MBA vs PGDM: Degree vs Diploma

The primary distinction between the two programmes is that while the PGDM is a diploma programme, the MBA is a degree programme. As already mentioned, MBA courses can be offered by both public and private universities or even a college affiliated to a university. On the other hand, Under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), which is independent of the UGC, b-schools that have received AICTE recognition and standalone/autonomous b-schools both offer PGDM programmes. 

• However, it is pertinent to note that the corporate world does not distinguish between the two. Both schools' graduates are equally qualified for the same kinds of managerial positions.
• However, the IIM act of 2017 designated the 20 current IIMs as Institutions of National Importance and gave them the right to confer MBA degrees; before this, they only had the ability to offer diplomas, much like every other private business school. 
• To evaluate which programme would put candidates in the spotlight of promising recruiters, they must instead place greater emphasis on key quality variables including faculty, curriculum, campus, peer group, rankings and accreditations, and placements. 

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MBA vs PGDM: Curriculum

The majority of MBA programmes follow a set curriculum and tend to be more theoretical in character. To keep up with changes in the business environment and economic climate, curriculum revisions have a certain rigor. These changes happen over a period of three to five years. However, private universities with more frequent curriculum updates include Symbiosis and NMIMS. Read More: MBA Syllabus

The PGDM syllabus, on the other hand, is subject to revision or updating at the discretion of the b-school's in order to stay up with evolving industry norms and requirements. As a result, the schools are able to keep their competitive advantage, which fosters widespread pedagogical and curriculum innovation. In contrast to pure theoretical learning, such programmes also allow for more practical application-based learning. 

• In fact, the curriculum design process for any effective PGDM school incorporates industry experts. 
• These veterans contribute wisdom that encourages integration of cutting-edge technology into management curricula, including artificial intelligence (AI), design thinking, and business analytics.
• Along these lines, it is important to remember that all colleges affiliated with a given university would take the same MBA tests, which are administered by the individual universities. 
• In the case of private b-schools and IIMs, the tests are administered by the institutions themselves, who have a significant deal of control over their evaluation standards.

MBA vs PGDM: Fees Structure

The cost of MBA programmes is quite low because they are offered by universities and colleges, the majority of which receive grants from the UGC and government funding. For its two-year MBA programme, Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), one of India's best MBA institutes under Delhi University, charges INR 1.92 lakhs. Read More: MBA Fees

A PGDM programme is unquestionably a significant financial commitment. Since institutions and independent business schools that operate PGDM programmes, primarily on-campus, are responsible for covering all of their own expenses, the result is much higher programme prices. 

• However, these fees are used to provide cutting-edge facilities, enable faculty exposure to the world, deliver cutting-edge curriculum, and prepare students to land highly sought-after employment. 
• For such excellent PGDM programmes, several banks and financial organizations offer loans with affordable interest rates. 

MBA vs PGDM: Entrance Exams

Both programmes accept scores from a range of competitive exams, including the CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT and CMAT. Many colleges and universities accept grades from state-level exams including the MHT CET, TSICET, PGCET and TANCET for MBA programmes. A few elite colleges also administer their own exams, such the XAT (XLRI), SNAP (Symbiosis), and IIFT EXAM (IIFT). 

In majority of the cases, PGDM courses do not have any proper entrance exams or tests. Admissions to these courses are usually done on the basis of past academic records, other relevant achievements, diversity of backgrounds etc. These sets of scores are crucial in terms of getting admitted across any top PGDM institutes. Thus, candidates must be aware of which test scores are given the maximum weightage while enrolling for PGDM courses across any top PGDM colleges in India. 

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MBA vs PGDM: Eligibility

Though both the programs require candidates to clear their class 12 from a recognized board followed by clearing their graduation in any relevant discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above. There is still a stark difference in terms of Entrance exams as discussed above. 

For candidates aspiring to pursue MBA, it is mandatory for them to clear any of the Management Entrance Exams, in order to get enrolled across any top MBA Colleges in India. However, for PGDM candidates need to maintain a consistent sound academic record throughout for being able to get enrolled across any top PGDM colleges. Though there are exceptions whereby, colleges and institutes do conduct entrance exams in order to enroll across top PGDM institutes.