MBA vs PGDM: Eligibility, Admission, Top Colleges, Job Scope

An MBA stands for Master in Business Administration and is a postgraduate management degree, whereas PGDM stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management, which is is a diploma degree. An MBA degree is UGC approved and is more of theoretical with a fixed syllabus across universities, while PGDM is AICTE approved and offers hands-on real world experience.

The fee charges are also vastly different for MBA and PGDM, i.e., an MBA shall cost INR 3 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs, while a PGDM degree will cost INR 5 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs.

MBA vs PGDM Differences 

Students may choose between PGDM and MBA based on their ranking, curriculum, placements, personal skills, and interests. The following table compares PGDM vs MBA based on their most crucial parameters:

Also Read: MBA After Hotel Management

MBA vs PGDM Eligibility Criteria 

Students can also compare MBA vs PGDM as both come with distinct eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria for PGDM vs MBA are discussed below.

MBA Eligibility

• The applicant must have passed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
• The candidate must have scored at least 50% in the bachelor's degree.
• It is mandatory to appear for the entrance exams such as GMAT, XAT, ATMA, CAT, MAT, etc.

PGDM Eligibility

• The applicant should have graduated from any discipline securing at least 50% marks.
• The colleges offering PGDM also ask for CAT/ XAT/ GMAT entrance examination scores as eligibility.
• It is also vital to have good knowledge of the specialization.

MBA vs PGDM Admission Process

While comparing the MBA vs PGDM admission process, one could find a slight variation. Both programs include entrance exams, interviews, and academic backgrounds. The exact admission process might vary as per institutions and programs, yet these are the general steps involved in MBA and PGDM programs.

MBA Admission Process

The details of the MBA Admission 2026 have been mentioned below:

• Registration and uploading documents to complete the application process
• Taking MBA entrance exams
• GD / PI rounds after qualifying entrance exam cutoff.
• Counselling round to secure the seat.

PGDM Admission Process

The details of the PGDM Admission 2026 have been mentioned below:

• Registration and uploading documents to complete the application process
• Appear for PGDM entrance exams
• Shortlisting candidates based on entrance exam & academic record.
• Counselling round & fees submission.

Also Read: Private or Government College? Which is Best for MBA?

MBA vs PGDM: Entrance Exams

A standardized MBA Entrance Exam is a mandatory component of the admission procedure for both degrees. MBA vs PGDM may be comparable in certain ways; however, most entrance exams are the same. 

MBA vs PGDM Specializations

Most students get confused while choosing a specialization in India when they compare MBA vs PGDM. Listed below are some of the top specializations available in MBA and PGDM courses:

MBA Specializations

PGDM Specializations

MBA vs PGDM Which is Better?

MBA vs PGDM is comparable based on one's career goals, experience, learning style, and institution. The top 5 reasons to choose PGDM and MBA are mentioned below. 

Top 5 Reasons to Choose an MBA:

• MBA is a Degree program, not a diploma: In the end, the students who pass out MBA are Master's degree holders instead of a postgraduate diploma.
• Globally Preferred: An MBA degree is well-recognized for international employment opportunities. Top Business Schools in the world offer an MBA program and not PGDM. 
• Backed by the University: This adds to the advantage as the colleges have to abide by the standard rules. Whereas, in private PGDM colleges, there is a chance that they may not follow the AICTE norms strictly.
• Broad-based knowledge: Students in an MBA program gain expertise in all aspects of business, from financial management to advertising to logistics to human resources.
• Legacy of MBA: MBA programs are much older, which has created a vast alum base. Placement data revealed by IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, XLRI, and other top MBA colleges reflect a rising trend in placement.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose PGDM:

• Specialization in Any Field: It facilitates a student choosing a specialization in the area of interest. Students have the opportunity to select both significant and minor specializations of choice.
• Industry-Focused Structure: The course structure is more industrial-focused than MBA. This is because of the frequent updates in the latest syllabus according to the changes in the industry. 
• Practical Insights: Many B-schools in India give importance to PGDM over MBA due to its practical insights. MBA is more concerned with theoretical knowledge, while PGDM offers more practical implementation and volume.
• Placement opportunities: As autonomous institutes provide PGDM courses, these institutes are more concerned about the placement offers. The salary package offered for freshers is INR 2.7 LPA Mid-Level is INR 3.7 LPA.
• Corporate skills with real-world experience: A PGDM course prepares students based on upcoming challenges. In most cases, the professors are industry leaders or entrepreneurs who have real-world exposure to the topic taught to the students.

Also Read: MSW vs MBA - Which is Better?

Subjects in PGDM vs MBA

MBA vs PGDM can be compared based on the syllabus and topics covered. Despite the similarities and differences between the two courses, the syllabus, and subjects are distinct. The syllabus and topics for MBA and PGDM are discussed below.

MBA Subjects

The MBA program is for students who want a comprehensive understanding of management and fundamentals. The core MBA subjects are given below:

• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Strategic Management
• Legal Aspects of Pharmaceutical Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource

PGDM Subjects 

The PGDM program offers students with management training expertise that is industry-oriented and practical. The major PGDM subjects are given below:

• Organizational Behaviour
• Managerial Accounting
• Business Communication
• Managerial Economics
• Quantitative Techniques
• Operations Management

Top Institutes in India for MBA and PGDM

When comparing PGDM vs MBA, one can see that MBA programs are often provided by universities, while PGDM programs are typically offered by independent institutions unaffiliated with universities.

Top MBA Colleges in India

Here is the list of best MBA colleges in India with the course fee:

Read More: Top MBA Colleges in India

Top PGDM Colleges in India

Here is the list of PGDM colleges in India with the course fee:

Read More: Top PGDM Colleges in India

MBA vs PGDM Salary and Placement

When comparing MBA vs PGDM, it is evident that MBA graduates have a wider range of career options and can pursue roles in various areas, while PGDM graduates tend to concentrate more on specific industries. 

The table shows the top job roles for MBA graduates, along with the average salary. 

The most sought-after job profiles for PGDM graduates and their salaries are given below.

MBA vs PGDM Top Recruiters in India

Both an MBA and a PGDM may prepare students for a management profession, but recruiters use various criteria when hiring. The table below mentions the top recruiters for MBA and PGDM in India.

Also Read: Top 10 MBA in HR Colleges in India

Students who compare PGDM vs MBA programs will find that MBA programs are frequently provided by institutions, have a longer duration, and offer a more thorough curriculum. In contrast, PGDM programs are typically more industry-oriented and place a higher emphasis on practical skills. 

MBA and PGDM are both management-focused graduate programs that prepare students for careers in the corporate world. Before deciding, it's essential to compare PGDM vs MBA benefits and downsides, explore institutes and their programs, and consider professional objectives and preferences.