Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to the official website of Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education Courses (hereinafter referred to as "SMU Online", "we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.

By accessing or using our website at https://sikkim-manipal-university.distanceeducationcourses.in, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Fill out the enquiry or "Apply Now" form
• Register for an online degree program
• Contact us via email, phone, or the contact form
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates

This may include: Full Name, Email Address, Phone Number, City / State / Country, Educational Qualification, Program of Interest, and any other details you submit.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring URL (how you found our website)
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

• To respond to your admission enquiries and counselling requests
• To process your application for online degree programs
• To send you course-related updates, schedules, and notifications
• To provide placement assistance and career support
• To improve our website and user experience
• To send promotional offers, newsletters, and academic announcements (with your consent)
• To comply with legal obligations and institutional requirements
• To analyse website traffic and usage patterns

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files stored on your device. We use:

• Session Cookies: To maintain your session while navigating the website
• Persistent Cookies: To remember your preferences on future visits
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how users interact with our site (e.g., via Google Analytics)
• Marketing Cookies: To show relevant advertisements and track campaign performance

You can disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on our website.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information with:

• Academic Counsellors and Admission Teams: To assist with your admission process
• Technology Service Providers: Hosting, email, CRM, and analytics platforms that support our operations
• Manipal Group of Institutions: For academic verification, enrollment, and student services
• Government and Regulatory Authorities: When required by law, regulation, or court order
• Business Partners: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or institutional restructuring

All third parties are required to handle your data securely and only for the purposes specified.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including:

• As long as you are an enrolled student or have an active admission inquiry
• As required by applicable laws and regulatory obligations
• For a reasonable period after the completion of your course or inquiry closure

After this period, your data will be securely deleted or anonymised.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, organisational, and administrative measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include:

• SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and restricted access controls
• Regular security audits and monitoring

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Right to Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from promotional emails via the unsubscribe link

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at helpdesk@onlinesmu.edu.in.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites, including partner institutions, regulatory bodies, and online resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before sharing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education Courses
SMIT Campus, Majitar, Rangpo, East Sikkim, India – 737136
Email: helpdesk@onlinesmu.edu.in
Phone: +91 7703932855
Website: https://sikkim-manipal-university.distanceeducationcourses.in