Difference between MBA and PGDM
by Anjana Krishnan Social Media MarketingVery often MBA aspirants are
confused between MBA and PGDM and often have difficulty in choosing between the
two. This article will clarify you the difference between these two management
programs.
MBA Vs
PGDM
What do MBA and PGDM stand for?
MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a degree, while PGDM (Post Graduate
Diploma in Management) is a diploma program. As per the norms of the UGC, Colleges/Institutes
affiliated to a university can offer MBA degrees. The autonomous/private
Business Schools which are not affiliated to any university can offer the Post Graduate
Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs.
Hence, even apex institutions
like IIM, XLRI, and SPJIMR offer PGDM and not the MBA degree since these
institutions are autonomous bodies and are not affiliated to any university. As
such, there is no difference in what is being taught in PGDM and MBA.
Curriculum:
However, the autonomous business
schools frequently change the syllabus to meet the industry standards. A
syllabus change in an MBA program is rare since the college offering the
program has no authority to change syllabus. Before you make a decision you
should also note that MBA programs are a lot cheaper than PGDM programmes.
Which is
better: MBA or PGDM?
In an MBA degree, you will be
provided with theoretical knowledge of management concepts and practices.
Theoretical knowledge may be useful if you want to get into research. Also, MBA
syllabus is not amended very regularly as the college offering MBA has no
authority to change the syllabus. This can be a major deterrent in the
management arena because the real business environment is very dynamic and full
of sudden unexpected changes. Hence, the MBA degree is more academic and
theoretical in nature.
The PGDM programme, if done from
an above average business school, will drill you with efficient training and
will give you insights into real life business situations. It is more practical
in nature. Since autonomous business schools have freedom to change syllabus,
the PGDM programme will be structured in a manner most suitable to the real
business environment.
However, the fact is that the
industry treats MBA and PGDM graduates in an equal manner. Even in the global
job industry, same treatment is given to MBA and PGDM graduates. In fact, the industry is concerned more with
the skill set of the students rather than the degree. Hence doing either MBA or
PGDM will have the same impact on your career. Your starting salary will depend
more on the reputation and brand name of your college/business school and not
on the degree name. Hence you must carefully choose your college/business
school if you want to pursue an MBA or PGDM.
Research
and Higher Education
after MBA/PGDM:
You must note that not all
Universities/Institutions accept PGDM as a Master’s equivalent for admission
into their Ph.D programs. You will be eligible for Ph.D, if you complete MBA or
you complete PGDM from AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
approved institutions.
Hence, if you wish to pursue Ph.D
after MBA, you must make sure that you have either an MBA degree or a PGDM from
AICTE approved institutions. If you wish to pursue your Ph.D abroad, it is
always better to complete an MBA degree from any reputed college or university.
Therefore, whether you do an MBA or a PGDM, you will be entitled to the same benefits. Make sure you choose your college/business school carefully and you go through the syllabi of various institutions before you make a decision.
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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.