MBA or PGDM: how the two management courses differ and which suits whom
Students weighing further study in business face a common choice between an MBA and a PGDM; the differences lie in recognition, syllabus, admission and fees.
Students who want to pursue higher studies in business and management often face the same question: should they do an MBA or a PGDM? Both courses are related to management, and there is not much difference between them in career opportunities. Still, they differ in a few finer points.
The first difference is degree versus diploma. An MBA is a degree course, generally run by universities. Being a degree, it enjoys traditional and wide recognition in the corporate world.
A PGDM is a diploma course, mostly run by autonomous business schools such as the IIMs, XLRI and SP Jain. It is a diploma, but the country's top management institutes are known for this very course. Its professional value is therefore considered equal to that of an MBA, and in some cases higher.
On the syllabus and practical learning: an MBA is tied to a university, so its syllabus tends to be more theoretical and traditional. University syllabuses are often dated, and changing them can take several years.
The PGDM syllabus is updated every year to match the latest needs of industry. It puts more emphasis on practical knowledge, industry projects and management skills than on bookish learning. It can be a good option for students who want to become entrepreneurs or settle quickly into the corporate world.
The route to admission is almost the same for both courses. Entry to both is based on national and state-level entrance examinations such as CAT, XAT, MAT, ATMA, CMAT and MAH-CET.
On tuition fees: an MBA at government or university-affiliated colleges receives government grants, so the fees are comparatively lower.
PGDM fees are generally higher because autonomous business schools run the course and students have to cover the entire cost. However, the fees of some top MBA colleges can be equal to or higher than those of a PGDM.
On the whole, an MBA suits those who want a traditional university degree and want to study on a budget. Those who want industry-linked practical learning, an updated syllabus and training at a top business school may find a PGDM the better option.
