Sikkim Manipal University Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at Glimpse

Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is one of the top universities, located in the attractive hilly terrains of Sikkim, Northeast India. It is recognized by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has accredited Sikkim Manipal University with an 'A+' Grade and the Medical Council of India (MCI) has authorized it. The university received an overall rank of 101 as per the NIRF Rankings in 2023. Sikkim Manipal University provides 16 Undergraduate, 18 Postgraduate, a Diploma in Medical Biotechnology, and Doctorate programmes. It also offers a Distance Learning programme in Management and Information Technology. These courses are offered at two separate campuses: Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) and Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS). 

SMU has an amazing infrastructure with all the basic facilities on campus. Students can live in university-provided hostels or in nearby PGs. Sikkim Manipal University adopts the CBCS system, so students have a wide range of courses to choose from. The university’s management hires top-class faculty members who are well-regarded for their excellent academic knowledge and teaching style. SMU holds a diverse learning environment, with students studying from across India. Sikkim Manipal University's placement record for UG courses is phenomenal, with a 94% placement rate. However, contrary to this, the PG course placements are below the belt at a rate of 27%. The university offers transportation services to shuttle students from various academic blocks to hostels, libraries, medical centres, etc. Even on weekends and holidays, one bus travels between 7th Mile and Gangtok, which students can avail of to commute and explore the city.

Sikkim Manipal University NIRF Ranking

Sikkim Manipal University received an overall rank of 101 in the NIRF Rankings 2023, which is average. The year before that, the university was ranked 151 out of a total of 200 colleges in India by NIRF. Considering the previous year's rank, Sikkim Manipal University did improve a lot. However, there is still a lot of scope for improvement in ranking.

Our Take

If we compare the NIRF 2023 rankings with that of the previous year, the university's overall rank has certainly gotten better. The probable reason could be that SMU has managed to improve the standard of quality education and research over the years. Collaborating with industries, enhanced infrastructure, and good placement records are some of the major factors that have contributed to the university's improved ranking. If the university continues to stay motivated towards improving its academics, research and innovation, campus life, placement statistics, etc., there is scope for securing a higher rank in the upcoming years.

Sikkim Manipal University Academia and Batch Size

Sikkim Manipal University is a small-sized university with an enrollment range of 3000-3900 students. The institute incorporates CBCS (choice-based credit system) into its programmes, which allows students to select their desired course. SMU conducts examinations in odd and even semesters. Odd Semesters mean all the first semesters of each academic year i.e. first, third, fifth and seventh semesters. These are usually conducted between November and December. Even Semesters are all the second semesters of each academic year i.e. second, fourth, sixth and eighth semesters. These are typically held between April and May. Apart from the semester exams, students are also assigned various projects and assignments throughout the year. Sikkim Manipal University also offers distance education courses like MBA, MCA, BBA, BCA, M.Sc. (IT), and B.Sc. (IT) that students can pursue from the comfort of their homes. All SMU-Distance Learning programmes are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Board (DEB).

Our Take

The university implies CBCS, which is good for students' education as it encourages flexibility by allowing credit transfers and promotes interdisciplinary learning, ensuring that graduates have a broader knowledge base. If we consider the students' reviews on Quora, the university course curriculum is industry-relevant, and it prepares students well for the real-time business and job industry. The Distance Learning programmes offered at SMU are a boon to students who wish to complete their education but are unable to relocate or commute to the university campus. They can take online classes to continue with their desired course study. This also saves time and reduces the cost of travelling, which is of great benefit to the students. Online programmes require students to be self-starters. Since there are strict deadlines to meet, students learn to be responsible and accountable for time management and discipline. If students can overcome these tendencies, they will advance far in life, be it in the workplace or any other area. As per the university's official website, students studying through Distance Learning have landed jobs at major companies like Airtel, HCL, TCS, etc. Overall, Sikkim Manipal University's academic structure is good and ensures that students are well-equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Sikkim Manipal University Infrastructure

Sikkim Manipal University has a well-built campus where students will find all the modern facilities.

Classroom: The university has modern classrooms with digital screening, modern LCDs, and proper seating arrangements.

Auditorium, Seminar Halls, and Labs:There are various seminar halls with digital screens in the university. The Sikkim Manipal University campus has a large auditorium and several labs with modern equipment.

Library:SMU has a well-stocked library with around 50137 volumes. The institution is a member of the Developing Library Network (DELNET) Consortium, which gives online access to the country's main libraries. The university is also a member of the INDEST-AICTE Consortium; therefore, it has online access to most of the main technical publications.

Internet: The campus is fully Wi-Fi equipped, but it doesn't work properly. The Wi-Fi speed varies.

Hostel:At Sikkim Manipal University, students are offered hostel accommodation on both campuses, including the technical campus in Majitar and the medical campus in Tadong, Sikkim. Each student is provided with a cot, mattress, study table, chair, book rack, and wardrobe in the room. Every hostel offers an uninterrupted power supply, hot water throughout the winter season, a water cooler with Aquaguard filters, a leisure hall, a gymnasium, and indoor gaming facilities.

SMU has various PGs around that provide high-quality rooms with wifi and 24-hour water and electricity service at reasonable prices. 

Activities:There are various sports grounds available on campus, including badminton, football, squash, cricket,  tennis, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, a swimming pool, aerobics, and a gymnasium. The institution has male and female sports officers on campus who are in charge of coaching and directing various sports activities. Flood lights are installed on all outdoor courts and play areas.

Cafe/ Hang-out Places: There are separate student messes and canteens for boys and girls that provide vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, as well as a food court for everyone.

Our take  

Sikkim Manipal University's infrastructure is excellent and offers more than just basic facilities. Classrooms with digital screening make learning fun. Sufficient hostel accommodation within the university campus is great, especially for students travelling from far away as they need not search for a place to stay that might cost them more rent. The presence of various sports activities and coaching on the ground indicates that Sikkim Manipal University is not just focused on academics but also supports the active participation of students in various sports and games. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food being served in the canteen, students have many options to explore and are less likely to miss their home food. However, the management should focus on improving the Wi-Fi connection and internet speed on the campus for better convenience and comfort of its students. A wobbly internet connection may be a major concern for students trying to access online resources, books or news. 

The campus is guarded by home guards from the government of Sikkim and security guards from a commercial security firm. With a total of 50 security officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, students feel safe. There is a 24-hour health facility with 5 beds, 2 resident doctors, 3 nurses, and a medical attendant. All situations requiring a specialist's opinion are forwarded to Gangtok's Central Referral Hospital. Two ambulances are stationed on campus to transport medical patients to CRH. This suggests that SMU is concerned with the well-being of its students and is well-equipped to take on any medical emergency on campus. 

Sikkim Manipal University Internships and Placements

Sikkim Manipal University Internship

Sikkim Manipal University offers limited internship opportunities to BBA and B. Tech graduates to help them develop the necessary industry skills and find work in the area of their interest. After the completion of the internship programmes, students are awarded certificates from the respective organizations. Companies where students have pursued their internships during the course of study at SMU are Amazon, Dell, DIAKIN, Intel, Ericsson, Just Dial, Wells Fargo, Safran Morpho etc. 

Sikkim Manipal University Placement

Sikkim Manipal placement drive invites prominent businesses like Infosys, TCS, Capgemini, IBM, etc. The median salary offered to graduates is INR 5.40 LPA, and that of postgraduates is INR 3.20 LPA. As per the data submitted by the university for NIRF ranking 2023, the following were the placement statistics for the last 3 years:

Sikkim Manipal University UG 4 Years Placement Statistics

Sikkim Manipal University PG 2 Years Placement Statistics

Our Take

Considering the university data submitted for NIRF Ranking 2023, Sikkim Manipal University did an amazing job in UG 4-year placements. Around 94% of students were offered jobs, which is an excellent placement percentage. The university improved its placement compared to 2020. The reason could be that recruiters are more keen on hiring fresh graduates out of college with the necessary skills.

However, in terms of PG 2-year placements, the placement percentage is very poor. Only 27% of students got placed in 2022, and the rest were left with no jobs. In this regard, the Training & Placement (T&P) Department at SMU must work more dedicatedly to improving its PG placements than it did for undergraduate courses. Inviting more recruiters, networking, enhancing the college profile, training students for interviews, and focusing on students' skill-building are some of the measures that SMU must take to improve PG placements. Only then will it be able to get its PG students job offers and improve its overall rankings. 

Sikkim Manipal University Diversity and Representation

Sikkim Manipal University is a co-ed university. As per the university report submitted for NIRF ranking 2023, there were a total of 2359 male students and 1695 female students in the academic year 2022.

Sikkim Manipal University Male and Female Seat Intake

Sikkim Manipal University State and Within-State Intake

Considering the within-state and outside-state admissions done in 2022, we would like to state that Sikkim Manipal University has a diverse culture within the campus. There are ample students studying in Sikkim and other states of India. In addition, there are a handful of international students who take admission here.

Our Take

There is a huge gap between male and female students at Sikkim Manipal University. One major reason for this could be that despite the numbers being improved, there are still not as many female students opting for Postgraduate and Doctoral programmes even now. The majority of the programmes taken by female students are either Undergraduate or Diploma degrees. This impacts the overall enrollment ratio. The university should introduce special learning programmes and training sessions to invite more applications from female students. If we take into account the state seats and outside seat data, the university does have a significant name outside Sikkim. This is one of the reasons why many students are coming from different states to pursue higher education at SMU. Overall, there is good diversity representation at Sikkim Manipal University. 

Sikkim Manipal University Faculty/College Administration & Management

Sikkim Manipal University has 3,000 students, 200 faculty members, and a big and efficient team of support personnel, according to the information provided on the SMU official website. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:15, which is great! The faculty member of the university is one of the plus points. Teachers in the department have years of academic and industrial expertise, which benefits the students. The faculty members are quite helpful in all topics, especially project work. They are highly qualified and focus not only on the completion of the coursework but also on the development of each student's interpersonal skills. The university management works actively to ensure that all students get equal opportunities through its scholarship programmes. Various UG, PG scholarships, merit/merit-cum-means scholarships, scholarships for the girl child etc. and offered. Another major advantage is that SMU offers educational loans to students pursuing a B.Tech/Management/Pharma/Medical degree. 

Our Take

The university faculty-student ratio is appropriate. The ratio above suggests there is one teacher for around 15 students, so each student gets proper attention and guidance. The university management is doing a good job of hiring well-qualified faculty members who are at the forefront of teaching students and also helping them with career decisions and personality development. The scholarship programmes somewhat ease the financial burden that comes with the cost of higher education. This is particularly true for students coming from economically weaker sections as they often are forced to compromise or drop out of college due to lack of funds. Scholarships for girl child and single mothers are also great for providing financial assistance to all the female students struggling to arrange for funds to complete higher education. 

Sikkim Manipal University Location

Sikkim Manipal University location is 5th Mile, Upper Tadong, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102. The SMIT Campus in Majitar, East Sikkim, near the West Bengal-Sikkim border, is set across 35 acres of land surrounded by verdant hills and gifted with nature's greatest treasures on the banks of the Teesta River. The neighbourhoods have a variety of shops and cafes. There are several PGs available nearby where students can live while studying.

Our Take

The location of Sikkim Manipal University is beautiful, and students will enjoy the scenery outside the campus. The two campuses, Majitar and Tadong, are well connected to the surrounding transport systems, making it easy for students to travel. They can find most of the facilities on campus. However, there are eatery shops, department stores, and a hospital located nearby. The beautiful location and amenities available at a stone's throw from the campus ensure that students enjoy their time outside of the campus during leisure. 

Expectation vs Reality CollegeDekho Verdict

Sikkim Manipal University is one of the most reputable emerging universities in India. The university is doing a good job in terms of course delivery, ensuring students are receiving industry-relevant education and are job-ready. The Sikkim Manipal University campus has a modern infrastructure with all the facilities, from hostels and a canteen to 24*7 security, a library, ATMs, gyms, sports grounds, a digital classroom, etc. Sikkim Manipal University placements are excellent in terms of UG courses. However, for PG courses, the placements are below the belt. If your goal is to acquire a proper education and degree with a basic INR 4 LPA to INR 5 LPA salary package, then this university will fulfil your academic wishes. 

Yay or Nay

Final Review Checkbox!