More and more students are choosing management studies as a major due to the expansion of corporate culture and the promotion of entrepreneurship in India. In addition, 3,100 colleges with management programs registered a total of 4,03,202 students in FY22. But, do you find yourself torn between the two options, PGDM vs MBA? However, in today’s environment, it can be difficult to understand and decide between these two options. Thus, we have developed this blog to help readers better grasp the differences between PGDM and MBA courses in India, by outlining the key components of each program.
Table of Contents
What is an MBA?
MBA is one of the most popular postgraduate programs that focus on developing students’ leadership skills. Additionally, graduates from any subject who received at least 50% of their total marks from an accredited university are qualified to enroll in this program.
What is a PGDM?
PGDM courses focus especially on practical management experience and are designed for students who want to work in the developing management industry. Also, in maximum instances, you can qualify for this program with a Bachelor’s degree.
Difference between PGDM and MBA
MBA or Master of Business Administration is a degree course that can only be offered by the colleges affiliated to universities, whereas PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a diploma course offered by autonomous institutes.
- Affiliation and Accreditation
As an academic degree, the MBA is only available through institutions of higher learning whose programs have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). In contrast, autonomous organizations provide the Post Graduate Diploma in Management, which is accredited as a diploma and subject to All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regulation.
Source: soil.edu.in
- Differences in Curriculum
We are all aware that the management industry is a dynamic one, and several changes take place every day. But, due to their conservative position, the majority of colleges do not alter their MBA curricula to meet industry demands. Whereas, the PGDM specializations don’t have these issues as institutions are highly responsive to the shifting market needs because of their autonomy. Moreover, the PGDM curriculum is updated to keep students abreast of the most recent business trends. Also, the industrial readiness of PGDM courses is substantially higher.
- Duration of Course
While PGDM programs can be either 1 or 2 years depending on the type of program, an MBA program generally lasts for two years.
- Fee Structure
A two-year full-time MBA program costs between INR 20,000 to INR 15 lakhs in India, making it more affordable than other programs. On the other hand, the cost of PGDM programs, however, can range from 5 to 20 lakhs.
- Academic Differences
Although both programs attempt to teach you management and administration, they use very different approaches. A PGDM, however, concentrates on the technical components and exposes students to real-life business scenarios, whereas an MBA program is typically more academic. Moreover, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management has the benefit of more frequent curriculum updates to reflect new developments and trends in business management because it is provided by independent institutions. Additionally, a university-affiliated MBA counts as a degree, providing you with a stronger standing, but a PGDM is only recognized to be a diploma if you want to pursue higher study abroad.
Also Read: What Are The Key Differences Between An Mba And A Pgdm Program?
Who earns more MBA or PGDM?
Let us look at several career roles and their average wage structures to better understand the PGDM vs MBA salary ranges:
PGDM Jobs and Salary
Source: mygreatlearning.com
MBA Jobs and Salary
Source: mygreatlearning.com
PGDM or MBA which is better for you?
Now that you know all that separates PGDM from MBA, it is up to you to decide which is the ideal one for you. Moreover, you should bear the following points in mind when deciding—MBA or PGDM which is best:
- Compare fee structure and curriculum of MBA vs PGDM
- India and Global Job Context: If an individual graduates from a reputable university, there is no difference between an MBA and a PGDM in terms of employment.
Educational Context: Candidates with MBA degrees are always given preference while applying for Ph.D. programs if they desire to continue with higher education. But, if you are not interested in pursuing additional education, then no major distinction exists between an MBA and a PGDM.
Why pick Universal Business School in Mumbai for MBA, and PGDM courses?
A successful career depends heavily on choosing the correct course and platform, and in this regard, the Universal Business School in Maharashtra excels at offering the best management courses to students. Moreover, you can consider this business school for your management study, based on the following factors:
- It has received recognition as a “Top Management Institute” in the 2021 Times B-School Survey.
- Here, you can enroll in 100% residential programs and acquire 80% practical learning. Additionally, the school offers 8 internationally recognized programs.
- Furthermore, this collaborates with prestigious colleges and institutions in the UK, the USA, France, and Bulgaria. Also, has placement tie-ups with 300+ international companies.
MBA programs offered by Universal Business School
| Courses | Specializations Available |
| Global MBA (2 continents, 3 business schools) | Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Analytics, Logistics, and Supply Chain |
| International MBA (Spanish) | Business Management, Family Business Management |
| Executive MBA- Swiss School of Management, Italy | Global Management and Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Luxury Management |
| Executive MBA- Cardiff MET, UK | Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Business Analytics |
| Global Blended MBA | Marketing Management, Human Resources Management, Operations Management |
PGDM programs offered by Universal Business School
| Courses | Specializations available |
| PGDM(General) | Human Resources, Finance, Operations or International Supply, Chain Management, Marketing |
| PGDM(Foreign Collaboration- Cardiff Met, UK) | Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Project Management, Product Management, Health Sector Management |
| PGDM+GMP(UK) | Business management |
| PGDM+GMP(France/ Italy/ Spain/ USA/ Bulgaria) | International Management |
| PGDM (Business Design & Innovation) | Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources |
Also Read: How A Global MBA Can Give You Exponential Exposure?
Conclusion
Summing up, both the MBA and PGDM programs are valued equally in India and abroad in terms of their potential for career advancement. Moreover, there is no stigma associated with holding a PG diploma rather than a degree, but what counts are your professional abilities and, more significantly, the reputation of your school or institute. Also, by knowing the distinctions between these programs, you can better review PGDM vs MBA course descriptions, assess the offerings, and select the program that best suits your academic and professional goals.
FAQs
- Is PGDM and MBA same?
Although the goal of these courses remains essentially the same, the main distinction between these two is that the MBA is a degree-granting program, whilst the PGDM is a diploma-granting program. Additionally, PGDM programs can be offered by independent institutions, whereas MBA programs are often offered by public or private universities, as well as colleges that are linked with universities.
- MBA or PGDM which has more value?
While MBA courses take a more theoretical approach, PGDM programs adhere to an industry-focused curriculum. Also, because PGDM courses offer more practical insight than MBA, many firms in India and overseas favor PGDM degrees over MBA.
- Is PGDM better than MBA?
The Post Graduate Diploma in Management is more practical in terms of the job market and industry-relevant than the MBA, which is typically the older option for people interested in management studies. But, which of these two is preferable for you, entirely relies on your personal preferences and interests.
- Can you do both PGDM and MBA simultaneously?
Although MBA (Master of Business Administration) and PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma Management) are both postgraduate study programs in business administration, you cannot pursue both degrees at the same time from different colleges.
- Is it worth to do PGDM in India?
Yes, PGDM positions are among the highest paying in India. Additionally, the typical income for a PGDM program in India is between INR 5 and 20 LPA, and it can lead to employment in prestigious fields like finance, sales, marketing, human resources, and more.
- How would you assess a PGDM in Finance vs MBA in Finance?
In contrast to MBA finance courses, which are more theoretical, PGDM finance courses are industry-oriented. Additionally, PGDM programs emphasize more on grooming opportunities, mentorship, and industry exposure, and the placement services are more demanding. Also, to have good wage choices, a PGDM in finance from a reputable institution is typically a good idea.
