INFLIBNET Syllabus – Complete Guide for All Recruitment Exams
Welcome to your one-stop hub for all INFLIBNET syllabi. Whether you’re preparing for the Scientist-B (Library Science), Programmer, Administrative Officer, or any other position under the Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET), this page provides structured, up-to-date, and exam-focused syllabus details to streamline your preparation.
As an Inter-University Centre (IUC) of the University Grants Commission (UGC), INFLIBNET plays a central role in advancing digital infrastructure, e-resource access, and library networking across Indian higher education institutions. Its recruitment exams reflect this mission—testing both domain expertise and technical proficiency.
Below, find officially aligned syllabi, topic-wise breakdowns, weightage insights, and direct links to detailed subject guides.
Contents
- 1 🔍 Latest INFLIBNET Recruitment Exams & Syllabi
- 2 📚 Scientist-B (Library Science) – Full Syllabus Breakdown
- 3 💡 Key INFLIBNET Projects Every Candidate Must Know
- 4 📖 Preparation Resources
- 5 🗓️ Exam Pattern Overview (Scientist-B)
- 6 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 7 🔔 Stay Updated
- 8 📌 Final Tips for Success
🔍 Latest INFLIBNET Recruitment Exams & Syllabi
| Post | Exam Type | Key Focus Areas | Detailed Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (Library Science) | Screening Test + Interview | LIS Theory, Digital Libraries, Research Methods, National Info Systems | View Full Syllabus |
| Scientist-B (Computer Science/IT) | Technical Written Test | Programming, DBMS, Networking, Web Technologies, Cloud | [Coming Soon] |
| Programmer / Software Developer | Coding + MCQ Test | Python/Java, Algorithms, SQL, APIs, System Design | [Coming Soon] |
| Administrative Officer / Accounts | General Aptitude + Domain Test | Finance, HR, Office Procedures, GK, Reasoning | [Coming Soon] |
| Technical Assistant / DEO | Basic IT + Typing Test | MS Office, Data Entry, Internet Basics, Typing Speed | [Coming Soon] |
✅ Note: Syllabi are based on past notifications (2020–2025) and indicative patterns. Always refer to the official INFLIBNET recruitment notification at https://www.inflibnet.ac.in for final updates.
📚 Scientist-B (Library Science) – Full Syllabus Breakdown
This is the most frequently recruited post under INFLIBNET’s academic wing. The screening test carries 100 marks with 90 minutes duration, featuring objective-type questions across nine core areas.
Topic-wise Weightage & Summary
| Section | Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of LIS: Types of libraries, Library Acts, Five Laws, Professional Associations (ILA, IFLA), UGC/RRRLF/UNESCO roles | 5% |
| 2 | Information Concepts: DIKW, Communication models, IPR, RTI Act, IT Act, National Knowledge Commission | 5% |
| 3 | Information Sources & Systems: Primary/Secondary/Tertiary sources, E-resources, Databases, DELNET, INFLIBNET, NISCAIR, INIS, AGRIS, etc. | 15% |
| 4 | User Services: Reference, CAS/SDI, Mobile libraries, Web 2.0, Social tools, Community info services | 10% |
| 5 | Knowledge Organization: Classification (DDC, UDC, CC), Cataloguing (CCC, AACR2), ISBD, MARC21, RDA, FRBR, Dublin Core, Indexing | 15% |
| 6 | Computer & Internet Tech: ASCII/Unicode, Networks (LAN/WAN), Protocols (HTTP, TCP/IP), Cloud, Semantic Web, Big Data | 15% |
| 7 | Library Automation & Digital Libraries: Koha, RFID, Digitization, Institutional Repositories (Shodhganga), CMS, Digital Preservation | 10% |
| 8 | Research & Metrics: Research methods, Sampling, Plagiarism, SPSS/R, Bibliometrics, h-index, Altmetrics | 15% |
| 9 | General Aptitude & INFLIBNET Awareness: Reasoning, Current Affairs, INFLIBNET projects (e-ShodhSindhu, N-LIST, InfoPort) | 10% |
🔗 Read Full Detailed Syllabus for Scientist-B (Library Science)
💡 Key INFLIBNET Projects Every Candidate Must Know
Understanding these initiatives is crucial—especially for Sections 3, 7, and 9:
- Shodhganga: National repository of Indian theses (Ph.D./M.Phil).
- e-ShodhSindhu: Consortium providing access to 10,000+ e-journals and databases.
- N-LIST: Free e-resources for colleges not covered under UGC-INFONET.
- InfoPort: Gateway for LIS professionals with curated content.
- National Knowledge Network (NKN): High-speed network connecting universities; INFLIBNET is a key content partner.
- Open Access Policy Advocacy: Promoting institutional repositories and open science.
📖 Preparation Resources
Recommended Books
- Modern Library and Information Science – S. K. Mandal
- Introduction to Library and Information Science – G. Edward Evans
- Digital Libraries – William Y. Arms
- Research Methods in Library and Information Science – Alison J. Head
Official Websites
Online Learning
- NPTEL LIS Courses (IIT Madras, IIT Bombay)
- INFLIBNET YouTube Channel (Webinars & Tutorials)
- MOOCs on Digital Preservation & Metadata (Coursera, edX)
🗓️ Exam Pattern Overview (Scientist-B)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Total Questions: 100 (MCQs)
- Marking: +1 for correct, no negative marking
- Language: English
- Qualifying Cut-off: Varies by category (typically 50–60%)
- Next Stage: Interview (for shortlisted candidates)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
→ No. There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions.
→ The core syllabus remains consistent. Minor updates may reflect new technologies (e.g., AI in libraries, BIBFRAME adoption).
→ Very important! 5–10 questions directly relate to Shodhganga, e-ShodhSindhu, NKN, and organizational structure.
→ Only candidates with a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS/BLISc) or equivalent are eligible.
→ INFLIBNET does not officially release papers, but subject-wise MCQ banks are available through LIS coaching portals and university question repositories.
🔔 Stay Updated
INFLIBNET notifications are irregular but significant. To avoid missing deadlines:
- Bookmark this page for syllabus updates
- Subscribe to INFLIBNET’s email alerts
- Follow UGC and INFLIBNET on social media
- Join LIS professional groups (e.g., ILA forums, Facebook groups)
📌 Final Tips for Success
- Prioritize high-weightage sections: Focus on Sections 3, 5, 6, and 8 (60% of the paper).
- Link theory to practice: Understand how FRBR improves OPAC search or how RFID streamlines circulation.
- Revise national networks: Memorize acronyms like DESIDOC, ENVIS, SENDOC, and their parent ministries.
- Practice metadata standards: Be ready to compare Dublin Core vs. MARC21.
- Know INFLIBNET inside out: Its vision, leadership, flagship projects, and role in NKN.
Last Updated: January 2026 | Verified against the latest INFLIBNET guidelines
For educational purposes only. Not affiliated with INFLIBNET or UGC.