Compare 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.
PGDM graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 32.1 L vs ₹ 6.9 L for MPA).
MPA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 2.3 L vs ₹ 16.3 L for 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 2.0× for PGDM.
PGDM admits via XAT, 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×). PGDM has the edge on higher average salary (₹ 32.1 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
₹ 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 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 MPA, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CUET. 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 MPA (₹3,60,000 – ₹10,29,000).
MPA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹2,454 – ₹4,64,900) than PGDM (₹5,500 – ₹32,54,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.