Librarian Course After 12th: Qualifications, Requirements, Course Details & Career Path in India

Ever thought about turning your passion for books and research into a full-time career?

If you find purpose in organising information, guiding learners, and creating accessible spaces for study, a career as a librarian might be for you!

Once overlooked, librarian courses after the 12th are now in demand. The sector is projected to grow by 6% between 2018 and 2028. With rising demand across schools, universities, and libraries in India, librarian courses after 12th are now considered valuable and promising career paths.

As a librarian, you can work in schools, colleges, universities, public libraries, law offices, courthouses, and museums. Not just official institutions, but many public libraries also hire skilled librarians to organise resources for different groups in society.

If you are unsure how to begin a career as a librarian, this blog from JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) will provide a comprehensive guide on how to become one in India. Read to learn more.

How to Become a Librarian in India?

Librarians have various responsibilities in their daily work. They help visitors learn how to use information retrieval systems, such as online catalogues or databases.

They also suggest books and resources based on the needs or questions of the readers. In addition, they maintain and organise the library’s collection. We have outlined a detailed step-by-step process on how to become a librarian in India:

Step 1: Complete Your 10+2 Education

To be eligible, you must pass your 12th board exams. Librarian courses are not available directly after the 10th.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To begin with, you should possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline, such as a Bachelor of Library Science (BLib) or a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS).

Entrance exams may be required in some colleges; hence, we advise that you visit the official university website to understand the guidelines more clearly.

Step 3: Choose the Right Institution

Apply to recognised public or private institutions that offer a library course after 12th. Admissions are usually merit-based, considering past academic performance.

Step 4: Consider Higher Studies

To boost your career prospects, consider pursuing postgraduate degrees such as a Master of Library Science (MLIS), a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or even a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) for advanced roles.

Step 5: Apply for Jobs or Specialise

You can work in schools, universities, public libraries, law firms, museums, or digital archives with a librarian qualification. With experience, you may become a Library Manager or specialise as a Digital, Music, Law, or Academic Librarian.

List of Librarian Courses After 12th

Librarian courses after 12th help you learn how to organise and manage books, articles, recordings, digital content, and other resources in a structured way. Here are some of the top librarian qualifications you can pursue after completing 12th grade:

Entrance Exams

In most cases, admission to a librarian course after 12th is based on merit, with colleges selecting students based on their academic performance. However, some universities and institutions conduct entrance exams as part of the admission process. You should check with the institution’s admissions office directly or visit their official website for better clarity.

Librarian Course Details – How to Apply?

Admissions vary depending on the course and college. Here’s a step-by-step general outline of the admission process.

Career Opportunities

Librarians are currently in high demand and have access to a wide range of career opportunities. You can work as a research assistant for professors or in publishing companies, where you will prepare bibliographies, indexes, and catalogues.

You can also be employed in schools, colleges, local libraries, government libraries, etc. Here are some of the best job profiles upon graduation:

Wrapping Up

A career as a librarian offers a well-organised pathway if you value knowledge and organising data in a meaningful way. Librarian courses after 12th grade provide the necessary foundation for working in schools, colleges, public libraries, and research institutions.

With the right qualifications, you can take up roles in cataloguing, information management, and academic support. If you are interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Library Science course, visit our website.

FAQs

Q1: What is the qualification for librarian?

A1: To become a librarian, you must complete 12th grade, followed by a bachelor’s degree in any stream. Afterwards, you can pursue a professional course like a Bachelor of Library and Information Science, preferably from a reputed college.

Q2: How many years is a librarian course?

A2: An undergraduate librarian course requires 3 years to complete. Conversely, it can be completed in 1-2 years at postgraduate level. A diploma or certificate course can last between 6 months and a year.

Q3: How to become a government librarian?

A3: To become a government librarian, you must complete 10+2, followed by a BLib or BLIS and an MLISc.
You may also need to clear competitive exams, such as those conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and apply through official government portals.

Q4: What is the salary of a librarian in India?

A4: The average annual salary for an entry-level librarian in India is around INR 1.20 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA), with the highest salary being INR 11.31 LPA. Senior roles such as Deputy Librarian and Senior Librarian earn average annual salaries of INR 3 LPA to 16.0 LPA, respectively.

Q5: What is the full form of BLIS?

A5: The full form of BLIS is Bachelor of Library and Information Science.