MBA and PGDM program is are designed for aspiring managers aiming to build leadership and managerial skills. For management aspirant, one of the common question in their mind is- between MBA or PGDM, which is better in India.
The key difference is in their curriculum, fees, value and placement. In this blog, we will explore MBA or PGDM, which has more value, through a comparative table covering each factor and will provide insight on - which is better MBA or PGDM for government jobs.
MBA or PGDM, which is better in India?
In 2025, candidates who are looking to upgrade their skill set and enhance their career prospects are going for MBA or PGDM program. It is the most wise and strategic decision for graduates and working professionals.
MBA and PGDM courses are now more accessible, flexible and diverse, with dynamic business world and growing need for managerial professionals. Both the program offers the understanding of business administration, management, leadership and offers the specialization in the field of one’s choice, such as, finance, international business, information technology, digital marketing etc.
As the similar nature of program, candidates are in dilemma which is better and have more value, so to help them decide better, mentioned below is a detailed comparative table on MBA or PGDM, which has more value:
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Factors
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MBA
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PGDM
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Full form
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Master of Business Administration
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Post Graduate Diploma in Management
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Affiliating body
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Only UGC recognized colleges and universities grant MBA degree
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PGDM degree is offered by colleges/universities approved by AICTE.
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Regulating authority
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UGC-University Grants Commission
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AICTE-All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
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Curriculum
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The curriculum is fixed by university and is not updated frequent.
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The curriculum is flexible and is frequently updated to meet current industry trends
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PGDM vs. MBA fees
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MBA fees is comparatively lower, it ranges from 2lakhs–25 lakhs depending government or private universities.
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PGDM fees are generally higher, ranging from 7lakhs–35 lakhs depending on the autonomous institutes.
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PGDM vs. MBA duration
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Regular MBA is of 2 years (4 semesters) and some online/distance and executive MBA are of 1-year.
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PGDM is of 2 years including six trimesters.
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Teaching
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MBA is a combination of practical exposure and lecture based learning.
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PGDM is has less emphasis on theory and more on practical, case study based learning.
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Recognition
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MBA degree is accepted for government jobs, PhD, teaching, and research positions
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PGDM degree has limited recognition for sectors like research/teaching.
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Industry Recognition
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MBA offers strong industrial recognition, as the degree gives emphasis on both practical and theoretical aspects.
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PGDM offers equally strong industrial recognition.
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PGDM vs. MBA salary
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Top MBA colleges like IIMs, XLRI, and KCC-ITM have higher average packages ranging from 10LPA to 25 LPA.
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Top PGDM institutes (XLRI and SPJIMR offer slightly less salary ranging from 7LPA to 20LPA
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Flexibility
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MBA program is fixed by UGC so offers lesser flexibility.
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PGDM program have highly flexible program as they are governed by autonomous bodies.
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Government & PSU Jobs
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MBA is a post graduate degree which is widely preferred and mandatory for most government/PSU roles.
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PGDM is a diploma degree after graduation which is not accepted for all government roles.
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International Acceptance
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MBA degree is globally recognized for further international higher studies or employment
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PGDM degree is not recognition globally.
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Entrance exams accepted
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Standard entrance examination is accepted like CAT, MAT, XAT or merit based depending on the college.
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Similar entrance exams are accepted, some institute organize their own specific exams for admission.
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Scope
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MBA offers wide scope in sectors like academic, corporate, education, start-ups, research, government job roles and in global market.
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PGDM offers scope in sectors like corporate jobs, entrepreneurship and industry-focused roles.
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Admission Process
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MBA admission process is more competitive and centralized strictly based on CAT score/graduation merit/ GD(group discussion) PI (personal interview)/
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PGDM admission is also done on the basis of entrance exams but some colleges offer flexible admission processes including management quota option.
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After reviewing the comparative table on MBA or PGDM which is better in India, candidates will now understand that both the degrees have their own advantages and the better choice depends on their individual goals and aspirations.
If candidates are looking for UGC recognized degree with global recognition and acceptance, affordable fee structure and wants to keep their doors open for government jobs and academic/PhD aspirations, then they should select MBA degree.
If candidates are seeking flexibility in admission process and don’t mind high fees, with industry focused curriculum and private sector job opportunities in corporate industries, then they should go for PGDM courses.
Above mentioned table will enable students to make an informed choice about the MBA or PGDM which has more value question by highlighting each of the degree advantages and disadvantages depending on student’s career goals and interests.
Which Is Better: MBA or PGDM for Government Jobs?
Government jobs eligibility criteria allows students with MBA degree to apply for their job roles. As MBA degree is approved by central government body-UGC (university Grant Commission) which holds more value.
PGDM course is a expensive program that helps students get decent placement but it is still a diploma course which makes the students not eligible for applying for government exams, PhD admission and teaching positions.
For instance, in any university/colleges requires management professor then they will require a candidate who have completed post graduate MBA degree from a recognized university/college not a PGDM diploma holder.
Hence, if candidates want to keep their doors open for government managerial roles/ teaching roles/higher education then MBA is clearly a better option.
MBA or PGDM: Which Has More Value?
The value of PGDM degree is more in corporate and private sector jobs, as recruiters value skills and exposure above all. But for the international positions, the global market recognizes and value MBA degree much more.
As MBA is a rigorous post graduate degree program and PGDM is a diploma program. Even for government jobs and academic roles MBA degree holders have more advantage. Hence, MBA degree holds more value if candidates seek structured curriculum and have plans for global placement, government jobs, higher studies or teaching roles.
And PGDM degree hold more value to candidates, who wants industry focused management education with fast track placement with slightly lower placement package compared to MBA in private organization/firm.
Summary table of MBA or PGDM which is better in India
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Factor
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MBA
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PGDM
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Awarded by
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Universities (UGC/State/Private)
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Autonomous Institutes (AICTE approved)
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Degree or diploma
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Degree
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Diploma
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PGDM vs. MBA duration
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Regular MBA is of 2 years
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PGDM is of 2 years
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Curriculum
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Fixed and updated less frequently
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Flexible and industry-updated more often
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Teaching approach
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Combination of practical and academic curriculum
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Practical, case-driven and live projects
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PGDM vs. MBA fees
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Lower (usually in government or government affiliated universities like FMS DU, KCC-ITM and Jamia Millia Islamia)
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Higher
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Recognition abroad
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Universally recognized
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Varies, but gaining international acceptance slowly.
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Best career options
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Corporates/Academic/Higher education/Government jobs
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Corporate careers/start-ups
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Regulatory authority
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UGC
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AICTE
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Entrance exams
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CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, State/University-level and graduation merit based.
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CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, CMAT and management quota
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PhD eligibility
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Yes, eligible
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Not eligible
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Final Takeaway:
In conclusion, to answer the question-MBA or PGDM which is better in India depends on candidate’s individual career goals and interest. Both, the program will lead the pathways to lucrative and meaningful management careers if pursued from the right college.
Although, many sectors like government job roles, management professor and higher studies in management field prefer candidates with MBA degree as it is a post graduate degree not a diploma like PGDM course.
The MBA or PGDM which has more value depends on programs that are valued in their respective industries, as MBA is more accepted in eminent corporate companies/government job roles/academia while PGDM is considered more accepted in private sector companies only.
Also Read :
FAQs for MBA of PGDM which is better
Q1. What is the average fee for PGDM colleges in India?
Ans1. The average fee for top PGDM colleges in Delhi NCR is between 10 lakhs and 25 lakhs for the entire program (2 years).
Q2: Are expensive courses like PGDM program are better than budget friendly MBA colleges?
Ans2: No, on the basis of fee structure, no one can decide which college is better. Colleges like KCC-ITM Delhi School of Economics (DSE DU) and Jamia Millia Islamia comes under budget friendly colleges but they also provide excellent placement opportunities.
Q3: Is it mandatory to take an entrance exam for MBA admission in 2025?
Ans3: No, it is not mandatory for affiliated government colleges like KCC-ITM. They have limited seats for merit-based admission on the basis of candidate’s graduation scores.
Q4: Are scholarships available for MBA aspirants in 2025?
Ans4: Yes, colleges like KCC-ITM offers scholarships on the basis of graduation score and CAT score and UGC/AICTE government scholarships are also available.