Compare M.Des 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.
Executive MBA/PGDM graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 37.3 L vs ₹ 15.8 L for M.Des).
M.Des is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 7.3 L vs ₹ 24.9 L for Executive MBA/PGDM). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 6.6 L.
One year of average salary for M.Des covers about 2.1× its average fees, compared with 1.5× for Executive MBA/PGDM.
M.Des admits via NID DAT, NIFTEE 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.
M.Des leads on lower average fees (₹ 7.3 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (2.1×). Executive MBA/PGDM has the edge on higher average salary (₹ 37.3 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.5 L - ₹ 28.0 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.5 L - ₹ 58.9 L
Average Fees
₹ 5.8 K - ₹ 14.6 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 M.Des, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: NID DAT, NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, MITID DAT, WUD Aptitude Test, CAT, IPU CET, ATMA, NMAT. 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.
Executive MBA/PGDM shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹37,29,000) than M.Des (₹3,50,000 – ₹28,00,000).
M.Des has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹5,800 – ₹14,62,000) than Executive MBA/PGDM (₹21,000 – ₹49,50,040).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.