NET is concept-heavy and research-oriented.
12. Can I appear for UGC NET after CUET PG LIS?	Yes. A master’s degree from CUET PG qualifies you for UGC NET & JRF in LIS.
13. What type of questions are asked?	Mostly MCQs: matching sets, factual, assertion-reason, direct concept-based.
14. Is internship mandatory in LIS PG programs?	Depends on the university. Some have it in the final semester (e.g., BHU, IGNOU).
15. What is the level of CUET PG LIS exam?	Moderate. Focus is more on factual knowledge and definitions rather than analysis.