Key differences between MBA and PGDM, Explained

In the world of business education, two prominent postgraduate programs often come into the spotlight: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). These programs are widely recognized and sought after by individuals aspiring to advance their careers in the field of business and management. However, the terms MBA and PGDM are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion among prospective students.

If you find yourself contemplating which program to pursue, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between an MBA and PGDM. In this blog, we will delve into the nuances of these two degrees, exploring their educational frameworks, program structures, accreditation, industry relevance, and more. By gaining clarity on these distinctions, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision about the path that aligns with your aspirations and goals.

What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a two-year long program that focuses on various aspects of business management & administration and prepares you to stand out as a leader in today’s competitive business world. MBA programs typically cover a broad range of business disciplines, including finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, strategy, entrepreneurship, and more. You can choose from a wide range of in-demand specializations available today, including data science, business analytics, healthcare management, BFSI, IT & Fintech, and more. The curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, theories, and best practices.

Read more: In-demand MBA specializations

What is PGDM?

PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) is a postgraduate diploma program in the field of management. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in various managerial roles across industries. PGDM programs focus on practical-oriented education with an emphasis on industry relevance. These programs are known for their flexibility, contemporary curriculum, and responsiveness to changing market needs. A PGDM program is typically a one-years program and may or may not have the same level of accreditation and recognition as an MBA program, as the accreditation is specific to the autonomous institute or business school. However, some universities offer PGDM programs that are two years long.

Is there any difference in doing MBA or PGDM

There is some difference between pursuing an MBA degree and a PGDM. The eligibility criteria, duration of the program, fee, and other factors may vary with university. Here are a few differentiating factors.

Eligibility: MBA vs PGDM

Eligibility for MBA

• 10 + 2 + 3-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university/institution or an equivalent qualification as recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.
• Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in graduation (the eligibility may differ for reserved categories depending on university)
• Valid score (40 percentile) from any aptitude test like CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT etc (may vary with university)

Eligibility for PGDM

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institute wit 50% marks in aggregate 
• A valid score  from any aptitude test like CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT etc (may vary with university)

Program fee: MBA vs PGDM

MBA program fee

The MBA program fee in IIMs range from INR 12 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs. The fee in other universities may vary depending on rankings and accreditations. 

PGDM program fee

The cost of a PGDM program may range between INR 1,00,000 to INR 20,00,00 depending on the university. 

Course curriculum: MBA vs PGDM

MBA curriculum

Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4
Management Process & Organizational Behavior	Product & Operations Management	Research Methodology	Strategic Management & Business Policy
Business Communication	Financial Management	Legal Aspects of Business	International Business Management
Statistics for Management	Marketing Management	Elective	Business Leadership
Financial & Management Accounting	Management Information System		Elective
Managerial Economics	Operations Research
Human Resource Management	Project Management

PGDM curriculum

Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4
Organizational Behavior-I	Financial Management I	Financial Management – II	Strategic Management
Managerial Accounting and Control – I	Macroeconomics	Human Resource Management	Business Environment (Indian and World Economy)
Business Communication	Managerial Accounting and Control –II	Management Information System
Managerial Economics (Microeconomics)	Marketing Management – I	Marketing Management– II
Quantitative Techniques – I	Quantitative Techniques – II	Research Method
Operations Management –I	Organizational Behavior-II

 Note: The curriculum may vary with program and university

Job roles: MBA vs PGDM

MBA job roles 

Job profile	Average salary
Management Consultant	INR 21 LPA
Product Manager	INR 17 LPA
Project Manager	INR 12 LPA
Business Analyst	INR 11 LPA
Investment Banker	INR 10.5 LPA

Source: Ambition box

PGDM job roles 

Job profile	Average salary
Finance Manager	INR 14 LPA
IT Manager	INR 12 LPA
Data Analyst	INR 11 LPA
HR Manager	INR 8 LPA
Sales Manager	INR 8 LPA

Source: Glassdoor 

It’s important to note that these job roles are not exhaustive, and there can be overlap or variations based on individual skills, work experience, and industry requirements. 

MBA vs PGDM: What is best for you?

• If you are looking to pursue a degree from an accredited university, an MBA is the right choice as it is recognized globally. On the other hand, most PGDM programs are offered by autonomous institutes and business schools, and may not be recognized by all institutions. 
• MBA programs have a more structured curriculum set by an affiliating university, and provide a comprehensive overview of various business disciplines. PGDM programs often have the flexibility to alter the curriculum based on industry needs, and it will help you keep up with market trends.
• PGDM programs are known for their practical learning approach, industry interaction, and experiential teaching methods. They often emphasize internships, case studies, live projects, and industry guest lectures to bridge the gap between theory and practice. While MBA programs also incorporate practical elements, they may place relatively more emphasis on theoretical concepts and academic research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between an MBA and a PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) is crucial when considering a postgraduate qualification in business and management. While both options offer valuable knowledge and skills, there are distinct factors that set them apart. Ultimately, what matters most is the quality of the program, its alignment with your career aspirations, and the opportunities it provides for personal and professional growth. 

If you are looking to pursue an online MBA, then look no further than Online Manipal. Choose from online MBA programs offered by premium universities like Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and T.A. Pai Management Institute. 

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Is MBA relevant in 2023?

Different types of MBAs you can do in India