Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC)
Establishment, Course, Eligibility, Admission, and Research Projects
The Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC) is a specialised centre for education, research and professional training in Library and Information Science (LIS). Established in Bengaluru in January 1962 as a unit of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), it has played an important role in the development of documentation, information management and knowledge organisation.
DRTC connects library science with information technology, quantitative methods and modern information systems. Its mission is to train skilled LIS professionals who can manage information resources, build knowledge systems, and facilitate research through modern digital technologies. The centre functions under the Social Science Division of ISI.
📌 In This Article
1. History and Establishment of DRTC
DRTC emerged from India's growing need for specialised documentation services after independence. As scientific research, industrial activity and national laboratories expanded, researchers needed organised access to reliable and subject-specific information
🕰️ Important Historical Milestones
1947 — The Indian Standards Institution was established, and its Documentation Sectional Committee was formed under Dr. S. R. Ranganathan.
1950 — Dr. K. S. Krishnan and Dr. S. R. Ranganathan were authorised to negotiate with UNESCO for support to establish a national documentation centre.
September 1951 — The Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC) was established following these efforts.
1955 — The Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres (IASLIC) was formed, with documentation training among its objectives.
1956 — Professor P. C. Mahalanobis approached Dr. S. R. Ranganathan about establishing a documentation research and training centre in India.
1961 — The proposal to establish DRTC with the support of the Indian Statistical Institute was prepared and approved.
January 1962 — DRTC was established in Bengaluru as a unit of ISI.
April 1962 — The centre formally began functioning as a research and training institution.
16 August 1962 — Dr. C. D. Deshmukh inaugurated DRTC.
2008 —In 2008, the Associateship in Documentation Science was upgraded to the Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MS-LIS) programme.
Dr. S. R. Ranganathan and Professor P. C. Mahalanobis
Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, regarded as the founder of DRTC, played a central role in planning the centre's academic and research activities. Professor P. C. Mahalanobis supported the initiative through ISI, recognising the importance of specialised information services for scientific research and industrial development.
DRTC was established in response to the recommendation of the International Congress of Libraries and Documentation Centres held in Brussels in 1955, which emphasised specialised training for documentalists.
Dr. Ranganathan introduced the term Librametry for quantitative studies related to library work. Quantitative methods helped connect information science with statistical approaches.
2. Courses Offered at DRTC
DRTC's academic and research activities focus on professional education and advanced study in Library and Information Science.
Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) / Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)
DRTC's research environment supports advanced study in Library and Information Science and interdisciplinary information research. JRF and SRF opportunities are intended for eligible research scholars, subject to the relevant programme and fellowship requirements. Applicants should consult official ISI and DRTC announcements for current openings, eligibility conditions and fellowship details.
3. MS-LIS Eligibility and Admission
Eligibility Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in any subject from a recognised university in India or abroad.
- The degree must follow at least 12+3 years of education.
Selection Procedure
Selection is based on the candidate's academic record and performance in an all-India written entrance test and interview. Applicants should check the official admission notice for application dates, examination details, interview procedures and any changes to the selection process.
Programme Details at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MS-LIS) |
| Duration | 24 months (2 years) |
| Location | ISI Bengaluru Centre |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in any discipline, with at least 12+3 years of education |
| Selection | Academic records, all-India written entrance test and interview |
| Tuition fee and stipend | The supplied programme information states there is no tuition fee and eligible students receive a stipend. Confirm current terms in the official admission notice. |
Equivalence Certificate
Students or institutions seeking formal information about programme equivalence can consult the certificate provided by DRTC.
📄 View MS-LIS Equivalence Certificate
4. MS-LIS Course Structure and Evaluation
The programme runs for four semesters over two years and consists of twenty credit courses, including seminars, colloquium and dissertation work.
Twenty credit courses distributed across four semesters.
A 4–6 week internship between semesters two and three.
Approved research topic spanning semesters three and four.
Internship
Students are required to complete an internship of 4–6 weeks between the second and third semesters. The internship may be undertaken in a library, a Library and Information Science department, an industry or an information centre. This practical experience helps students understand professional information services and apply academic learning in real working environments.
Dissertation and Research Work
Dissertation work on an approved topic takes place across the third and fourth semesters. The dissertation is evaluated on the basis of:
- The student's contribution, including original research or developmental work.
- The quality of the dissertation text.
- Presentation and defence in an open seminar.
- The student's depth of knowledge in the chosen area.
The combination of coursework, practical training and research helps students develop analytical, technical and professional skills.
Entrance Examination Syllabus
The supplied syllabus link refers to the 2022 MS-LIS entrance examination syllabus. Candidates should check the latest admission materials to confirm whether a newer version is available.
📘 View MS-LIS Entrance Syllabus PDF
5. DRTC Research Projects
DRTC's research activities extend beyond conventional library services to digital information systems, semantic technologies and knowledge representation. The supplied project information highlights these initiatives:
6. International Conference: ICKOLIS 2026
International Conference on Knowledge Organization and Library Information Systems
Exploring Multidimensional Facets
The conference is relevant to professionals and researchers interested in knowledge organisation, information systems and Library and Information Science. The listed dates are in the past as of October 2026, so readers should consult the official conference page for proceedings, announcements or post-event information.
7. Career Opportunities After MS-LIS
The interdisciplinary nature of the MS-LIS programme can prepare graduates for roles involving the organisation, management and delivery of information. Potential career areas include:
Actual job eligibility and career opportunities depend on the employer's requirements, the candidate's skills and the relevant recruitment rules.
8. Official References
Conclusion
The Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC), established at ISI Bengaluru in 1962, has a long-standing role in documentation, information science and professional education. Its MS-LIS programme combines library science, technology, knowledge organisation and research, while its projects explore open access, ontologies, metadata and linked data. Students interested in Library and Information Science should review the latest official admission information before applying.
