MBA vs PGDM - Which is a Better Option for You?

The MBA degree is seen as a time-tested tag that can open avenues to all types of career aspirations. But, PGDM, its nearest competitor, is more novel, flexible, and practical. myBskool offers PGDM from IMT Ghaziabad that is approved by the Joint Committee(JC) of India. The JC comprises UGC, AICTE, and Distance Education Council(DEC).  Let us understand the basic difference between MBA and PDGM in India-:

1) Only Universities can offer MBA: In India only those management institutes which are affiliated to a university can offer an MBA degree. For this reason institutes like Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies or Faculty of Management Studies can offer MBA degree, as they are affiliated with Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi Universities. Also IIMs, though being the best of the lot, can’t offer MBAs as they are not affiliated with any university. Institutes which are not affiliated to university are autonomous and can offer PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) degree. However, some of these programmes are approved by regulatory bodies such as AICTE.

2) Difference in Focus of Curriculum: While there are huge similarities in the curriculum of both MBA and PGDM, there are finer points of difference. While MBA focuses more on theoretical aspects of management and is more exam-oriented, PGDM has a focus on building soft skills and is industry-oriented. It prepares you for the job market.

3) Curriculum of PGDM is Flexible: Since an autonomous institute does not have to follow university standards, it is free to change its curriculum according to industry standards and change in business environment. Also a PGDM gives you an industry exposure. Whereas it will take time to change the curriculum for MBAs as it is affiliated with a university and it will essentially follow the university guidelines and changing this curriculum is a very slow process. 

4) Difference in Target : An MBA will help in developing technical skills and business knowledge whereas a PGDM will prepare graduates for senior level positions in industry and paves the way for a strong corporate career. Hence, if you’re looking for a career in the challenging area of management, you should go for PGDM.

5) MBAs are more Affordable: In compared to PGDM, generally MBAs are more affordable as the fees is almost similar to university standard. You can get a rough idea if you compare the fees of IIM and FMS. myBskool offers PGDM at a nominal cost of Rs,60,000.