The PG Programme in Marketing is an in-depth postgraduate course of 1-2 years for eager students who wish to pursue higher studies in brand management, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and strategic marketing. The program prepares students to be masters of marketing theory, market analysis, and industry-based skills. It is a great option if you wish to join corporate marketing teams, become a brand manager, or be employed at an ad agency, consulting firm, or digital marketing agency.
A candidate should have completed their bachelor's (B.Com, BBA, BA, B.Tech, etc.) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university to be eligible for the PG Program in Marketing. Admission typically is through an entrance exam and a personal interview by the institute.
The course price for a PG program in marketing in India ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 27,00,000 depending on the university and its teaching mode. The institutes that are popular for this course include IIM Ahmedabad, SPJIMR, and IIM Bangalore.
Graduates can join positions like marketing manager, brand manager, digital marketing lead, product manager, or market research analyst. The average starting salary is INR 6 LPA to INR 12 LPA.
Table of Contents
- PG Programme in Marketing Key Highlights
- What is a PG Programme in Marketing?
- Why Study PG Programme in Marketing?
- Who Should Study PG Programme in Marketing?
- PG Programme in Marketing Entrance Exams 2025
- PG Programme in Marketing Eligibility Criteria
- PG in Marketing Colleges in India
- PG Programme in Marketing Admission Process
- PG Programme in Marketing Syllabus
- PG Programme in Marketing Career Opportunities in India
- PG Programme in Marketing FAQs
PG Programme in Marketing Key Highlights
Here are some of the basic key highlights for PG Programme in Marketing:
What is a PG Programme in Marketing?
The PG Programme in Marketing is one of the advanced postgraduate qualifications available in India, which actually goes deep into subjects like brand management, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and market research. This is ideal for students who want to dive into the marketing strategies, research consumer insights, or inform policy or business decisions related to marketing.
This track generally consists of an introductory marketing class, an advanced class, and a mandatory capstone project. You’ll do more than just learn the theory; you’ll do real-life marketing campaigns, usually in close collaboration with experienced professors and experts from the industry.
Why Study PG Programme in Marketing?
A PG program in marketing allows you to specialize in a marketing niche, develop high-level analytical and strategic skills, and gain valuable experience for a sought-after corporate or consulting job. Here are a few reasons why it could be a great choice:
- You develop practical experience and the strategic perspective that differentiates you from a generic graduate.
- It provides a solid foundation for anyone seeking to become a CMO or an entrepreneur.
- You’ll develop your instinct for market and consumer insight through your own research and projects.
- Ideal for corporate gigs—you’re eligible to be a marketing manager and brand manager.
- Unlocks consulting and analyst positions at marketing agencies, consulting firms, and MNCs.
- It powers your analytical, creative, and strategic thinking skills—all stuff employers adore.
Who Should Study PG Programme in Marketing?
The PG Programme in Marketing is ideal for candidates wishing to attain advanced marketing skills and specialize in areas like brand management, digital marketing, consumer research, or strategic marketing. The program is ideal for:
- Corporate, consulting, and entrepreneurial students pursuing marketing and business careers.
- Students wishing to become brand builders or advertisers or marketing managers in the corporate sector.
- Individuals seeking to enhance their analytical, creative, and strategic abilities for marketing and consulting.
- Individuals with a strong foundation in any discipline who want to transition to marketing and business.
- Individuals seeking to join multinational companies, consulting or ad agencies, or start-ups.
- Analytical, creative, and strategic individuals.
PG Programme in Marketing Entrance Exams 2025
Nearly all the best universities and colleges in India accept PG programs in marketing based on entrance exams and interviews. Others may give merit based admission. Below are some popular entrance exams for PG Marketing admissions.
PG Programme in Marketing Eligibility Criteria
Below are the detailed eligibility criteria for admission to PG Marketing course. Candidates must fulfill all the conditions mentioned below:
- The applicant must have completed a Bachelor's degree in any field from a recognized university.
- A minimum aggregate of 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA) is required in the qualifying exam.
- Admission is usually based on an entrance test followed by a personal interview conducted by the university.
- Final-year undergraduate students can also apply, provided they submit proof of completion before admission.
PG in Marketing Colleges in India
Here are some of the most reputed colleges and universities offering the PG Programme in Marketing in India:
Marketing students interested in digital strategies, brand positioning, or consumer analytics can explore the MBA Sales and Marketing
PG Programme in Marketing Admission Process
Every college has more or less the same procedure for PG Programme in Marketing admission. In case you want to check it out, the IIM Ahmedabad admission process is outlined here stepwise.
Step 1: Register for the Common Admission Test (CAT) on the official CAT website during the application period (generally August to September every year). Mark "PGP" in IIM Ahmedabad as one of your choice programs and institutes while registering.
Step 2: Appear for the CAT on the announced date—this is a compulsory national-level entrance test for IIM Ahmedabad's PGP. Make your preparation complete in all areas of tests (Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension).
Step 3: Based on your academic background and CAT percentile, IIM Ahmedabad will publish a shortlist of candidates for AWT(Analytical Writing Test) and personal interview. CAT scores, Class 10 and 12 marks, scores in graduation, and work experience are taken into consideration during shortlisting.
Step 4: Shortlisted candidates are asked to appear for the AWT and PI rounds, usually conducted in various cities or virtually. At these rounds, your written communication, analytical skills, and interest in management studies—particularly marketing—are stringently assessed.
Step 5: The last choice is a mix of your CAT percentile, educational history, work experience, AWT and PI performance, and overall profile. Chosen candidates are sent offer letter through email and have to accept their admission within the specified deadline.
Step 6: The candidates who have accepted the offer letter need to upload/submit all the required academic and identity documents for verification and make the first-year admission payment online through the portal of the institute. Admission is only confirmed once there is a successful verification and fee payment.
Step 7: Once the admission formalities are complete, visit the orientation session at IIM Ahmedabad. Enroll for your first-semester courses and pick up your student ID and academic schedule on campus.
Documents Required:
- Bachelor's degree mark sheets and certificate
- CAT/XAT/GMAT scorecard
- Class 10 and 12 certificates
- Passport-size photograph
- Valid ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)
- Caste/EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
PG Programme in Marketing Syllabus
PG Programme in Marketing is a 2-year comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced marketing knowledge, analytical skills, and a strong foundation for corporate or entrepreneurial careers. The syllabus is more or less similar in all the institutes. For reference, the syllabus of IIM Ahmedabad is given below.
Also read about Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM)
PG Programme in Marketing Career Opportunities in India
A PG Programme in Marketing opens doors to corporate, consulting, and entrepreneurial roles across industries and sectors. Here's a look at some common career paths:
Looking for IT related roles? Check PG Program in Systems
PG Programme in Marketing FAQs
Is the PG program in marketing still relevant after digital transformation?
Yes, marketing programs now have fully integrated digital marketing, analytics, and technology components. The degree is still highly regarded, and it’s accepted for corporate/consulting gigs. With the digital economy booming, marketing education is still a wise pursuit, especially for students aiming for brand management or digital marketing positions. It bulks up your resume for corporate and startup recruiting.
Is work experience a must for admission?
For the majority of the regular PG Marketing programs, experience is not required but helpful. Some colleges like young grads; executive programs want 3-5 years. Work experience can make your application profile shine and also adds real-world context to your case studies and group discussions.
PG Programme in Marketing: Does it offer networking/career advantages?
Indeed, marketing programs offer rich networking via industry guest lectures, corporate projects, internships, and alumni networks. These opportunities give students a chance to interface with marketers, brand managers, and industry leaders. Robust professional networks developed during the program often translate to jobs and lifelong mentors.
How flexible are PG Marketing programs in allowing specialization within marketing?
Many programs offer electives that let students focus on niches like digital marketing, brand management, sales, market research, or consumer behavior. Flexibility enables tailoring your learning to your career interests.
