Hello,
Most of the people, after gaining one or two year experience in management field, think of pursuing an MBA or a PGDM course, so as to further polish their credentials and job prospects. While many think that there is a difference between the two, few also perceive both as the same degree, with just a difference in the name. It is very much important for an individual to understand how both of them differ from each other and what their relevance is.

Pursuing both these courses helps one in the growth of their career, in getting a better position and obtaining a bigger salary.

What do they mean?

MBA: Stands for Master in Business Administration.

PGDM: Stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management.

Why are they pursued?

MBA: A Master in Business Administration (MBA) is a degree course offered by the colleges affiliated to the universities. So, only universities can offer MBA programmes.

PGDM: A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a diploma course offered by the institutes that are recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and which are autonomous and not affiliated to any university. However, accreditation by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) makes an institute's PGDM course equivalent to an MBA.

High/low fees

Fees is high in case of PGDM as compared to MBA. MBA institutes charge less fees as it is almost similar to university standard.

Are MBA and PGDM equal?

It is not mandatory that a PGDM is equal to MBA because then the college offering the PGDM course must have accreditation from AIU (The Association of Indian Universities).

Difference between the curriculum:

Although there are similarities between the curriculum of both, differences exist as well. A student pursuing MBA will be studying more of the theoretical aspects of management. An MBA institute will be following a fixed curriculum as it will be based on the university guidelines.

A student pursuing a PGDM course will be gaining knowledge regarding building soft skills and the programme is more industry-oriented. An autonomous institute does not have to follow university standards, so it is free to change its curriculum according to industry standards and change in the business environment. The course will prepare you for a senior level position in a company.

Cheers !!

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.

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.

The issue is only when you want to go for PhD or FPM. These programs requires a post graduate degree for admission and there PGDM is not applicable.

Rest all are equivalent for both.