Certainly, the university is entitled by UGC-DEB to provide online programs. Moreover, the online MBA and MCA programs are accredited by AICTE.

The Accreditations or Approvals required by Indian Universities to start Online and distance learning programmes are: - 

  • University Grants Commission (UGC) Approval: Indian universities, whether traditional or open, need to obtain approval from the UGC to offer online courses. The UGC had issued specific regulations for open and distance learning, which also apply to online education. These regulations specified the norms and standards that institutions had to adhere to while offering online programs.

 

  • Compliance with Distance Education Regulations: In addition to UGC regulations, universities offering online programs also had to comply with the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) regulations, which governed open and distance learning programs.

 

  • Approval from AICTE: The AICTE primarily focuses on technical education, including engineering, management, pharmacy or applied sciences and Indian Universities specifically do not require AICTE approval to start online courses. Its role is to regulate and promote technical education in India. These regulations are mainly applied to traditional universities and institutions that offer online or distance education programs.

 

  • Quality Assurance: Indian universities are required to maintain the quality and standards of education in online programs. This often involves regular assessment and accreditation by bodies like the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) or the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

 

  • Rankings: The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is a ranking system for higher education institutions in India. It was launched by the Ministry of Education in 2015 to assess and rank Indian universities and colleges based on various parameters. NIRF rankings aim to provide prospective students and other stakeholders with valuable information about the quality and performance of educational institutions

 

Yes, UGC via its notification dated 02-09-2022 has clearly mentioned that any degree received via Online or Distance mode is equivalent to the degrees offered through regular mode. The link for the same is https://deb.ugc.ac.in/Uploads/Notices_Upload/UGC_20220906101709_1.pdf. Accordingly, we can be sure that a degree done via Online or Distance mode is as good as a regular.

Sikkim Manipal University offers online postgraduate degree programs in MCA, M.Com and MA in different specialization.

Sikkim Manipal University offers online undergraduate degree programs in BA and B.Com.

The University term-end examination will be held digitally viz. computer-based and online proctored. A laptop or desktop computer with a functioning webcam connected to the internet is required to appear for the exams. The details of the examination schedule will be made available in the photo admit card issued for appearing for the term end theory examinations. (TEE). The examination pattern is available in the Programme guide provided to the students.

YES, Sikkim Manipal University provides live lectures in most of their courses.

Sikkim Manipal University's online programs offer placement support to all their learners in the form of mentorship and assistance in securing placements. Students receive personalized guidance and career support from experienced education mentors.

 

Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive a printed degree certificate from Sikkim Manipal University. The certificate, issued by the Directorate of Online Education at SMU, will include essential details such as the student's name, photo, government-issued ID information, and program name. The reverse side of the certificate will also display particulars like the date of admission, date of completion, mode of delivery, and other relevant information. It's important to note that Sikkim Manipal University reserves the right to modify the design or content of the certificate without prior notice.

 

Here are the few highlights of Sikkim Manipal University’s online programs- 

  1. Flexible class schedule to suit working professionals.
  2. Experienced faculty, expertly designed curriculum & interactive pedagogy.
  3. State-of-the-art LMS with vast e-library, live classes, and on-demand video lectures.
  4. Placement assistance, dedicated student mentors & 24×7 student support. 
  5. Opportunity to be a part of SMU’s prestigious alumni network.