Compare MBA/PGDM and MPA: eligibility, entrance exams, salaries, recruiters, and FAQs.
Based on salary, fees, return on fees, admission routes and career options. Figures are midpoints of the ranges reported across colleges.
MBA/PGDM graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 29.1 L vs ₹ 6.9 L for MPA). Its highest reported package goes up to ₹ 72.0 L.
MPA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 2.3 L vs ₹ 15.0 L for MBA/PGDM). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 86.8 K.
One year of average salary for MPA covers about 3.0× its average fees, compared with 1.9× for MBA/PGDM.
MBA/PGDM admits via TANCET, CAT and 8+ more; MPA admits via CUET.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
Match the choice to what matters most to you.
MPA leads on lower average fees (₹ 2.3 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (3.0×). MBA/PGDM has the edge on higher average salary (₹ 29.1 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 29.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 26.5 L
Average Fees
₹ 1.7 K - ₹ 30.0 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.6 L - ₹ 10.3 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.4 L - ₹ 18.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 2.5 K - ₹ 4.6 L
Top Recruiters
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For MBA/PGDM, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: TANCET, CAT, XAT, MAH MBA CET, ATMA, CMAT, AIMA MAT, NMAT, CUET, MHT CET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For MPA, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CUET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MBA/PGDM shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹29,10,000) than MPA (₹3,60,000 – ₹10,29,000).
MPA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹2,454 – ₹4,64,900) than MBA/PGDM (₹1,680 – ₹30,00,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.