PGDM: Full Form, Course Details, Eligibility, Courses, Fees, Admission
PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a 2-year postgraduate management course, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various management concepts like Planning, Organizing, Leading, Group Dynamics, etc. A Post Graduate Diploma in Management course equips students with the skills required to succeed in the business world.
To be eligible for PGDM admissions, candidates must complete a bachelor's degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks and qualify for PGDM entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, etc as per college requirements. PGDM syllabus is skill-oriented and typically covers a wide range of subjects, including Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Ethics, Marketing, Operations, and HRM, etc.
PGDM course equips with job-relevant expertise to become successful managers, leaders, and executives in specialized business units. The average salary package for PGDM graduates is around INR 4 LPA - 24 LPA. Top PGDM institutes have a 100% placement record with leading recruiters like Deloitte, EY, Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Aditya Birla, Accenture etc.
Table of Contents
- What is PGDM Course?
- PGDM Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose a PGDM Course?
- PGDM Admission 2024
- PGDM Entrance Exams
- PGDM Cutoff 2024
- PGDM Fees Structure
- PGDM Specializations
- Top PGDM Colleges In India with Fees
- PGDM vs MBA
- PGDM Syllabus and Subjects
- PGDM Salary in India
- Career Options After PGDM Course
- PGDM Scholarships
- Skills to Excel as a PGDM Course Graduate
- Preparation Tips for PGDM Course
PGDM Course Details
| Degree | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Full Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Age | No specific age restriction |
| Entrance Exam | CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, CMAT, GMAT |
| Minimum Percentage | Minimum of 50% Marks for General Candidates Minimum 45% Marks for Reserved/PWD Candidates |
| Average Fees | INR 3 Lakh - 12 Lakh |
| Similar Options of Study | MBA, PGPM, PGP |
| Average Salary | INR 4 LPA - 24 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Administrative Officer, Business Consultant, Finance Manager, Human Resource Manager, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Executive |
What is PGDM Course?
PGDM full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is a skill-oriented course that focuses on providing knowledge and expertise based on practical approaches to several core areas of management and its functions.
The PGDM course is equivalent to an MBA degree and is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). PGDM specializations are available in different disciplines such as Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, IT, etc to cater to the diverse career aspirations of students.
The average PGDM course fees ranges from INR 3 Lakhs - 12 Lakhs Per Annum, depending on the government and private entity, specialization, location, etc. Top colleges in Delhi such as IMI Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, etc., have average fees between INR 8-9.50 LPA, whereas, colleges in Bangalore like IIM Bangalore, Welingkar Institute of Management and Research have average fees between INR 7-12 LPA.
PGDM Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in pursuing PGDM courses must first check their eligibility. However, the PGDM eligibility criteria may slightly differ between institutes. Candidates should always check the institute's official website for comprehensive PGDM course eligibility criteria. The general PGDM eligibility is as follows:
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
|
Percentage Required |
Applicants must score 50% marks in their bachelor's degree. |
|
Entrance Exams |
Many institutions offer admission through entrance exams, such as CAT, MAT, or XAT. The entrance exam scores are used to shortlist candidates for the PGDM program. |
Also Read: NIRF Ranking 2024 Management
Why Choose a PGDM Course?
PGDM course or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is one of the highly demanded management programs for various reasons as it aids management aspirants in acquiring in-depth knowledge in business administration.
Here are some specific reasons why one should enrol in a Post Graduate Diploma in Management program in 2024:
- Exposure: A management degree allows you to see the practical business environment through internships, professional interactions, corporate meetings, and industrial workshops.
- Further studies: After completing the PGDM course, aspirants can pursue a doctorate program, which is available in different specializations.
- Demand: The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that employment in management jobs will rise by 8% between 2021 and 2031.
- Opportunities: A management degree is one of the most important criteria that companies consider when hiring. In addition, a management degree would be a good choice for those seeking higher positions in their career.
- Job role: PGDM course aspirants can pursue various career paths, such as Operations Manager, Project Manager, HR Manager, and Operations Consultant, depending on the type of specialization they pursue.
- Lucrative Compensation: The job scope after PGDM course includes a good starting salary and adequate compensation benefits for freshers and experienced graduates as well.
PGDM Admission 2024
PGDM Admissions for Tier I and Tier II colleges are mostly based on entrance exam merit scores, followed by GD/PI assessment rounds and Written Aptitude Tests (WAT). Students may also be admitted to private colleges through management quota, seats of which are limited in numbers.
The step-by-step PGDM admissions process of top institutions and universities is mentioned below.
- Step 1: The online portal must be used to get the PGDM application form first after reviewing the PGDM course details
- Step 2: The aspirant must upload/attach the required documents as per the guidelines and specifications mentioned. Pay the admission fees for the PGDM course registration.
- Step 3: The selection is based on the eligibility criteria and the cut-off scores acquired in the entrance exams.
- Step 4: Aspirants are called to write a written test, participate in group discussions, and have a personal interview after passing these exams.
- Step 5: Students must provide the required paperwork and pay the appropriate PGDM course fee after being selected.
Also Read: MBA vs PGDM
PGDM Entrance Exams
Some major business schools have their entrance exams or accept National/State entrance exam results for admission to PGDM courses. Students interested in studying PGDM courses must meet the eligibility criteria and have the required percentage of marks to apply for admission. Once the candidate meets this condition, they can take the entrance tests and get admitted to the shortlisted colleges of their choice.
Candidates can take the following national state-level PGDM entrance exams:
|
Exam Name |
Exam Date |
| CAT |
24th Nov, 2024 |
| MAT |
Aug 14th - Aug 25th, 2024 (August Session) |
| XAT |
5th Jan 2025 |
| NMAT |
5th Nov - 20th Dec, 2024 |
| CMAT |
May 2025 |
Also Read: CAT vs CMAT vs NMAT vs MAT
PGDM Cutoff 2024
Admission to PGDM courses depends on the qualifying entrance exam with the required cut-off marks. The cut-off marks can change every year depending on demand, institution rank, academic structure, etc. Detailed information on two important PGDM entrance exams and their expected cut-off marks are listed below.
PGDM CAT Cutoff 2023 for Top Colleges
Every college publishes its required cutoffs following the PGDM entrance examinations. Admission to the IIMs for PGDM is based on the CAT entrance exam. Although, the CAT cutoff for 2023 is yet to be released. Below is the list of the best PGDM colleges in India along with their expected cut-off marks in CAT 2023 for admission:
|
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall) |
College Name |
CAT Cutoff 2023 (in %tile) |
|
1 |
IIM Ahmedabad |
99-100 |
|
2 |
IIM Bangalore |
99-100 |
|
3 |
IIM Kozhikode |
97-98 |
|
5 |
IIM Calcutta |
99 |
|
7 |
IIM Lucknow |
97-98 |
|
8 |
IIM Indore |
97-98 |
|
31 |
IIT Nagpur |
95-96 |
|
47 |
IIT Amritsar |
95-96 |
PGDM Fees Structure
With the increased demand for PGDM courses, students now have a variety of options from which to pick. For example, a professional who wishes to study a PGDM course to advance in his or her career can choose between a PGDM Distance course and a PGDM Online course, whichever is more appropriate. The fee structure keeps on fluctuating based on the courses or types you pick.
|
Types of PGDM Course |
Fees (INR) |
Admission Type |
|
Full Time |
4,00,000-10,00,000 |
Entrance Based |
|
Online |
10,000-15,000 |
Merit-Based |
|
Distance |
30,000-50,000 |
Entrance Based |
Also Read: Executive MBA Vs Distance MBA
PGDM Specializations
PGDM course offers various specializations that students can opt for based on their career objectives and future goals. Students can choose the specializations based on their choice in various domains such as Finance, HR, Marketing, International Business, Operations, etc.
Given below is the information on various specializations in Post Graduate Diploma in Management courses.
|
PGDM Courses List |
|
|
PGDM in Entrepreneurship |
PGDM Insurance Management |
|
PGDM Retail Management |
PGDM Healthcare Management |
Read More: List of PGDM Specializations
Top PGDM Colleges In India with Fees
Every year, students compete for seats at the top colleges offering PGDM programs. Check out the government and private PGDM colleges in India with fees.
Top PGDM Government Colleges
Check out the list of top PGDM Government Colleges in the table below:
|
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall) |
College Name |
Total Fees (INR in Lakhs) |
|
1 |
IIM Ahmedabad |
12- 25 |
|
3 |
12- 20.5 |
|
|
4 |
IIT Delhi |
10.5 |
|
5 |
IIT Kanpur |
2.8- 13.5 |
|
7 |
IIM Lucknow |
7.6- 12.6 |
|
8 |
IIM Indore |
17.25-35 |
|
10 |
25 |
|
|
12 |
17.66- 17.9 |
|
|
17 |
15.5- 16.1 |
Top PGDM Private Colleges
Check out the list of top PGDM Private Colleges in the table below:
|
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall) |
College Name |
Total Fee (in Lakhs) |
|
9 |
XLRI, Jamshedpur |
4- 58.84 |
|
11 |
1.87- 26 |
|
|
13 |
24.2 |
|
|
20 |
9.5- 24 |
|
|
27 |
1.6- 10 |
|
|
29 |
6- 26.36 |
|
| 32 |
1.5- 10 |
|
|
34 |
9- 11.2 |
|
|
40 |
20.8 |
|
|
84 |
6- 24.04 |
Also Read: PGPM vs PGDM - Which is Better?
PGDM vs MBA
PGDM is a post-graduation course based on management. The courses of MBA and PGDM are not the same but a few core subjects are similar to each other.
Listed below are the differences between MBA and PGDM courses:
|
Parameters |
PGDM |
MBA |
|
Full-Form |
Postgraduate Diploma in Management |
Masters of Business Administration |
|
Overview |
PGDM focuses primarily on an industry-specific practical approach to business management practices. A diploma can be awarded by any autonomous body/institution. |
The prime focus of an MBA is an in-depth insight into theoretical concepts around managerial practices. Course degrees can only be awarded by Universities or affiliated colleges. |
|
Qualification |
Diploma Course |
Degree Course |
|
Duration |
2 Years |
2 years |
|
Eligibility |
Graduate from any stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks |
Graduate from any stream with a minimum of 50% of marks in any UG-recognized university |
|
Specialization Offered |
Insurance Management, Retail Management, Operations, etc. |
HR, Marketing, Finance, IT, etc. |
|
Average Fees |
INR 3 Lakh - INR 12 Lakh |
INR 3 Lakh - INR 15 Lakh |
|
Average Salary |
INR 4-24 LPA |
INR 4-30 LPA |
Also Read: PGDM vs MBA
PGDM Syllabus and Subjects
The PGDM course is a two-year program divided into four semesters. The first year of PGDM includes two semesters, while the 2nd year includes two semesters in total.
PGDM Syllabus for Semesters 1 and 2:
|
PGDM Syllabus Semester 1 |
PGDM Syllabus Semester 2 |
|
Organisational Behavior - 1 |
Organisational Behavior - 2 |
|
Business Communication |
Financial Management - I |
|
Microeconomics |
Macroeconomics |
|
Managerial Accounting and Control |
Managerial Accounting and Control - 2 |
|
Operational Management - 1 |
Marketing Management - 1 |
|
Quantitative Techniques - 1 |
Quantitative Techniques - 2 |
PGDM Syllabus for Semesters 3 and 4:
|
PGDM Syllabus Semester 3 |
PGDM Syllabus Semester 4 |
|
Financial Management - 2 |
International Business Environment |
|
Human Resource Management |
CSR and Sustainability |
|
Management Information System |
Business Policy Ethics |
|
Operation Management - 2 |
Corporate Personality Development |
|
Marketing Management - 2 |
Electives |
|
Research Method |
Project Work |
PGDM Course Subjects:
The PGDM program covers a wide range of areas, including both core and elective courses. Electives are provided for specialised education in various professions and areas that are suited to individuals' interests and needs.
Read More: PGDM Syllabus and Subjects
PGDM Salary in India
The starting salary of a PGDM course graduate would be around INR 4 - 24 LPA, depending on whether it's in the private or public sector. As skills and experience increase, so will the salary increment. Candidates can grab rewarding job roles in esteemed organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Apple, IBM, Amazon, etc. The following table comprises PGDM job roles and their respective salaries.
|
Job Role |
Average Entry-level Salary (INRin LPA) |
Average Salary (INR in LPA) with 5+ years of Experience |
|
Business Consultant |
5.40 | 12-17 |
|
Corporate Trainer |
4-7 | 9-14 |
|
Investment Analyst |
5-6 | 13-23 |
|
Risk Manager |
5-7 | 12-18 |
Read More: Salary Offered to PGDM Graduates in India
Career Options After PGDM Course
After completing a Post Graduate Diploma In Management course, the aspirant can work in public and private sectors depending on the type of work or the skills they have. They even have further specialization by doing a postgraduate degree like a doctorate or even a further extension by doing an interior MBA or other full-time courses.
Some of the best job designations for graduates after the course of Post Graduate Diploma In Management are as follows:
|
Job Designation |
Hiring Companies |
Average Entry-Level Salary Range (INR in Lakhs) |
|
Digital Marketing Executive |
Accenture, HDFC Bank, Myntra, Flipkart, etc. | 5.50 |
|
Finance Analyst |
Accenture, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, Wipro, etc. | 6.32 |
|
Retail Manager |
Cars 24, Decathlon, Bata India, Reliance Industries, etc. | 6-7 |
|
Operations Associate |
Rivigo, Trav Clan, Paytm, Share Chat, etc. | 4.50 |
|
Associate Project Manager |
HCL Tech, HSBC Group, KPMG, E&Y, etc. | 6.80 |
Read More: PGDM Jobs in India
Top Recruiters for PGDM Course
PGDM course graduates are sought-after for their pragmatic skills and hands-on approach by top companies such as Goldman Sachs, Accenture, KPMG, IBM, etc. These organizations are known for providing promising career advancement opportunities and lucrative salary slabs to PGDM course graduates.
Some of the top recruiters that hire PGDM course graduates are given below:
|
Top Recruiters |
Average Salary (in LPA) |
|
Goldman Sachs |
5.2 - 22 |
|
Apple |
6 - 30 |
|
Accenture |
5 - 15 |
|
Deloitte |
6 - 20 |
|
Wipro |
6 - 19 |
|
Microsoft |
7 - 35 |
|
KPMG |
5 - 25 |
|
IBM |
9 - 30 |
|
Amazon |
7 - 28 |
|
Cognizant |
5 - 20 |
PGDM Scholarships
PGDM course scholarships are extremely beneficial as they provide financial assistance to students who are unable to pay their tuition and other expenses. Some of these scholarships are subject to high performance in previous academics.
Listed below are a few MBA scholarship opportunities:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Scholarship Amount |
|
SJIM Scholarships |
70% - 80% marks in the CAT entrance exam |
INR 50,00 - 2 Lakhs |
|
IMT EWS Scholarship |
70% - 90% marks in the CAT and CMAT entrance exams 80% - 90% marks in the MAT entrance exam |
10-20% on the course fee |
|
JK Business School Scholarship |
70% - 90% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exams 80% - 95% marks in the MAT/CMAT entrance exam |
INR 10,000 - 30,000 |
|
VES Business School Scholarship |
Excellent Performance in Bachelor’s studies Female Students and Physically Challenged Candidates |
INR 25,000 |
|
Shriyut B K Birla Admission Scholarship |
A minimum of 85% marks in the CAT/XAT/MAT |
INR 2 Lakhs |
|
JIMS Scholarship |
A minimum of 80% marks in the CAT entrance exam 70% marks in undergraduate studies |
INR 50,000 |
|
LBSIM Scholarship |
High academic performance in 1st and 2nd semester |
INR 2 Lakhs |
|
FIIB Scholarship Program |
75% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exam 80% marks in the MAT/CMAT/ATMA entrance exam 75% marks in undergraduate studies from an accredited university |
50% Tuition Fees |
|
GIBS Scholarship |
60-80% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exam 70-85% marks in the MAT/CMAT/ATMA entrance exam |
INR 50,000 |
Skills to Excel as a PGDM Course Graduate
The PGDM course upgrades the skills and meets the industry's requirements by imparting practical approaches. It is an excellent choice for working professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of management and learn skills applicable to their field.
It is recommended that students possess hard and soft skills for better course outcomes. Some of the skills required for the Post Graduate Diploma In Management graduates are as follows:
- Versatility and flexibility - Graduates should be able to manage their time effectively and manage diverse responsibilities. It is important to be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Critical thinking - Critical thinkers may prepare for the future by staying on top of trends and gaining the requisite foresight.
- Strong communication - Good communication skill is required for handling client and customer relationships along with additional career growth.
- Project management- Students should develop skills for handling projects which includes planning, forecasting along with successful execution of tasks.
- Leadership - PGDM course graduates can acquire job opportunities in a managerial position which requires entrepreneurial and leadership abilities.
Preparation Tips for PGDM Course
Aspirants have to ensure that they crack the required entrance exams to get admission into the PGDM course. Additionally, they will also have to update their knowledge of the business world and stay up-to-date with major events and developments. Below are some preparation tips made by experts for aspirants who want to pursue PGDM course:
- Time Management: The aspirant should be capable of answering 180-200 questions in about two hours, which means about a minute should be given to answer each question.
- Reading Newspapers: General knowledge and current affairs questions are often asked in entrance exams and sometimes in personal interviews and group discussion rounds.
- Skills: Try to focus more on analytical skills, data interpretation skills, verbal skills, general knowledge, etc., which are all included in the questions
- Planning: To prepare well in advance, aspirants should practice with sample question papers, mock tests, and quizzes. By analyzing their errors, aspirants can develop a more effective strategy to attempt entrance exams.
Top PGDM [Post Graduate Diploma in Management] Colleges
Top Management Entrance Exams
Exam Date: May 19, 2024
PGDM Fee Structure
FAQs on PGDM
Q: What is a PGDM course?
A: PGDM stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is an extremely challenging program for students who want to pursue careers in management. Companies and other entities are looking for well-trained professionals to satisfy their current expectations. A PGDM programme is ideal for students who have completed their bachelor's degree and have valuable skills and experience in business. Work experience is essential for admission to some business schools and management institutions' PGDM programs, while others consider it an added benefit to a candidate's profile.
Q: Is PGDM equal to MBA?
A: Yes, PGDM is a diploma is equivalent to an MBA degree. AICTE accredits PGDM institutes, while UGC and AICTE accredit MBA institutions. MBA programmes concentrate a larger emphasis on the university's curriculum and have not changed in years, whereas the PGDM programme focuses on contemporary industrial demands and requirements.
Q: Which one has the higher pay scale MBA or PGDM?
A: Individuals with an MBA and a PGDM in India can earn a good amount of salary, based on the business school, specialisation, experience, industry, location, and individual success. MBA graduates in India can expect to earn initial salaries ranging from INR 8 Lakh to INR 20 Lakh or more. Starting earnings for PGDM graduates in India often range from INR 4 Lakh to INR 12 Lakh or more, depending on similar criteria such as specialisation and location.
Q: Is PGDM a good option?
A: PGDM courses may or may not be good degrees, depending on the objectives and circumstances of each individual. Business schools and management colleges usually provide PGDM courses intended to educate and train students in various management and business administration topics. Accreditation, Curriculum, Reputation, Industry Connections and Cost are some of the factors to consider when evaluating the value of PGDM courses.
Q: What is the duration of the PGDM course?
A: PGDM course is a postgraduate level programme that can be completed in two years. It equips students with valuable managerial qualities and makes them ready for the industry. Almost every company needs management graduates for the smooth functioning of their day-to-day operations.
Q: What are the benefits of pursuing PGDM?
A: The PGDM program raises significant challenges for students who aspire to work in management. PGDM graduates can occupy positions in management, administration, managing directors, and specialised leadership, as required by the companies. By the time candidates finish the course, the learning experience prepares them for various jobs.
