Are you confused about MBA Vs PGDM? Get complete information about Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Placements, and Job Scope.
MBA vs PGDM comparison comprehends that MBA is a degree program provided by academic institutions which are more academically focused and have a broader curricula, whereas PGDM is a diploma program provided by independent institutes that are mainly industry-focused and often place a greater emphasis on practical, real-world applications.
MBA vs PGDM: Key Differences
Students may choose between PGDM vs MBA based on their ranking, curriculum, placements, personal skills, and interests. The following table compares PGDM vs MBA based on their most crucial parameters:
| Factors | MBA | PGDM |
| Full Form | Masters of Business Administration | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Course fee | INR 2 - 20 LPA | INR 4 - 24 LPA |
| Approved by | University Grants Commission (UGC) | All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
| Entrance Test | CAT, XAT, TANCET, etc | CAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc |
| Job Opportunities | HR Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, etc | Project Manager, Data Scientist, Auditor, Tax Specialist, Consultant, etc |
MBA vs PGDM: Overview
MBA is a two-year postgraduate degree that streamlines organizational operations in human resources, finance, marketing, sales, and customer service. The goal of an MBA is to prepare students to be competent managers in the modern entrepreneurial setting. MBA admission usually involves an entrance exam, group discussions, written ability tests, and personal interviews.
Read More: MBA
PGDM is a two-year postgraduate diploma program focusing on industry-oriented and practical management training. AICTE-recognized autonomous B-Schools offer PGDM. After PGDM, one may work as a manager, leader, functional head, specialized executive, and more.
Read More: PGDM
MBA vs PGDM: Eligibility Criteria
Students can also compare MBA vs PGDM as both come with distinct eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria for PGDM vs MBA are discussed below.
MBA Course Eligibility
- The applicant must have passed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
- The candidate must have scored at least 50% in the bachelor's degree.
- It is mandatory to appear for the entrance exams such as GMAT, XAT, ATMA, CAT, MAT, etc.
PGDM Course Eligibility
- The applicant should have graduated from any discipline securing at least 50% marks.
- The colleges offering PGDM also ask for CAT/ XAT/ GMAT entrance examination scores as eligibility.
- It is also vital to have good knowledge of the specialization.
MBA vs PGDM: Admission Process
While comparing MBA vs PGDM admission process, one could find a slight variation. Both programs include entrance exams, interviews, and academic backgrounds. The exact admission process might vary as per institutions and programs, yet these are the general steps involved in MBA and PGDM programs.
MBA Admission Process
- Registration and uploading documents to complete the application process
- Taking MBA entrance exams
- GD / PI rounds after qualifying entrance exam cutoff.
- Counseling round to secure the seat.
Read More: MBA Admission
| GD Topics for MBA Admission | WAT Topics For MBA Admission |
PGDM Admission Process
- Registration and uploading documents to complete the application process
- Appear for PGDM entrance exams
- Shortlisting candidates based on entrance exam & academic record.
- Counseling round & fees submission.
Read More: PGDM Admission
| 9 Tips for Cracking MBA & PGDM Admission Interview | Extracurricular Activities for MBA Admission |
MBA vs PGDM: Entrance Exams
A standardized entrance test is a mandatory component of the admission procedure for both degrees. MBA vs PGDM may be comparable in certain ways; however, most entrance exams are the same.
| MBA Entrance Exams | PGDM Entrance Exams |
| CAT | CAT |
| TANCET | ATMA |
| XAT | XAT |
| MAT | MAT |
| CMAT | NMAT |
| GMAT | CMAT |
| NMAT | GMAT |
Read More: MBA Entrance Exams
MBA vs PGDM: Specializations
Most students get confused while choosing a specialization in India when they compare MBA vs PGDM. Listed below are some of the top specializations availabe in MBA and PGDM courses:
MBA Specializations
Read More: Top 7 MBA Specialization in India
PGDM Specializations
| PGDM Finance | PGDM in HR |
| PGDM in International Business | PGDM in Information Technology |
| PGDM Marketing | PGDM Business Analytics |
| PGDM in Operations Management | PGDM in Supply Chain Management |
MBA vs PGDM: Benefits
MBA vs PGDM is comparable based on one's career goals, experience, learning style, and institution. Top 5 reasons to choose PGDM and MBA are mentioned below.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose MBA:
- MBA is a Degree program, not a diploma: In the end, the students who pass out MBA are Master's degree holders instead of a postgraduate diploma.
- Globally Preferred: An MBA degree is well-recognized for international employment opportunities. Top Business Schools in the world offer an MBA program and not PGDM.
- Backed by University: This adds to the advantage as the colleges have to abide by the standard rules. Whereas, in private PGDM colleges, there is a chance that they may not follow the AICTE norms strictly.
- Broad-based knowledge: Students in an MBA program gain expertise in all aspects of business, from financial management to advertising to logistics to human resources.
- Legacy of MBA: MBA programs are much older, which has created a vast alum base. Placement data revealed by IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, XLRI, and other top MBA colleges reflect a rising trend in placement.
| Why MBA from IIM is so special? | Job Opportunities after MBA from IIM |
Top 5 Reasons to Choose PGDM:
- Specialization in Any Field: It facilitates a student choosing a specialization in the area of interest. Students have the opportunity to select both significant and minor specializations of choice.
- Industry-Focused Structure: The course structure is more industrial-focused than MBA. This is because of the frequent update in the latest syllabus according to the changes in the industry.
- Practical Insights: Many B-schools in India give importance to PGDM over MBA due to its practical insights. MBA is more concerned with theoretical knowledge, while PGDM offers more practical implementation and volume.
- Placement opportunities: As autonomous institutes provide PGDM courses, these institutes are more concerned about the placement offers. The salary package offered for freshers is INR 2.7 LPA Mid-Level is INR 3.7 LPA.
- Corporate skills with real world experience: A PGDM course prepares students based on upcoming challenges. In most cases, the professors are industry leaders or entrepreneurs who have real-world exposure to the topic taught to the students.
MBA vs PGDM: Subjects
MBA vs PGDM can be compared based on the syllabus and topics covered. Despite the similarities and differences between the two courses, the syllabus, and subjects are distinct. The syllabus and topics for MBA and PGDM are discussed below.
MBA Subjects
The MBA program is for students who want a comprehensive understanding of management and fundamentals. The core MBA subjects are given below:
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Strategic Management
- Legal Aspects of Pharmaceutical Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource
Read More: MBA Syllabus and Subjects
PGDM Subjects
The PGDM program offers students with management training expertise that is industry-oriented and practical. The major PGDM subjects are given below:
- Organizational Behaviour
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Communication
- Managerial Economics
- Quantitative Techniques
- Operations Management
Read More: PGDM Syllabus and Subjects
MBA vs PGDM: Top Institutes in India
When comparing PGDM vs MBA, one can see that MBA programs are often provided by universities, while PGDM programs are typically offered by independent institutions unaffiliated with universities.
Top MBA Colleges in India
Here is the list of best MBA colleges in India with the course fee:
| Institution | Course fees |
| Mangalmay Institute of Management and Technology | 1.59 Lakhs |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | 3.50 Lakhs |
| IIFT Delhi | 7.50 Lakhs |
| Manipal University, Jaipur | 6.94 Lakhs |
| Adarsh Institute of Management and Information Technology | 4.20 Lakhs |
| SIBM | 5.50 Lakhs |
| VGSOM IIT Kharagpur | 6 Lakhs |
| DMS IIT Delhi | 70.96 K |
| Nirma University | 10.46 Lakhs |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research | 12.04 Lakhs |
Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India
| Tier 1 MBA Colleges in India | Tier 2 MBA Colleges in India |
Top PGDM Colleges in India
Here is the list of PGDM colleges in India with the course fee:
| Institution | Course fees (INR) |
| TAPMI Manipal | 7.97 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management | 3.52 Lakhs |
| IFMR | 1 Lakhs |
| IMT Nagpur | 9.50 Lakhs |
| Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management | 4.28 Lakhs |
| Institute of Rural Management | 5.96 Lakhs |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | 5.40 Lakhs |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research | 12.04 Lakhs |
Read More: Top PGDM Colleges in India
MBA vs PGDM: Career Scope and Salary
When comparing MBA vs PGDM, it is evident that MBA graduates have a wider range of career options and can pursue roles in various areas, while PGDM graduates tend to concentrate more on specific industries.
The table shows the top job roles for MBA graduates, along with the average salary.
| Role | Average Salary (INR) |
| Operations Manager | 7.82 LPA |
| Senior Business Analyst | 9.44 LPA |
| Human Resource Generalist | 3 LPA |
| Marketing Manager | 7.56 LPA |
| Business Development Manager | 6.01 LPA |
| Human Resource Manager | 7.4 LPA |
| Business Development Executive | 3.2 LPA |
| Project Manager (IT) | 12.38 LPA |
| Relationship Manager | 4.3 LPA |
| Business Analyst | 6 LPA |
Read More: MBA Career Scope in India
The most sought-after job profiles for PGDM graduates and their salaries are given below.
| Role | Average Salary (INR) |
| Business Consultant | 9.86 LPA |
| Marketing Manager | 7.15 LPA |
| HR Manager | 7.15 LPA |
| PR Officer | 3.01 LPA |
| Finance Manager | 9.99 LPA |
| Strategic Manager | 10.84 LPA |
| Brand Manager | 10.55 LPA |
| International Sales Manager | 10.80 LPA |
Read More: PGDM Career Scope in India
MBA vs PGDM: Top Recruiters in India
Both an MBA and a PGDM may prepare students for a management profession, but recruiters use various criteria when hiring. The table below mentions the top recruiters for MBA and PGDM in India.
| Top Recruiters for MBA | Top Recruiters for PGDM |
| WELLS FARGO | |
| Amazon | TESCO |
| Tata Consultancy Services | EY |
| Microsoft | BOSCH |
| Morgan Stanley | Amazon |
| Reliance Industries Ltd | WNS |
| KPMG | HCL |
| Infosys | IBM |
| Accenture | PWC |
| Deloitte | Axis Bank |
| Dream Company For MBA Students | MBA Placements |
Conclusion
Students who compare PGDM vs MBA programs will find that MBA programs are frequently provided by institutions, have a longer duration, and offer a more thorough curriculum. In contrast, PGDM programs are typically more industry-oriented and place a higher emphasis on practical skills.
MBA and PGDM are both management-focused graduate programs that prepare students for careers in the corporate world. Before deciding, it's essential to compare PGDM vs MBA benefits and downsides, explore institutes and their programs, and consider professional objectives and preferences.
