MBA vs PGDM: Differences, Eligibility, Admission, Jobs, Salary 2023
“What is more valuable MBA or PGDM?”, This question has always put management aspirants in a state of dilemma. Master of Business Administration (MBA Full form) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM Full form) are both management courses that can be completed in a duration of two years. However, the major difference between both programmes is that MBA is a Degree, while PGDM course is a Diploma.
The MBA syllabus is more theoretical and designed by universities, while the PGDM syllabus focuses more on industry needs and market trends. Interested students can read further to know more differences between MBA and PGDM courses and how they need to pick the right course according to their needs.
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MBA vs PGDM: Highlights
Students interested in pursuing management courses can check the table below to understand the key highlights of MBA and PGDM courses. The important details related to course level, entrance exams, course fees, job profiles, and average annual salary are tabulated below:
Q: What are the benefits of appearing in CMAT?
There are several benefits of appearing in the CMAT exam. It is easier than other exams and accepted by many B-schools. Check below some of the key benefits of CMAT.
- CMAT is conducted at the end of MBA entrance exam season, so MBA aspirants don't have to study much as the previous experience of exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP comes in use.
- CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 MBA colleges in India which includes top colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
- CMAT exam is a moderate difficulty level exam so it is easier to score high in CMAT than CAT, XAT, IIFT, GMAT.
- CMAT cut offs for admission to top colleges are not exceptionally high, so you can get a good MBA college with a decent CMAT score.
- There's no 50 per cent aggregate criteria for CMAT application. Candidates with passing marks in graduation can also appear for the exam.
- CMAT application fee for women and reserved category candidates is only INR 1,000 which is quite less as compared to CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP fees.
Q: When can I apply for CMAT?
The next CMAT exam will be held on January 25, 2025. The NTA has started registration process for the same most on November 14, 2024. Those interested in appearing for the exam are required to register for it at CMAT-NTA website and fill the online application form before December 13, 2024. The score of CMAT will be valid for one year only, so if you appear for CMAT 2025, you must take admission in the same academic year.
Apart from 1300 B-schools, the CMAT score is also valid for admission through MAH CET CAP. The Maharashtra State CET Cell conducts MBA/MMS admissions for 300 colleges in the state. It is followed by a common counselling process called CAP. CMAT test takers can also participate in MAH MBA CET CAP and secure a seat in MBA/MMS course offered by over 300 colleges in Maharashtra.
Q: Can I appear for MAT from home?
| Parameters |
MBA |
PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form |
Master of Business Administration |
Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
| Course Level |
Degree |
Diploma |
| Entrance Exams |
Through national and state-level entrance examinations like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. |
Through CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA and some state-level examinations like TSICET, MAH-CET, etc. |
| Accreditation |
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) |
|
| Validity |
Valid Post Graduate Degree. |
Valid and equivalent to Post Graduate Degree. |
| Syllabus |
The syllabus is prepared by universities and gets updated less frequently |
Syllabus is dynamic, AICTE approved and gets updated frequently as per industry needs. |
| Course Fee (in INR) |
INR 2 lakh to 27 lakh and above |
INR 3 lakh to INR 15 lakh |
| Average Salary (in INR) |
|
INR 5 to INR 15 lakh |
| Specialisations |
Sales and Marketing, Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Digital Marketing, etc. |
IT, Operations Management, Business Analytics, Marketing, HR, etc. |
| Top Job Profiles |
Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Project Manager, etc. |
HR Recruiters, Sales Manager, Public Relations Manager, Research Analyst etc. |
| Top Recruiters |
Boston Consulting Group, Mckinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc. |
HDFC Bank, Dell, Myntra, Amazon, Lifestyle etc. |
| Top Colleges |
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
IIM Indore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI Jamshedpur, etc. |
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Difference Between MBA and PGDM
MBA institutes fall under universities (both Government and Private), whereas PGDM programmes are generally run by autonomous institutes that are approved by the AICTE. The growing number of businesses has highlighted the importance of MBA as it equips students with managerial skills important in running a business.
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Contrarily, PGDM teaches the necessary skills required to expand a company or lead a successful business. PGDM can help students in shaping their careers in various domains like hotels, banks, law firms, educational institutes, marketing agencies, and consultancies.
What is MBA?
MBA is a two-year postgraduate programme that is pursued by students after completing their graduation with 50 per cent aggregate marks. MBA equip students with valuable management skills, hence a large number of BTech, BBA, BCom, BA, BSc, BCA graduates opt for MBA in post-graduation.
Q: Can I appear for CMAT at any test centre?
No, you cannot appear for the CMAT exam at any test centre. You can appear for the test at the centre mentioned in your CMAT admit card. Entry at every CMAT test centre is given to candidates only after thorough scrutiny of the hall ticket and ID proof. If you attempt to gain entry in any other test centre, you will be disqualified. Thus, candidates must make sure that they check the location of their allotted test centre beforehand and reach there on exam day on time. If they reach the test centre after the gates have been closed they will not be allowed entry under any circumstances. CMAT test centre gates close 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
Q: What is the CAT eligibility criteria?
Q: What are MAT eligibility criteria?
Since MAT is an entrance exam for post graduate level management courses, the minimum eligibility criteria for MAT exam is graduation. Candidate should have completed graduation in full-time or part-time mode in Arts, Commerce or Science from a recognised university. The eligibility criteria for MAT PBT, CBT and IBT are the same. Final year graduation students who will be giving their final exam or awaiting results are also eligible to appear in MAT. There is no minimum score requirement in MAT. Candidates need to have passing marks in graduation.
However, MBA colleges have the eligibility criteria of minimum 50 per cent in graduation (45 per cent for SC/ST/PWD), thus candidates who aspire to pursue MBA need to ensure that they score a minimum of 50 per cent in graduation. SC/ST/PwD candidates need to have a minimum of 45 per cent in their Bachelor's degree programme. There is no age bar or appearing in MAT. Fresh graduates as well as working professionals can apply for MAT.
Q: What is the IIM selection criteria through CAT?
IIM selection criteria for all the 21 campuses is same and includes selection of candidates through three stages. CAT score Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion GD and Personal Interview (PI) Academic record, work experience Academic and gender diversity CAT exam score is the first parameter on which candidates are shortlisted for admission. In the first state of IIM admission, the institutes shortlist candidates for WAT, GD and PI on the basis of their CAT score and class 10, 12 and graduation marks. The cut offs for shortlisting of candidates is between 95-100 percentile (for SC/ST/PwD candidates the cut offs are lower). These shortlisted candidates have to then appear for What, GD and PI round. Those who clear this round are considered for final admission. For the final selection, every IIMs takes into consideration the following aspects: CAT score What, GD and PI performance Class 10 and 12 marks Graduation marks Work experience Academic diversity Gender diversity.
The most popular MBA entrance exams are CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAH CET among others. Some of the popular colleges offering MBA programmes in various specialisations includes IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, FMS Delhi, XLRI among others.
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What is PGDM?
PGDM, also popularly known as Post Graduate Diploma in Management, is a two-year programme offered by top management B-schools in India. PGDM is considered an alternative of MBA and is considered almost equal to the MBA degree. It is offered by AICTE-approved institutes/universities or autonomous B-schools.
PGDM aims at catering to industry requirements and helps students to acquire the necessary skills. The syllabus of PGDM is also designed in a manner that incorporates market trends and changing needs. Candidates completing the PGDM course are offered diplomas instead of degrees. The fee of PGDM range between INR 3 lakh to 15 lakh.
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Part-time MBA and PGDM Courses
MBA vs PGDM: Eligibility
MBA can be pursued in different modes as Part Time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA and Integrated MBA. Hence, eligibility criteria for every programme differs. Similarly, the PGDM eligibility criteria may differ from institute to institute. Candidates are always suggested to check the official website of the institute to know the detailed PGDM course eligibility criteria.
The table below contains the eligibility requirement for Full-time MBA and PGDM programmes.
| Parameters |
MBA |
PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Education |
Graduate in any stream |
Graduate in any stream |
| Minimum Percentage |
Average 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for Reserved category) |
Minimum 55 per cent aggregate marks |
| Entrance Exams |
||
| Work Experience |
Some courses and colleges demand work experience of 3 to 5 years |
NA |
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Popular Integrated MBA Programmes in India
MBA vs PGDM: Entrance Exams
Some of the top B-schools conduct their own entrance examination or accept national/state entrance examinations score for admission to management courses like MBA and PGDM.
Students must meet the set eligibility criteria and appear in the entrance exams mentioned below qualify for admission to MBA and PGDM courses:
| Parameters |
MBA |
PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body |
UGC |
AICTE |
| Mode of Exam |
Online and Offline |
Online and Offline |
| Entrance Exams |
CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. |
CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP, etc. |
| Entrance Exams Syllabus |
Same as MBA |
Also Read:
List of all MBA entrance exams
List of all PGDM entrance exams
MBA vs PGDM: Syllabus
MBA curriculum is more theoretical and changes less frequently as it is designed by the universities. On the other hand, PGDM syllabus is set by AICTE and focused taking into consideration the changing industry needs.
Here is a general overview of the semester-wise MBA and PGDM syllabus in India:
| Parameters |
MBA |
PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Semester-1 |
|
|
| Semester-2 |
|
|
| Semester-3 |
|
|
| Semester-4 |
|
|
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MBA vs PGDM: Top MBA/PGDM Colleges
Students can pursue an MBA and PGDM from several top management institutes, including the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI-Jamshedpur, and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research-Mumbai.
Interested candidates can see the tables below to know the top colleges offering MBA and PGDM programmes.
Top MBA Colleges
There are about 5,000 MBA colleges in India. One can choose their best-suited institutes with the help of the MBA college predictor. Some of the top colleges with their fees are:
| Name of College |
Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 24.6 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 21 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 19 lakh |
|
| 20 lakh |
|
| 12 lakh |
|
| 25 lakh |
|
| 17 lakh |
|
| 12 lakh |
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Top PGDM Colleges
Candidates can select the PGDM institute based on several factors like accreditation, candidate’s requirement, placement, curriculum, global exposure and so forth. Students can check the table below for popular PGDM Colleges:
| Name of College |
Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| 27 lakh |
|
| 10 lakh |
|
| 9.5 lakh |
|
| 18 lakh |
|
| 15.9 lakh |
|
| 10.5 lakh |
|
| 23-25 lakh |
|
| 12-20 lakh |
|
| 17-35 lakh |
|
| 12-24 lakh |
Also Read:
Top 100 Universities in India as per NIRF Ranking
MBA vs PGDM: Jobs and Salaries
A career in management can lead to a variety of job prospects. Nowadays, students are more interested in starting their own firms. Students take up MBA or PGDM courses to refine their managerial skills. Students holding a Bachelor's Degree in any area and the qualifying percentage can enrol in the management programmes to further their professional development.
MBA Job Profiles and Average Salary
MBA pay is mostly determined by the MBA specialisation chosen. Finance, Marketing, General Management, Business Analytics, and Entrepreneurship are among the top MBA specialisations that frequently yield the greatest pay after graduation.
The highest-paying positions in India after an MBA range from INR 5 to 30 LPA. Given below are some of the popular job options after MBA and their corresponding salaries:
| Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Finance Manager |
9.6 LPA |
| Marketing Manager |
10 LPA |
| Sales Manager |
10.2 LPA |
| Operations Manager |
7 LPA |
| Product Manager |
15 LPA |
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PGDM Job Profiles and Average Salary
After completing a PGDM programme, one can find a variety of job options in both the public and private sectors. The young entrants can earn between INR 5 and 10 LPA at the start and increase their pay-scale with experience.
| Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Study Counsellor |
3 LPA |
| Commercial Manager |
15 LPA |
| HR Manager |
7 LPA |
| Brand Manager |
10 LPA |
| Senior Finance Analyst |
6.5 LPA |
FAQs About MBA vs PGDM
Q. Which is better: PGDM or MBA?
A. Both PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) are demanding management programmes, carrying a great future scope. As both the programmes have their own advantages and disadvantages, the students need to consider various factors like individual goals, preferences, and circumstances into consideration before making the final decision.
In India, both are typically two-year programmes. PGDM and MBA offer great placement opportunities to students and they can get average CTC of INR 5 lakh to 10 lakh after completing these courses.
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Q. Is PGDM equal to MBA?
A. Although a PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) are not exactly the same, they might be comparable in many ways. PGDM is considered an alternative of MBA and treated with equality in the management industry. This is how they contrast:
| Parameters |
MBA |
PGDM |
|---|---|---|
| Degree vs Diploma |
Master’s Degree |
PG Diploma |
| Curriculum |
Designed by Universities |
Designed by Industry Experts |
| Accreditation |
UGC |
AICTE |
Q. Is India PGDM degree valid abroad?
A. Yes, Indian PGDM degree can be valid abroad, but conditionally. The country in which you intend to use the degree, the exact school that granted the PGDM, and the programme's accreditation status are just a few of the variables that can affect the validity and recognition of an Indian PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) degree abroad.
Different nations have different policies regarding the recognition of Indian PGDM degrees abroad. Popular countries for MBA abroad are UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand. Students have to appear for Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) and language proficiency tests Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for MBA/PGDM abroad admission.
Q. Who earns more MBA or PGDM graduate?
A. Earning potential may be impacted by the location and reputation of the MBA or PGDM programme and the university awarding the degree. Higher incomes and greater employment prospects may be available to graduates from prestigious and reputable colleges.
Also, these courses are offered in various specialisations, which is another factor that determines the pay scale of graduates. Average salary post MBA is INR 5 lakh to 25 lakh per annum, while the average PGDM pay ranges betwen INR 6 lakh to 30 lakh per year.
Q. How to select top colleges for MBA and PGDM?
A. Students can select top colleges for MBA and PGDM on the basis of entrance exams by different colleges. Students can click below to learn about colleges on the basis of CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT scores accepted in MBA and PGDM:
Q. Which is more affordable MBA or PGDM?
A. The cost of MBA programmes is comparatively low than PGDM programmes as the MBA course is usually offered by universities and colleges, the majority of which receive grants from the UGC and government funding. The fees of government colleges are lower than private MBA colleges. MBA can be pursued at a fees ranging from INR 3 lakh to 25 lakh.
Contrarily, PGDM programme is unquestionably a significant financial commitment. Since institutes and independent business schools that operate PGDM programmes, primarily on-campus, are responsible for covering all of their own expenses, the result is much higher programme fees. The fees of PGDM programmes can range between INR 4 lakh to 30 lakh.
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