Syllabus of MBA vs Syllabus of PGDM

Juhee Prasad

Updated On: July 14, 2022 03:45 PM

There are some key differences between the syllabus of MBA and syllabus of PGDM courses in India. Check the list of differences along with the semester-wise syllabus of MBA and PGDM courses. Also find the specialization level syllabus of different MBA course electives here.

Syllabus of MBA vs Syllabus of PGDM

We all know that Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a degree course, whereas, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) also know Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), is a diploma course. An MBA degree can be offered only by the universities or the institutions affiliated from AICTE recognized universities. On the other hand, autonomous bodies or private institutions cannot offer a degree course, so they offer a PGDM or PGPM course. The syllabi of both the courses are almost the same, apart from few defining differences. A major difference between the syllabus of the MBA courses and PGDM courses is that that MBA syllabus gets designed by the universities whereas PGDM syllabus gets framed by the individual independent institutions. Take a closer look at the differences between MBA and PGDM here.

Differences between Syllabus of MBA and Syllabus of PGDM

Syllabus of an MBA degree focuses more on technical and theoretical aspects of management studies, whereas, PGDM syllabus is coined to be industry oriented and focuses more on skillful approach and practical knowledge. If a candidate has taken up MBA then there are chances that he/she is studying a syllabus that was designed years back with no up-gradation and revision. On the contrary, a candidate who has taken up PGDM or PGPM course is more likely to study a syllabus with upgraded topics and sections as per the needs of the industry. Let’s look at some points of differences and similarities between the syllabus of MBA and syllabus of PGDM courses.

Syllabus of MBA

Syllabus of PGDM

Course Offered by Universities

Course Offered by Independent Institutions

Designed by Universities

Designed by Autonomous Bodies

Technical and Theory-Based

Industry Based

Gets Revised Once in 4-5 Years

Gets Revised on a Regular Basis

Full Two Years Syllabus

1-2 Years Syllabus as per the Institutional Decision

Has Core and Elective Courses

Has Core and Elective Courses

MBA and PGDM Syllabus and Curriculum: General Overview

Semester 1

Organizational Behaviour Quantitative Methods
Managerial Economics Financial Accounting
Marketing Management Human Resource Management
Business Communication Information Technology Management

Semester 2

Organization Effectiveness and Change Management Science
Economic Environment of Business Financial Management
Management Accounting Production and Operations Management
Marketing Research Management of Information System

Note: After the completion of two semesters in an MBA or PGDM programme, candidates are required to undergo compulsory internship or summer training with any company across the country. Credits are added to their final academic percentage for the same.

Semester 3

Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility Strategic Analysis
Legal Environment of Business Elective Courses as per Institutional Guidelines (Check the list below)

Semester 4

Project Study Strategic Management
International Business Environment Elective Courses as per Institutional Guidelines (Check the list below)

List of Elective Courses in MBA and PGDM Courses

Since a student must opt for an elective course and specialization as a part of the course, we have listed down some of the popular list of electives that are offered by the b-schools in India.

Financial Management

Quantitative Analysis of Financial Decisions Security Analysis and Investment Management
Portfolio Management International Financial Management
Management of Financial Services Management Control System
Corporate Taxation Financial Derivatives
Project Planning, Analysis and Management Risk Management
Fixed Income Securities Corporate Governance
Financial Reporting -

Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management

Management of Industrial Relations Human Resource Planning and Development
Manpower Development for Technological Change Cross-Cultural and Global Management
Performance Management Training and Development
Managing Interpersonal and Group Processes Managing Diversity
Counselling Skills for Managers Human Resource Development: Strategies and Systems
Leadership, Power & Politics Negotiation, Persuasion and Social Influence Skills
Personal Power & Leadership through Asian Values Compensation Management

Marketing

Consumer Behaviour Advertising Management
Competitive Marketing Business Marketing
Sales Force Management Service Marketing
Sales Promotion Management Brand Management
Internet Marketing Retailing Management
Marketing Channel Analytical Marketing
Advanced Research Techniques in Marketing -

Production and Operation Management

Advanced Operations Management Operations Strategy
Total Quality Management Operations Research
Environment and Safety Management Modelling in Supply Chain Management
Quantitative Analysis of Risk and Uncertainty Production Planning and Control
Supply Chain Management Technology, Innovation and New Product Management

Information Technology Management

Managing E-Business Business Process Re-Engineering
System Analysis and Design Strategic Management of Information Technology
Database Management Systems Knowledge Management
Managing IT-Enabled Services Network Operations, Management & Security
Business Intelligence -

Services Management

Management of NGOs Tourism Marketing
Transportation Management Hospitality Marketing
Hospitality Operations Management Civil Aviation Management
Airport Management Service Operations Management
Total Service Quality Management -

Please understand the syllabus described above may vary from college to college and university to university depending on the specialisations offered by them. Students interested in taking admission to MBA colleges can do so through our Common Application Form (CAF) . Check out some of the most popular MBA and PGDM colleges given below.

Popular MBA Colleges in India

Popular PGDM Colleges in India

If you have any doubts, you can reach out to us on the CollegeDekho QnA Zone . Or give us a call at 1800-572-9877 for free student counselling. Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more updates from the education sector.

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