Introduction
PGDM is a leading professional course in India that is ideal for candidates aiming to build a rewarding career in business and management. Renowned for its industry focused curriculum and hands on learning methods, the PGDM bridges the gap between academic knowledge and real world business demands. The course curriculum is prepared in such a way that it equips candidates with essential managerial skills, analytical skills and leadership skills ensuring they are well prepared to meet the fast evolving challenges of today’s competitive and corporate world.
What is PGDM Course?
Postgraduate Diploma in Management, commonly known as PGDM is a prestigious management program in India tailored for candidates and professionals seeking to advance their careers in business administration and corporate leadership. Known for its industry driven curriculum, practical training modules and case study based learning, the PGDM offers a perfect blend of theory and application.
The PGDM course helps learners develop critical thinking, decision making and leadership skills, enabling them to excel in diverse sections such as finance, marketing, human resource, entrepreneurship and operations management. By focusing on the latest business trends and global market practices, the course equips candidates to navigate the competitive world of corporations with confidence. PGDM Courses are offered by AICTE-approved institutes or autonomous B-schools.
Why Choose a PGDM Course?
PGDM is considered one of the finest courses that is in high demand. The reasons to choose the postgraduate diploma in management course have been explained below.
Specialised Course
PGDM courses are designed to provide a deeper level of scientific knowledge of business studies compared to other educational courses. Among the popular PGDM specialisations are business analytics, supply and logistics, financial management, marketing management, human resource management, etc.
These programs present the most significant industry segments that are often not considered in MBA courses, providing candidates with an experience in comprehensive education.
Industry Centric
One of the important features of PGDM courses is their focus on industry-centric subjects, which distinguishes them from other management courses. Unlike an MBA, which often adheres to a static curriculum that gets repeated for years, PGDM courses adapt yearly to mirror changes in the market.
This adaptability keeps all the aspirants of MBA informed about the latest trends and conditions going on in the market, ensuring that their education is relevant and applicable as it allows them to grow in different areas and not just climb the ladder of success in one direction.
Lucrative Course
PGDM courses are considered valuable as they focus on highly sought-after skills that employers value, thereby improving a candidate’s chances of securing employment. The growing popularity of PGDM courses among graduates who are seeking jobs in the industrial sector can be attributed to their skill-based strategy, which prepares them for well-paying employment options.
Throughout the course, candidates develop decision-making abilities, leadership abilities, business communication, strategic thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, and project management skills. By sharpening their skills just before graduation, they can significantly enhance their employability and market demand side by side. Apart from the skills mentioned, candidates also gain expertise in finance, operations, marketing and human resource management.
Pursuing a Successful Corporate Career
In the corporate sector, a PGDM course is known to hold influential value and is regarded as having more possibilities than pursuing a normal MBA. As PGDM courses are more specialised, skill-oriented in nature, they provide a direct route into the business domain. Comparing both courses, acquiring equivalent results with an MBA generally needs more additional coursework and practical knowledge.
In the academic course curriculum, PGDM courses serve as self-contained career advisors, helping candidates determine appropriate career paths on the basis of their highly sought-after specialisations.
Personality Development
PGDM is responsible for contributing especially to personality development, which enhances the success rates of the candidates by preparing them to handle challenges effectively that may come in their workplace. These programs promote critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, laying the groundwork for robust decision-making capabilities and all-around professional development.
Eligibility Criteria for PGDM
Before applying for the course, it is important to check the PGDM eligibility criteria so that there is no confusion regarding the course details and benchmarks. The detailed Eligibility Criteria for PGDM Course have been explained below.
| Criteria | Requirements |
| Marks Required | At least 50% marks (45% marks for reserved categories) |
| Entrance exams | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, XAT, SNAP. |
| Others | Pass from a recognised boardFinal year candidates can apply too. |
Types of PGDM Course
Check the types of PGDM courses below.
- Full-time PGDM: Duration is 2 years with extensive classroom and industry learning.
- Part-time PGDM: Preferred by working professionals, flexible learning experience.
- Executive PGDM: Pursued by mid-level professionals, mostly in leadership roles.
- Online/ Distance PGDM Course: Offered through a remote setup, flexible learning experience.
PGDM Course Specialisations
PGDM is offered under several specialisations as mentioned below.
International Business
International Business offers more in-depth knowledge and training in the field of international business to the candidates. Candidates get to learn about international marketing, export-import laws, global supply chain management, foreign exchange management, and cross-cultural negotiation skills. The average fees of international business specialisation in some top institutes like the Indian Institute of International Trade and Asian Business School are INR 4L to 10L.
International Business is suitable for those aiming for careers in multinational corporations, global consultancy firms, and export houses. The average salary package received is INR 4L – 10L PA.
Operations Management
Operations Management is a specialisation for those who want to learn the different competencies associated with the smooth and optimal performance of the operations department. Candidates get to gain skills regarding inventory management, logistics, lean management, process optimisation, and operations strategy.
The PGDM specialisation in Operations Management suits candidates from the manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and service operations fields. The average course fees of operations management are INR 3L to 10L. The average salary package received is INR 4L to INR 8L PA.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics is one of the sought-after specialisations of PGDM offered by some of the best institutions, like Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University aims to train candidates and provide hands-on learning related to business analytics practices, tools, and techniques to provide insightful knowledge from the data gathered, processed, and analysed.
Business Analytics helps candidates with knowledge related to predictive modelling, data analysis, statistical tools, and business intelligence software to make data-driven decisions. Candidates get to learn tools like Python, SQL, R, Tableau, and advanced Excel. The specialisation is ideal for candidates with careers in consulting, data analytics, and strategic planning where insights from data can drive profitability. The average fees are INR 4L to INR 12L.
Marketing
PGDM in marketing covers Marketing Management, Marketing Research, and related fields like consumer behaviour, branding strategies, sales management, market research, and digital marketing techniques. Candidates get to develop skills like creative communication, and market analysis that are crucial for advertising agencies, FMCG companies, retail, and brand management. The average course fees of PGDM Marketing are INR 4L to INR 8L. After the completion of the course, the average salary offered is INR 7.55L to INR 11L PA.
Finance
In the PGDM course with a specialisation in finance, candidates get to know the main prime domains, such as working capital management, international finance. Candidates also master skills in portfolio management, valuation, budgeting, and international finance. These skills are ideal for roles in financial services, banking, investment firms, and corporate finance departments. The average course fees lie somewhere between INR 5L to INR 10L. After the completion of the course, the average salary offered is INR 8L to INR 20L PA.
HR
PGDM in HR is one of the crucial specialisations as it focuses on Human Resource Planning, Human Resource Information Systems, Training and Development, Performance Management, and Compensation Administration. Candidates get to learn about skills like conflict resolution, people management, and HR analytics that are essential for those aiming to work in talent acquisition agencies, corporate HR departments, and organisational development roles. The average course fees lie somewhere between INR 4L to INR 8L.
PGDM Course Curriculum
Check the detailed semester-wise PGDM course syllabus below.
PGDM Semester 1 Subjects
- Management Functions & Behaviour
- Human Resource Management
- Economic and Social Environment
- Introduction to Information Technology
PGDM Semester 2 Subjects
- Operations Management
- Marketing Management
- Quantitative Techniques for Managers
- Managerial Economics
- Strategic Management
Semester 3 PGDM Subjects
- Marketing Management (MM)
- Financial Management (FM)
- International Business (IB)
- Human Resource Management (HR)
- Operations Management (OM)
- Information Systems (IS)
- Insurance Management (IN)
Semester 4 PGDM Subjects
- Business Law & Corporate Governance
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Research Methodology
- Project Work
Selection Process for PGDM Course
Check the PGDM selection process from the following pointers.
- Entrance Exam: Appear for exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, or GMAT.
- Shortlisting: Based on entrance scores, academic marks, and profile.
- Group Discussion (GD): Assesses communication and teamwork skills.
- Personal Interview (PI): Evaluates personality, motivation, and career goals.
- Final Selection: Combined merit of all the above stages.
PGDM Course Details
- PGDM Course Fees: For top-tier colleges, the PGDM fees lie between INR 10L to INR 25L. For mid-tier colleges, the course fees of PGDM are mostly between INR 5L to INR 10L. Lastly, for distance learning or online courses, the PGDM course fee is mostly somewhere between INR 50,000 and INR 2L.
- PGDM Course Duration: The duration of PGDM course is two years, further divided into four semesters.
Top Institutes Offering PGDM in India
Check the list of top PGDM Colleges in India below.
| PGDM colleges | Average total fees |
| Shree LR Tiwari School of Business Management (Marketing, Finance, Business Analytics, HR) | INR 9.5L |
| Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (Business Analytics) | INR 9L |
| Indian Institute of Management Kanpur | INR 2.8L – INR 13.5L |
| Chandigarh University, Chandigarh | INR 1.5L – INR 9L |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 6L – INR 21L |
| LPU, Jalandhar | INR 8L – INR 10L |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | INR 9.45L – INR 11.5L |
| NMIMS, Mumbai | INR 10L |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research | INR 14.5L – INR 24L |
Career Prospects After PGDM
The job options available after the completion of PGDM courses have been provided in the table below, along with the salary.
| Job Roles | Job Descriptions | Average PGDM Salary in India |
| Product Manager | Responsible for managing the product, strategy, and success of a product. | INR 5.7L – INR 38L Per Annum |
| Sales Manager | Accountable for leading and supervising the sales department of the company | INR 2.2L – INR 16L Per Annum |
| Marketing Manager | Responsible for planning, executing, and managing marketing strategiesPromote campaigns for the company’s products and services. | INR 2.4L – INR 25L Per Annum |
| HR Manager | Accountable for managing the HR department. | INR 2.9L – INR 19L Per Annum |
| Research Analyst | Charge of evaluating, investigating, interpreting, and providing financial services, economics, management, customer data, presenting, and data relating. | INR 1.8L – INR 10L Per Annum |
| Operations Manager | Responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations. | INR 3L – INR 21.9L Per Annum |
| Public Relations Officer | Charge of all communications, public relations, and public affairs in a company. | INR 1L – INR 7.6L Per Annum |
PGDM vs MBA: Key Differences
The major differences between PGDM and MBA are that autonomous institutes and MBA by universities offer PGDM. On the other hand, PGDM is updated frequently with industry trends, while MBA follows university guidelines. PGDM is skill-oriented, and MBA is more theory-based.
Want to dive deeper? Read our detailed blog on PGDM vs MBA here.
Conclusion
PGDM is a transformative step that offers practical skills, managerial skills, and industry expertise. If the aim is to become an entrepreneur, manager, or a corporate strategist, PGDM helps candidates to get equipped with the requisite skills needed to excel in the management journey. If the goal is to climb the corporate ladder, switch to a high-growth company, or launch one’s new venture, PGDM offers a pathway tailored to real-world challenges. From personal development to leadership training, PGDM not only enhances professional competence but also shapes them into confident decision-makers. In today’s competitive job structures, choosing a PGDM course is equivalent to investing in a future of limitless possibilities and substantial career growth.
FAQs
1. What is the PGDM course?
PGDM, the full form of which is Postgraduate Diploma in Management. PGDM course duration is a two-year course that is considered an alternative to MBA, offered by top management B schools in India.
2. Is PGDM better than MBA?
PGDM can be better than an MBA if you’re willing to study for an industry-oriented curriculum and updated course content.
3. What is a 1 year PGDM course?
1-year PGDM course is usually an executive PGDM course that is designed for the working professionals with a flexible schedule and online study materials.
4. Which PGDM course is best?
Business Analytics, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations Management, and International Business are some of the best PGDM specialisations of PGDM.
5. Who is eligible for PGDM course?
To be eligible for PGDM, candidates must have completed their graduation in any discipline (preferably commerce or management) with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. Admissions are primarily based on management entrance exams such as MAT, CAT, XAT, and SNAP.
6. Is PGDM for freshers?
PGDM can be pursued by freshers, experienced professionals.