![Sido Kanhu Murmu University - [SKMU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1494397749edt.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) is a state government university established on January 10, 1992 in Dumka, Jharkhand. It was established by amending the Bihar University Act, 1976, bifurcating the jurisdiction of Bhagalpur University. SKMU received recognition from the University Grants Commission under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act in May 2007 and is accredited by NAAC.
SKMU has not appeared in major NIRF, The Week, or India Today national ranking lists for universities. The university is one of the few universities in Jharkhand serving the tribal-majority Santhal Pargana region.
The main campus, known as Dighi Campus, is located at Dumka-Pakur Road, Dumka, Jharkhand 814110. The university’s jurisdiction extends over the six districts of Santhal Pargana. It oversees 13 constituent colleges and 9 permanently affiliated colleges with approximately 450 faculty members across departments.
- UG Arts: BA in 14 subjects including Hindi, English, Bangla, Santali, History, Ancient History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Home Science, and Sanskrit.
- UG Science: B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, and Zoology.
- UG Commerce and Management: B.Com, BBA, BCA.
- UG Professional: B.Ed (2 years), LLB (3 years), B.Lib (1 year).
- PG Arts: MA in 15 subjects including Hindi, English, Bengali, Santali, Urdu, History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Sanskrit, and Indigenous Culture Studies.
- PG Science and Commerce: M.Sc (5 subjects), M.Com, MBA, MCA, M.Ed, M.Lib.
- Research: Ph.D. programmes in 17 disciplines.
BA annual fees are INR 4,185 and total fees over 3 years are approximately INR 12,555. B.Sc annual fees are INR 10,000 with a total of INR 30,000 over 3 years. MBA total fees are INR 1.46 Lakhs over 2 years.
Central and state government scholarships including the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST, Jharkhand e-Kalyan, and NSP-based central schemes are available for eligible students, particularly from tribal communities in Santhal Pargana.
SKMU Admission Dates 2027
All SKMU admissions for the 2026-27 session concluded by August to September 2026. The next cycle (2027-28) is expected to open in June to July 2027 for UG programmes and July to August 2027 for PG programmes. Dates are published on skmu.ac.in and the Jharkhand academic portal.
| Event | 2026-27 (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| UG (BA / B.Sc / B.Com / BBA / BCA) Registration | June to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| PG (MA / M.Sc / M.Com / MBA / MCA) Registration | July to September 2026 (Concluded) |
| B.Ed and M.Ed Admission | July to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| LLB Admission | July to August 2026 (Concluded) |
| Ph.D. Registration (as per SKMU notification) | As notified by university |
The tentative schedule for the 2027-28 cycle is given below. Candidates should check the official SKMU website at skmu.ac.in for exact dates and notifications.
| Programme | Process | Expected Opening (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| UG (BA / B.Sc / B.Com / BBA / BCA) | Jharkhand state UG admission portal or SKMU direct | June to July 2027 |
| PG (MA / M.Sc / M.Com / MCA) | Merit-based from UG marks or state entrance test | July to August 2027 |
| MBA | MAT / JCECEB / state counselling | July to August 2027 |
| B.Ed and M.Ed | JCECEB B.Ed Entrance Exam | June to July 2027 |
| LLB | CLAT / Merit-based or SKMU notification | July 2027 |
SKMU Courses and Fees
SKMU offers a wide range of UG, PG, professional, and research programmes across Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Education, Law, and Library Science. The table below shows programme fees per year (or total where the fee API provides a total figure) for General category students, as per the 2025-26 fee schedule.
| Course Family | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BA (14 subjects) | 3 years | INR 4,185 per year (INR 12,555 total) |
| B.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Botany, Zoology) | 3 years | INR 10,000 per year (INR 30,000 total) |
| B.Com | 3 years | INR 16,660 per year (INR 49,980 total) |
| BBA | 3 years | INR 16,600 per year (INR 49,800 total) |
| BCA | 3 years | INR 16,800 per semester (INR 1,00,800 total) |
| B.Ed | 2 years | INR 1,50,000 total |
| LLB | 3 years | INR 25,000 total |
| B.Lib | 1 year | INR 25,000 total |
| MA (15 subjects) | 2 years | INR 25,000 per year (INR 50,000 total) |
| M.Sc (5 subjects) | 2 years | INR 30,000 per year (INR 60,000 total) |
| M.Com | 2 years | INR 25,000 per year (INR 50,000 total) |
| MBA | 2 years | INR 36,600 per semester (INR 1,46,400 total) |
| MCA | 2 years | INR 35,000 per year (INR 70,000 total) |
| M.Ed | 2 years | INR 1,70,000 total |
| M.Lib | 1 year | INR 32,000 per semester (INR 64,000 total) |
| Ph.D. (17 disciplines) | 3 to 5 years | INR 55,000 (registration and programme fee) |
SKMU is one of the few universities in Jharkhand to offer MA in Santali and Indigenous Culture Studies, reflecting the university’s commitment to tribal language and heritage education in the Santhal Pargana region. Ph.D. programmes are active in 17 disciplines across arts, science, commerce, and social sciences.
SKMU Admission Process
SKMU admits students to UG programmes through merit-based state portals and direct college-level admission. PG admission is merit-based on UG marks. Professional programmes require specific state or national entrance scores.
UG Admission (BA / B.Sc / B.Com / BBA / BCA)
UG admissions to SKMU’s constituent and affiliated colleges follow the Jharkhand state portal or college-level merit processes.
- Eligibility: Class 12 passed from a recognised board. Science subjects (PCM or PCB) required for B.Sc. Mathematics required for BCA.
- Minimum percentage: 45% aggregate for General category. Reserved category candidates may have lower thresholds as per Jharkhand government norms.
- Admission is merit-based on Class 12 marks. Some colleges within SKMU may have specific online application processes through the state portal or college website.
PG Admission (MA / M.Sc / M.Com / MCA)
PG admissions are based on merit in the qualifying UG examination. No separate entrance test is held for most MA and M.Sc specialisations.
- MA eligibility: Graduation (or BA Honours in the relevant subject) with a minimum of 45% aggregate.
- M.Sc eligibility: B.Sc in the relevant science subject with a minimum of 50% aggregate.
- MCA eligibility: Graduation with Mathematics as a subject, minimum 50% aggregate. JCECEB MCA entrance exam or merit-based admission as notified by SKMU.
Professional Programmes (B.Ed / M.Ed / MBA / LLB)
B.Ed and M.Ed admission is through the JCECEB B.Ed Entrance Exam, which is the Jharkhand state-level teacher education entrance test. MBA admission is based on MAT, JCECEB management entrance, or state counselling, with graduation in any stream required. LLB admission requires graduation (for 3-year LLB) with a minimum of 45% aggregate. CLAT or merit-based processes apply as per current SKMU notifications.
SKMU Career Outcomes
SKMU primarily prepares graduates for government and public sector employment, competitive examinations, teacher training, and further academic pursuits. The university’s focus on arts, social sciences, and tribal languages equips graduates for roles in education, government services, journalism, and social development.
| Programme | Typical Career Pathways |
|---|---|
| BA / MA | JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission), JSSC, SSC CGL, teaching (TET/CTET), social work, journalism, civil services |
| B.Sc / M.Sc | Lab technician, science teaching (TET/CTET), JPSC science streams, research assistant, further M.Sc or Ph.D. |
| BBA / MBA | Government banking (IBPS PO/Clerk), public sector management, small business, government tender and procurement roles |
| BCA / MCA | IT support, software development (entry level), government IT departments, banking IT cadre |
| LLB | Jharkhand Judicial Services, district court practice, legal aid, government legal departments |
| B.Ed / M.Ed | Government school teaching (TET/CTET qualified), teacher training college faculty, educational administration |
The university’s location in the Santhal Pargana tribal belt means a significant proportion of graduates pursue JPSC, JSSC, and central government competitive exams. Ph.D. scholars from SKMU contribute to academic research in tribal culture, indigenous languages, and social sciences specific to the Jharkhand region.
SKMU Campus and Infrastructure
SKMU’s main Dighi Campus is located at Dumka-Pakur Road, Dumka, Jharkhand 814110. Dumka is the divisional headquarters of Santhal Pargana and is connected by road and rail to Jharkhand’s major cities.
The campus includes a central library, academic departments with subject-specific laboratories for science programmes, hostels for students, an NCC unit, and an NSS cell. SKMU maintains a UGC Network Resource Centre and an Equal Opportunity Centre, reflecting its commitment to digital inclusion and equity for students from tribal and backward communities.
SKMU holds the distinction of being the only university in Jharkhand selected to host three National Integration Camps, reflecting its role in fostering national unity and tribal cultural awareness. The university’s Equal Opportunity Centre supports first-generation learners from scheduled tribes and scheduled castes who form the majority of the student population in Santhal Pargana.
SKMU vs Kolhan University vs Vinoba Bhave University
Aspirants in Jharkhand selecting a state university for UG or PG studies commonly compare SKMU with Kolhan University (Chaibasa) and Vinoba Bhave University (Hazaribag), as all three serve distinct geographical regions of the state under similar UGC-recognised frameworks.
| Parameter | SKMU, Dumka | Kolhan University, Chaibasa | Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1992 | 2009 | 1992 |
| Region Served | Santhal Pargana (6 districts) | Kolhan division | North Chotanagpur division |
| UGC 12(B) | Yes (2007) | Yes | Yes |
| NAAC | Accredited | Accredited | Accredited |
| BA Annual Fee | INR 4,185 | Contact university | Contact university |
| Tribal Language Programmes | Santali, Indigenous Culture Studies (MA) | Ho language programmes | Limited tribal language focus |
| Key Strength | Santali and tribal studies, Santhal Pargana coverage | Tribal belt of Kolhan, Ho community | Broader academic range, Hazaribag proximity |
SKMU is the natural choice for aspirants from the six Santhal Pargana districts given the geographical proximity and low fee structure. Kolhan University similarly serves tribal communities in Kolhan division. Vinoba Bhave University covers a broader industrial belt around Hazaribag and Dhanbad and has somewhat more diverse professional programmes. All three are appropriate for students seeking affordable government university education in Jharkhand.
SKMU FAQs
Ques. Is SKMU a government university?
Ans. Yes. Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU) is a state government university established in 1992 by the Government of Jharkhand (then Bihar) in Dumka. It receives grants from the UGC under Section 12(B) recognition and is funded by the Jharkhand state government. It is not a private or deemed university.
Ques. What is the BA fee at SKMU Dumka?
Ans. The annual BA fee at SKMU is INR 4,185 per year. Over the 3-year programme, the total fee is approximately INR 12,555. This covers tuition and basic programme fees as regulated. Additional examination fees and other charges may apply as per the university’s current fee notification.
Ques. What is the MBA fee at SKMU and how is admission done?
Ans. The MBA total fee at SKMU is INR 1,46,400 over the 2-year programme (INR 36,600 per semester). MBA admission is based on MAT scores or state management entrance test results, followed by merit ranking. Graduation in any stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate is the eligibility criterion.
Ques. Does SKMU have a NAAC grade?
Ans. SKMU is accredited by NAAC. The specific grade and cycle year are available in the NAAC certificate published on the official SKMU website at skmu.ac.in. Candidates planning admission should verify the current NAAC grade before enrolling.
Ques. What government scholarships are available for SKMU students?
Ans. SKMU students from SC/ST and OBC backgrounds are eligible for the Post-Matric Scholarship under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Jharkhand e-Kalyan scholarships cover boarding, lodging, and academic fees for eligible tribal students. Central sector scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) are also applicable for Class 12 toppers and economically weaker sections.
Ques. How many colleges are affiliated to SKMU?
Ans. SKMU has 13 constituent colleges and 9 permanently affiliated colleges across the six districts of Santhal Pargana: Dumka, Deoghar, Godda, Sahebganj, Pakur, and Jamtara. The university is the primary higher education institution for the entire Santhal Pargana region.
Ques. Does SKMU offer MA in Santali language?
Ans. Yes. SKMU offers MA in Santali language as well as MA in Indigenous Culture Studies, making it one of the few universities in India with formal postgraduate programmes in tribal languages and culture specific to the Santhal community. These programmes are of particular relevance for students from tribal communities in Santhal Pargana.
Comments
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The basic eligibility criteria for L.L.B. admission are graduation. Candidates applying for this course should have completed their graduation. The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program at Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), Dumka, is a 3-year full-time course. The total tuition fee for the LL.B. program is approximately INR 25,000
Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), located in Dumka, Jharkhand, is a recognized public state university that offers the LL.B (Bachelor of Legislative Law) program. It offers a 3-year full-time LL.B degree at the undergraduate level. Candidates can apply online by visiting the official website.
Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), Dumka, does not publicly disclose a fixed tuition fee for the two-year MCA program on its official website. Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree obtained through the 10+2+3 or an equivalent qualification.
No, there is no entrance exam conducted for the admission into the BSc course at Kanhu Murmu University. The admission is based on the academic merit. You must have done (10+2) or any equivalent exam with 50% marks in aggregate (45% for SC/ST)
The fee for the PhD in English is not disclosed, you can register and download the brochure for detailed information.
You can either check out the your mailbox as you might have received the registration number and user id while registering or you can also contact at: 06434 222 495 for your application update.
To know your application status regarding your admission, you can contact SKMU Dumka at: 06434 222 495.
The basic eligibility criteria for L.L.B. admission is graduation. Candidates applying for this course should have completed their graduation.
The application form is tentative to be released in August 2023 for the academic year 2023. You can apply by visiting the official website of SKMU. Check here for SKMU Admission: UG, PG, Ph.D., Eligibility, Registrations
LLB course is not available in this university. At present, SKMU offers B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc. (Hons.), B.A., B.Sc., BLIS, M.A., M.Sc., MCA, M.Com, MBA and Ph.D courses at UG, PG & Doctorate level,