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The Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) Online MA is a UGC-entitled, NAAC A+ accredited, 100% online postgraduate degree offered under the Online Manipal brand, available with specialisations in English, Political Science, and Sociology. It is a 2-year, 4-semester programme built for graduates and working professionals aiming for careers in academia, research, public administration, media, social work, and civil services preparation.
Sikkim Manipal University, established in 1995, is part of the Manipal Group's online education network. As per the officially published fee structure, the Online MA costs ₹18,750 per semester, bringing the total programme fee to ₹75,000 across 4 semesters — the same fee applies across all three specialisations — with a no-cost EMI option and a Manipal Scholarship of up to 20% available for eligible candidates.
The Online MA from Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is a 2-year postgraduate degree delivered fully online through live classes, recorded video lectures, and an interactive learning platform. Learners can choose from three specialisations — English, Political Science, and Sociology — each designed to build deep subject expertise while letting students continue working full-time.
The programme opens up job opportunities across academia, research, content and media, public administration, social work, and civil services preparation. Students also get access to Manipal's alumni network, placement assistance, and dedicated academic support throughout the course.
Sikkim Manipal University was established in 1995 and is part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group. SMU's online degree programmes are UGC-entitled, and the university holds NAAC A+ accreditation, with recognition from AICTE.
Manipal Scholarship Scheme — Up to 20% Off
Eligible candidates across various categories can access a scholarship of up to 20% on the Online MA fee, on top of the already-affordable ₹75,000 total programme cost — same across all three specialisations.
Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) was established in 1995 and is part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group. SMU's online degree programmes are UGC-entitled, and the university holds NAAC A+ accreditation with recognition from AICTE. Online degrees from SMU are equivalent to campus degrees and valid for corporate jobs, government jobs, and further studies.
📚 Three Specialisations, One Fee
Choose English, Political Science, or Sociology — all at the same affordable ₹75,000 total programme fee.
💰 Extremely Affordable, UGC-Entitled Degree
At ₹75,000 total (₹18,750 per semester) with no-cost EMI, this is one of the most budget-friendly UGC-entitled online MA options available.
📋 Placement-Assisted Programme
A dedicated placement cell guides students throughout their academic journey to help them acquire industry-oriented skills and job opportunities.
A+ Accredited
Entitled for Online Delivery
Recognised
Alumni Network
Everything you need to know about the Sikkim Manipal University Online MA — in one easy table.
| Programme Name | Master of Arts (Online MA) |
| Offered By | Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), via Online Manipal |
| Specialisations | English, Political Science, Sociology |
| Level | Postgraduate Degree (Master's) |
| Duration | 24 Months (2 Years, 4 Semesters) |
| Mode | 100% Online — Live Classes, Recorded Lectures, Interactive Learning Platform |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Entrance Exam | Not required — merit-based, application-screening admission |
| Fee per Semester | ₹18,750 (same across all specialisations) |
| Total Programme Fee | ₹75,000 |
| Payment Options | Semester-wise, annually, or one-time full payment |
| EMI | No-cost EMI available |
| Scholarship | Manipal Scholarship Scheme — up to 20% off, for various eligible categories |
| Approvals | UGC-Entitled, NAAC A+ Accredited, AICTE Recognised |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree (any UGC-recognised university), in any stream |
| Stream Requirement | Open to graduates from any background — Arts, Commerce, or Science — regardless of the specialisation chosen |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory — open to fresh graduates and working professionals |
| Who Is This For? | Graduates and working professionals aiming for careers in academia, research, media, public administration, social work, or civil services preparation |
All three specialisations run for the same 24-month, 4-semester duration and carry the identical ₹75,000 total fee. Pick the one that matches your career goals.
📖 MA in English
Covers British and Indian literature, literary theory and criticism, linguistics, and academic writing. Suited to those aiming for teaching, content and publishing, media, or research careers, and a strong base for UGC-NET / Ph.D. pathways.
🏛️ MA in Political Science
Covers Indian government and politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration. Suited to those preparing for civil services, public policy roles, journalism, or a career in academia and research.
🧑🤝🧑 MA in Sociology
Covers social theory, research methods, Indian society, and social institutions. Suited to those aiming for careers in social work, NGOs, HR and community development, public policy, or academic and research roles.
The 4-semester curriculum, shown below by specialisation, builds core theory in the early semesters and moves into applied and research-oriented topics later.
| Semester | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester I–II | British Literature, Indian Writing in English, Literary Theory & Criticism, Linguistics, Poetry & Drama |
| Semester III–IV | American Literature, Postcolonial Literature, Research Methodology, Academic Writing, Dissertation/Project |
| Semester | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester I–II | Political Theory, Indian Government & Politics, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, International Relations |
| Semester III–IV | Indian Foreign Policy, Political Sociology, Research Methodology, Human Rights, Dissertation/Project |
| Semester | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Semester I–II | Sociological Theory, Indian Society, Social Research Methods, Social Stratification, Rural & Urban Sociology |
| Semester III–IV | Gender Studies, Social Movements, Research Methodology, Social Institutions, Dissertation/Project |
This is the current officially published fee structure for the Online MA programme at Sikkim Manipal University — the same fee applies regardless of which specialisation (English, Political Science, or Sociology) you choose.
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fee per Semester (All Specialisations) | ₹ 18,750 |
| Total Programme Fee (4 Semesters) | ₹ 75,000 |
| Course Duration | 24 Months (4 Semesters) |
| Payment Options | Semester-wise, annually, or one-time full payment |
| EMI Option | No-cost EMI available* |
Full Programme Fee
Semester-wise Payment
Manipal Scholarship Scheme
Admission to the Sikkim Manipal University Online MA is fully online and merit-based — no entrance exam required. Follow these steps to apply:
Need help applying, or want to check your scholarship eligibility? WhatsApp or call +91 96503 58931 for free guidance.
Fee Refund Policy
To withdraw, students must submit a written application clearly stating the reasons for withdrawal. Once reviewed and approved by the university, the eligible refund amount is processed and credited to the original mode of payment. For the exact refund policy applicable to your admission cycle, contact Online Manipal / SMU Student Support directly before making payment.
The Online MA runs across 4 semesters over 24 months, with a mix of continuous assessment and online examinations — the format is consistent across all three specialisations.
| Programme Length | 24 months, 4 semesters |
| Learning Mode | Live classes, recorded video lectures, interactive assignments, discussion forums |
| Exam Mode | Online, computer-based examinations — a laptop, stable internet, and a functional webcam are required |
| Assessment Pattern | A mix of project-based assessment (essays, case studies, presentations) and theory examinations |
| Academic Credit | Students create an Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID as per NEP 2020 guidelines, enabling credit transfer between institutions |
The MA opens up a wide range of roles depending on your specialisation, backed by placement assistance and Manipal's alumni network.
MA ENGLISH
- Content Writer / Editor
- Assistant Professor (with NET)
- Media & Publishing Roles
- Communications Executive
MA POLITICAL SCIENCE
- Civil Services Aspirant
- Public Policy Analyst
- Journalist / Political Analyst
- NGO / Government Roles
MA SOCIOLOGY
- Social Worker
- NGO Programme Manager
- HR & Community Development
- Research Associate
🤝 Alumni Network
Access to Sikkim Manipal University's alumni network to build professional connections across academia, government, and the social sector.
📋 Placement Assistance
A dedicated placement cell guides students throughout their academic journey to help them acquire industry-oriented skills and job opportunities.
🎓 Pathway to Further Studies
A strong foundation for UGC-NET, Ph.D., civil services examinations, or specialised professional certifications in your chosen field.
Final Verdict: The Sikkim Manipal University Online MA is an affordable, UGC-entitled postgraduate route across English, Political Science, and Sociology — all at the same ₹75,000 total fee (₹18,750 per semester) over 24 months, backed by the Manipal Group's academic legacy, a Manipal Scholarship of up to 20%, and no-cost EMI. It suits graduates and working professionals building toward careers in academia, research, media, public administration, or social work, or preparing for UGC-NET, Ph.D., or civil services examinations. Always confirm the latest fee, scholarship eligibility, and syllabus details directly with Online Manipal / SMU admissions before applying.