Ph D Library & Information Science: Eligibility, Admissions 2025, Exams, Fees, Salary

PhD in Library and Information Science is an academic program for a period of 2 to 3 years focusing on developing research and teaching skills in information science, knowledge management, digital libraries, and archival studies.

PhD Library and Information Science eligibility is that the candidate must have done a Master's degree in Library and Information Science or have an equivalent degree in the relevant field. The admission to this course is based upon entrance tests such as UGC NET and CSIR NET.

A PhD in Library and Information Science equips students with advanced knowledge in library management, information technology, and educational tools. The course provides students with the opportunity to work in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and corporate libraries. Some of the job roles available for them are Librarian, Web Content Strategist, Library Trainee, Technical Professional, Teacher, and Library Director

Salaries for fresh PhD graduates are competitive and vary by sector and expertise. PhD holders in Library and Information Science can expect an average package in the range of INR 3 - 10 lakhs per annum.

PhD in Library & Information Science Highlights

The basic details of PhD Library and Information Science are as follows:

What is PhD in Library & Information Science?

A PhD program in library and information science is a 2-3 year program that focuses on advanced research in the fields of knowledge organization, library science, and information management. The course provides learning about digital libraries, data curation, knowledge management, information technology, and information retrieval in general.

The course includes a strong emphasis on developing new ideas, theories, and techniques to enhance the gathering, arrangement, and sharing of information. This field provides scholars with leadership and research abilities as well as knowledge of information systems, cataloging, classification, metadata analysis, and digital preservation.

Why Study a PhD in Library & Information Science?

A PhD in library and information science provides students with various job opportunities in government agencies, businesses, research institutes, and academia. As the need for digital libraries, data management, and knowledge organization keeps on growing, the scope for the experts in this field will also keep on growing. The experts should know how to efficiently manage and handle the conserving information.

Employment opportunities are provided to students for positions as research consultants, digital archivists, information analysts, university professors, and library directors. It guarantees effective access and use of knowledge in the digital age and gives everyone the chance to contribute to the development of information science.

PhD in Library & Information Science Eligibility

Students should have the following eligibility to take admission in PhD in Library and Information Science:

• The candidates must have a Master's degree in Library and Information Science or a related field with a minimum of 55% marks.
•  Some universities take admission through entrance exams like UGC NET and CSIR NET.

PhD in Library & Information Science Entrance Exams

Some of the popular entrance exams for a PhD in Library and Information Science include UGC NET and CSIR NET.

PhD in Library & Information Science Top Colleges

Some of the top colleges for PhD in Library and Information Science, based on the NIRF Ranking 2024, are as follows:

PhD in Library & Information Science vs Master’s in Library and Information Science

PhD in Library and Information Science is a research-focused based doctoral program that helps students to contribute to new theories, methodologies, and innovations in the field. The PhD students are provided with In-depth studies on subjects like knowledge management, digital preservation, information retrieval, and emerging technologies in library science. The course provides students with strong analytical, teaching, and research skills, preparing graduates for academic, research, and leadership roles.

After completion of the course, one can pursue careers in academia as university professors, researchers, or policy advisors. They may also work as senior library administrators, consultants, or information science experts in research institutions and think tanks.

Master in Library and Information Science, also known as MLIS, is a PG degree offering in-depth knowledge and practical skills in library management, information organization, digital libraries, cataloging, classification, and research methods. For the students who want to build their career as librarians, information specialists, archivists, or even digital content managers, this course is the perfect pathway. The course focuses on applying existing theories and practices in libraries, archives, and information centers.

After completion of the course, one can work as librarians, information officers, digital archivists, metadata specialists, and corporate information managers in schools, universities, government agencies, and private organizations.

PhD in Library & Information Science Jobs

• Industry: A PhD in Library and Information Science can lead to jobs in universities, research centers, digital libraries, IT companies, publishing houses, and government institutions.
• Employment Demand: A PhD in Library and Information Science is in high demand, offering job opportunities in research centers, digital libraries, and IT companies, driven by the growing importance of information literacy and knowledge management in various sectors.

• Average Salary: The average salary after PhD Library and Information Science varies depending on experience, industry, and location. The entry-level positions offer a salary range of INR 3- 10 lakhs per annum.

There are various job roles available for PhD holders in Library and Information Science. As per Payscale, the average package of various job roles according to the years of experience are mentioned in the table below:

PhD in Library & Information Science FAQs