MBA is an abbreviation for Master of Business Administration, whereas PGDM is an abbreviation for Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Both are two-year programs with minor differences. MBA is a degree program, whereas PGDM is a diploma program. PGDM programs are more industry-focused, whereas MBA programs are more theoretical.
MBA programs are recognized and regulated by UGC, whereas PGDM programs are governed by AICTE. The admissions process for both courses is similar. Students will be required to take entrance exams such as the CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, MAH MBA CET, and others. Top colleges such as IIMs, FMS Delhi, and XLRI require GD/PI before admission.
MBA programs are provided by accredited universities, whereas PGDM programs are provided by autonomous institutes. The curriculum of PGDM changes quickly in response to industrial requirements, whereas changes in the curriculum of MBA take 3-7 years. According to reports, PGDM candidates have a higher placement rate than MBA candidates.
MBA vs PGDM: Highlights
Candidates can select between PGDM and MBA programs based on factors such as ranking, curriculum, fees, placements, and other considerations. The following are some general parameters that show the difference between MBA and PGDM programs.
| Parameters | MBA | PGDM |
| Full Form | Master in Business Administration | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
| Course Level | Post Graduate Degree | Post Graduate Diploma |
| Duration | 2 year | 2 year |
| Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university in any discipline. | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute in any discipline. |
| Accreditation | UGC (University Grants Commission) | AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) |
| Focus | Focus on theoretical and technical aspects of business management | Focus on practical knowledge and industrial orientation |
| Affordability | More Affordable | Expensive |
Difference between MBA and PGDM
Both MBA and PGDM programs teach management skills, but there are few distinctions between the two. The key distinctions between MBA and PGDM programs are discussed below:
- MBA programs are degree programs, whereas PGDM programs are diploma programs.
- MBA is administered by UGC, whereas PGDM is administered by AICTE.
- MBA programs are more theoretical in nature, whereas PGDM programs are more industry-oriented.
MBA vs PGDM: Eligibility
The following are the basic eligibility requirements for MBA and PGDM programs.
- Candidates for both the MBA and PGDM programs must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in any discipline.
- To be admitted to popular business schools in India, candidates must pass a national or university-level entrance exam.
- Prior work experience is also required for admission to some management programs.
MBA vs PGDM: Affiliation and Accreditations
MBA programs are provided by government or private colleges affiliated with accredited universities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Autonomous institutes accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) offer PGDM programs.
MBA vs PGDM: Admission and Entrance Exam
Both the MBA and PGDM admissions processes are nearly identical. The general steps involved in admission to MBA and PGDM programs are academic qualifications, entrance examinations, and interviews.
MBA and PGDM Admission Process
Admission to MBA programs is based on a variety of MBA entrance exams, such as the CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP, CMAT, and others. Scores from state-level entrance exams such as MHT CET, TSICET, TANCET, and PGCET are also accepted by some colleges.
- Registration and completing the application form.
- Appear for management entrance exam.
- Taking GD and PI rounds.
- Counseling for final seat allotment.
MBA vs PGDM: Syllabus
The MBA program’s syllabus is created by the university with which the college is affiliated. The MBA curriculum provides a theoretical approach and remains consistent for nearly 3-7 years. The general topics covered in the MBA syllabus are listed below.
| Finance Management | Marketing Management |
| Business Statistics | Organizational Behavior |
| Project Management | Principles of Accounting |
| Human Resource Management | Business Communication and Skills |
The institutes create the PGDM Syllabus. The PGDM curriculum is more practical and up to date than the MBA curriculum. The PGDM curriculum is constantly evolving in response to industry demands. The following are some general topics covered in the PGDM syllabus.
| Marketing and Consumer Behavior | Introduction to Information Technology |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | Operations Management |
| Strategic Management | Business Law & Corporate Governance |
| Finance Accounting | Management Information Systems |
MBA vs PGDM: Fees
- MBA courses are less expensive than PGDM courses because they are offered by universities and colleges, the majority of which receive government funding.
- PGDM courses are more expensive than MBA programs because the institutions that offer them frequently cover all of the costs.
- The course fees for the PGDM range from INR 10,00,000 to INR 35,00,000, while the MBA course fees range from INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000.
MBA vs PGDM: Placements
The following section lists the MBA and PGDM placements available at the top colleges.
MBA Placements
| College Name | Average Annual Salary |
| IIM Calcutta | INR 34,00,000 |
| ISB Hyderabad | INR 34,70,000 |
| IIM Bangalore | INR 33,80,000 |
| FMS Delhi | INR 32,40,000 |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | INR 32,00,000 |
PGDM Placements
| College Name | Average Annual Salary |
| Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad | INR 17,35,000 |
| XLRI Xavier School of Management | INR 32,70,000 |
| Birla Institute of Management Technology | INR 11,25,000 |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | INR 33,02,000 |
| GLIM Chennai | INR 14,50,000 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur | INR 11,49,000 |
MBA vs PGDM: Jobs and Salary
The top job options available after completing MBA and PGDM courses, along with average annual salaries, are listed below.
Jobs and Salary after MBA
Following is a list of top job profiles as well as the average annual salary offered after completing an MBA program.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Accounting Manager | INR 7,21,000 |
| Human Resource Manager | INR 6,60,000 |
| Marketing Manager | INR 7,00,000 |
| Business Development Manager | INR 5,70,000 |
| Senior Business Analyst | INR 11,60,000 |
Jobs and Salary after PGDM
The following are the top job profiles available after completing a PGDM course.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Business Consultant | INR 9,40,000 |
| PR Officer | INR 2,50,000 |
| Strategic Manager | INR 19,88,000 |
| Brand Manager | INR 12,00,000 |
| International Sales Manager | INR 10,00,000 |
Top Colleges Offering MBA/PGDM
The top MBA and PGDM programs are listed below, along with their average annual fees.
Top MBA colleges
The top colleges offering MBA programs are listed below, along with their average annual fees.
| College Name | Average Annual Fees |
| IIM Ahmedabad | INR 23,00,000 |
| IIM Bangalore | INR 23,00,000 |
| IIM Calcutta | INR 23,00,000 |
| IIT Delhi | INR 10,40,000 |
| IIM Kozhikode | INR 9,50,000 |
| IIM Lucknow | INR 10,05,000 |
Top PGDM Colleges
The top colleges offering PGDM courses with average annual fees are listed below.
| College Name | Average Annual Fees |
| Institute of Management Technology Ghaziabad | INR 19,53,000 |
| XLRI Xavier School of Management | INR 12,90,000 |
| SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | INR 20,42,000 |
| Birla Institute of Management Technology | INR 13,00,000 |
| GLIM Chennai | INR 18,75,000 |
| Jaipuria Institute of Management | INR 5,70,000 |
| Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore | INR 8,00,000 |
What is the primary difference between MBA and PGDM?
MBA is a degree program offered by universities, while PGDM is a diploma program offered by autonomous institutes or business schools.
Is one more recognized than the other in the industry?
Both MBA and PGDM are recognized qualifications in the industry. The reputation of the institution and program is often more crucial than the specific degree or diploma.
Who awards the degree or diploma?
MBA degrees are awarded by universities, while PGDM diplomas are awarded by the autonomous institutes or business schools offering the program.
Which program offers more flexibility in curriculum design?
PGDM programs generally have more flexibility in designing their curriculum since they are not bound by university affiliations. This allows them to adapt quickly to industry trends.
Do both programs have similar admission criteria?
Admission criteria can vary, but PGDM programs often have more flexibility, considering factors beyond academic qualifications, such as work experience and entrance exam scores.
