Compare PGDM and BFA: 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 ₹ 13.8 L for BFA).
BFA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 7.7 L vs ₹ 16.3 L for PGDM). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 4.2 L.
One year of average salary for PGDM covers about 2.0× its average fees, compared with 1.8× for BFA.
PGDM admits via XAT, CAT and 8+ more; BFA admits via CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam and 6 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.
PGDM leads on higher average salary (₹ 32.1 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (2.0×). BFA has the edge on lower average fees (₹ 7.7 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 32.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 31.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 5.5 K - ₹ 32.5 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 13.8 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.5 L - ₹ 9.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 1.5 K - ₹ 15.4 L
Top Recruiters
For PGDM, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) 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.
For BFA, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam, UGAT, NID DAT, NIFTEE, UCEED, SAT, ACT. 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 BFA (₹13,78,000).
BFA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹1,460 – ₹15,36,000) than PGDM (₹5,500 – ₹32,54,000).
The most common duration shown is 2 years for PGDM and 4 years for BFA.