Top Difference Between PGDM vs MBA

PGDM vs MBA, which one would you prefer? Management aspirants generally ponder upon this topic whether to pursue an MBA degree or a PGDM diploma as an ideal program for a successful management career. Many students or aspirants looking for MBA programs are amused to find PGDM courses in many top business schools. The obvious question they ask is why it is called a PGDM and what is the difference between PGDM and MBA?

We all know that an MBA is a Master of Business Administration, while a PGDM is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. The two courses are postgraduate programs of two-year duration offered by colleges and prominent business schools in India. Both courses prepare students for a lucrative career in management. However, there are some prominent dissimilarities between the two programs which we will discuss in this post.

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Key Differences Between MBA and PGDM

PGDM and MBA teach management skills to students and impart similar curriculum and knowledge. Also, when it comes to recruitment, top recruiters do not judge students on grounds of PGDM vs MBA degree. Hiring in top companies is done based on the skills and knowledge background of students as well as work experience among other criteria.

Having said that, let’s understand the striking differences between PGDM and MBA:

Most MBA degrees are provided by government and private colleges and universities which are University Grants Commission (UGC) recognized. Students completing an MBA program receive a degree certificate after completing the course successfully. On the other hand, PGDM is a diploma offered by Business Schools and recognized by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which is the nodal body of technical education in India. Most of these B-Schools are autonomous institutions, while some may have affiliations with some universities.

Now, private and autonomous B-Schools that offer PGDM can make changes to their curriculum as per the changing business needs. Hence, these institutions can adopt the latest models to offer advanced curricula and education to their students as per the needs of the time. On the other hand, UGC-recognized universities and colleges generally revise their curriculum once every 3 to 5 years.

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MBA vs PGDM: Differences

Let’s glance at some key points to compare the differences between MBA and PGDM programs:

1. Approval

PGDM: These programs are approved by AICTE, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India.

MBA: These programs are approved by the University Grants Commission, Govt. of India, the Ministry of HRD, and AICTE

2. Eligibility

PGDM: Students require a minimum aggregate of 45-50% marks from a UGC-recognized university to enroll in a PGDM program.

MBA: Students require at least a 50% aggregate mark from a recognized university to enroll in MBA programs.

3. Syllabus

PGDM: They introduce a dynamic syllabus as per market demands, which is approved by the AICTE.

MBA: Universities and colleges create and update the MBA syllabus periodically in 3-5 years.

4. Placements

PGDM: The majority of PGDM institutions have better placement rates.

MBA: Many MBA institutions have good placement rates

5. Examinations

PGDM: The B-School is authorized by AICTE to hold examinations

MBA: The university or MBA college holds examinations

6. Entrance Procedure

PGDM: CAT/XAT/MAT/ATMA and various state-level tests, etc.

MBA: Entrance tests at different levels. Examples include CAT, MAT, CMAT, TSICET, MAH-CET, etc.

7. Equivalence

PGDM: You get a post-graduate diploma in management, which is equivalent to a university degree.

MBA: You get a postgraduate degree at the end of the program.

Is MBA preferred over PGDM?

Getting an MBA from a UGC-recognized college or university has its benefits in terms of approval and recognition. Similarly, if you pursue PGDM from a recognized and top business school, you are sure to get huge benefits. Hence, checking the credibility of the B-School and its ranking and placement records is important if you plan to pursue your PGDM from a B-school.

MBA vs PGDM: Which One Would You Prefer?

PGDM or MBA, which is better? To choose between an MBA and a PGDM, it is important to consider the final objective or goal of your life. Do you want to pursue your management program to start your own business or enterprise? Do you aim to enter a particular field or sector to pursue your professional goal? Other things to consider are the fee structure and eligibility criteria for admissions.

Be it a PGDM or an MBA, both degrees are excellent for getting you a fulfilling career and promising jobs with high-paying salary packages.  Both degree programs have their unique advantages. MBA from a recognized university can be availed at a low cost, while a PGDM from top B-Schools will be expensive for students. In terms of pedagogy, curriculum, and industry connections, a PGDM may be more advantageous as compared to an MBA.

Conclusion

Although an MBA and PGDM do not have much of a difference, it is good to understand both to choose the program you want to go with. However, it is better to pursue an MBA from a recognized college/university. At Amity Online University, you get MBA, PGDM courses that are UGC-recognized and accredited to enhance the business knowledge and leadership skills of students.

For more information, visit the portal of Amity Online today.

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