Sikkim Manipal University Distance MA Review - Good or Bad?

In an era where flexibility and remote access characterize contemporary education, distance learning programs have become more popular. For most students and working professionals, the programs are a chance to achieve higher learning without interruping their work or personal lives. Among such institutions that once led the way in this area was Sikkim Manipal University (SMU).

But when it comes to SMU's Master of Arts (MA) via distance learning, is it the right choice—or not even worth your while? Here's a close examination.

Overview of SMU Distance Education

Sikkim Manipal University, started in 1995, was a public-private initiative between the Manipal Education Group and the Government of Sikkim. From more than two decades, SMU has provided distance learning through its Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DE) and has been a favorite among students all over India.

Its programs were previously acknowledged by institutions such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council (DEC). However, in 2018, SMU suspended new intake to its distance programs due to amendments to UGC regulations.

This change altered how the distance education of the university is viewed, but thousands of students had already been accepted prior to the cut-off. Therefore, how does the Distance MA program of SMU measure up?

Course Highlights

The SMU Distance MA curriculum generally included:

1. English Literature
2. History
3. Political Science
4. Sociology

The duration of the degree was two years (broken into four semesters), and it had a combination of print materials, online courses, and online assignments. SMU-DE also employed a system known as EduNxt, an early attempt to combine online course features like video lectures, online libraries, forums, and study support into a single dashboard.

Advantages of SMU Distance MA

✅ 1. Convenience and Flexibility

One of the greatest attractions of the SMU MA program was how flexible it was. Students were able to study at their own convenience without the need to attend classes or move locations. For a working professional or someone in a rural setting, this was a major advantage.

✅ 2. Digital Learning Ahead of Its Time

SMU was one of the earliest distance education institutions in India to launch an appropriate online platform (EduNxt). This gave students a semi-interactive environment and allowed them to access study materials, post assignments, and interact with tutors from a distance.

✅ 3. Recognition and Validity

Prior to the 2018 regulatory change, SMU distance degrees were UGC and DEC recognized, and accepted for numerous government and private sector positions. For years, the university enjoyed a robust reputation for its distance degrees.

Disadvantages of SMU Distance MA

❌ 1. Discontinued Program

As of now, you will not be able to apply for any new distance MA program by SMU. The university discontinued admitting distance students in 2018 because of the shift in the policy framework of UGC-DEB. Therefore, if you are searching for new admission, you will have to look for other universities.

❌ 2. Not Highly Ranked Academically

In comparison to conventional, campus-based MA programmes at major universities or institutes such as IGNOU, the academic intensity of SMU's distance MA was rated average. It was more a qualifier booster than a serious scholarly experience.

❌ 3. Restricted Faculty Interaction

Students hardly reported any interaction with subject experts. Although there was some interaction through EduNxt and sporadic contact classes, a lack of real-time academic mentoring made students unable to receive personalized guidance.

❌ 4. Doubtful Value for Aspirants of Public Sector

While degrees from SMU-DE are formally valid, most public sector employers and competitive exams have moved towards preferring central university or state open university degrees since 2018.

Is the Degree Still Relevant?

For those who earned their Distance MA from SMU prior to the program being closed, the degree is still valid and accepted, particularly in the private sector. It was widely utilized by professionals to meet qualifying for promotions, teaching jobs, or further studies.

Its prestige and competitiveness have however decreased, particularly with the likes of IGNOU, DU-SOL, and state open universities intensifying their offerings.

More Suitable Options Today

If you're searching for a credible MA distance learning program in 2025, following are some of the best options:

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): Provides reputable MA programs with pan-India recognition.
• Delhi University (School of Open Learning): Inexpensive and reliable.
• Annamalai University, University of Madras (IDE): Established distance education institutions with wide areas of specialization.
• Karnataka State Open University (KSOU): UGC-approved and well-accepted.

These universities are not only active but also offer updated curricula, better academic support, and continued recognition by the UGC-DEB.

Final Thoughts – Good or Bad?

If you’re considering Sikkim Manipal University’s Distance MA in the present day, it’s a closed door. The program was discontinued in 2018 and does not accept new students. For this reason alone, it’s not a viable option anymore.

But for those who have already graduated from SMU-DE, it is still a legitimate degree that did its job well under its functional years. It wasn't as academically rigorous as other programs, but it was serviceable, adaptive, and legitimate in its own time.