Is Sikkim Manipal University Distance Good or Bad? – Full Review and Facts

Sikkim Manipal University is the first platform with a government-private partnership in the region of Sikkim. Sikkim Manipal University was established in the year 1995 and established a school of distance education in the pursuit of making education accessible not only to the students of Sikkim but also outside the region. Sikkim Manipal is a unique collaboration of the Sikkim Government and the Manipal Group. SMU’s Distance Education is a part of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

About Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education has gained recognition from the University Grants Commission or UGC and approved by the Government of India. SMU was established to bridge the gap between education and skills and hence it focuses more on harnessing the skills.

Henceforth, education will never be tamed because of the dearth of experience and skills. The School of Distance Education of Sikkim Manipal University has been recognized as the best distance learning institute in India by various industrial and academic bodies like ASSOCHAM, Careers360, and Silicon India.

Students can find major programs in the university via distance mode which can help students in securing high-profile jobs in reputed firms or MNCs. Apart from providing UG and PG courses, the university also gives the privilege of campus placements with the collaboration of MNCs like Accenture, Fidelity, Tech Mahindra, etc.

Factors one should consider while choosing a Distance University

It might be difficult yet important to choose the right university for each person's needs. Selecting the best university requires taking into several factors, which makes the process simpler. These elements are crucial in assessing the Return on Investment (ROI) in addition to protecting people from any frauds and traps. These aspects will be thoroughly discussed in the following sections, which will provide full information about the attributes of each university.

• Accreditation and Recognition
• Fee ranges
• Curriculum and Faculty
• Accessibility of LMS
• Evaluation Method
• Student Support System
• Placement Assistance

Accreditation of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

The validity and recognition of a university is an important feature. The validity and quality of education offered by a university are determined by its accreditation and recognition. Degrees are validated in large part by university recognition, which raises their worth on a national and worldwide scale. The following lists the awards that the Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education has received:

Fee Structure of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

Selecting distance education is often less expensive than regular programs provided by reputable universities. Depending on the program that is selected and its particular areas of specialization different fee structures apply. Individuals can expect comparable returns on these fees because they see them as investments in their future. Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education offers a range of blended learning programs, including the following:

Courses	Fees
Master of Commerce (M.Com)	Rs. 22,500 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs. 5000)
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)	Rs. 12,500 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs. 5000)
Bachelor of Arts (BA)	Rs. 12,500 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs. 2,000)
Master of Arts (MA) in English	Rs. 18,750 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs.5000)
Master of Computer Applications	Rs. 41,250 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs. 5000)
Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology	Rs. 18,750 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs.5000)
Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science	Rs. 18,750 per semester (includes exam fee of Rs.5000)

​Curriculum and Faculty of the Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

The curriculum of Sikkim Manipal University is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who are not yet employed as well as those who are working professionals. Elective subjects are included in the syllabus so that students can select what interests them. It also uses a credit-based system, meaning that to graduate, students need to achieve a specific credit score. The university is home to knowledgeable professors who assist students with their coursework and mentor them toward their long-term objectives. Additionally, they serve as a bridge between present students and former pupils, expanding the student body's network.

Accessibility of LMS of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

Sikkim Manipal University offers a specially designed curriculum that meets the needs of students who don't have any job experience as well as those who are working professionals. The program includes optional courses that students can select from following their preferences. It also uses a credit-based system in which students need to meet specific credit requirements to graduate. Experienced faculty members at the university assist students with their coursework and guide their future objectives. Additionally, they help alumni and current students connect, expanding the student body's network.

Evaluation Method of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

Folks need to comprehend the evaluation process. Exams, assignments, projects, conversations, and other forms of evaluation that are used by different online colleges are all included in this approach. Students need to familiarise themselves with the university's grading scheme or assessment techniques to study for examinations effectively. The breakdown of evaluation percentages for the university's program is provided below:

Factors	Mark
Internal Assessment	30%
Semester End Exams	70%

Students Support System of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

Student support refers to the help available when you face problems with your studies. Sikkim Manipal University's distance education has a good support system, offering assistance with academics, technical issues, and counseling to help students succeed in their studies.

Placement Assistance of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

SMU has been established with the motive of inculcating industrial skills amongst students with the help of fieldwork and placements. SMU-DE has launched a job fair program to stimulate campus placements for distance students and alumni as well.

Corporate Partners

• American Express
• Axis Securities
• Capgemini
• Fidelity
• Genpact

The university has collaborations with famous recruiters like American Express, Axis Securities, Capgemini, Fidelity, Genpact, HDFC Realty, and various others. The university has developed a platform to let students explore various fields available in the corporate world. Students can easily get help from the faculty in charge of campus placements in case of any confusion. 

Why to Choose Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education

There are various beneficial reasons to choose Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education and some of them are mentioned below:

• Flexible Payment Options:- SMU allows correspondence students to pay their program fees via EMI, available on credit cards
• Learn at your own pace:- Students can learn or attend classes whenever they want because they can have 24 x 7 access to lectures on apps like the SMU-DE app and EduNxt
• Students Support:- SMU provides the facilities of counselors and other advisors to resolve the queries of students/candidates

Some Other Online/Distance Universities

There are various other reputed distance universities along with government approvals. Some of them are listed below:

Other Distance Education Universities
Kakatiya University Distance Education	University of Calicut Distance Education	Kakatiya University Distance Education
LPU Distance Education	Kerala University Distance Education	LPU Distance Education
CCE UPES Distance Learning	Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam - DDE	CCE UPES Distance Learning
Chandigarh University Distance	Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana	Chandigarh University Distance
Amity University Distance Education	Andhra University Distance Education	Amity University Distance Education
Kalyani University Distance Education	Madras University Distance Education	Kalyani University Distance Education
Punjabi University Distance Education	Annamalai University Distance Education	Punjabi University Distance Education

Conclusion

Sikkim Manipal University is a joint venture of the Sikkim Government and the Manipal Group, established to inculcate industrial skills amongst students along with education. Students can be admitted to any course offered by the SMU-DE via the website of the university. In this blog, students can scratch every important detail required for admission to the university. Henceforth, students can directly jump to the application portal to take admission after reading this blog.