MBA vs PGDM: As a CAT aspirant, you must have stumbled upon a critical question: PGDM vs MBA – Which is better?
This comes with the following stack of questions as well: Are they the same? Do they provide different career opportunities? Which one is better?
Candidates must understand the fundamental differences between the MBA and PGDM courses. In this article, we will shed light on the key differences between the two and help you choose the one that is more aligned with your career goals.
Table of Contents
What Is PGDM?
- PGDM stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is a diploma program provided by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).
- PGDM is famous for its industry-focused curriculum that allows students to learn evolving business trends.
- The practical approach and project-based learning make the PGDM programs famous among students.
What Is An MBA?
- Master of Business Administration or MBA refers to a management degree offered by institutions or universities accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- It focuses on the theoretical aspects of business, providing a strong base in management principles.
- It is recognized as a degree program.
Also Read: Why should one pursue MBA?
PGDM vs MBA – Key Differences
|
Parameters |
PGDM | MBA |
|
Duration |
1-2 years | 2 years |
| Recognition | AICTE |
UGC |
|
Exterance exam |
AT, SNAP, XAT, NMAT, etc | XAT, CAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc |
|
Fee |
Expensive |
Affordable |
| Peer group | Usually older with more experience |
Usually younger with less experience |
|
Curriculum |
Autonomy over curriculum design | Rigidity with lower autonomy |
| Salary | No difference |
No difference |
|
Career |
Suitable for all except those who want to pursue higher education |
Suitable for all |
MBA vs PGDM – Understand The Legal Difference
AICTE and UGC were formed for the cause of higher education. Hence, the programs and degrees approved by them have equal legal acceptance. This means MBA vs PGDM — both are postgraduate programs and have the same legal acceptance as for government jobs.
PGDM vs MBA – Accepted Entrance Exams
Here are some of the most popular top entrance exams for MBA and PGDM courses
|
Exam |
Full Form | Mode | Conducting Body | Sections | Frequency |
|
CAT |
Common Admission Test | Online | IIMs | VARC, DILR, QA | Annually |
|
MAT |
Management Aptitude Test | Online and Offline | AIMA | Critical reasoning, Language comprehension, Mathematical skills, Data sufficiency |
4 times a year |
| SNAP | Symbiosis National Aptitude Test | Online | Symbiosis International University | Quant, English, Analytical, and Logical reasoning |
Annually |
|
GMAT |
Graduate Management Admission Test | Online | GMAC | Quant, Integrated reasoning, Analytical writing, Verbal |
Throughout the year |
|
CMAT |
Common Management Admission Test | Online | AICTE | General awareness, Logical reasoning, Quant, Verbal | Annually |
| NMAT | NMIMS Management Aptitude Test | Online | GMAC | Logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and Language skills |
Annually |
| XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | Online | Xavier School of Management | General knowledge, Decision making, Quantitative ability, Logical and verbal ability |
Annually |
MBA vs PGDM – Career Opportunities
Given below is a list of some of the career options that you can try after MBA and PGDM
|
MBA |
PGDM |
|
HR Manager |
Brand Manager |
| Accounting Manager |
Public Relations Officer |
| Business Development Manager |
Strategic Manager |
|
Marketing Manager |
Business Consultant |
Also Check: Top Careers After MBA In India
MBA vs PGDM – Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between an MBA and PGDM depends on various factors like:
|
Factors |
MBA | PGDM |
| Career goals | Demands theoretical knowledge and an academic background |
Demands practical knowledge and industry connections. |
|
Institution Reputation |
The prestige of the university highly influences job prospects | The reputation of the institute plays an important role in career growth and placements |
| Budget | More budget-friendly |
More expensive |
PGDM vs MBA – Colleges Offering These Programs
Here is the list of IIMs and other Top Colleges Offering PGDM and MBA courses:
|
College Name |
PGDM OR PGP / MBA |
| IIM Bangalore |
MBA |
| MBA | |
| IIM Calcutta |
PGDM and MBA |
|
IIM Visakhapatnam |
PGP |
| IIM Lucknow |
PGP |
|
IIM Bodh Gaya |
PGP |
| IIM Kozhikode |
PGP |
|
IIM Rohtak |
PGP |
| IIM Ranchi |
MBA |
|
IIM Shillong |
PGP |
| IIM Indore |
PGP |
|
IIM Sirmaur |
MBA |
| IIM Trichy |
PGDM |
|
IIM Raipur |
PGP |
| IIM Jammu |
MBA |
|
IIM Nagpur |
MBA |
| IIM Kashipur |
MBA |
|
IIM Amritsar |
MBA |
| IIM Sambalpur |
MBA |
|
IIM Udaipur |
MBA |
| JBIMS Mumbai |
MBA |
|
XLRI Jamshedpur |
PGDM |
| FMS Delhi University |
MBA |
|
MDI Gurgaon |
PGDM |
| IIFT Delhi |
MBA |
|
SPJIMR |
PGDM |
| IMT Ghaziabad |
PGDM |
|
NMIMS |
PGDM |
| IIT Roorkee- DOMS |
MBA |
|
Symbiosis International |
PGDM and MBA |
| IIT Kharagpur – VGSOM |
MBA |
|
IIT Delhi- DOMS |
MBA |
| IIT Jodhpur |
MBA |
|
IIT Madras- DOMS |
MBA |
| IIT-ISM Dhanbad |
MBA |
|
IIT Kanpur- DOMS |
MBA |
Conclusion
Choosing between an MBA Vs PGDM is very important for candidates with specific career goals. On one hand MBA offers an academic foundation, profitable for careers in finance, strategy, and positions requiring reputable degrees. A PGDM is best for candidates seeking industry-aligned, practical skills with a focus on real-world application. By understanding the difference between the two, you can make a decision and choose the path that suits you the best for your professional growth.
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Best of Luck!!
