PGDFM: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Lisha Gupta

PGDFM is a two-year postgraduate diploma course that deals with wide knowledge in analyzing cost centres, expenses of organization and making effective balance sheets. Upon completion of the course, students are provided with many job opportunities. PGDFM jobs post-graduation include Financial Planner, Treasurer, Bank Manager, Bank Officer, etc.

About PGDFM

PGDFM full form stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management. PGDFM works with courses that need critical thinking and analysis. Working with capital management and understanding international finance are two of the most important intellectual topics the course works with.

The primary goal of this PGDFM course is to provide the candidate with a thorough understanding of the financial and banking industries. Knowledge of national and international financial ideas and strategies is also provided. The course falls under the umbrella of PGD.

Table of Contents

• PGDFM Eligibility Criteria
• Who Should do a PGDFM Course?
• When To Do PGDFM Course?
• Types of PGDFM Courses
• Distance PGDFM
• PGDFM Admission Process
• Popular PGDFM Entrance Exams
• Top PGDFM Colleges in India
• Study PGDFM Abroad
• PGDFM Fee Structure
• PGDFM Syllabus and Subjects
• Why Choose PGDFM Course?
• PGDFM Course Comparison
• Scope of PGDFM for Higher Education
• Preparation Tips for PGDFM Course
• Salary of a PGDFM Graduate
• Career Options after PGDFM
• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PGDFM

PGDFM eligibility criteria include students having to complete their undergraduate degree with a minimum of 50% of the total marks from a recognized education board in any stream. Candidates from professional courses such as CA/CS are also eligible to apply if they have satisfied the above-mentioned basic criteria. There is no age limit for this course.

Who Should Pursue a PGDFM Course?

The PGDFM course is for those aspirants that want to set up a career in the finance domain. The PGDFM full form is Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management. Aspirants who wish to work in firms providing financial planning services and educational research firms are a good fit for this course.

When To Do PGDFM Course?

Typically, PGDFM aspirants make sense to apply for the course immediately after completing class graduation or with an experience of 1-2 years in the financial sector. However, students from any stream can apply for a PGDFM course.

Types of PGDFM Courses

Aspirants can only pursue the PGDFM course full-time as this is a research-based course that requires the aspirants to be involved fully in the course structure. Below are the PGDFM course details:

Full-Time PGDFM

The full-time PGDFM course duration is up to two years, depending on the institution, and students must attend classes, submit work, and write tests on campus. The advantage of a full-time PGDFM course is that students will gain more exposure, experience and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.

Part-Time PGDFM

PGDFM is a program that undergoes continuous assessment and follows a practical approach. It is thus not offered as a part-time educational course.

Distance PGDFM

Currently, PGDFM Distance Learning courses are not offered in India as this diploma course follows a research-based approach which may not be possible in distance learning.

How To Get Admission for PGDFM?

When students pursue an MBA or PGD, the admission process does not differ much based on the specialization. The PGDFM admissions process is purely dependent on the candidate's ability to meet the eligibility criteria. The aspirant's admission to the PGDFM programme under the merit quota is based on their performance in the common entrance examinations and their undergraduate grades.

Though the admission process varies depending on the college, here are the steps that one should generally go through to get admission:

How to Apply?

Entrance examinations are an integral part of the PGDFM admissions process. Aspirants must fill out the admission form online, attaching all required papers, including their Aadhar card number, address proof, voter ID card, domicile, 10th, 12th, and final year graduation mark sheets. The forms for specific colleges may have to be filled separately depending on the choices of the aspirants.

Selection Process

Colleges choose students based on their admission test scores. The college creates a cut-off list of students who have advanced to the next phase, including interviews and group discussions. The selected students receive their admit cards and continue with the rest of the admissions process.

Popular Entrance Exams for PGDFM

Aspiring PGDFM candidates can take national and state-level entrance tests for admission to top institutions and universities. Admission will be granted on a merit-based basis, based on his graduation grades. 

The chosen student appears for GD (Group Discussion) and PI (Personal Interview) (Personal Interview). They are presented with questions to examine their critical thinking skills, and applicants are chosen based on their responses.

Some of the popular PGDFM Entrance exams are listed below:

• CAT
• XAT
• CMAT
• SNAP

A Quick Glance at the PGDFM Entrance Exams

PGDFM is one of the best courses to pursue to fulfil one's aspiration of being a successful professional in finance. Listed below are the standard patterns of entrance exams:

• The exam patterns comprise different sections like data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.
• The entrance exam duration is approximately two to three hours
• The pattern of the exam is either in online or offline mode.
• The exam pattern changes according to the colleges one applies to.

Top PGDFM Colleges in India

India is home to some of the PGDFM colleges in the world. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PGDFM course as per their preferences. Below is the list of the 10 best PGDFM Colleges in the country:

Top PGDFM Colleges in New Delhi

India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for PGDFM in India. Check the table below for the top PGDFM colleges in New Delhi:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Mumbai

Check the table below for the top PGDFM colleges in Mumbai:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Pune

Pune also has some of the best institutions for PGDFM in India. Check the table below for the top PGDFM colleges in Pune:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Bangalore

The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top PGDFM programmes. Check the table below for the best PGDFM colleges in Bangalore:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Kolkata

West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for PGDFM courses in India. Check the table below for the best PGDFM colleges in Kolkata:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Hyderabad

The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for PGDFM courses in India. Check the table below for the top PGDFM colleges in Hyderabad:

Top PGDFM Government Colleges

There are several top Government Colleges offering quality PGDFM programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PGDFM government colleges in India:

Top PGDFM Private Colleges

India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PGDFM private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PGDFM private colleges in India:

PGDFM Mumbai University

The PGDFM at Mumbai University is a popular choice. Given below are general details about the course:

PGDFM IGNOU

Given below is the general information related to the PGDFM course at IGNOU:

• Minimum Duration: 1 Year
• Maximum Duration: 3 Years
• Course Fee: INR 10,800

Eligibility: Any graduate (including Chartered Accountancy/ Cost Accountancy/ Company Secretaryship) with 50% marks for general category 45% for reserved category as per government of India rules.

IIFM PGDFM

Given below is the eligibility for the IIFM PGDFM course:

• A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% in case of candidates belonging to SC, ST and Differently Abled, awarded by a recognised university.
• Candidates appearing for the final year of the bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. 
• Students must apply and appear for CAT/ XAT. IIFM will use the CAT/XAT scores for short-listing the candidates. IIMs/XLRI have no role either in the selection process or in the conduct of the programme.

Study PGDFM Abroad

Students can opt to study a PGDFM course abroad if they can afford it. The PGDFM course abroad is the same duration as in India, i.e. upto 2 years, depending on the type of course, college and country.

Access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculties and global exposure in terms of subject matter and different cultures are some of the advantages of taking a PGDFM course abroad. Below are some of the top PGDFM colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:

Top PGDFM Colleges Abroad

The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for PGDFM:

Top PGDFM Colleges in USA

The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PGDFM programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top PGDFM colleges in the USA:

Top PGDFM Colleges in the UK

The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a PGDFM. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for PGDFM:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Canada

Known as the ‘Great White North’, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for PGDFM programmes in the world:

Top PGDFM Colleges in Australia

Known as the ‘Land Down Under’, Australia has emerged as one of the top destinations for higher studies for many students. The list of top PGDFM colleges in Australia is as follows:

Fee Structure for PGDFM

The PGDFM course fees are not fixed and depend on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the PGDFM fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. The average PGDFM course fee in India is around INR 3 - 12 LPA.

Syllabus and Subjects for PGDFM

The curriculum of some of the most popular PGDFM courses is included here, along with the course syllabi. The core of the syllabus is followed by most colleges across the country, with a few minor exceptions. Some of the subjects that students have the opportunity to study are listed below:

• Managerial Economics
• Accounting Systems and Financial Analysis
• Indian Banking and Financial Systems
• Management of Banks
• Marketing of Banking Service
• Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Banking Regulations and Laws
• Bank Leading Procedures and Policies
• Capital Markets
• Project and Infrastructure Financing
• Accounting Systems and Financial Analysis

Read More: PGDFM Syllabus and Subjects

Why Choose PGDFM Course?

Students should examine PGDFM course specifics before enrolling in the PGDFM degree to ensure they know the course they are enrolled in. "What is PGDFM?" and "Why PGDFM?" are two often asked questions by students. We can make understanding the answers to these questions easier by dividing them down into three short questions:

What is PGDFM All About?

Courses that require critical thinking and analyzing skills are included in the PGD in Financial Management. Working with capital management and understanding international finance are two of the most important intellectual topics. 

The analyzing part discusses balancing balance sheets, cost-cutting, and profit maximization. This programme focuses on developing financial management skills, which are critical in the workplace. 

The primary goal of this course is to provide the candidate with a thorough understanding of the financial and banking industries. Knowledge of national and international financial ideas and strategies is also provided. 

This course assists learners in better managing important problems in financial sectors, allowing them to be responsible for more advantages.

What Does a PGDFM Graduate Do?

Students can select the subjects as per their choice depending on their interests and job prospects available in finance. Compared to a Master's degree, the PGD Financial Management takes less time and costs less. You can quickly change careers or begin working as a professional in the area. One can gain practical experience in a topic that interests you. 

Managers seeking entrance courses to simplify working in the banking and financial service industries, such as insurance, mutual funds, and loans, will benefit from the PGD in Financial Management programme. One of the important job roles undertaken by the PGDFM graduates is Financial Manager.

Financial Manager: A finance manager is a key decision-maker in a business. They analyze data and advise senior executives on profit-maximizing strategies, which can help businesses increase profits over time by making a smart investment and spending decisions that maximize return on investment. They usually manage the activities of the finance department, defining goals and objectives throughout the year to ensure that the company's aims are reached. To process financial data and generate models for other departments, they must also know several financial software tools.

Reasons Why PGDFM Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

The PGDFM programme offers a thought-provoking and interesting educational path. Aspirants can determine the inherent value of a PGDFM course because it provides more career options than any other stream. As a result, the PGDFM work scope is always expanding and interesting.

Diversity in Job roles: Graduates of this programme can choose from various job opportunities. Students can pursue a wide range of jobs in their professions because the specializations accessible to them are relatively versatile.

Read More: PGDFM Jobs & Scope

PGDFM Course Comparison

PGDFM is a two-year postgraduate diploma programme in Financial Management. MBA is also a two-year degree. Though both courses fall under the purview of management studies, there are stark differences between them both.

PGDFM vs MBA

The table below showcases the differences between PGDFM and MBA:

Read More: MBA

Preparation Tips for PGDFM Course

An MBA/PGDM program helps develop the leadership and management skills needed to advance your career. But to achieve that goal and succeed in your program of choice, you first need to prepare your mindset for Financial Management.

Mentioned below are some important tips that the aspirants can follow for pursuing the PGDFM course:

Speak with MBA/ PGDM ex-students and Alumni: Learn from the experiences of others who have gone before you. Former MBA/PGDM students might offer insight into various preparation strategies. Consult with acquaintances who have earned an MBA from a business school.

Read Books and Surf the Web: A PGDFM programme teaches you problem-solving and leadership skills. If you wish to pursue a profession in Financial Management, you should consult books and the internet and conduct research properly.

Mental Preparedness: Working hard with good efforts and time management will ensure success in the candidate's future. 

Scope Of PGDFM For Higher Education

Students can pursue many different courses under PGDFM. There are also many higher study options available for graduate students after a PGDFM degree, which can help them better understand the subject. Also, the students can pursue a career in research if they are interested in it. They also can get hired in professional groups like McKinsey and Company or Boston Consulting Group.

The other higher education options that the PGDFM graduates can opt for are:

• CA
• CFA
• CMA
• PhD

Salary of a PGDFM Graduate

Finance is the backbone of any organization, and students who specialize in finance have many career prospects. With the rapid development in privatization, more and more companies have joined the market, increasing the demand for financial management graduates.

PGDFM graduates are considered skilled professionals in the domain of finance. They have a salary ranging from INR 5-15 LPA on average. (Source: PayScale)

Read More: PGDFM Salary

Career Options After PGDFM Course

Graduates can use financial Management in any business to provide a real-time solution to the issues listed below. This stream is important in business and can assist you in achieving your goals. 

With greater internet penetration, this stream has established itself as a financial data forecasting and analysis source. After earning a Diploma in FM, One might be able to work in one of the following positions:

• Financial Advisor
• Investment Management
• Portfolio Management
• Financial Consultancies
• Financial Risk Management
• Bank Officer

Skills That Make You The Best PGDFM Graduate

PGDFM graduates must have a wide range of complex and soft skills to be successful in their employment. These aren't necessarily abilities that students can learn in a classroom. Instead, these are talents that students can only acquire via practice. As a result, students should attempt to step outside of their comfort zone and get as much experience as they can. Among these skills are:

• Quantitative Analysis Skills
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• The Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Interpersonal Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Pressure Handling Skills
• Decision Making Skills