Compare IGNOU Online and Sikkim Manipal University Online: Fees, Recognition, Exams and Degrees

The choice between IGNOU Online, a central government university, and Sikkim Manipal University Online, a private institution, depends on programme fees, with IGNOU’s online MBA costing Rs. 66,000 compared to Sikkim Manipal University Online’s Rs. 1,20,000. IGNOU suits those seeking an affordable, UGC-exempted central university degree, while Sikkim Manipal University Online caters to students preferring a private university with UGC-DEB approved online programmes.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online: what each one is and how they differ

IGNOU Online is a National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985, specifically Act No. 50 of 1985. It is described as a Central University. Sikkim Manipal University Online, conversely, is a private university established in 1995 by an Act of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (Act-9 of 1995).

IGNOU’s online programmes are run by its Centre for Online Education (COE), which was established on 7 June 2019. The university identifies online learners by a programme code with an OL suffix, such as BCA_NEWOL. Sikkim Manipal University’s online degrees are awarded by Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) and are run by its Centre for Distance and Online Education. SMU states it is known for its distance education programmes and now offers degrees in 100% online mode with live classes.

The headquarters for IGNOU’s COE is located at Block-17, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. The address for Sikkim Manipal University’s online programmes (CDOE) is SMIT Campus, Majitar, Rangpo, Pakyong 737136 (Sikkim). IGNOU’s online portal states a university-wide network of 67 regional centres and around 2,667 learner support centres.

IGNOU Online only

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online recognition and validity

IGNOU Online holds an A++ NAAC grade, while Sikkim Manipal University Online states an A+ NAAC grade on its online portal. IGNOU is ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025. Sikkim Manipal University is included in the UGC list of universities under Section 2(f) as a State Private University.

IGNOU states it is exempted from the applicability of the UGC (ODL Programme and Online Programme) Regulations. Its programmes are at par with those approved by the UGC-Distance Education Bureau. IGNOU online degrees are equivalent to conventional degrees per UGC Regulations clause 22. The Association of Indian Universities recognises degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded by IGNOU. IGNOU’s online MBA is described as an AICTE recognized/approved programme. Sixteen IGNOU programmes are listed as “Online(OL)” for the 2026-27 July session in the UGC-DEB list.

Sikkim Manipal University Online’s degrees are UGC approved and equivalent to campus degrees, citing UGC Regulation 22 on equivalence. The university awards degrees to successful students. Nine SMU online programmes are listed for the 2026-27 July session in the UGC-DEB list, including MBA, MCA, and BBA. All SMU rows in the UGC-DEB programme list are for Online mode from 2023-24; no ODL/distance programmes are listed. The university creates an Academic Bank of Credits account for students, where term-end credits are deposited.

IGNOU Online only

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

More on the IGNOU degree: whether an IGNOU degree is valid and IGNOU degree certificate, migration and convocation.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online eligibility: who can enrol

IGNOU Online and Sikkim Manipal University Online both accept Indian and international applicants for their online programmes. However, IGNOU specifies different admission portals and application fees based on the applicant’s residency status.

Indian nationals residing in India must apply through ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for IGNOU’s online programmes. Foreign students, including those from SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI, and NRI categories, apply through ignouforeigniop.samarth.edu.in for the July 2026 session. IGNOU charges a one-time application processing fee of INR 2,000 for SAARC applicants and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants.

IGNOU requires applicants to provide a valid APAAR ID. It also advises students to enrol in online programmes only if they have access to a computer/laptop/internet and are comfortable with online learning; otherwise, they should consider the ODL mode. Not every online programme at IGNOU is open to international students; for example, the BCA (Online) is not offered to them.

IGNOU Online only

• Online learning prerequisite: Enrol in an online programme only if you have access to a computer/laptop/internet and are comfortable with learning online
• Alternative for discomfort with online: Enrol in the same programme in ODL mode through the ODL admission portal instead
• Overseas admission portal coverage: Overseas students: SAARC, Non-SAARC, FSRI (foreign students residing in India) and NRI (July 2026)
• Indian national admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in for ODL programmes and ignouiop.samarth.edu.in for Online programmes
• APAAR ID requirement: Applicants have to provide a valid APAAR ID
• International application fee: INR 2,000 for SAARC and USD 100 for Non-SAARC applicants (as shown on the online programmes portal)
• Simultaneous program pursuit: A student may pursue two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL / Online mode, subject to the combinations IGNOU specifies

IGNOU entry rules: IGNOU eligibility criteria and IGNOU at a glance.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online courses offered

The eligibility for IGNOU’s online MBA requires a Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

IGNOU Online only

• Online Bachelor’s degrees: BSW, BCA, B.Com, BLIS, Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management. No BA (General) is listed in online mode.

Minimum and maximum duration

Eligibility as published

IGNOU course guides: IGNOU BA; IGNOU MBA; IGNOU MA; IGNOU MCA and IGNOU syllabus.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online fees, course by course

IGNOU Online’s refund policy for the July 2026 session states that the fee is refunded before admission confirmation. After confirmation, 15% of the programme fee, up to Rs. 2,000, is deducted. Learners opting for soft copy study material receive a refund after deducting only the registration fee. No refund is given after 60 days of the admission closing date, and the re-registration fee is not refunded in any case.

IGNOU Online only

• Refund before admission: Fee paid is refunded (July 2026)
• Refund after admission: 15% of the programme fee, subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000, is deducted (July 2026)
• Refund for digital material: Fee is refunded after deducting the registration fee only (July 2026); The MBAOL handbook states the 15% discount for opting for soft copy is given “for ODL students” (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
• Refund time limit: No refund after 60 days of the closing date of admissions (July 2026)
• Re-registration fee refund: Not refunded in any case (Common Prospectus July 2026)

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

• Scholarship for region: 30% scholarship for candidates from Sikkim & Northeast region (valid address proof) (Fee as listed on 27 Oct 2026 (batch/session not stated))
• Other scholarships: 20% for Divyaang, defence personnel and SMU alumni (Fee as listed on 27 Oct 2026 (batch/session not stated))
• Upfront payment discount: 10% for upfront full/annual/semester payment for MBA & MCA and full payment for others; 5% for annual payment (Fee as listed on 27 Oct 2026 (batch/session not stated))
• Loan and discounts: Learners using a loan/financing are not eligible for additional discounts (Fee as listed on 27 Oct 2026 (batch/session not stated))
• EMI payment plan: EMI quoted per month is a payment plan (e.g. MBA from INR 4,500/month), not a lower fee (Fee as listed on 27 Oct 2026 (batch/session not stated))

Fees of the programmes both run, as each publishes them

IGNOU fees in full: IGNOU fee structure.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online admission: sessions, last dates and portals

IGNOU Online accepts applications for its July 2026 session, with the last date for most programmes being 13 October 2026. Sikkim Manipal University Online publishes that its admissions team evaluates applications and provides a decision within five working days.

IGNOU Online conducts two admission cycles each year, in January and July. The last date for fresh admissions in the January 2026 cycle for online mode was 31 January 2026. For the current July 2026 session, overseas students also have a last date of 13 October 2026, except for certificate and semester-based programmes. Applicants to IGNOU Online must register on the portal ignouiop.samarth.edu.in before submitting their form. The university charges a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission on top of the programme fee.

Sikkim Manipal University Online charges an application fee of INR 500, inclusive of GST, which is over and above the course fee. IGNOU Online requires soft copies of a photograph, signature, educational qualifications, and category certificates if applicable, with specific size limits. Sikkim Manipal University Online requires Aadhaar, address proof, marksheets, and a graduation certificate for postgraduate programmes. IGNOU Online accepts fee payments via credit card, debit card, net banking, and UPI. Sikkim Manipal University Online does not state its accepted fee payment methods. Learners at IGNOU Online must re-register for each semester from the second semester onwards.

IGNOU Online only

• Current session: July 2026 session
• Current last date: 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes) (July 2026)
• Admission cycles: Two cycles a year: January and July (Common Prospectus July 2026)
• Previous cycle last date: January 2026 cycle (online mode): last date for fresh admissions 31 January 2026
• Overseas students last date: 13 October 2026 (except for certificate and semester-based programmes), July 2026 cycle
• Admission portal: ignouiop.samarth.edu.in ; registration on the portal is compulsory before submitting the form
• Fee payment methods: Credit card (Master/Visa), debit card (Master/Visa/Rupay), net banking, UPI (July 2026)
• Registration fee: Rs. 300, non-refundable, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026)
• University Development fee: Rs. 400, paid at admission in addition to the programme fee (Common Prospectus July 2026)
• Re-registration requirement: Learners must re-register for each semester from the second semester onwards
• Cancelling application: Done from the applicant login; cancellation is irreversible

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

• Application fee: INR 500 (inclusive of GST), over and above the course fee (FAQ PDF uploaded May 2024)
• Admission decision timeline: Applications evaluated by SMU admissions team; decision within five working days

IGNOU admission this session: IGNOU admission 2026; how to apply to IGNOU online; IGNOU admission last date and IGNOU admission status.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online study material, classes and study centres

IGNOU Online does not provide printed study material to students enrolled in its online programmes. Instead, it uploads self-instructional material in PDF or other electronic form on its Learning Management System (LMS) and eGyankosh. Sikkim Manipal University Online publishes that its study material includes an e-library, video lectures, audio-visual material, virtual classes, podcasts, simulations, and self-assessment quizzes, with downloadable e-books.

Online counselling sessions are provided by IGNOU Online for all theory and practical courses, such as the BCA Online. These sessions are for clearing doubts, not for delivering lectures. For BCA Online, theory sessions last 2 hours and practical sessions last 3 hours. Sikkim Manipal University Online states that its delivery is a mix of live lectures, pre-recorded videos, discussion forums, and self-paced learning. Students must attend live classes and cover at least 75% of self-learning content on the LMS to be eligible for final exams.

IGNOU Online states that it provides no hardware or software facility to online students, who must use required software at their own end for practical sessions. For BCA Online, 70% attendance is compulsory for each lab course, and for MCA Online, 75% attendance in practical counselling sessions is required for term-end practical examinations. Sikkim Manipal University Online publishes that it provides dedicated course mentors and coordinators reachable via LMS forums, messaging, and email.

IGNOU Online only

• Learning Management System: IGNOU has created an LMS for online learners; online programmes are delivered on the university LMS (lms.ignouonline.ac.in); The LMS is a centralised portal for accessing all online programmes; After admission is confirmed the learner receives LMS credentials by email
• Counselling session length: Theory session 2 hours; practical session 3 hours
• Practical sessions: Held only in online mode; learners use the required software at their own end; IGNOU provides no hardware or software facility to online students
• Counselling schedules: Regional Centres post counselling schedules for online programmes on the LMS (example dated 12 October 2026)
• Nodal Regional Centre: RC Delhi-3 is the nodal Regional Centre for BCA_NEWOL students; RC Delhi-1 is the nodal Regional Centre for MCAOL students; Confined to holding academic counselling sessions; it also gets LMS-submitted assignments evaluated

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

• Mentors and support: Dedicated course mentors and coordinators reachable via LMS forums, messaging and email

IGNOU books and centres: IGNOU study material and IGNOU regional and study centres.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online assignments and exams

Sikkim Manipal University Online conducts term-end examinations digitally, with computer-based and online proctoring from home. IGNOU Online offers examinations in both Pen & Paper and CBT modes, taken at an examination centre.

For IGNOU Online, assignments for the BCA Online programme are submitted as PDF files on the LMS portal. MBA Online assignments are also uploaded on the IGNOU LMS portal; hard copies submitted at study centres are not evaluated. Assignments carry 30% weight for MBA Online and 25% for BCA Online theory courses, with term-end examinations accounting for 70% and 75% respectively. A learner cannot appear for the term-end examination without submitting its assignment. The last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE was extended to 31 October 2026. Examinations are held twice a year, in June and December. Students choose their exam mode and centre. The examination fee is Rs. 200 per course and is not included in the programme fee. For the June 2026 TEE, the examination form submission without a late fee was from 10 March 2026 to 10 April 2026. An overall C grade (50% to 59.9%) is needed to qualify an MBA Online course. Re-evaluation costs Rs. 750 per course and must be applied for within 40 days of result declaration. Assignments and project reports cannot be re-evaluated.

Sikkim Manipal University Online states that its term-end exams are online proctored and require a Windows desktop or laptop with Google Chrome. Safe Exam Browser is not compatible with iOS. The university publishes a weightage of 70% for the term-end exam and 30% for continuous assessment (assignments), requiring at least 40% in each. Results are published on the student portal. Revaluation and re-sit fees are not included in the programme fee.

IGNOU Online only

• Assignment submission method: Assignments are submitted on the LMS portal only, as PDF files (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025); Assignments are uploaded on the IGNOU LMS portal only (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
• Hard copy assignments: Hard copies submitted at a study centre / Regional Centre / SED are not considered for evaluation (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
• Assignment prerequisite for exam: A learner cannot appear in the term-end examination of a course without submitting its assignment (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
• Current assignment deadline: Last date for assignments for the December 2026 TEE extended to 31 October 2026
• Exam frequency: Twice a year, in June and December (MBAOL Student Handbook and Prospectus, January 2026)
• Choice of exam mode and centre: Students choose Pen & Paper mode or CBT mode, the courses and an exam centre in the examination form (June 2026 TEE)
• Exam location: At an examination centre: the learner prints the hall ticket and reports at the examination centre with the identity card (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
• Exam centre selection: The learner enters an Examination Centre Code in the online exam form; if that centre is not activated an alternative centre is allotted (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
• Allotted exam centre only: Learners may appear only at the examination centre allotted to them (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)
• Exam centre change: No request for change of examination centre is entertained after the form is filled (June 2026 TEE)
• Exam form submission: Submitted through the student portal on the Samarth platform (ignou.samarth.edu.in) (June 2026 TEE)
• Exam form dates: 10.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 without late fee; 11.04.2026 to 24.04.2026 with late fee of Rs.1,100 (June 2026 TEE)
• Exam fee per course: Rs. 200 per course (theory / practical / lab) (BCA_NEWOL Programme Guide, July 2025)

Sikkim Manipal University Online only

• Device requirements for exam: Windows desktop/laptop with Google Chrome; Safe Exam Browser not compatible with iOS
• Results and re-sit: Results on the student portal; failed papers re-sat on application with fees

IGNOU exam cycle: IGNOU assignments; IGNOU date sheet; IGNOU hall ticket and IGNOU result and grade card.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online credit transfer, migration and re-admission

Moving between IGNOU Online and Sikkim Manipal University Online is not directly possible as a transfer between institutions. Students can, however, apply for credit transfer under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) at both universities.

IGNOU Online states that credit transfer is available under the Academic Bank of Credits. Sikkim Manipal University Online also publishes that credit transfer is available via the Academic Bank of Credits, allowing students to accumulate, verify, transfer, and redeem credits. This means credits earned at one institution may be recognised by the other if the receiving university accepts them through the ABC system.

For students wishing to exit an IGNOU Online MBA programme early, an exit option is available. Learners can exit after the first and second semesters, having completed 56 credits, and receive a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM). IGNOU Online also states that a migration certificate can be requested from the Regional Director for a fee of Rs. 500. Sikkim Manipal University Online does not publish information on exit options or migration certificates.

IGNOU Online only

• Exit option: Exit after the 1st and 2nd semesters (56 credits) at the learner’s request, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDIM)
• Migration certificate: Requested from the Regional Director with a fee of Rs. 500

For enrolled IGNOU students: IGNOU re-registration.

IGNOU Online vs Sikkim Manipal University Online student support and helpline

IGNOU Online provides multiple channels for learner support, including a dedicated helpdesk for online-mode queries and a grievance portal. Sikkim Manipal University Online publishes a contact number and email for general inquiries.

For online-mode help, IGNOU Online learners can contact the Centre for Online Education at coe@ignou.ac.in or iopsupport@ignou.ac.in. The university also operates an admission helpline for the July 2026 session at 011-29571301 and 011-29571528, with email support at csrc@ignou.ac.in. Learners can submit grievances through the iGRAM portal at igram.ignou.ac.in/. Support hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm. Sikkim Manipal University Online lists +91-7090 133 300 and info@smu.onlinemanipal.com for contact.

IGNOU has a Campus Placement Cell (CPC), and learners can send their resumes to campusplacement@ignou.ac.in. Sikkim Manipal University Online states “Placement” as one of its online services but does not publish placement statistics. For specific courses like BCA Online and MA Journalism and Mass Communication (Online), IGNOU Online requires learners to have a computer system with necessary software and internet access.

IGNOU Online only

• Admission helpline: Centralised Student Registration Cell: 011-29571301, 011-29571528, csrc@ignou.ac.in (July 2026)
• Grievance portal: iGRAM, igram.ignou.ac.in/
• Support hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm
• Device requirements: A computer system with the necessary software for practical courses (BCA Online)
• Eligibility for MA JMC: Access to computers and the Internet and basic knowledge of word processing are part of the eligibility

IGNOU portals: IGNOU Samarth portal; IGNOU grievance portal (iGRAM) and IGNOU ID card.

IGNOU Online or Sikkim Manipal University Online: which is better for you

For students seeking the lowest fees, IGNOU Online offers more affordable options. For example, the total fee for a Bachelor of Commerce (Online) at IGNOU is Rs. 15,000, while Sikkim Manipal University’s (SMU) Online B.Com costs Rs. 75,000.

Working professionals who need flexibility in examinations might prefer SMU Online. SMU states its term-end exams are computer-based, online proctored, and can be taken from home. IGNOU Online requires learners to appear at an examination centre, where they choose between Pen & Paper mode or CBT mode, and no change of examination centre is entertained after the form is filled.

Students prioritising many specialisations might find IGNOU Online more suitable. IGNOU offers 46 online programmes for the July 2026 session, including 5 Bachelor’s degrees and 14 Master’s degrees. SMU Online, lists 9 online programmes for the 2026-27 July session, including BBA, B.Com, BA, MBA, MCA, M.Com, MA English, MA Political Science, and MA Sociology.

For those who need strong institutional recognition, both universities hold significant approvals. IGNOU is a National Open University established by an Act of Parliament in 1985, with an A++ NAAC grade and ranked No. 1 among Open Universities in NIRF 2024 and 2025. SMU is a State Private University established by an Act of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 1995, and its online portal states an A+ NAAC grade. Both universities state their online degrees are equivalent to those offered through conventional mode, citing UGC Regulation 22.

Notices and Documents from IGNOU

• IGNOU BCA Newol Programme Guide
• IGNOU Common Prospectus Admission Session July 2026
• IGNOU Mbaol Student Handbook
• IGNOU TEE June 2026 Notification
• IGNOU Mcaol Programme Guide
• IGNOU Samarth Portal Online Programmes Home
• IGNOU Online Programmes About
• IGNOU Samarth Portal Foreign Online Programmes Home
• IGNOU LMS Home
• Sikkim Ugc 2f Office Memorandum 1998
• Sikkim Smu Online Faqs
• Sikkim Ugc Name Change Notification 2015
• Sikkim Smu Online Notices
• Sikkim Smuo Bcom
• Sikkim Ugc Deb Programme List
• Sikkim Smuo MBA
• Sikkim Om Smu Scholarship
• Sikkim Smu Online Mandatory Disclosure

Common IGNOU Questions