MBA vs PGDM, Know the Difference Between PGDM and MBA
MBA and PGDM are postgraduate management programmes. Knowing the key points for MBA vs PGDM helps candidates choose the most suitable course for career advancement. Know the major difference between MBA and PGDM.
Anil Solonki14 Feb, 2024
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MBA Vs PGDM: MBA and PGDM are both two-year courses pursued after completing a UG bachelor's degree. While an MBA is a degree program, PGDM is a diploma course. Notably, PGDM programs focus more on industry-oriented aspects, whereas MBA programs tend to have a more theoretical approach.
The choice between an MBA and a PGDM is a common dilemma for those aspiring to pursue a postgraduate management course. Often, candidates face difficulty in making a decision due to a lack of complete awareness regarding the similarities and differences between the two. Before the IIM Act 2017, IIMs offered PGDM degrees and were known for their PGDM courses. However, in India, a diploma is generally considered less credible than a bachelor's degree. Therefore, it becomes crucial for aspirants to understand the key parameters and considerations before choosing between an MBA and a PGDM for admission.What is an MBA?
An MBA, or Master's in Business Administration, is a degree program provided by a government or private university or college. The MBA curriculum is typically fixed, undergoing revisions every 3-5 years after careful consideration. After getting an MBA degree, candidates are eligible to apply to various high-level management roles in organisations across the world.What is PGDM?
A PGDM, or Post Graduate Diploma in Management, is a diploma program offered by recognised business schools and/or autonomous institutions. The PGDM curriculum is revised or updated according to the decisions of the business school. This way, the syllabus of PGDM courses stays in line with emerging industry requirements and standards.MBA vs PGDM Key Features
When deciding between a PGDM and MBA, candidates often consider factors such as ranking, curriculum, fees, placements, and more. The following parameters highlight the major differences between MBA and PGDM programs:| Parameters | PGDM | MBA |
| Full Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management | Master in Business Administration |
| Course Level | Post Graduate Diploma | Post Graduate Degree |
| Focus | Emphasis on practical knowledge and industrial orientation | Emphasis on theoretical and technical aspects of business management |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Accreditation | AICTE | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's in any discipline from a recognized university/institute | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks from a recognized university in any discipline |
| Affordability | Expensive | More Affordable |
MBA vs PGDM Affiliation and Accreditations
MBA programs are provided by government or private colleges affiliated with recognised universities accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC). In contrast, PGDM programs are offered by autonomous institutes accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).MBA vs PGDM Eligibility Criteria
Outlined below are the fundamental eligibility requirements for MBA and PGDM courses:- To be eligible for admission to both MBA and PGDM programs, candidates must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in any discipline.
- Candidates are required to clear national-level or university-level entrance exams to secure admission to prestigious business schools in India.
- Certain management programs may require candidates to have prior work experience as a prerequisite for admission.
MBA vs PGDM Admission Process and Entrance Exams
The admission processes for both MBA and PGDM are nearly identical. Academic qualifications, entrance examinations, and interviews are the most common selection steps for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. For admission to both MBA and PGDM programs, candidates have to undergo various entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, GMAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. Some colleges may also consider scores from state-level entrance exams like MHT CET, TANCET, TSICET, and PGCET. The MBA/PGDM admission process generally involves the following steps:- Registration and submission of the application form and fee.
- Participation in the management entrance exam.
- Undergoing GD (Group Discussion) and PI (Personal Interview) rounds.
- Counselling for the final seat allotment.
MBA vs PGDM Course Content
The curriculum of an MBA program is formulated by the university, offering affiliation to specific colleges. The MBA syllabus adopts a theoretical approach and typically remains unchanged for a span of 3-5 years. The following are key topics covered in the MBA syllabus: In contrast, the syllabus for PGDM is developed by individual institutes. The PGDM curriculum focuses on practical and more contemporary concepts compared to the MBA, with frequent updates based on industrial requirements. The table below shows the differences between MBA and PGDM course content:| MBA Course Content | PGDM Course Content |
| Marketing Management | Marketing and Consumer Behavior |
| Finance Management | Financial Reporting and Analysis |
| Human Resource Management | Strategic Management |
| Organisational Behaviour | Finance Accounting |
| Business Statistics | Introduction to Information Technology |
| Principles of Accounting | Operations Management |
| Project Management | Business Law & Corporate Governance |
| Business Communication and Skills | Management Information Systems |
MBA vs PGDM Tuition Costs
The cost of MBA programs tends to be lower than that of PGDM, primarily because universities and colleges offering MBA courses receive significant funding from the government. In contrast, PGDM courses are generally more expensive than MBA programs as the institutions offering them often bear the entire cost associated with the course. The table below shows the difference between MAB and PGDM fees:| Course | Fee |
| MBA | 10-25 Lakhs |
| PGDM | 10-35 Lakhs |
MBA Vs PGDM Colleges
The following table shows the names of colleges/institutions offering MBA and PGDM courses:| Colleges Offering MBA | Colleges Offering PGDM/PGP |
| IIM Ahmedabad | IIM Calcutta |
| IIM Calcutta | IIM Kozhikode |
| IIM Bangalore | IIM Lucknow |
| IIM Jammu | IIM Shillong |
| IIM Ranchi | IIM Indore |
| IIM Kashipur | IIM Rohtak |
| IIM Sambalpur | IIM Bodh Gaya |
| IIM Udaipur | IIM Visakhapatnam |
| IIM Amritsar | IIM Trichy |
| IIM Nagpur | IIM Raipur |
| IIM Sirmaur | XLRI Jamshedpur |
| NMIMS | MDI Gurgaon |
| IIFT Delhi | SPJIMR |
| FMS Delhi University | NMIMS |
| JBIMS Mumbai | IMT Ghaziabad |
| IIT Jodhpur | Symbiosis International Deemed University |
| Symbiosis International Deemed University | |
| IIT Delhi -DOMS | |
| IIT Bombay - SJMSOM | |
| IIT Kharagpur - VGSOM | |
| IIT Roorkee- DOMS | |
| IIT Madras-DOMS | |
| IIT Kanpur-DOMS | |
| IIT-ISM Dhanbad |
Difference Between MBA and PGDM FAQs
Difference Between MBA and PGDM<span style=
What is the focus of an MBA program?
The MBA program is a two-year postgraduate degree program designed to provide knowledge in the field of business management.
What is the PGDM program?
The PGDM program is a two-year postgraduate course that focuses on providing practical and industry-specific skills essential for effective business management.
Is PGDM considered equivalent to an MBA?
Yes, PGDM is a postgraduate diploma program that is considered equivalent to an MBA program.
Which is more affordable, between MBA and PGDM?
An MBA degree is more affordable than a PGDM because colleges offering an MBA get funding from governments. On the other hand, the cost incurred in offering PGDM is solely handled by the institute.
Is PGDM a more favourable choice than an MBA?
Yes, the PGDM program is often considered more advantageous than the MBA, particularly in terms of job opportunities, because it offers greater emphasis on industry-oriented training.
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