Compare MBA and Executive MBA/PGDM: 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 graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 78.8 L vs ₹ 37.3 L for Executive MBA/PGDM).
Executive MBA/PGDM is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 24.9 L vs ₹ 47.9 L for MBA). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 13.2 L.
One year of average salary for MBA covers about 1.6× its average fees, compared with 1.5× for Executive MBA/PGDM.
MBA admits via CAT, XAT and 8+ more; Executive MBA/PGDM admits via CAT, XAT and 7 more.
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.
MBA leads on higher average salary (₹ 78.8 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (1.6×). Executive MBA/PGDM has the edge on lower average fees (₹ 24.9 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 78.8 L
Median Salary
₹ 35.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 47.9 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 37.3 L
Median Salary
₹ 34.4 L
Average Fees
₹ 21.0 K - ₹ 49.5 L
Top Recruiters
For MBA, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, AIMA MAT, GMAT, TANCET, NMAT, MAH MBA CET, JEE Main. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For Executive MBA/PGDM, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, GRE, ATMA, GATE, SNAP, AIMA MAT. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MBA shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹78,80,000) than Executive MBA/PGDM (₹37,29,000).
MBA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹47,92,000) than Executive MBA/PGDM (₹21,000 – ₹49,50,040).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.