Difference between MBA and PGDM

Very often MBA aspirants are confused between MBA and PGDM and often have difficulty in
choosing between the two. This article will clarify you the difference between these two management
programs.

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.
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