IGNOU Vs SMU: Where Should You Go?
Are you feeling confused because of plenty of distance colleges? This is the most prevailing problem of students who are willing to pursue higher education in the distance mode.
Hence, this blog aims to clear the clutter in your head by comparing two famous distance universities on the basis of the available courses, fee structure, admission process, and so & so forth.
Indira Gandhi National Open University is the world’s largest distance university with 227 courses from 21 different departments. Whereas, Sikkim Manipal University is also a recognized distance university of Sikkim and awarded by many institutions.
IGNOU Vs SMU: Key Differences
| Factors | IGNOU | SMU |
| Location of Headquarter | New Delhi, Delhi | Gangtok, Sikkim |
| University Established Year | 1985 | 1995 |
| Ownership | Government | Private |
| Courses Offered | UG, PG, Diploma courses, doctorate, and M.Phil programs | UG, PG, and professional programs |
| Disciplines of Courses | IT, Education, Humanities, Commerce, and more | Management, IT, Humanities, and Science |
| Approvals/Recognition | NCTE, AICTE, UGC, DEB | UGC, DEB, |
| Accreditation | Accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade | NAAC |
| Mode of Application | Online/Offline | Online |
| Admission Criteria | Merit-based | Merit-based |
| Mode of Fee Payment | Online/Offline | Online |
IGNOU Vs SMU: Available Courses
IGNOU is famous for providing 227 distance courses across the world and has 67 regional centers across India. Here is the list of all the available distance courses in IGNOU with fees, eligibility, and duration:
| Courses | Fee | Eligibility | Duration |
| B.Ed | Rs 50,000 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 2-4 years |
| MBA | Rs 37,800 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 2-5 years |
| M.Ed | Rs 40,000 only | B. Ed passed | 2-4 years |
| B.lib. I.Sc. | Rs 6,000 only | Graduation with 50% marks | 3-6 years |
| MA | Rs 9,000 only | Passed Graduation | 2-5 years |
| BCA | Rs 40,200 only | Passed 10+2 | 3-6 years |
| M.Sc | Rs 33,600 only | Passed Graduation | 2-5 years |
| BA | Rs. 6,000 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| M.Com | Rs. 11,000 only | Graduation | 2 years |
| B.Tech | Rs. 20,000 only | 10 + 2 with Science | 4 years |
| BBA | Rs. 27,000 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| B.Sc | Rs. 12,500 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| MCA | Rs. 72,000 only | Graduation | 3 years |
| M.Tech | Rs. 2,75,000 | B.Tech/M.Sc/M.Sc | 2 years |
| B.Com | Rs. 8100 only | 10 + 2 | 3 years |
| Master of Tourism & Travel Management (MTTM) | Rs. 12,000 only | Graduation | 2 years |
SMU provides both UG and PG programs via distance mode and from departments like Humanities, IT, and Commerce. Here is the list of all the available distance courses of SMU:
| Courses | Duration | Eligibility | Fees |
| BBA | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognized board or a 3-year diploma | Rs. 16,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| BCA | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognized board or a 3-year diploma | Rs. 16,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| B.Sc – IT | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognized board or a 3-year diploma | Rs. 16,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| BA | 3 years | 10+2 from a recognized board or a 3-year diploma | Rs. 6,000 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 2,000) |
| MBA in Marketing | 2 years | Bachelors in any discipline | Rs. 21,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| MBA in IT | 2 years | Bachelors in any discipline | Rs. 21,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| MBA in HR | 2 years | Bachelors in any discipline | Rs. 21,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| MBA in Finance | 2 years | Bachelors in any discipline | Rs. 21,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| MCA | 3 years | Bachelors in any discipline with Mathematics at 10 + 2 level or at Graduation level | Rs. 18,250 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
| M.Sc – IT | 2 years | Bachelors in any discipline | Rs. 20,000 per semester
(includes exam fee of Rs. 5000) |
IGNOU Vs SMU: Facilities to Distance Students
The scenario of distance education is changing rapidly especially after the emergence of new technologies and the 2020 pandemic when everybody was forced to stay inside the four walls of the home. So many universities started using the latest technologies to provide online lectures, online events, and more.
Here are the facilities provided by IGNOU to distance students:
- Online classes on Swayam
- Access to e-content of library
- Access to the study material online via IGNOU e-content app
- Printed self-study material will be shipped to your home address
- Offline classes on weekends
Here are the facilities provided by SMU to distance students:
- SMU-DE app to access all the content and educational videos
- Job fairs for distance students
- Online learning with the help of EduNxt
- Online student support system
IGNOU Vs SMU: Admission Procedure
Both these universities offer an online mode to take admission in any distance learning course. All you need to do is visit the official directorate of distance education of the university and then register yourself online by filling in all the details and then proceed with the process. Students will also get the option of online payment for the concerned program.
IGNOU Vs SMU: Fee Structure
IGNOU offers semester-based degree programs as well as annual diploma programs. As a result, academic fees for courses must be charged according to the curriculum scheme, which means that if the program is in semester mode, students must submit fees before each semester, and if the program is in yearly mode, students must submit fees before each year.
Sikkim Manipal University also provides programs in the semester mode and hence the fee of any program should be submitted before each semester.
IGNOU Vs SMU: Awards and Recognition
Both Sikkim Manipal University and Indira Gandhi National Open University are recognized and famous universities especially for their distance learning courses that are available in every part of the country.
Hence, these universities have been recognized and awarded so many times. Here is the list of awards received by the Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education:-
- The university has been ranked no. 1 distance learning university by ASSOCHAM, Careers360, and Silicon India.
- Silver award in Digital Learning Transformation Category at 2018 Learning Award Ceremony.
Indira Gandhi National Open University is famous across the country for its distance education and here are some of its recognition:-
- IGNOU is considered to be the world’s largest distance university with 227 courses.
- Accredited by NAAC by A++ Grade.
- UNESCO declared IGNOU as the largest institute of higher learning in 2010.
- Recognized as “Center of Excellence” in Distance Education by the Commonwealth of Learning in 1993.
- Commonwealth of Learning granted the Award of Excellence for Distance Education in 1999.
Final Words
So far you got a fair idea about the available courses, fee structure, admission procedure of both Sikkim Manipal University and IGNOU. Hence, students can easily compare and come to a conclusion which university or college is a better choice for them.
