Compare MD and 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.
PGDM graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 32.1 L vs ₹ 5.8 L for MD).
PGDM is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 16.3 L vs ₹ 4.4 Cr for MD). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 14.0 L.
One year of average salary for PGDM covers about 2.0× its average fees, compared with 0.0× for MD.
MD admits via Neet PG, NEET and 2 more; PGDM admits via XAT, CAT and 8+ more.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
PGDM leads on higher average salary (₹ 32.1 L), lower average fees (₹ 16.3 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (2.0×). None of the compared parameters favour MD, though it may still be the right fit for you. Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.5 L - ₹ 8.0 L
Median Salary
₹ 32.0 K - ₹ 53.5 L
Average Fees
₹ 1.9 K - ₹ 8.7 Cr
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 32.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 31.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 5.5 K - ₹ 32.5 L
Top Recruiters
For MD, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: Neet PG, NEET, INI CET, PGIMER. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For PGDM, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: XAT, CAT, ATMA, CMAT, GMAT, AIMA MAT, TANCET, NMAT, MAH MBA CET, MHT CET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
PGDM shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹32,10,000) than MD (₹3,50,000 – ₹8,00,000).
PGDM has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹5,500 – ₹32,54,000) than MD (₹1,927 – ₹8,74,64,200).
The most common duration shown is 3 years for MD and 2 years for PGDM.