Understanding the difference between MBA and PGDM is the key to finding your career needs. The basic difference while evaluating MBA and PGDM is that – MBA is a degree course that can only be offered by the colleges affiliated to universities. On the contrary, PGDM is a diploma course offered by autonomous institutes.
Are you wondering what next after getting a degree? Whether it’s MBA or PGDM, evaluate and understand the compatibility of these two with your needs before opting for one.
MBA vs. PGDM
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. MBA is an internationally recognized post-graduate program that equips its students with the necessary skills to make a career in business and management.
PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a diploma course and not a degree. PGDM can also be offered by autonomous institutes, which are not affiliated with any university. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approves colleges to offer PGDM courses.
Eligibility for MBA and PGDM
Despite the differences, the certain eligibility criteria for MBA and PGDM are somewhat similar.
#1. A full-time graduate degree of a minimum of 2-years duration from a recognized university.
#2. There are various methods for qualifying for an MBA program. The minimum admissible percentage is 50%.
#3. Students studying in the final year of bachelor’s degree or equivalent are eligible for admission, provided an aspirant is required to produce a letter from their college’s head confirming their present status as claimed.
Course duration for MBA and PGDM
The duration for both MBA and PGDM is 2 years.
While the MBA courses are semester-based, the PGDM courses usually have a trimester-based pattern.
| MBA vs PGDM | MBA | PGDM |
| Eligibility | A degree from a recognized university and equivalent. | A degree from a recognized university and equivalent. |
| Entrance Exams | CAT, MAT, GMAT, IIFT, SNAP, IRMASAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. | CAT, MAT, GMAT, IIFT, SNAP, IRMASAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. |
| Course Weightage | Post Graduate Degree Course. | Diploma Course. |
| Course Structure and Approach | University-approved curriculum, hence, mostly theoretical based and uniform across institutes affiliated to a university. Semester-based. | Industry-oriented programs focused more on building soft skills. Trimester-based. |
| Accreditation | Accredited by University Grants Commission (UGC). | Accredited by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). |
Course Concept – MBA vs PGDM
MBA and PGDM are perceived as equivalent courses. While PGDM might be industry-oriented and preferred by the corporates, they will not be able to pursue higher education with a PGDM.
On the other hand, an MBA provides a broader scope, be it for higher education or overseas jobs.
Regardless of the differences in these two courses – MBA and PGDM are designed to upskill and make a student ready for Industry.
Course Accreditation
The MBA program is accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
PGDM on the contrary is offered by autonomous institutes. So, you need to check the course accreditation before getting admission to the PGDM program to avoid duplicity.
Fees and Pay Scale -MBA vs PGDM
The cost for the MBA course is about INR 16.5 lacs. And that for the PGDM course is INR 15.38 lacs.
When the average pay scale is compared, the average salary for an MBA is estimated to be around INR 21.3 lacks. For PGDM, the average salary is 12.96 lacs.
Prospects for Higher Education: MBA vs PGDM
On completing the PGDM course, you can pursue a full-time MBA in India or abroad.
But, if you want to pursue a Ph.D., an MBA degree is mandatory.
Career Prospects: MBA vs PGDM
Career prospects for both MBA and PGDM are relatively equal in India and abroad. But, MBA grants an advantage over others when it comes to job prospects, pay scale, and higher learning.
