Post Graduate Diploma in Management – PGDM full form, PGDM Eligibility, PGDM Course Fees, and PGDM Salary in India

PGDM is a diploma course that can be pursued after completing a graduation degree in a relevant stream. PGDM course duration is two years and is divided into four semesters. The diploma is granted in management studies, which is quite similar to a Master of Business Administration degree.

The PGDM full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. PGDM course includes subjects like Management Functions & Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Research Methodology, etc. Many entrance examinations are conducted at national and state levels for admission to PGDM courses. The popular PGDM entrance examinations are CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, and GMAT.

Top institutions in India offer admission to PGDM courses, such as IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, National Institute of Management & Technology (NIMT), and NMIMS. The PGDM fees in India lie between INR 4 to INR 10 Lakhs.

There is a wide career scope for PGDM graduates in India. Many big companies recruit PGDM graduates like Accenture, Aditya Birla Capital, Adobe, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tata Communications, Tiger Analytics, TVS Credit, Dell, Lenovo, Make My Trip, Hero Fincorp, HCL Technologies, HDFC Life, HP, HSBC, Hexaware, ICRA, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, Infosys, BPM, ITC, IDFC First Bank, and many more. PGDM salary in India is INR 1.8 to INR 2.2 LPA (at fresher level).

Table of Content

PGDM Course Highlights

PGDM Eligibility Criteria

Each institution has its own set of eligibility criteria for admission to the PGDM course. In general, the PGDM eligibility requirement has the following points –

• Candidate must have completed graduation with relevant stream from any recognised institution.

• The candidate must have scored a minimum aggregate of 50% in a bachelor’s degree. For IIM, this minimum aggregate score is 60% or above.

• To secure PGDM admission in top colleges in India, the candidate must perform well in entrance examinations such as the CAT.

PGDM Entrance Examinations

Among multiple entrance examinations conducted for offering admission to the PGDM course, a few popular entrance examinations are mentioned below –

• CAT (Common Admission Test)

• MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

• XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

• CMAT (Common Management Admission Test):

• NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test)

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

PGDM Admission Procedure

The admission procedure for PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) programs typically varies by institution but generally includes the following steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria set by the institution.

2. Entrance Exams: Many institutions require candidates to take specific entrance exams.

3. Application Form: Candidates need to fill out the application form of the respective institution. This can usually be done online through the institution’s website. The form requires personal details, educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), and other relevant information.

4. Selection Process:

• Shortlisting: Based on the entrance exam scores, academic performance, and sometimes work experience, candidates are shortlisted for further selection rounds.

• Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in GD and PI rounds. GD assesses communication skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities, while PI evaluates candidates’ knowledge, personality, and suitability for the program.

• Written Ability Test (WAT): Some institutions also conduct a WAT along with GD and PI.

1. Final Selection: The final selection is based on the overall performance in entrance exams, GD, PI, and possibly WAT. Some institutions also consider factors like academic diversity, gender diversity, and work experience.

2. Offer of Admission: Successful candidates receive an offer of admission from the institution. They are required to confirm their acceptance by paying the admission fee within the specified deadline.

3. Document Verification: Candidates need to submit original documents (such as mark sheets, degree certificates, and identity proof) for verification at the time of admission.

4. Fee Payment and Enrollment: Once the admission fee is paid and documents are verified, candidates are enrolled in the PGDM program.

Top Colleges/ Universities offering PGDM Course

Top government and private colleges offering PGDM courses in India are –

1. IIM Kozhikode

2. IIM Lucknow

3. IIM Mumbai

4. XLRI Jamshedpur

5. IIM Raipur

6. IIM Rohtak

7. MDI, Gurgaon

8. IIT, Kharagpur

9. SPJIMR

10. IIM, Tiruchirappalli

11. IIM Shillong

12. IIFT

13. Great Lakes Institute of Management

14. Goa Institute of Management

15. IMI, Delhi

16. MICA, Ahmedabad

17. IMT, Ghaziabad

18. IIM, Nagpur

19. IIM, Amritsar

20. Institute of Rural Management Anand

PGDM Syllabus

The PGDM subjects of each semester is mentioned in the table below –

PGDM Fees

On average, the PGDM fees in India range from INR 4 to INR 10 Lakhs. The PGDM fees in some of the top PGDM colleges in India are mentioned in the table –

PGDM Graduates Career Prospects

PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) graduates have diverse career prospects across various industries. Here are some common career paths and opportunities for PGDM graduates:

1. Corporate Sector: Many PGDM graduates join the corporate sector in roles such as:

Marketing: Brand management, digital marketing, market research.

Finance: Investment banking, corporate finance, financial analysis.

Human Resources: Talent acquisition, HR consulting, organizational development.

Operations: Supply chain management, logistics, project management.

1. Consulting: Management consulting firms hire PGDM graduates to work on strategy, operations improvement, and organizational restructuring projects.

2. Entrepreneurship: Some graduates choose to start their own ventures, leveraging the management skills and business acumen gained during their PGDM program.

3. Banking and Financial Services: Roles in banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions are common, especially in areas like risk management, wealth management, and financial advisory.

4. E-commerce and Retail: With the growth of online shopping, there are opportunities in e-commerce platforms and retail chains for roles in sales, operations, and strategic management.

5. Technology Sector: PGDM graduates with a focus on technology management often find roles in IT companies, startups, and tech-enabled businesses, particularly in product management and business development.

6. Healthcare Management: With the healthcare sector expanding rapidly, there are opportunities for PGDM graduates in hospital management, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare consulting.

7. Nonprofit and Social Enterprises: Some graduates choose to work in nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises, focusing on social impact and sustainable development.

In addition to these sectors, PGDM graduates can also pursue further education, such as doctoral studies (PhD), for academic or research careers. The versatility of a PGDM program allows graduates to adapt to changing industry needs and pursue diverse career paths based on their interests and strengths.

PGDM Salary in India

The average salary of PGDM graduates in India is INR 5 – INR 10 LPA, whereas the PGDM salary for freshers in India is INR 1.8 – 2.2 LPA. The average salary for PGDM graduates in different job profiles is mentioned in the table below –

Difference between PGDM and MBA

PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) are both postgraduate-level management programs, but there are some key differences between them:

1. Degree vs. Diploma:

• An MBA is a degree program awarded by universities or colleges affiliated with universities.

• PGDM is a diploma program offered by autonomous institutions and business schools approved by bodies like AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) in India.

1. Curriculum and Flexibility:

• MBA programs often follow a standardized curriculum set by the university, which may have less flexibility in terms of course content and structure.

• PGDM programs, being offered by autonomous institutions, have more flexibility in designing their curriculum based on industry trends and demands. They can update their curriculum more frequently to keep up with changing business landscapes.

1. Focus and Specialization:

• MBA programs typically offer a broader, general management education with the option to specialize in specific areas like finance, marketing, operations, etc.

• PGDM programs may also offer specialization options but are known for their flexibility in offering niche or emerging specializations that may not be available in traditional MBA programs.

1. Recognition and Accreditation:

• MBA programs are recognized by universities and often carry the university's accreditation.

• PGDM programs are recognized by AICTE or other relevant bodies and can be offered by autonomous institutions or private business schools. They may also have accreditation from bodies like AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) or AMBA (Association of MBAs).

1. Industry Orientation:

• PGDM programs are known for their strong industry orientation and practical approach, often involving more case studies, projects, and interactions with industry professionals.

• MBA programs may also include practical elements but may place more emphasis on theoretical aspects depending on the curriculum design.

1. Global Recognition:

• MBA degrees from well-known universities often have high global recognition and may be preferred for international career opportunities.

• PGDM diplomas from reputable institutions are also recognized globally, especially if the institution is accredited by recognized bodies and has a strong reputation.

In summary, while both PGDM and MBA programs offer valuable management education, the choice between them may depend on factors such as career goals, curriculum flexibility, specialization options, institution reputation, and accreditation. It's essential for prospective students to research and understand the specific offerings and strengths of each program before making a decision.

PGDM Top Recruiters

FAQs about PGDM Course

Ques – What is PGDM full form?

Answer – The PGDM full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Management.

Ques – What is a PGDM course?

Answer – The PGDM is a 1-2 year-long diploma course in management studies.

Ques – How many years long is a PGDM course?

Answer – The PGDM course is 1 to 2 years long.

Ques – What are the top PGDM colleges in India?

Answer – The top PGDM colleges in India are IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, National Institute of Management & Technology (NIMT), and NMIMS.

Ques – Which are the various PGDM subjects included in the curriculum?

Answer – The various PGDM subjects included in the curriculum are Management Functions & Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Research Methodology, etc.

Ques – Who is eligible for the PGDM course?

Answer – Candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree in relevant subjects are eligible for the PGDM course.

Ques – What is PGDM salary in India?

Answer – The average salary of PGDM graduates in India ranges from INR 5 to INR 10 LPA.

Ques – What is PGDM's salary at a fresher level?

Answer – The PGDM salary at the fresher level is INR 1.8 LPA to INR 2.2 LPA.

Ques – Does PGDM have any entrance exams?

Answer – Yes, PGDM has many entrance exams at the national, state and university levels.

Ques – What are the various entrance exams conducted for admission to PGDM?

Answer – The various entrance exams conducted for admission to PGDM are CAT, MAT, XAT, NMAT, GMAT, etc.

Ques – What is the PGDM fee in India?

Answer – On average, the PGDM fee in India is INR 4 to INR 10 Lakhs.

Ques – Which are the top recruiters of PGDM graduates in India?

Answer – The top recruiters of PGDM graduates in India are Accenture, Aditya Birla Capital, Adobe, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tata Communications, Tiger Analytics, TVS Credit, Dell, Lenovo, Make My Trip, Hero Fincorp, HCL Technologies, HDFC Life, HP, HSBC, Hexaware, etc.

Ques – What are the various PGDM job profiles?

Answer – The various PGDM job profiles are Administrative Officer, HR Manager, Business Consultant, Finance Manager, Human Resource Manager, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Executive, Marketing Manager, Strategic Manager, Brand Manager, International Sales Manager, etc.