MBA and PGDM are among the two most popular management programs that are quite similar but mainly differ in their recognition and curriculum. An MBA is a two-year postgraduate course that is more theoretical. PGDM is a diploma course that is offered by various autonomous institutes that are approved by AICTE. The PGDM course is more flexible, follows an industry-oriented curriculum that is updated regularly with the latest trends in business and management.
MBA courses generally offer a broad foundation with elective specializations, and PGDM typically focuses on specific areas from the start of the course. Regarding recognition, an MBA is a university-recognized degree, whereas a PGDM in IIMs or institutes of repute has high value because it best suits the recruiters due to its application-relatedness. The MBA and the PGDM usually take two years, but the MBA course is modeled on a semester system, and the PGDM is based on the trimester pattern.
What is an MBA?
The Master of Business Administration is a post-graduate professional degree aimed at preparing graduates to work as managerial and leadership professionals in the field of business, and more specifically in the fields of finance, marketing, operations, and retail management.
- The MBA syllabus incorporates theory and practice to provide graduates with the capabilities to assume different tasks in corporate, entrepreneurial, and government industries.
- It improves career potential, management skills, and commercial aptitude among those in a position to grow and specialize in their professions.
What is PGDM?
Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a full-time 2-year diploma program offered by autonomous institutes/business schools in India that are approved by AICTE.
- It specializes in industry-related abilities and applied management skills with trending skills.
- Employers regard PGDM as equal to an MBA in value and provide students with specializations such as finance, marketing, and business analytics, among others, to take up different managerial roles in various industries.
MBA vs PGDM: Career Scope
Both MBA and PGDM have a wide career scope, though they serve the needs in a slightly different manner. MBA degree programs are university-affiliated and offer a powerful theoretical knowledge in specializations as finance, marketing, data analytics, etc., and international marketability, which fit most forms of managerial-level work and leadership positions. The candidates will be able to opt for the senior management and expert positions across a wide range of businesses, including finance, marketing, operations, and consulting.
Autonomous institutes that provide PGDM programs are often industry-oriented and involve practical skills and often updated syllabus with experiential learning, new areas such as digital marketing and Business Entrepreneurship. This renders the graduates of PGDM very employable, especially in rapidly changing companies.
Both MBA and PGDM culminate in good earning potentials, salaries, and career potentials, depending on the institute where one does, their specialty, and the experience in the field. Finally, the decision on which course to choose lies in the personal career interests, learning style, and whether the candidates want to earn a degree or want specialized knowledge.
MBA vs PGDM: Advantages and Disadvantages
The MBA and PGDM have their advantages and disadvantages. An MBA also has good theoretical expertise, international exposure, and, in most cases, more affordable fees at the cost of flexibility and lack of timeliness in curriculum revision. Meanwhile, a PGDM is the course of autonomous institutes with a market-oriented syllabus to provide hands-on exposure.
MBA vs PGDM: Key Differences
Both MBA and PGDM have a set of benefits and disadvantages. There are various factors on which the MBA and PGDM courses can be differentiated. The details of the MBA vs PGDM are given in the table below.
MBA vs PGDM: Which One to Go For?
The decision of an MBA vs PGDM is simply based on career preference. The MBA course is recognized by the university that offers a powerful theoretical background, global acceptance, and fees that are usually cheaper. PGDM is a diploma of autonomous institutions, with a dynamic, fast-changing syllabus with industry requirements and usually expensive, yet the education gives better exposure into the industry. Choose MBA to get academic knowledge and international recognition; choose PGDM to get hands-on training and further advancement in the market trends.
MBA vs PGDM FAQs
What is PGDM salary?
The PGDM salary in India is between approximately INR 6 LPA and 15 LPA, and it also varies drastically, depending on the institute, specialization, and industry. The best PGDM colleges, such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI, and SPJIMR, usually prepare graduates in advanced positions, especially in consulting, finance, and marketing industries.
Is PGDM expensive than MBA?
The PDGM programs are generally more expensive than the MBA programs because they include trending topics and advanced concepts. MBA programs, on the other hand, are university programs regulated by UGC and usually fixed in their fee structure, and in some cases, may be less than a PGDM fee. But the MBA fees are high and different in terms of the institute and specialization.
Is PGDM or MBA better?
The decision is made based on career objectives. PGDM courses are oriented towards practical skills and industry current trends, focused on the corporate work. MBA programs are university degrees, which are mostly inclined towards theoretical study and research work, hence more suited to professional careers.
Can I do PGDM after MBA?
Yes, it is possible to opt for a PGDM after an MBA, but it is not obligatory. Some students can choose a PGDM in a different specialization or to acquire more practical, industry-related skills that they may not have received in their MBA degree.
Is PGDM equal to MBA for government jobs?
For government jobs, an MBA degree offers more official status since it is a degree offered by universities and governed by the UGC. PGDM is a diploma and may not offer similar career opportunities in the government sector.
Which is better, an executive MBA or PGDM?
Executive MBA courses are specially designed to cater to the needs of learned professionals aiming for positions of leadership and strategic knowledge, which are similar to traditional learning. The PGDM course is a part-time or executive course, focusing on industry skills and practical skills.
Can I do PGDM without an MBA?
An MBA is not required to take part in a PGDM course. PGDM is a postgraduate diploma course that can be pursued after any bachelor's degree. It is an advanced program that seeks to offer management training and education to even fresh graduates.
Can I do PGDM while working?
Yes, there are a lot of institutes that provide part-time/executive PGDM programs under which working professionals can study without leaving their jobs. In these programs, the class timing and schedules are convenient to those who have to maintain a work-life balance.
Should I choose PGDM or MBA?
It completely depends on the choice and goals of candidates. PGDM has a flexible industry-oriented syllabus, which is preferred among the employers in the private sector; MBA has a good academic value and is acceptable in both the government and academic bodies. Make your choice based on the college’s reputation, curriculum, placement opportunities, etc.
