PGDM vs MBA

Difference between MBA and PGDM – Which is Better?

PGDM programmes are often offered by autonomous institutions and business schools. This autonomy allows these institutions to design and update their curriculum more swiftly to align with industry needs. On the other hand, MBA programmes are offered by universities and are globally recognised. If you plan to work internationally or in larger multinational corporations, an MBA may carry more weight.

PGDM or MBA, Which is Better?

The choice between a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) depends on various factors, including your career goals, the institution offering the programme, and your personal preferences. Here’s a comparison to help you decide on which is better PGDM or MBA for you:

PGDM vs MBA Difference

The main difference between an MBA and a PGDM is that an MBA is a degree, and a PGDM is a diploma. MBA stands for Masters in Business Administration, and PGDM stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management. MBAs are offered by universities or colleges affiliated with universities. PGDMs are offered by autonomous institutes.

Both MBAs and PGDMs are two-year postgraduate programmes that provide similar skills and knowledge in management. However, they take different approaches to business. PGDMs offer practical knowledge of business management. In India, most colleges, including IIMs, offer PGDMs. PGDMs are equivalent to MBAs from any Indian university.

Let’s look into the different reasons to pursue a PGDM or MBA to find a quick answer to the question, “PGDM or MBA, which is better?’

Reasons to Pursue an MBA

An MBA can help you:

  • Increase your job prospects
  • Build business leadership skills
  • Develop business skills in a new industry
  • Retrain in a different field
  • Broaden your career opportunities
  • Get higher earnings
  • Climb the corporate ladder
  • Gain access to a large network of MBA professionals
  • Find jobs in emerging fields

Reasons to Pursue PGDM

PGDM courses can prepare students for the challenges of the business management industry. PGDM courses are more industry-oriented than MBA courses, which are more theoretical. PGDM courses focus on grooming programmes, mentorship, and industry exposure. PGDM courses also offer rigorous placement services.

PGDM courses can help students:

  • Gain practical exposure
  • Meet industry leaders
  • Strengthen communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills
  • Prepare for more precise decision-making
  • Focus on horizontal skills rather than vertical skills

PGDM vs MBA Salary

Salary After MBA

The average starting salary for an MBA graduate in India is around INR 9 lakhs per year. As you gain more experience, you can expect an annual salary between INR 14-20 lakhs. The highest MBA salary in India was INR 75.2 LPA. The average monthly MBA salary in India ranges from INR 6 lakhs to INR 23 lakhs, depending on the ranking of the business school.

Salary After PGDM

The average salary for a PGDM graduate in India is INR 7.73 lakhs per year. The starting salary for a PGDM is between INR 3 and INR 8.5 lakhs per annum and increases with experience. The highest salary for an MBA graduate is around INR 21.3 lakhs. This was all about PGDM vs MBA salary in India.

Experience the Professional Impact of MBA and PGDM at ISBR Business School

Approved by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, and accredited by AICTE, the PGDM curriculum at ISBR stands out with three distinct dimensions: a robust corporate interface, unrestricted knowledge accessibility, and an unwavering focus on the future. Delivered by one of the premier PGDM colleges in Bangalore, this programme is exceptionally distinctive in both its content and delivery.

On the other hand, the MBA programme at ISBR is designed to nurture students into visionary leaders and entrepreneurs who are well-prepared to navigate the constantly evolving global business landscape. Achieving this objective involves a range of initiatives and an educational approach that prioritises participatory learning.

MBA and PGDM Specialisations at ISBR

MBA Specialisations:

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Banking Finance and Insurance Services Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Healthcare Management
  • Startups and SMES Management
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management

PGDM Specialisations:

At ISBR, PGDM specialisations are divided into two sections: major and minor.

Major Specialisation:

  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Operations

Minor Specialisation:

  • Health Care Management
  • Retailing & Supply Chain
  • Business Analytics
  • Sports Management
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Information Science
  • International Business
  • Banking and Insurance
  • Small Business Management and Business Entrepreneurship (SBM&E).

Long Story Short

Unfold your potential and chart a dynamic career path by pursuing a PGDM or MBA at ISBR. Join the esteemed institution to gain the knowledge, skills, and network you need for success. Seize this opportunity to shape your future, and apply now to start on an exciting journey of learning, growth, and leadership.

FAQs

  • Which is best, PGDM or MBA?

Both MBA and PGDM programs hold equal value in terms of professional opportunities, both within India and internationally. Possessing a PG diploma is certainly not considered a disadvantage in lieu of a degree. So, there is no certain answer for “PGDM vs MBA which is best?”. Rather, it depends on your interests and career goals.

  • Is PGDM equivalent to an MBA?

MBA represents a postgraduate degree, while PGDM is classified as a diploma, equivalent to an MBA from any Indian University. Examinations for PGDM are administered by affiliated universities, and institutions offering PGDM programs are authorised by AICTE to conduct these exams.

  • Is PGDM good for the future?

Enrolling in a Post Graduate Diploma in Management has the capacity to elevate your career to unprecedented levels. The increasing popularity of the PGDM program in recent years is attributed to its efficacy in producing skilled management professionals prepared to thrive in the dynamic business landscape.

  • Is a PGDM more difficult than an MBA?

PGDM programs emphasise practical applications in the industry, unlike MBA courses, which tend to be more theoretical. PGDMs prioritise grooming initiatives, mentorship, and providing extensive industry exposure. Additionally, PGDM programs feature a more rigorous approach to placement services compared to MBA programs.

  • Is it worth doing PGDM after an MBA?

Possessing an MBA-PGDM degree can unlock a plethora of new career prospects and lead to increased salaries. Among the coveted job roles with elevated pay scales for individuals holding an MBA-PGDM degree are management consultants, investment bankers, marketing managers, finance directors, business analysts, and human resource managers.