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Due to the growth of the IT industry and corporate culture, more students are choosing management programmes. But sometimes Indian students who are pursuing management programmes mix up PGDM with MBA. These two Master of Management courses have a lot in common, which is very confusing while selecting them. Students who choose to pursue a master's in management should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both programmes. Also, the academic curriculum of the two programmes differ significantly, but you can choose which is better for you based on the basis of following differences.

1. Masters of Business Administration, or MBA, and Post Graduate Diploma, or PGDM, are both acronyms.
2. Both programmes accept applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50%.
3. MBA degrees are only offered by recognised institutions or colleges that are linked with recognised universities, which is one of the key distinctions between MBA and PGDM degrees. On the other hand, autonomous institutions offer PGDM programmes.
4. In India, MBA programmes are recognized or approved by respective universities, while PGDM programmes are approved by AICTE.

The legal difference between an MBA and a PGDM: Both organisations, the AICTE and the UGC, were created by a law passed by the parliament to further the cause of higher education. The programmes that these bodies authorise have the same legal validity as a result. In other words, PGDM and MBA are both postgraduate degrees that have the same legal standing when applying for government jobs or starting a Ph.D. programme. When enrolling PGDM students for Ph.D. programmes, some universities may demand an equivalence certificate from the AIU or the Association of Indian Universities.

Which will create more value, MBA or PGDM?

The MBA vs PGDM comparisons have left many students wondering which is superior. Is an MBA or a PGDM a better option? Let us compare the key differences between an MBA and a PGDM.

• All of India's top management institutes, offer their flagship Post Graduate Program, which is equivalent to an MBA program.
• When it comes to the length of the MBA and PGDM programs, both are two years long.
• The Human Resource Department of India awards MBA degrees from IIMs, while the All- India Council for Technical Education awards PGDM degrees.
• The curriculum for both programmes is similar, with little difference.
• Approximately 500 business schools offer PGDM programmes, while 5500 universities and colleges offer MBA programmes. When there is a scarcity of PGDM, demand rises.
• PGDM is mostly offered by stand-alone institutions, which means they only offer one programme and are therefore focused, whereas MBA is offered by universities and colleges that also offer tens of other courses, distributing the focus among so many courses.
• If a student so desires, he or she can pursue a Ph.D. or any other course with a PGDM or MBA.

Overall, it is difficult to say whether MBA or PGDM is superior. Companies do not place a premium on an MBA or PGDM. Both are equal in their eyes.

FAQs’

Q 1: What sets a PGDM programme apart from an MBA?

A: MBA is a management degree conferred by a university, whereas PGDM is a Post Graduate diploma conferred by an AICTE-accredited private college or university.

Q 2: Which has more value - MBA or the PGDM?

A: The course curriculum, as well as the standing and reputation of the institute, define the value of an MBA and a PGDM. In MBA, the course structure & curriculum is designed at University level and the revision happens periodically generally 3 to 5 years, however in PGDM, course structure & curriculum is designed at institute or at department level and revision happens almost every year considering the new trends in economy, corporate and job requirements, changing life style, etc. Here, PGDM creates more value to aspirants as it is continuously updated with current market situation.

Q 3: Is PGDM an MBA substitute?

A: We cannot assert that the PGDM and MBA are interchangeable because the PGDM is a diploma programme and the MBA is a degree programme. However, the MBA and PGDM have extremely comparable curricula.

Q 4: Which is more superior, MBA or PGDM?

A: You can choose which programme to enrol in because the quality of a management education, whether it be an MBA or PGDM, depends on elements like the curriculum, pedagogy, faculty, industry, and international exposure. In MBA, colleges affiliated to the respective universities, have to follow curriculum set by university. However, in PGDM, Institutes use their autonomy and designed the course structure in such way that they can make students marketable. Some PGDM institutes, also provide industrial exposure, conduct international visits, arranges certifications in various domain, Corporate/expert sessions on various current and upcoming opportunities.

Q 5: After completing the PGDM, may we continue with an MBA?

A: Yes, candidates are eligible to pursue MBA programmes after completing their PGDM.

Q 6: What options are there for continuing your study after earning your MBA and PGDM?

A: Students can pursue a PhD in Management after earning an MBA, but PGDM applicants cannot. However, some universities, have started accepting application from PGDM students for Ph.D.

Q 7: Which is more affordable -  MBA and PGDM?

A: MBA programmes are affordable compared to PGDM programmes, however PGDM program will give you more exposure in terms of knowledge, salary packages, companies, etc.

Q 8: Which PGDM college in India is the best?

Ans. ISB&M - PGDM, also known as International School of Business & Media, Nande, Pune, is one of the best college from top-ranked business schools for the PGDM programme not only in Pune but also in India.

Q 9: Which one is better - Full-time MBA/PGDM or an Executive MBA or Part time?

Ans. For working professionals, an executive MBA is a better option. However, Fulltime MBA or PGDM have additional advantages.

Q 10: Is there an age limit/Qualification for pursuing an MBA or PGDM?

Ans. As minimum eligibility criteria for admission in PGDM/MBA is to have bachelor degree in any specialization. At the time getting the bachelor degree, aspirant attains the Minimum age of 20 years old, and there is no upper age limit.

If you are planning for business management studies, ISB&M PGDM  provides the Worlds-best Quality PG Program in Management to help you improve your managerial abilities. ISB&M offers dual specialization in any of the two programs – Marketing, Finance, Human Resource (HR), Business Analytics and Supply Chain & Operation Management.  

For more information, Click Here.

• Prof Suyog Chachad