Confused between PGDM vs. MBA? Here is a Comparison!


What is a PGDM Diploma?

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management, or PGDM, is a diploma program provided by independent or accredited business institutions. The business school retains the right to change or modify the PGDM course in bangalore. This keeps it up to date with all of the most recent standards and regulations set by the industry.

Last updated: 28 Mar 2024

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What is an MBA degree all about?

A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is a degree program that can be enrolled in at a public, private, or university-affiliated college. The MBA course in bangalore curriculum is typically set in stone, with changes to the syllabus occurring over three to five years following careful deliberation. Although earning an MBA has its benefits, the demanding coursework makes it challenging to stay up to date with evolving business norms and regulations. Nonetheless, several colleges do routinely update their curricula.

Know the difference between PGDM vs. MBA

  • PGDM vs. MBA ( Diploma vs. Degree)

The MBA is a degree program, whereas the PGDM is a diploma program. This is the primary distinction between the two programs. Universities that are private, public, or connected to a university all offer MBA programs. Degrees can only be awarded by these universities, which are under the UGC.

Under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), b-schools certified by AICTE and autonomous b-schools that are not under the UGC provide a PGDM curriculum. It is important to note, nevertheless, that the business sector does not distinguish between the two. Graduates from both schools are qualified for managerial positions in the same way.

  • The Syllabus

The university frequently develops the curriculum for the MBA programs. There will be very little difference in the core curriculum between two MBA programs connected to the same university. Even though the PGDM and MBA syllabuses are identical, there is considerable leeway in the course design since each institute sets its requirements for PGPM and PGDM courses. The MBA program is periodically adjusted to take industry demands into account.

  • The Subjects

There are key subjects shared by both PGDM and MBA courses. Some experts contend that rather than taking a practical approach, most MBA programs place a greater emphasis on the theoretical and technical components of management. Conversely, PGP or PGDM courses emphasize skills based on market demands and have an industrial orientation.

  • The Tuition Fees

It has been noted that the majority of MBA programs have less tuition than PGP or PGDM programs. This is true mostly because government institutions are the ones that grant MBA degrees. The government provides scholarships and financial help to certain colleges, which lowers the cost of a degree for students. Students pursuing a PGP or PGDM degree are responsible for covering the whole cost of the program because private universities that grant these degrees are not supported by the government.

  • The Pedagogy

There is much more to a top-notch PGDM program than just classroom instruction. The use of case study pedagogy is crucial in PGDM courses since the examples, which are based on both historical and modern business cases that have influenced the industry over time, aid in understanding how principles are used in the real world.

Which one is better PGDM or MBA?

Given the current state of affairs, students would be better off choosing PGDM courses because they emphasize real-world application and are more in line with the demands of the labour market. There's a chance that the student will learn and gain expertise with a greater range of business topics than an MBA because the curriculum is tailored annually. Also, unlike MBA, PGDM's hands-on, experiential learning approach gets you ready for tackling real-world field challenges. On the other hand, an MBA is the better option if worries about the typically high costs of management degrees exist.

Fees structure PGDM vs. MBA

The fee structure of PGDM and MBA differs from university to university. An MBA degree in a Government College will be less than a private college offering PGDM. In most cases MBA fee is less compared to the PGDM courses as most of the time private institutions offer PGDM courses.   

Best package for MBA vs. PGDM

It has been noted that students who earn a PGDM degree tend to earn more money than those with an MBA degree. The typical starting income for PGDM graduates is INR 12–15 lakhs annually, while the starting salary for MBA grads is INR 7–10 lakhs annually. Generally speaking, your experience and your degree have a big impact on your pay. For instance, an MBA from a general university will be paid less than a PGDM from an IIM.

What are the placement opportunities for MBA and PGDM?

The placement of MBA and PGDM is nearly the same. There is hardly any difference in placement cells. Here are some of the top recruiting companies for MBA and PGDM:

  • McKinsey
  • MasterCard
  • The Boston Consulting Group
  • Oracle
  • Bosch
  • Airtel
  • Videocon
  • Quikr
  • Abbott
  • American Express
  • Flipkart
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Aditya Birla Group
  • Bajaj
  • Nestle
  • Accenture
  • Reliance
  • Coca Cola

Career opportunities after MBA and PGDM

A PGDM and an MBA degree can offer well-paid job opportunities to students in diverse fields. Check out here are some of the best career options after PGDM and MBA

  • Marketing Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Operations Manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Project Manager
  • Business Teacher
  • Accounts Manager
  • Healthcare and Hospital Manager

PGDM vs. MBA Syllabus

The following table shows the differences between MBA and PGDM course syllabus:

PGDM Diploma

MBA Degree

Marketing and Consumer Behaviour

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Strategic Management

 Finance Accounting

Introduction to Information Technology

Operations Management

Business Law & Corporate Governance

Management Information Systems

Marketing Management

Finance Management

Human Resource Management

Organisational Behaviour

Business Statistics

Principles of Accounting

Project Management

Business Communication and Skills

The Bottom Lines

PGDM vs. MBA is a never-ending debate and there is no clear-cut answer defining that one degree holds more importance than the other. Both degrees have similarities as well as differences which make both degrees unique in its way. The market value of both degrees are same therefore it’s up to the student to choose wisely. 

At Galaxy Education, we help you through the process of finding and applying to the right Colleges in Bangalore. Contact us in below details to get more information on admission procedure and how to secure your seat:

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