PGDM Vs MBA: Know the difference between PGDM and MBA
PGDM vs MBA - Every aspirant has this comparison in mind before signing up for a management course. So, what is the difference between PGDM and MBA? Which one is better? Read this article to know the similarities and difference between PGDM and MBA.
"What is the difference between PGDM and MBA?” is a very important question that every Management aspirant asks before choosing a course. PGDM and MBA both are management courses at Master’s level and the course curriculum is the same. However, there is a big difference between the two. PGDM is a diploma course, where as MBA is a degree course. While, there is not much difference between the two in the job market, a degree is always preferred over a diploma, because a degree by an institute has to be UGC approved. Also that private universities cannot offer degree without having relevant recognition or accreditation.
MBA and PGDM are both business-orientated courses. The main aim of both these courses is train and equip an individual with the latest techniques and skills in business administration and management. In the debate between MBA vs PGDM, it is the former that wins as it has more market value. So, one must analyse the pros and cons of both courses before choosing one.
5 key differences between PGDM and MBA
While both the courses have the same outcomes in terms of employment perspective, there are some subtle differences such as recognition, fees, etc. Since the MBA admissions have started for 2025 batch, aspirants must know the difference between MBA and PGDM to make a better choice of course and colleges. Below, we have listed five differences between PGDM and MBA:
1. PGDM vs MBA (Degree vs Diploma)
At the end of a PGP and PGDM course, the candidate is offered a Diploma whereas at the end of an MBA programme, the candidate receives a Degree.
Is PGDM same as MBA? Many students think that a Diploma course does not hold the same value as a Degree course but that is not true. Many Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools such as XLRI, Jamshedpur and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai offer PGP or PGDM courses. Most of these institutes are autonomous bodies (not affiliated to any University). Between a PGDM and an MBA, the difference is of nomenclature but not of professional value.
Both MBA and PGDM are highly valued in the job market as they are same in terms of course accreditation, curriculum and pedagogy. Another key factor is the institute. For example, a PGDM course from XLRI Jamshedpur will have more professional value than a degree course from a state university.
2.MBA vs PGDM: Syllabus
In most cases, the MBA course curriculum is designed by the university. The core MBA syllabus (and sometimes even elective subjects) will be pretty much the same in two MBA colleges under the same university. Even though the PGDM syllabus is no different from the MBA syllabus, since PGPM or PGDM courses are determined by the individual institute, it gives them certain flexibility to design the course curriculum. The MBA syllabus undergoes change according to industrial requirements periodically. Universities tend to lag behind and change their syllabus after a few years.
3. PGDM vs MBA: Susceptible to Fraudulence
Since PGP or PGDM courses are offered by autonomous bodies, students need to be careful while taking admission. Many smaller colleges and institutes make claims but do not have proper accreditation status. MBA degrees are conferred by varsities, and hence there’s a lower chance of fraudulent claims. Management aspirants should look for genuine accreditations. Apart from UGC recognition, management institutes are accredited by NAAC, AACSB, AMBA and Equis.
4. PGDM vs MBA: Focus Subjects
Both MBA and PGDM courses have common core subjects. However, some experts claim most MBA courses focus more on theoretical and technical aspects of management rather than adopting a practical approach. PGP or PGDM courses on the other hand, have an industrial orientation and focus on skills-based on market requirements.
5. MBA vs PGDM: Cost
It has been observed that most MBA courses have lower tuition fees as compared to PGP or PGDM courses. This is so because MBA degree is offered mostly by government institutions. These universities receive financial aid and grants from the government, making the degree cheaper for the student. In case of a PGP or PGDM degree, students have to bear the cost of the entire programme as private universities that offer these degrees have no government backing. However, this is not an ironclad rule. There are institutes which charge high tuition fees like the IIMs. The IIMs have high MBA fees despite not-being a private institution. This is because, it is an autonomous institution not funded by the government. However, the MHRD has some role to play in running the IIMs.
Difference between PGDM and MBA
There are several other factors which make MBA and PGDM different entities. The below table indicates the basic differences between MBA and PGDM:
Parameters | What is PGDM? | What is MBA? |
|---|---|---|
Full form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management | Master of Business Administration |
Approving Authority | AICTE, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India. | AICTE, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India, UGC Approval is needed at the university level. |
Validity | Valid and equivalent to Post Graduate Degree. | Valid Post Graduate Degree. |
Eligibility | Graduation in any stream or equivalent degree from a recognised university. Minimum 50 % in graduation (45 % for Reserved category students) or equivalent score. | Graduation in any stream or equivalent degree from a recognised university. Minimum 50 % in graduation (45 % for Reserved category students) or equivalent score. |
Placements | Depends upon the institution. Most of the PGDM institutions have better placement records than MBA institutions. | Depends upon the institution. Comparatively, Some of the MBA institutions like FMS, JBIMS have better placement records. |
Course Syllabus | Dynamic, Gets updated as per needs of the industry. The syllabus is approved by AICTE. | The syllabus is prepared by universities and gets updated less frequently. |
Innovative Practices | Teaching and training are multidimensional. Cases, simulations, presentations, short term training are part of pedagogy. | Limited scope for innovation as practices are defined by syllabus prepared by central body i.e. University. |
Ranking in general (by business magazines and student-centric websites) | 90% of top 100 are PGDM institutions owing to better teaching, training, exposure and placements. Eg: IIMs, XLRI, MDI, IMT, GIM, and many more. | Approximately 10 out of the top 100 are MBA institutions such as FMS, NMIMS, KJSIMS, SCMHRD, etc. |
Equivalence | Equivalent to MBA from any Indian University. For PhD, Teaching (UGC NET) and all other purposes. | MBA a post-graduate degree. |
Entrance Process | Thorough CAT/ MAT/XAT/ATMA and some state-level examinations like TSICET, MAH-CET etc. | Thorough national and state tate level entrance examinations like CAT, MAT, CMAT, TSICET, MAH-CET etc. |
Examinations | PGDM institutions are authorised by approving body, AICTE, to conduct the Examinations | Examinations are conducted by University |
Colleges Offering MBA or PGDM
Here is the list of IIMs and other Top Management colleges offering MBA and PGDM/PGP courses. Admission to these colleges is based on CAT score and shortlisting process includes WAT-PI.
College Name | MBA/PGDM (PGP) |
|---|---|
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA and PGDM | |
PGP | |
PGP | |
PGP | |
PGP | |
MBA | |
PGP | |
PGP | |
PGP | |
PGPM | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
PGP | |
MBA | |
PGDM | |
PGDM | |
PGDM | |
MBA and PGDM | |
PGDM | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA (MMM) | |
MBA and PGDM | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA | |
MBA |
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