Management is one of the most pivotal branches when it comes to business administration. With management courses, one can achieve a lot of experience in the professional domain. Practical extensive knowledge about the working and operations of businesses and careful application of skills in professional environments are the highlights of degrees like MBA, BBA, and PGDM provide endless possibilities. BBA is a UG degree, whilst PGDM and MBA are PG degrees and the difference between PGDM and MBA is what matters.

Going by the definitions- PGDM is essentially Post Graduate Diploma in Management, while MBA is Masters in Business Administration. It is evident from the face of it that one is a diploma course and the other, a master’s degree. There are thousands of colleges that offer both degrees. Though many colleges like NIET offer PGDM courses, when it comes to the difference between PGDM and MBA, the latter holds is more popular and holds more ground.

The major difference between PGDM and MBA is that the latter, MBA is a degree course that is primarily offered by the colleges affiliated to universities like NIET, whereas PGDM is a diploma course that is offered only by autonomous institutes. Apart from this, the difference between the two lies in small details.

Difference between PGDM and MBA- Pointers :

There are certain large scale and certain other small scale differences between PGDM and MBA, but these differences are pivotal to understanding the different scales at which a student can pursue management. The list on which they differ are:

1. The Focus of Study :

The core subjects are common in both the degrees, but the key difference between PGDM and MBA comes in the approach of education. Where PGDM courses are more hands-on and practically aligned, MBA is directed towards more theoretical aspects. PGDM in colleges like NMIMS and NIET has an ever-evolving course structure, adapting itself in accordance with the industry standards.

2. Syllabus :

The key difference lies in the fact that the MBA course curriculum is designed by the university and will be more or less the same in all MBA colleges under the same university. On the other hand, PGDM courses are crafted by individual institutions and this renders flexibility and a particular freshness to the course and subjects. The curriculum can be updated in accordance with the industry requirements, while universities drag behind to get on the same track.

3. Cost :

MBA programs have more affordable and lower tuition fees as compared to PGDM courses. 

4. Innovation and Education :

The secondary difference between PGDM and MBA courses is that PGDM courses are more multidimensional and practically inclined. 

5.Examinations :

PGDM institutions are authorized by an approving body like AICTE to host and conduct exams, while MBA exams are conducted by the university and are much more uniform across all colleges of that university.

6. Higher Studies :

After an MBA, students get an opportunity to pursue Ph.D. in Management. But since Ph.D. is a doctorate degree, that can only be registered for after completing a master’s degree, PGDM students will not be able to pursue a PhD

Where to look for these courses?

Some colleges focus on only one, while some offer both courses. Here is a list :

  • MBA– IIM-A, IIM-B, NMIMS, IIFT-Delhi, FMS-DU, JBIMS-Mumbai,  IIT-DOMS -Kharagpur, Bombay, Delhi, Roorkee, Madras, Kanpur and NIET
  • PGDM-  Symbiosis, IMT Ghaziabad, NMIMS, XLRI, SPJIMR, IIM-Calcutta.

A well-rounded college provides all the aspects for a good, well-rounded education. Don’t just focus on the degree, focus on the growth and learning.