Executive PGDM vs Executive MBA: What is the difference?

Today, MBA is one of the most promising and sought after programmes to pursue after graduation. MBA aspirants usually research great lengths before choosing an MBA programme for themselves. However, there are few confusions that still go unresolved. One of these is the difference between Executive PGDM and an Executive MBA programme. A major cause of this confusion is the use of the term executive in several post-graduate programmes offered in India.  

Let’s take a look at the key differences in executive management education programmes in the country.

Differences between Executive MBA and Executive PGDM:

Programme structure, duration and mode of delivery

An Executive MBA program is different from the Executive PGDM program (also known as Executive Post Graduate Program) commonly offered by most of the Indian b-schools in terms of program structure and delivery.

Contrary to common perception, an Executive PGDM is a full-time MBA programme for executives and its duration varies from 15 months to 24 months. On the other hand, an Executive MBA is a part-time programme with an average duration of about one year.

Who should choose what?

Executive MBA programme usually varies from school to school however some of the features remain the same. It is typically designed for professionals who are usually in the mid-stage of their careers and wish to ramp up their career graph or simply update their knowledge without taking a career break. This allows working professionals with a significant amount of work experience to pursue MBA simultaneously while continuing with their current job. Thus the sessions are usually held on Fridays and over weekends.

So you need to be quite flexible when it comes to attending sessions and delivering at work at the same time. This amounts to attending classes for about 6-12 hours per week and committing to study outside of class for an additional 10-15+ hours per week alongside your job.

Commonly the average work experience of a student pursuing Executive MBA is about 10 years or more. However, one can apply for the programme with a work experience of 5+ years (some universities may also accept lesser work experience as well). On the other hand, PGDM executive programme is structured to give an intense classroom experience like a regular PGDM programme. It is a full-time programme for professionals with 2+ years of work experience who are willing to take a break from their professional careers and dedicate their entire time to studies.

Fee and ROI

As far as the finances are concerned, an Executive MBA usually costs more than an Executive PGDM programme. However, at the same time it offers an opportunity to be financially independent as it allows you to continue your job simultaneously. Often your employer is able to help with the tuition fee for the programme. Many Executive MBA students have some or all of their tuition covered by their current employers. So the ROI must be carefully considered well in advance while applying for Executive MBA.

The Executive PGDM being a full-time programme, you usually rely on your savings or alternate sources of income to cover day to day expenses. So you need to plan your finances accordingly. But both being high ROI programmes, the fee factor usually becomes secondary while choosing the programme.

Admission process and selection criteria

Admission to both, Executive MBA and Executive PGDM, can be sought through GMAT\GRE exam which is acceptable by most of the institutions\universities (some universities may not require GMAT scores).

However, there are few institutions that conduct independent exams for applying to their MBA programmes. So an MBA aspirant has to appear for one of the respective qualifying examinations (based on the school applying to) and also apply online on respective websites of the b-school\university.

The candidates are then selected based on their profile, GMAT\GRE scores, application form and personal interviews.

Other factors to keep in mind while choosing Executive PGDM or Executive MBA

Relocation is another factor that may play a role while considering the two programmes. While opting for an Executive MBA the location of the opted school must be considered. Provided that you will be simultaneously working, considering a school not too far from your place of work and residence seems to be a fair choice. Relocation would not be a constraint while considering options for Executive PGDM.

Although an Executive MBA puts you in a win-win situation, still the only downside to it would be that the kind of a ‘complete MBA experience’ that a full-time MBA offers may be lacking. The social life and the network opportunities that form an integral part of a full-time MBA program would not be possible on a similar scale due to limited time availability and part-time structure of the program.

Each programme has its pros and cons to be considered. Choice of the programme, most suitable for an MBA aspirant, depends on his career stage and financial preferences. His/her flexibility with respect to his/her personal and professional life and responsibilities also play a major role.

What works perfectly well for one may not work for the other. So candidates need to do the required groundwork as to what their current priorities are, their post-MBA aspirations and how the programme would assist them in taking it forward.

[This article is contributed by IMT Ghaziabad]

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