PGDM Course

PGDM full form is Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is a two-year Business Management course that can be pursued in full-time, part-time, online, or distance learning mode. It offers knowledge of various aspects of Business Management and Administration and imparts skills to manage various functions within a company. Students who are interested in making a career in Management or wish to start their own business can opt for a PGDM course. PGDM subjects include Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Managerial Accounting, Strategic Management, Business Analytics, Business Ethics, Business Law, and more.

The PGDM admissions process and fees vary in different colleges. Many top colleges need scores of entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, CMAT, ATMA, XAT, MAT, and NMAT for admissions, whereas some offer PGDM admission based on a 10+2 merit-based system. XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, NMIMS Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and SIBM Pune are some of the top colleges in India. The PGDM course fee ranges from INR 1 lakh to 20 lakh. PGDM caters to industry requirements and helps management aspirants develop relevant skills to transform into industry-ready professionals. The course adds value beyond the regular MBA curriculum and is industry-oriented, unlike MBA, which is more theoretical.

A PGDM course focuses more on grooming programs, mentorship, and industry exposure. Also, the placement services are more rigorous with this program. Hence, pursuing a PGDM from a recognized institute is usually a great option. The graduates can find various PGDM jobs, including Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager, Finance Manager, Business Analyst, and more. Depending on the job profile and area of specialization, one can get an average PGDM salary between INR 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per year. If you are interested in pursuing a PGDM course, read below for complete details so that you can make an informed decision!

• MAT 2024 registration for February session CBT and IBT 3 is available until March 5, 2024. The February 2024 session for MAT has begun on February 24, 2024.
• KMAT Kerala 2024 Session 1 exam is to be conducted on March 3, 2024. Students appearing for the exam can download the KMAT Kerala admit card 2024 available on the official website (cee.kerala.gov.in).
• MAH MBA CET 2024 admit card will most likely be released in the last week of February 2024. The exam will be conducted on March 9 & 10 in online mode by the Common Entrance Test Cell Maharashtra.
• CMAT 2024 registration will begin soon, most likely in the last week of February 2024. NTA will announce the exam date along with the release of the application form on the official website at cmat.nta.nic.in.

Check out the top highlights of the PGDM course provided below.

Pursuing a PGDM can be a transformative experience. It challenges you intellectually, exposes you to new ideas, and helps you develop as a management professional and as an individual. If you are looking for some strong reasons to go for a PGDM course, then check out the points below.

• PGDM courses are designed to equip students with a diverse set of skills necessary for effective management. These skills include leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Many PGDM courses offer various specializations, allowing students to focus on a specific area of business that aligns with their interests and career goals. Popular specializations include marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and international business.
• PGDM courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and developments in the business world. This ensures that students learn relevant skills and knowledge that can be applied in real-world situations.
• Business schools often provide a platform for students to network with industry professionals, alumni, and fellow students. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.
• Many PGDM courses incorporate practical components like internships, industry projects, and case studies. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• With businesses operating in a globalized world, PGDM courses often offer an international perspective. This may include opportunities for international internships, exchange courses, or modules focused on global business practices.
• If you're interested in starting your own business, PGDM courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to plan, launch, and manage a successful venture.
• Pursuing a PGDM can enhance your career prospects and open doors to higher-level positions in organizations. It can also make you more competitive in the job market. Graduates with a PGDM tend to have higher earning potential compared to those with only an undergraduate degree. The specialized knowledge and skills gained in a PGDM course can get you higher salaries.

Wondering who should do PGDM course? Check out the below pointers and know if you are one of them.

• Students who wish to develop leadership skills, improve their decision-making skills, critical reasoning skills, and form their personalities through classroom lectures, role plays, guest lectures, business trips, and personality development programs must pursue a PGDM course.
• Individuals who wish to study interdisciplinary courses must opt for a PGDM course. This course was developed by combining different disciplines such as economics, management, and accounting. Since today's students need a broad range of experience, the PGDM course equips students with the skills they need to compete in the global marketplace.
• Those interested in internship programs and live project opportunities must pursue a PGDM course to get to work on real-life business problems under the mentorship of experienced industry professionals, understand business processes, and apply and implement management concepts and models.

An online PGDM course is an excellent option for students who want to pursue a management program while balancing other commitments. The flexibility, accessibility, and quality of the program make it a popular choice among students and working professionals alike. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in the corporate world. The PGDM online course can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, giving students the freedom to study at their own pace and convenience.

The online PGDM course materials, discussion forums, and assignments are all available online, enabling students to balance their studies with other commitments such as work or family. It is essential to choose an Online PGDM program offered by a recognized and accredited institution to ensure that the degree holds value in the job market. The accreditation is an indicator of the program's quality, and it ensures that the program meets the industry standards and requirements. It is also important to research the PGDM conline curriculum, faculty, and alumni network to assess its relevance and effectiveness in achieving your career goals.

When it comes to postgraduate management programs, students have various options to choose which sometimes becomes confusing. That's why we have provided a quick comparison of PGDM, MBA, and PGDBA. Check out the key differences between MBA and PGDM discussed in the table below.

The key differences between Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics (PGDBA) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) have been tabulated below:

Check out the different types of PGDM courses available to specific sections of students or working professionals:

Participants for the PGDM course may be from any discipline such as Engineering, Humanities, Commerce, Economics, Medicine, or any other branch of education. Fresh graduates, as well as candidates with relevant work experience, are welcome to apply. The eligibility criteria for PGDM courses slightly vary in different institutes, keeping the main requirements the same:

• To be eligible for admission to the PGDM course, the participants must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent in any discipline, recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for admission to postgraduate programs. 
• At premier universities such as IIM, a minimum of 60% or 6.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 should have been achieved at the graduation level. 
• There is no set age limit for taking the PGDM course.
• The bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification obtained by the candidate must entail a minimum of three years of education after completing higher secondary schooling under the 10+2 system or equivalent. 
• The applicants to the PGDM course are selected based on past academic performance in 10th, 12th, and graduation; CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT score; written test; essay writing; group discussion; extempore, and personal interview. Appropriate weightage is given to the work experience of PGDM course applicants.

Skills Required for PGDM Course

• Cross-Cultural Competency: Respecting cultural differences and working with these differences is the key to opening up opportunities in a global economy. If a candidate possesses knowledge of foreign languages and an orientation toward working across national boundaries, it can be a major advantage in business.
• Communication skills: An individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to convince others. 
• Problem-solving skills: To possess a managerial role in marketing, candidates need to develop the skills of analyzing certain situations, applying proper logical thinking, breaking any complex problem into simpler parts, and then providing solutions for them.
• Teamwork: Possessing teamwork skills is mandatory to excel as a manager because while working for greater interests, it is important that all have to cast their differences aside and work together to achieve good results. 
• Leadership skills: Candidates must be equipped with strong leadership skills. Individuals with great leadership skills empower teams to achieve their full potential, make decisions, and strategize well to help organizations thrive.

Following are the various national and state-level entrance exams candidates need to appear for to get admission into the PGDM course.

National-Level Entrance Exams for PGDM Course

Common Admission Test

CAT is a qualifying exam for admission to MBA, PGDM, and other PG-level management courses in India. The eligibility for taking the CAT exam is 50% marks in graduation, for reserved categories the qualifying marks are relaxed up to 5%. The test consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is taken online for three hours, with one hour per section.

NMAT by GMAC

NMAT by GMAC is a national-level entrance test conducted for MBA/PGDM admissions at NMIMS University and other reputed B-schools in India as well as abroad. It is a computer-based exam and has three sections - Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning. NMAT 2022 exam scores will be accepted by some of the top MBA colleges in India for MBA admission 2023-25 batch like NMIMS Mumbai; SPJIMR Mumbai (PGMPW); ISB (Certificate programme); VIT Vellore; K J Somaiya Mumbai; XIM Bhubaneswar and many other MBA colleges in India.

Xavier Aptitude Test

XAT is a national-level aptitude test conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission in MBA/PGDM programs in XLRI and other top MBA colleges like XIMB, IMT Ghaziabad, TAPMI Manipal, etc. The exam duration is 3 hours. The syllabus encompasses Verbal and Logical Ability, General Knowledge, Decision Making, and Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation.

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test

SNAP Test is a common aptitude test conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed) University for admission to the MBA/PGDM programs. The exam is conducted once a year. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes or 1 hour.

State-Level Entrance Exams for PGDM Course

Best Books for PGDM Entrance Exam Preparation

A PGDM course is available in various specializations that candidates can choose as per their interest. Check out some of the popular PGDM specializations provided below.

PGDM in Marketing

You may learn about consumer behaviours as well as the Hows and Whys of the market through a sales and marketing course. The Sales and Marketing curriculum is created to ensure that students fully understand the idea of marketing, enabling them to manage real-time commercial operations in the future while making rapid and effective choices. The average annual salary in this domain ranges from INR 4,80,000 to INR 4,00,000. 

PGDM in Supply Chain Management

This post-graduate management program covers topics like Marketing Management, Production Management, Principles of Logistics, Managerial Economics, Shipping and Maritime Law, and many more. MBA in Supply Chain Management offers an annual compensation between Rs. 12-13 lakh per annum. The average annual salary starts from Rs. 7,00,000.

PGDM in Business Analytics

QU (Quality Analysis) is considered an important part of any business. Business Analytics specialization trains the candidates in the fields of business analysis practices, tools, and techniques to deliver relevant insights from the data collected, extracted, and analyzed. The average salary of PGDM Business Analytics ranges between INR 5- 12 lakh per annum.

PGDM in Entrepreneurship

Creating, designing, and operating a new company that sells or hires a process or service is the core of entrepreneurship. It is a 2-year, full-time Diploma program designed to provide an in-depth understanding of enterprise creation, enterprise growth, and management, encouraging participants' thinking, ambitions, and applied learning experiences. The average annual salary stands at INR 5.8 LPA.

PGDM in Information Technology

Our lives now revolve around information technology, whether it is for managing banking or ordering meals to be delivered to our homes. This field is now one of the most popular sectors in education and employment due to the increasing need for learning and further innovation brought on by the reliance on information technology. PGDM course teaches students how to assess, handle, and resolve management and technical problems. The average annual salary ranges from INR 2,80,000 to INR 18,00,000. 

PGDM in Banking and Finance

PGDM in Finance is a course designed for qualified candidates to broaden their knowledge of financial management topics such as working capital management, international finance, and merger acquisition, among others. The course trains eligible students to become experts in the subjects of finance and financial management. The banking, finance, and insurance industries provide a wide range of job opportunities, from management and consulting roles in the public sector and international organizations to independent work as a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Finance Consultant, and Entrepreneur. The average annual salary is as high as INR 15 LPA.

PGDM in Human Resource Management

Along with serving as a point of contact between staff and management, the HR department is in charge of several aspects of hiring and onboarding new employees. Because they use their skills to find the finest candidates for a firm, human resources professionals are in great demand. A career in human resources may lead to a range of lucrative employment opportunities because the area is increasing quickly. It is a two-year postgraduate course designed to provide eligibility, suitability, and competent HR professionals with sufficient knowledge of business in all industrial sectors. This course includes subjects like Strategic Management, Managerial Economics, Employee Legislation, Performance Management, etc. The average annual salary ranges from INR 2-15 LPA. 

PGDM in International Business

It is a specialized course that offers knowledge of global trade and business practices, the chance to learn about the business ethics of other countries and the norms of cross-border import and export. PGDM graduates are in high demand for management roles in organizations engaged in international trade or for their expertise in consultancies that aid companies in growing to serve foreign markets. The average annual pay might reach INR 12,00,000.

PGDM admission process typically involves the same stages across most management institutes. Below are the steps that every PGDM candidate must follow to gain admission into a PGDM program:

• Apply for Entrance Exams: The first step is to apply for the PGDM entrance exams that are accepted by the colleges you are interested in. Ensure that you meet all the requirements of the entrance exam.
• Qualify for Entrance Exams: If you qualify for the entrance exam and meet the minimum cutoff, you will be called for the selection rounds. You need to register to participate in the counselling and fulfil all the requirements.
• Participate in Counselling: Based on the entrance exam scores, candidates are shortlisted and invited for Group Discussions, Written Ability Test, or Personal Interview rounds. PGDM colleges that offer direct admissions to PGDM, on a merit basis, also conduct personal interview rounds.
• Appear in the Merit List: After evaluating candidates based on entrance exam scores, GD/PI performance, academic performance, and work experience (if any), the final list of selected students will be announced.
• Report to the College: Those who have been allocated a seat in the PGDM college will be required to report (offline or online) and pay the admission fees. Classes will commence thereafter.

Many universities offer direct PGDM admission to students without requiring the entrance exam scores. To apply for admission, candidates must submit their applications to the colleges or universities based on their preference and interest. This means that the earlier a student applies, the greater their chances of securing a seat in their desired program. 

However, it is important to note that certain eligibility criteria must be met to be considered for admission. For instance, students should have scored at least 50% in their graduation from any discipline. Additionally, candidates who possess some work experience between 1-3 years will be given preference over those who do not have any work experience.

Furthermore, students can also opt for admission through the management quota or Institute level quota seats into private MBA colleges. To be eligible for this, students must have a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in their graduation. Individuals who are interested in pursuing an MBA program should keep these admission requirements in mind and plan accordingly to increase their chances of securing a seat in their desired college or university.

PGDM course fees range from INR 95,000 to INR 15,00,000 in India. The most renowned colleges in India offering PGDM along with their course fees and NIRF rankings have been tabulated below:

The PGDM syllabus has undergone significant change as the needs and demands of the industry have evolved over time. The PGDM syllabus must stay up with the most recent advancements in the business world; otherwise, candidates will not be able to manage the dynamic nature of a company and carry out their managerial obligations. Given below is the semester-wise syllabus for PGDM:

Core Subjects in PGDM

Elective Subjects in PGDM

The most renowned private colleges in India offering PGDM along with their NIRF Ranking 2023 and course fees have been tabulated below.

Check out the list of top government PGDM colleges in India along with their NIRF Ranking 2023 and course fees.

Check out the top colleges in India offering distance PGDM courses to candidates.

If you are planning to study a PGDM course in a particular state or city, then browse the list of top PGDM colleges by state and city in India.

PGDM Colleges by State

PGDM Colleges by City

Studying PGDM course abroad can be an excellent choice for many individuals. Pursuing an international PGDM program can provide several benefits and open up numerous opportunities for career growth and personal development. The reason why an international PGDM is a sought-after credential is that it offers a comprehensive and globally recognized curriculum that includes diverse subjects such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources management. Besides, international PGDM programs often offer exposure to a diverse and multicultural environment, which helps students develop cross-cultural competencies and gain a unique perspective on global business practices.

Additionally, students who complete an international PGDM program may have better chances of securing high-paying jobs with reputable multinational companies, both in their home country and abroad. An international PGDM is a sought-after credential by many individuals for the following reasons:

• The average annual compensation for individuals graduating with PGDM from distinguished foreign institutions is significantly higher than those graduating from Indian universities. 
• Students get an opportunity to learn from industry experts abroad. Their teaching team and guest lecturers have a wealth of knowledge to keep the students engaged and learning.
• Students get the privilege of studying in world-leading business centres. An individual pursuing a PGDM program abroad can build an international network of professionals. 
• Pursuing an international PGDM helps to impress recruiters by proving the candidate’s ability to take on challenges and handle change. Hence, it increases one’s employability.

The different PGDM career options that are available have been listed below:

Salary After PGDM Course

Top PGDM Recruiters

• Philips-India
• Ogilvy & Mather
• Aditya Birla Money
• HSBC Bank Ltd
• Hero MotoCorp
• Apollo Health & Lifestyle
• Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
• Asian Paints India Ltd
• Colgate -Palmolive India Ltd
• HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co.

PGDM Career Scope in India

In India, as well as overseas, both MBA and PGDM courses have equal value when it comes to career prospects. The need for qualified managers adept at handling various managerial responsibilities in a business is great and will keep on increasing. There are several job opportunities that students can get after completing a PGDM course. PGDM course, trains and polishes the leadership and management skills, which are essential in the business management industry. The average PGDM salary in India is INR 7.73 lakh per year.

PGDM graduates can apply for job roles in finance, IT, Human resources, Business Research, and Business Marketing departments, depending on their specialization. They also stand a chance in research organizations in job roles like analytical experts, business analysts, etc. In Business Consulting, PGDM graduates can be financial advisors at banking or financial institutions or IT advisors at a technology company. PGDM graduates can also start their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.

Individuals who have completed a PGDM can choose from several education options to improve their skills, focus on a particular area of expertise, or pursue advanced qualifications. The following are some of the typical choices available:

Executive PGDM

The Executive PGDM program is a contemporary, rigorous program designed to empower executives in creating and renewing competitive advantage for their organizations. It allows working professionals to pursue a world-class management curriculum while continuing their work.

PhD in Management

Those interested in research and academia can consider a PhD in Management, which involves conducting an in-depth study in a specific management area and contributing to the academic field.

Specialized Master's Programs

Specialized Master's programs in finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, or international business can be explored for in-depth knowledge in a specific field.

Global Business Management Programs

Global Business Management programs offering a global perspective on business management can be considered, with some institutions providing opportunities to study and gain experience in different countries.

Entrepreneurship Programs:

Programs focused on entrepreneurship and innovation can be chosen by individuals looking to start their businesses, which provides insights into starting and managing a business.

Certifications and Short-Term Courses

Professionals looking to enhance their skills in specific areas such as project management, data analytics, digital marketing, or leadership may opt for industry-recognized certifications and short-term courses offered by many institutions and professional bodies.