It is the most demanding search on Search engines like Google. After passing the bachelor’s degree, students want to add wings to their careers by studying for an MBA or PGDM to get an attractive job with lucrative packages. However, they don’t have a clear vision of MBA and PGDM. They don’t even know what is the difference between MBA & PGDM and which is better for their career growth. In this article, you will get a brief overview and in-depth knowledge of MBA and PGDM, and you can choose your desired one.
Topics Include:
- What is an MBA?
- What is PGDM?
- What is the similarity between Them?
- What is the difference between an MBA and PGDM?
- What are the opportunities for an MBA and PGDM?
- MBA vs PGDM: Which is better for your career growth?
- Explore Top 5 MBA/PGDM Colleges in India
- Final Impression
What is an MBA?
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It is a degree program by universities or institutions affiliated with universities and accredited by the UGC (University Grants Commission). MBA is more focused on theoretical business foundations. It widely provides a solid academic base in core management principles. As we said earlier, an MBA is a degree that welcomes you for further studies with open arms or a gateway to government roles.
What is PGDM?
PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is not a degree but a diploma program laid out by autonomous institutions approved by the All India Council for Technical Education or AICTE. The work procedures and cultures are evolving, so to stand tall and gather practical knowledge on new business trends, PGDM is good to go. If you are looking for hands-on learning and skills in management, then the project-based learning and practical approach is ideal for your career.
What is the similarity between Them?
Career opportunities: MBA and PGDM are accepted for higher studies in the industry.
Curriculum: Both programs cover core management subjects and help you gain in-depth knowledge.
Admission: In both cases, you must score well in entrance exams like MAT, CAT, and GMAT.
Recognition: In India, studying PGDM from an AICTE-approved institution will be equivalent to an MBA.
What is the difference between an MBA and PGDM?
Degree vs. Diploma: The primary and fundamental difference between MBA and PGDM is that MBA is a degree program, whereas PGDM is a diploma program.
Approving Authority: Ministry of HRD, AICTE, Govt. of India, UGC Approval is necessary to provide an MBA degree at the university level. At the same time, the PGDM institute has been approved by AICTE, the Ministry of HRD, and the government of India.
Eligibility: To be eligible for an MBA and PGDM, you must complete a 3-year graduation degree or equivalent. You must score a minimum of 50% to appear in the exam.
Entrance Exams: To secure your seat for an MBA or PGDM, you must appear in exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, GMAT, CMAT, IIFT, MAT, MAH CET, IBSAT, etc.
Examinations Approval: Universities conduct MBA exams; conversely, AICTE conducts the PGDM exams.
Course Structure and Approach: PGDM has a dynamic course structure that AICTE has approved, and they constantly update as per industry needs. MBA syllabus structure made by Universities. It is a static course structure or less frequently updated.
Innovative Practices: There is scope for developing practical skills and innovations in PGDM. According to needs, they change and update their content. On the other hand, MBAs are conducted by universities, so they are more focused on theoretical processes and less practical. They update their course less frequently.
Placements: In most cases, PGDM students get more placements than MBA students.
What are the opportunities for an MBA and PGDM?
Both courses offer lucrative career opportunities and ample scope. Both programs open the door for students to a brighter future in slightly different ways. Let’s explore in detail:
Consulting Industry: MBA graduates can grow their consulting careers as strategy consultants and business analysts. At the same time, PGDM candidates can shine as strategy consulting and operations consultants.
Finance Industry: Both students can strive for a captivating career in finance. MBA students grab the opportunities of corporate finance and financial planners. Similarly, the PGDM students join as investment banking and financial analysts.
Marketing Industry: The marketing industry embraces MBA and PGDM graduates. As an MBA graduate, you can join as a Market Research Analyst. On the other hand, PGDM students can grow their careers as Brand management and digital marketing specialists.Operations Industry: Project managers and quality control analysts are good choices for MBA graduates. Similarly, supply chain management and operations managers are good to go for PGDM candidates.
Human resources: As an MBA graduate, you have a gallon of scope as an HR manager and training and development specialist. In comparison, PGDM can grab the HR business partner and talent acquisition specialist posts.
MBA vs PGDM: Which is better for your career growth?
Both have good opportunities in their own aspect; you should select according to your needs.
Align with your Career goal: Each program positively impacts your management career. Before choosing between the two, your vision must be clear. If your professional aspects (corporates) need more practical than theoretical knowledge, then you should pick PGDM. On the other hand, if you desire further studies, government roles, or your jobs require a professional degree, then an MBA is best for you.
Relevance Program: You cannot stand tall only with static theoretical knowledge in the management industry. You should also have hands-on skills and expertise in the management industry to get a better job hike. Conversely, MBA programs help you understand core management or business concepts deeply.
Professional Aspects and Networks: Pursuing both courses adds wings to your career crowns. With these programs, you can grow your network with alumni, peers, and industry leaders. Some renowned corporate industries favor PGDM students more than MBA students due to their robust, practical experiences.
Increase Expertise: Both will enhance your skills, but as per your desired career arena, you should opt between them. Through PGDM, you can increase your practical experience, such as leadership, data analytics, and design thinking, which are highly demanding in the market. However, after pursuing an MBA, you will gain a lot of theoretical impact in strategic and analytical thinking. Which also has a good influence on management programs.
Explore Top 5 MBA/PGDM Colleges in India:
Plenty of institutes and universities in India offer MBA and PGDM programs. From Shiksha Search’s point of view Among them, the Best MBA/ PGDM Colleges in India are :
1- Doon Business School, Dehradun
2- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow
3- Pune Institute of Business Management,
4- Alliance University, Bangalore,
5- Noida International University,
Final Impression
You should know the slight differences between an MBA and a PGDM course, which is crucial, and you should select according to your aspirations. Both programs enhance your career growth. But it depends on what you require. PGDM is ideal for those who prefer practical knowledge and industry-aligned skills because they can implement their skills in real-world applications. Conversely, some higher studies require an MBA degree. Like a few government sectors, some international or national management companies require a degree, so an MBA is needed for them. So you must be focused and transparent in your vision, identify the subtle difference between MBA and PGDM, and grow your career by choosing any of them according to your desire.
