Difference between MBA

and PGDM

MBA Vs PGDM
What do MBA and PGDM stand for? MBA (Master of Business
Administration) is a degree, while PGDM (Post Graduate
Diploma in Management) is a diploma program. As per the
norms of the UGC, Colleges/Institutes affiliated to a university
can offer MBA degrees. The autonomous/private Business
Schools which are not affiliated to any university can offer the
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs.
Hence, even apex institutions like IIM, XLRI, and SPJIMR offer
PGDM and not the MBA degree since these institutions are
autonomous bodies and are not affiliated to any university. As
such, there is no difference in what is being taught in PGDM
and MBA.

Curriculum:

However, the autonomous business schools frequently

change the syllabus to meet the industry standards. A syllabus
change in an MBA program is rare since the college offering
the program has no authority to change syllabus. Before you
make a decision you should also note that MBA programs are a
lot cheaper than PGDM programmes.

Which is better: MBA or PGDM?

In an MBA degree, you will be provided with theoretical
knowledge of management concepts and practices. Theoretical
knowledge may be useful if you want to get into research. Also,
MBA syllabus is not amended very regularly as the college
offering MBA has no authority to change the syllabus. This can
be a major deterrent in the management arena because the
real business environment is very dynamic and full of sudden
unexpected changes. Hence, the MBA degree is more
academic and theoretical in nature.

The PGDM programme, if done from an above average business

school, will drill you with efficient training and will give you insights
into real life business situations. It is more practical in nature.
Since autonomous business schools have freedom to change
syllabus, the PGDM programme will be structured in a manner
most suitable to the real business environment.

However, the fact is that the industry treats MBA and PGDM
graduates in an equal manner. Even in the global job industry,
same treatment is given to MBA and PGDM graduates. In fact,
the industry is concerned more with the skill set of the students
rather than the degree. Hence doing either MBA or PGDM will
have the same impact on your career. Your starting salary will
depend more on the reputation and brand name of your
college/business school and not on the degree name. Hence
you must carefully choose your college/business school if you
want to pursue an MBA or PGDM.

Research and Higher Education after MBA/PGDM:

You must note that not all Universities/Institutions accept PGDM as

a Masters equivalent for admission into their Ph.D programs. You
will be eligible for Ph.D, if you complete MBA or you complete
PGDM from AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
approved institutions.

Hence, if you wish to pursue Ph.D after MBA, you must make sure
that you have either an MBA degree or a PGDM from AICTE
approved institutions. If you wish to pursue your Ph.D abroad, it is
always better to complete an MBA degree from any reputed
college or university.

Therefore, whether you do an MBA or a PGDM, you will be entitled

to the same benefits. Make sure you choose your college/
business school carefully and you go through the syllabi of various
institutions before you make a decision.

Thank You