1.What is Sikkim Manipal University?

The Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is a University located at Gangtok and established in accordance with the Sikkim Manipal    University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences Act, 1995 (Act No. 9 of 1995) of Government of Sikkim. It is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) model between the State of Sikkim and Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), the first of its kind in the country. Under this agreement the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim is the Chancellor of the SMU and many representatives of the Government of Sikkim form part of the Senior Management of the University. The constituent units of Sikkim Manipal University are:-
a)Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Science (SMIMS).
b)College of Physiotherapy.
c)College of Nursing.
d)Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT).
e)Directorate of Distance Education (DDE).

2.What do you mean by Distance Education?

Distance Education refers to the education which is imparted over long distances with the help of modern technology and communication facilities. The SMU offers Distance Education programs as part of its effort to provide quality education to students who, for various reasons, cannot join the formal education system. Postgraduate, Graduate degree/diploma level programs are offered in various disciplines such as Information Technology, Management Studies, Vocational Sciences, Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences.
SMU-DE programs are Learner-centric, using the four distinct delivery methods i.e. Self Learning Materials (SLMs), Counseling at Learning Centers, VSAT delivered special lectures and EduNxt - the next generation learning system that takes full advantage of the modern teaching techniques to create a virtual classroom.

3.What is the difference between Correspondence Course and Distance Education?

In a correspondence course, a student is expected to study on his/her own using the Self Learning Materials (SLMs) provided by the University. A student does not have the benefit of a teacher for most part of the learning process, who can provide him/her with academic counseling.
Distance Education is more structured and allows learners to learn at their own place and pace. Two-way communication permits the students to contact the teachers through electronic media. Well established student-support services like Virtual class-rooms, practical lab facilities, peer group interactions, mentor chats, counseling and advising sessions at Authorized Learning Centers, Help Desk & Regional Offices etc ensure quality learning outcomes.

4.Is the SMU recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC)?

Yes, the SMU is recognized by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, vide its letter no. F.9-7/96(CPP-I) dated 9 December, 1998

5.Is the SMU recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC)?

Yes, the SMU is recognized by the DEC to offer Distance Education across the country and abroad for the next three academic years i.e. till 2012 vide their letter No F.No. DEC/2010/672 dated 24.05.2010.

6.Are the SMU Distance Education Programs/Courses approved by the DEC?

Yes, all programs/courses offered by the SMU in Distance Mode have been approved by the DEC vide letter No.DEC/Recog/2009/4250 dated 06.11.2009.

7.Are the SMU Distance Education Programs/Courses approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)?

The SMU being a University (duly recognized by the UGC) is authorized to start and conduct new programmes/courses, without obtaining prior approval of the AICTE. However, for the purpose of ensuring coordinated and integrated development of technical education, and maintenance of standards, the AICTE may cause an inspection and render advise.

8.Is the SMU recognized by the UGC-AICTE- DEC Joint Committee?

Yes, the Joint Committee (UGC-AICTE-DEC) inspected the SMU facilities at Gangtok and Manipal and made a few advisory recommendations. These recommendations have been fully complied with. Resultantly, the SMU has been granted recognition and approval to conduct Distance Education Programmes/Courses till the Academic Year 2012.

9.Is the SMU a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)?

Yes, the SMU is a member of the AIU and is duly listed at Serial No. 240 on Page No. 30 in the latest AIU booklet.

10.Is the SMU recognized abroad?

Yes, the SMU is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), UK.

11.Is it Compulsory to attend classes under Distance Education Mode?

Attendance is not mandatory. However, the Learning Centers (LCs) will provide students a platform to interact with the counselors, other students and use of library facility at the LCs. Students may also receive hands-on training at designated LCs. Students are well advised to attend such classes/sessions to get their doubts clarified.

12.In case, I join the Distance Learning program of the University, is there any other payment other than the stipulated Course and Examination fees that I need to make?

No. For each program/course, the fees that are required to be paid will be stipulated in the Prospectus for every Session. All payments are to be made in favour of the University Only. However, additional payments (if any) to be made will be intimated through circulars from time to time.

13.To obtain admission under Distance Education programs of the University, do I need to go through an entrance examination?

At present there is no entrance examination for admission to any of the programs offered under distance mode. The admission to various programmes is purely based on eligibility criteria, as prescribed in the prospectus.

14.Is there Convocation at the end of the course?

SMU holds convocation once in a year. The dates for the convocation are decided by the University. Usually, the convocation will be held between September and December every year. However, please note that due to the space constraints only selected distance education students, based on their merit position in the examination will be invited to attend the convocation.

15.Is SMU Degree awarded through Distance Mode is recognized for employment and is at par with regular degree?

Yes. As per the Gazette Notification (44) of MHRD, Govt. of India, vide no. F. 18-15/93-TD.V/TS.1V, dated 1st March 1995, all degrees awarded through Distance Education by the Universities stand automatically recognized for the purpose of employment. All degree awarded by the SMU are in terms of Sec 22, UGC Act, 1956. Further, all programs offered through Distance Mode have been approved by the DEC.