Both the PGDM and the MBA are postgraduate degrees in business, however there is one significant distinction: A PGDM is an industry-focused diploma from independent institutes, whereas an MBA is a university degree that is frequently worldwide and heavily theoretical. Employers value both, but PGDM may provide a greater practical advantage and appeal to individuals looking for business knowledge unique to India. When selecting, take your desired learning style and career objectives into account.
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MBA Vs. PGDM 
Highlight Overview
Selecting the Best Management Degree: MBA vs. PGDM
The two-year postgraduate MBA and PGDM programs are developed to give you the information and abilities needed for prosperous careers in business. But, when you’re choosing, there are a few important distinctions to take into account.
Here’s a little explanation:
| Feature | MBA | PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Degree | Diploma |
| Affiliation | Universities (UGC) | Autonomous Institutes (AICTE) |
| Curriculum | More theoretical foundation | More industry-oriented |
| Flexibility | Curriculum revisions may be slower | Curriculum can be updated more frequently |
MBA Highlights:
- Internationally recognized degree
- Strong foundation in business theory
- Diverse program options, including specializations
PGDM Highlights:
- Focus on practical application of skills
- Curriculum adapts quickly to industry trends
- Often lower tuition fees compared to some MBAs
Choosing the Right Program:
- Consider your career goals: If you aim for international opportunities, an MBA might be preferable. If you want a program that closely aligns with current industry needs, a PGDM could be ideal.
- Think about your learning style: Do you prefer a strong theoretical foundation or a more hands-on approach?
- Research specific programs: Look beyond the degree type and compare the curriculum, faculty expertise, and placement records of the institutions you’re considering.
MBA vs. PGDM: Qualifications
| Qualification | MBA | PGDM |
|---|---|---|
Focus |
Often international, theory-based | India-specific, practical |
| Curriculum |
General business management principles | Industry-oriented with a focus on developing practical skills |
| Duration |
Typically 2 years (full-time) or 1 year (executive) | Varies, typically 1-2 years (full-time) |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree with minimum marks | Bachelor’s degree with minimum marks |
| Entrance Exams |
GMAT/GRE (for international programs), CAT/MAT/XAT (for Indian programs) | CAT/MAT/XAT (for Indian programs) |
| Recognition |
Globally recognized qualification | Primarily recognized in India |
MBA Vs. PGDM Admission Entrance Exam
Exams for admission and entrance: 
MBA vs. PGDM
Although postgraduate business management programs like the MBA and PGDM are similar, their admissions procedures differ significantly in a few important ways:
Admission Requirements:
MBA vs. PGDM
Although postgraduate business management programs like the MBA and PGDM are similar, their admissions procedures differ significantly in a few important ways:
Admission Requirements:
- Academic Background: A Bachelor’s degree in any area is normally required for both, with a minimum percentage (usually between 50 and 60 percent). There may be subject-specific prerequisites at some B-schools for particular specializations.
- Tests for admission: Results from a variety of national and even worldwide admission tests are accepted for both programs. Popular choices include of:
- The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the exam most highly favored by India’s best B-schools.
- Several prestigious B-schools recognize the results of the XLRI Jamshedpur-conducted Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT).
- The Management Aptitude Test, or MAT, is offered several times a year and is widely recognized by B-schools.
- The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national exam used to get into MBA programs.
- Alternatives Institutions may accept results from their own institute-specific entrance exams, state-level MBA entrance exams (e.g., KMAT, TANCET), or the GMAT (for international students).
Selection Process:
Beyond entrance exams, B-schools might consider other factors during the selection process, such as:
- Work Experience: Some programs might have minimum work experience requirements.
- Group Discussions & Interviews: Many B-schools assess communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through these stages.
- Past Academic Performance: Your undergraduate GPA might be considered.
- Extracurricular Activities & Achievements: Well-rounded profiles are often preferred.
Here’s a table summarizing the key points:
| Factor | MBA Admission | PGDM Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Background | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT (for international students), state-level exams | Similar to MBA |
| Additional Selection Criteria | Work experience, GD/PI, Past Academics, Achievements | Similar to MBA |
Selecting the Appropriate Course:
When choosing, take into account your desired entry examinations, theory-based vs. practical learning style, and professional ambitions. Look into the particular prerequisites of the B-schools you want to attend.
MBA Vs. PGDM 
Syllabus
| Feature | MBA Syllabus | PGDM Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Theoretical foundation of business | Industry-oriented and skill-based |
| Designed By | University Affiliation | Individual Institutions |
| Updates | Less frequent (every 3-7 years) | More frequent (based on industry needs) |
| Core Subjects (Examples) | * Management Principles * Accounting * Economics * Marketing Management * Human Resource Management | (Similar to MBA) * May include additional industry-specific courses |
| Specializations | Offered by many programs | Offered by many programs |
MBA Vs. PGDM Fee Placement And Jobs
| Feature | MBA | PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Degree | Diploma |
| Affiliation | Universities (UGC) | Autonomous Institutes (AICTE) |
| Curriculum | More theoretical foundation | More industry-oriented |
| Flexibility | Curriculum revisions may be slower | Curriculum can be updated more frequently |
| Fee | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Placement | Depends on the university’s reputation | Depends on the institute’s reputation |
| Jobs | Good job opportunities, especially in academia and research | Good job opportunities, especially in the corporate sector |
Top PGDM Colleges with Average Annual Fees
- Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad: INR 19,53,000
- XLRI Xavier School of Management: INR 12,90,000
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research: INR 20,42,000
- Birla Institute of Management Technology: INR 13,00,000
- GLIM Chennai: INR 18,75,000
- Jaipuria Institute of Management: INR 5,70,000
- Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore: INR 8,00,000
PGDM Colleges with Average Annual Salary
- Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad: INR 17,35,000
- XLRI Xavier School of Management: INR 32,70,000
- Birla Institute of Management Technology: INR 11,25,000
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research: INR 33,02,000
- GLIM Chennai: INR 14,50,000
- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur: INR 11,49,000
MBA Vs. PGDM Top Colleges Offerings
| College | Location | Program |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) | Ahmedabad, India | PGDM |
| Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) | Bangalore, India | PGDM |
| Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) | Kolkata, India | PGDM |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad, India | MBA |
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur, India | PGDM |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi | Delhi, India | MBA |
| S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) | Mumbai, India | PGDM |
| Management Development Institute (MDI) | Gurgaon, India | PGDM |
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) | Mumbai, India | MBA |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | Delhi, India | MBA |
MBA Vs. PGDM Top MBA Colleges
Top MBA Colleges
- Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad
- Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi
- Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management (SJMSOM), IIT Bombay
- Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi
- National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
MBA Vs. PGDM Top PGDM Colleges
Top PGDM Colleges
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)
- XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)
- Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI)
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
FAQ On MBA Vs. PGDM
Top PGDM Colleges
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)
- XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur
- S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML)
- Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI)
- Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK)
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
PGDM and MBA are equally valued but differ in focus; PGDM emphasizes practical skills, MBA can be broader.
PGDM isn’t actually “in” MBA, but rather a separate diploma program focused on management.
The average PGDM salary in India ranges from ₹5 LPA to ₹20 LPA depending on specialization and experience.