GetMyUni's Verdict on Manipur University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Set in a scenic location, Manipur University is known for delivering high-quality education. However, the limited placement prospects and the lack of modern infrastructure make students reconsider their choices.”

Located in Imphal, Manipur University is a public state university that is the first and only central university in the state. The university is accredited by NAAC with an A grade and is recognised by UGC. It is a good university with a solid academic reputation, qualified professors, various programs and a well-maintained campus.

However, the placement records of the university are not as reassuring, making students wonder if joining the university is worth it. Although the university has maintained an acceptable reputation since its inception, several recent developments are complex and often due to social, historical and political factors. The events happening in the state have significantly impacted the university's students. 

Even though several external factors affect students' academics at the university, the community within the university campus is welcoming and intellectually stimulating. Yet, there are certain drawbacks regarding the scope of research, as the facilities and resources available are limited. 

Table of Contents

• A Wide Array of Programs
• Variations in the Quality of Professors
• Decently Facilitated Infrastructure
• Housing Facilities Available to All
• Vibrant & Fulfilling Campus Life
• Disappointing Placement Records
• Overall Impression of Manipur University

A Wide Array of Programs

The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, encompassing the Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences and Engineering. The university has a solid academic reputation and is ranked among the top universities in the country. The top-rated and well-regarded departments of the university that offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are compiled below:

• Computer Science Engineering
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Commerce
• English Literature
• Economics
• Psychology
• International Relations.

The departments mentioned above offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs, providing students with a strong foundation in the principles and practical laboratory skills. They ensure the students have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in their respective fields. The courses offered by the departments also prepare for careers in academia, research and other areas.

Apart from the bachelor’s and master’s courses, these departments also offer doctoral programs in various specialisations. Although myriad disciplines are available for research in each department, the resources available are limited for some, which may restrict students from performing cutting-edge research projects and experiments.

However, the university has several excellent and diverse programs, making it an attractive option for students seeking a quality education in various fields.

Affordable Education

The course fee structure, in general, is nominal for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, it varies based on the course type, duration and specialisation. The average course fees per semester for undergraduate degree programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, Administration, Law, etc., range from INR 3900 to INR 9500. It is slightly higher for Pharmacy and Engineering courses, which fall between INR 10,900 and INR 13,500.

For postgraduate programs, the average course fees per semester for all courses except Pharmacy, Management and Engineering are between INR 4900 and INR 9500, and for MBA, M.Pharm and ME courses, are between INR 10,900 and iNR 15,500.

Attendance Policy

Every student has to obtain a minimum attendance of 75% for the theory and practical sessions for each subject. The same is applicable for subject papers and other prescribed curricular activities. Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance will be restricted from appearing for the final examination, and those who consistently fail to meet the attendance requirements will be placed on academic probation. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory attendance despite multiple warnings and probation will face termination of their admission.

Variations in the Quality of Professors

Generally, the professors at the university are well-qualified, experienced and dedicated to teaching. They are passionate about their subjects and committed to imparting quality education to their students. However, there is some variation in the quality of teaching between different departments and individual professors.

Most professors at the university hold doctorate degrees from reputed universities and institutions and have several years of experience in teaching, making them familiar with the various teaching methods. The professors are generally dedicated to education and are willing to go to great lengths to ensure students understand complex concepts. However, some professors are less engaging and effective than others. 

While one professor devises different teaching methods, such as discussions, group projects, etc., to keep students interested, others teach for the entire hour and do not allow much discussion or questions. They also lack the utilisation of effective technology in their teaching.

Most professors are approachable and willing to answer students’ questions outside class. These professors also ensure students have balanced theoretical and practical knowledge. At the same time, some professors focus too heavily on theory and do not provide enough opportunities for students to apply what they have learned.

As mentioned above, some professors are dedicated and passionate about their subjects, and this enthusiasm is often contagious. Yet, some professors assign too much reading and do not provide enough time to review the material in class. 

Overall, the professors at the university play a significant role in providing good quality education. However, there are some areas for improvement, such as increasing the variation in teaching quality and using technology more effectively.

Decently Facilitated Infrastructure

The university’s infrastructure is well-maintained, providing students with a comfortable and conducive learning environment. The campus is spread over a large area and features various buildings, including spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, a central library, a sports complex and other facilities. However, some campus features must be updated with newer equipment and facilities. Also, the students have suggested that the university could do more to improve the landscaping and general beautification of the campus.

The academic infrastructure is in good condition and provides students with ample learning space. Classrooms are well-lit and ventilated, and most have projectors and whiteboards. There are dedicated laboratories for each department that are well-equipped with modern facilities and technology.

The central library is a modern and well-stocked facility with a vast collection of books, journals and other resources. The library also has a comfortable reading room with adequate seating and study rooms.

The sports complex has various facilities for different sports, including a running track, football field, cricket ground, basketball courts, tennis courts and a swimming pool. Students can access these facilities at any time of the day till a stipulated time. The sports facilities are well-maintained and allow students to participate in various sports.

The university also has a central canteen that serves a variety of food and beverages at affordable prices. The canteen is open from morning to evening and is a popular spot for students to socialise and relax. It has a large indoor seating capacity as well as several outdoor tables. 

In addition to the above facilities, the university also has a number of other facilities, including a bank, a post office, a well-facilitated computer centre and a medical centre. Overall, the university’s infrastructure is a valuable asset to the university. It provides students the necessary facilities to succeed in their studies and extracurricular activities. However, it requires modernisation and beautification to make it more attractive for future students.

Housing Facilities Available to All

The university provides hostel facilities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The hostels are well-maintained and provide students with comfortable and secure accommodation. The university has a number of different hostels catering to other student groups. 

There are five men’s hostels, with a total capacity of more than 590 students, and eight women’s hostels, for more than 560 students. Additionally, one international ladies hostel can accommodate up to 50 students and another for ST students and research scholars.

Students can choose between single and shared rooms, accommodating 2 to 4 students. All the necessary facilities, such as beds, chairs and desks, are available in all rooms. Most rooms have attached bathrooms, and some hostels have shared bathrooms. Hostels also have laundry facilities, such as washing machines and ironing boards. The safety of students is given special attention, with security guards on duty 24/7.

The hostels are allocated to students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can apply for hostels either online or in person at the time of admission. Timely meals are served three times a day, hygienically in the dining room, which is clean and well-kept.

The hostel fees are very reasonable and are charged on a semestrial basis. However, the fees vary depending on the room type and available facilities. The men’s and women’s hostel fees per semester for a single room is INR 3900; shared spaces range from INR 2500 to INR 3500. There are only single rooms for international students, so the international ladies' hostel fee is slightly higher, at INR 4500.

In addition to on-campus accommodation, students can stay at PGs available near the university. The PG rents vary based on the facilities and luxury provided.

Vibrant & Fulfilling Campus Life

University campus life is said to be lively, diverse and full of opportunities for academic and personal growth. The large and active student body, wide range of extracurricular activities and beautiful campus setting contribute to a rich and enriching experience for its students. Beyond its recognition for intense focus on teaching and research, it offers a wealth of extracurricular activities to cater to students’ varied interests.

Students have ample opportunities to engage in activities outside of classes, from sports clubs and cultural societies to academic clubs and social service organisations. These activities provide students a platform to develop their talents, pursue their passions and connect with like-minded individuals. 

While the university offers a vibrant and fulfilling campus life, it has challenges. Its location can isolate some students, as the city is not as well-connected as other major cities. Additionally, while adequate, the university’s infrastructure could benefit from some modernisation and upgrades.

The student community is diverse and welcoming, with students from all over the world. The university fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging students to interact with one another and appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives. 

In general, campus life is a rich and rewarding experience at the university. Students can excel academically, engage in various extracurricular activities and form connections with different types of people. 

Diversity on Campus

The university’s student population reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. Students from various states, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds are part of the diverse learning community. This diversity enriches the campus atmosphere, promoting cross-cultural understanding, tolerance and respect for all.

In terms of gender diversity, the university has a welcoming and accepting community that makes students from all gender spectrums feel comfortable. Additionally, every student is given equal opportunities, irrespective of their background.

Dress Code

While there is no defined uniform for its students, the university has a dress code designed to promote a respectful and professional learning environment. Students are expected to dress appropriately for all classes, events and activities.

Students can wear casual clothes for classes and lectures but must wear formal attire for academic events and presentations. However, specific articles of clothing are prohibited on the university campus, including excessively revealing, offensive, disruptive and unsafe clothing.

Disappointing Placement Records

While all the other aspects of the university are appreciable and meet the expectations of students, the placement opportunities offered are unsatisfactory and disappointing. The overall placement rates at the university are below average, with only students from some departments getting more chances than others.

According to the reports for previous year placements, only 289 students out of 2,385 undergraduate and postgraduate students were offered jobs. The placement rate is higher for Science graduates, which is 50%, followed by Technology and Social Sciences and Humanities, with 45% and 35%, respectively.

Although the university has a dedicated placement cell that provides students with various placement-related services, including career counselling, resume and cover letter writing workshops, mock interviews and job fairs, the overall placement rate has not significantly increased in recent years.

The median salary packages for undergraduate and postgraduate students were INR 6.20 LPA and INR 6.90 LPA, which is relatively lower than the placement packages offered to students at other universities in the country. Not many reputed companies and organisations visit the university regularly for its placement drives.

Overall Impression of Manipur University

According to the majority of the reviews from students on online platforms, Manipur University is a good institution with a strong academic reputation. It offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines, and its faculty is highly qualified and experienced. The university has a well-maintained campus with modern facilities, providing students with numerous extracurricular activities and opportunities for research and development.

However, the university falls behind in terms of offering placement opportunities to its students, and there is limited exposure to industry professionals and international opportunities. It is a good option for those seeking a quality education in a beautiful, remote setting. However, those who wish to have an urban environment and expect to bag good placements must connect with current and past students to learn more about their program choices and make wise decisions.

The following are some pros and cons of studying at Manipur University.

*Source: www.manipuruniv.ac.in