PGDM Admission 2024

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Sep 24, 2024 21:03PM IST

Admission to PGDM courses in top colleges is offered on the basis of entrance exams score like CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT, etc. Candidates must qualify for these entrance exams, meet the cutoff defined by the desired colleges, and then appear for counselling. The seat is allotted based on your graduation score, performance in selection rounds, and entrance exam scores. Those who don't want to go through this rigorous process can opt for direct admission which is offered based on graduation scores only.

PGDM Admission Overview

PGDM admission in India is offered by various business schools and management institutes. While most of the top colleges provide PGDM admission based on performance in MBA entrance tests, some colleges offer direct admission taking into account a candidate’s academic background. PGDM programs are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in various management disciplines.

The admission process for PGDM course may vary slightly from one institute to another, but some common aspects include a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute with 50% marks, a valid scorecard in entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, or MAT, and performance in GD/ PI/ WAT. A few colleges may also consider work experience as a part of PGDM admission criteria.

It is recommended to check the websites of specific business schools or management institutes for the most up-to-date information regarding PGDM admission processes, eligibility criteria, and important dates. PGDM courses can benefit students who wish to pursue careers in various sectors, including hotels, banking, law firms, learning institutions, marketing agencies, and consultancy.

After the completion of the PGDM course, students can find various PGDM jobs with an average PGDM salary between 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per year. Because of its designation as "the perfect alternative to the MBA", this program can be used by youngsters who are looking for management training and a good package. If you are seeking PGDM admission in one of the top management institutes in India, check out the important details mentioned on this page.

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PGDM Admission Highlights

Check the following table for the major highlights related to PGDM admission. 

ParticularsDetails
Course NamePGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
PGDM Duration2 Years
Course LevelPostgraduation
PGDM Admission Eligibility
  • Candidate must have completed graduation in any stream with 50% marks
  • Qualified for entrance exams
PGDM Admission Process
  • Entrance Exam Scores + GD/ PI
  • Direct Admission + PI
PGDM Entrance ExamsCAT, MAT, SNAP, XAT, CMAT, etc.
Top PGDM CollegesASM IBMR Pune, XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IISWBM Kolkata, etc.
Average PGDM FeesINR 3 Lakhs to INR 15 Lakhs
Average PackageINR 5 to INR 15 lakh
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PGDM Admission Eligibility Criteria

Candidates willing to take PGDM admission must check the eligibility criteria, which may vary from institution to institution. Given below are the basic requirements for PGDM admission one should have.

  • Academic Background: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate score. Reserved category candidates receive a 5% relaxation (aggregate score may vary by college).
  • Entrance Exams: Various national-level entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, and MAT are accepted by many business schools and institutes in India. Students need to take one of these exams and their scores are taken into account during the selection process.
  • Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are often called for GD and PI rounds, where their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the program are assessed.
  • Work Experience (if applicable): Some institutes may consider work experience as a factor in the selection process, particularly for executive PGDM programs.
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Top Entrance Exams for PGDM Admission

Several leading business schools either administer their own entrance exams or accept scores of national and state-level tests for admission into their PGDM programs. To gain admission, students must meet the eligibility requirements and achieve a satisfactory score. Certain universities also offer direct admission based on merit. Prospective students can compile a list of desired colleges and apply for admission accordingly. Here is a list of top entrance exams for PGDM admission.

Exam Short NameExam Full NameConducting BodyFrequency
CATCommon Admission TestIndian Institutes of Management (IIMs)Once a Year
MATManagement Aptitude TestAll India Management Association (AIMA)Multiple Times a Year
CMATCommon Management Admission TestNational Testing Agency (NTA)Once a Year
XATXavier Aptitude TestXLRI, JamshedpurOnce a Year
NMAT by GMACNMIMS Management Aptitude TestGraduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)Once a Year (70-80 days test window)
MAH MBA CETMaharashtra Common Entrance TestState Common Entrance Test Cell, MaharashtraOnce a year
TS ICETTelangana State Integrated Common Entrance TestKakatiya University, WarangalOnce a year
AP ICETAndhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance TestSri Venkateshwara University, TirupatiOnce a year
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PGDM Admission Process and Selection Criteria

Mostly, merit and entrance exam scores are considered in the selection of candidates for PGDM. However, students may also be admitted to private colleges on the basis of a management quota, which has a limited number of seats. Below is the basic PGDM admission process based on entrance exams and direct application.

Entrance Exam-Based Admission

Students seeking PGDM admission through an entrance exam first need to register for it. Before filling out the application form, check if your desired college accepts the scores of that particular exam. Those who qualify for the entrance exam are shortlisted for further PGDM admission rounds that may include an Interview cum Personality Test, Group Discussion, and Written Ability Test. The final admission is offered on the basis of a student’s entrance exam score, performance in counseling rounds, and academic background. A few colleges may also consider work experience for final admission.

Direct Admission

Many PGDM colleges in India offer direct admission on the basis of a candidate’s academic background. If you are applying for direct PGDM admission, then you have to fill out the application form of the college/ institute available online/ offline. If the application is accepted, you may have to appear for Personal Interview, if conducted by the institute.

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Documents Required for PGDM Admission

Before getting PGDM admission into any university or top college, candidates are required to submit some documents. Here’s a list of important documents required at the time of PGDM admission.

  • Class 10th Certificate and Mark sheet
  • Class 12th Certificate and Mark sheet
  • Graduation Certificates and Mark sheets
  • College Leaving Certificate
  • Migration Certificate in case of a student migrating from another university
  • Provisional Certificate
  • Recent passport-size color photographs duly attested by a Gazetted Officer (5 copies)
  • Category Certificate (If Required)
  • Identity Proof (most probably Aadhar – Xerox copy)
  • Work Experience Certificate (If applicable)
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Top Specialization in PGDM

Candidates interested in pursuing a career in management can choose from a number of disciplines offered through the PGDM degree. In addition to Finance, Marketing, and Human Resources Management, there are a number of other specialties one can choose while taking PGDM admission. Candidates are free to choose a specialization according to their interest in the field. Some of the most popular ones are listed here.

  • PGDM in HR Management
  • PGDM in Marketing Management 
  • PGDM in Finance
  • PGDM in Hospitality Management
  • PGDM in Banking
  • PGDM in IT
  • PGDM in Operation Management
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Top Colleges Offering PGDM Admission in India

Candidates seeking PGDM admission in India can check out the list of some of the most popular private and government colleges along with their fee structures,

Top Private PGDM Colleges in India

Name of CollegeTotal Fees
XLRI, JamshedpurINR 13.70 Lakhs
MDI, GurgaonINR 18.13 Lakhs
SP Jain, MumbaiINR 20.42 Lakhs
International Management Institute, New DelhiINR 18.17 Lakhs
NMIMS, MumbaiINR 6-24 Lakhs
Amity University, NoidaINR 4.8-25 Lakhs
LPU, JalandharINR 1.5-9 Lakhs

Top Government PGDM Colleges in India

Name of CollegeTotal Fees
IIM CalcuttaINR 23-25 Lakhs
IIM KozhikodeINR 12-20 Lakhs
IIM IndoreINR 17-35 Lakhs
IIM AhmedabadINR 12-24 Lakhs
IIM BangaloreINR 12.5-24 Lakhs
IIT DelhiINR 10.5 Lakhs
IIM LucknowINR 9.5-12 Lakhs
IIT KanpurINR 2.8-13 Lakhs
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FAQs about PGDM Admission Process

What are the top recruiting companies that hire PGDM graduates?

Some of the top recruiting companies that hire PGDM graduates are Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Capgemini, Accenture, Wipro Technologies Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Deloitte, EY (Ernst & Young), Cognizant, Infosys Limited, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Deutsche Bank, Cybage, IBM Corporation, and more.

What are the career options after pursuing a PGDM degree?

Some of the career options after pursuing a PGDM degree are Marketing Manager, Advertising Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sales Manager, and Account Manager.

What is the PGDM syllabus?

PGDM includes many subjects like Organizational Behaviour, Managerial Accounting, Business Communication, Managerial Economics, Quantitative Techniques, Operations Management, and others.

Which PGDM course is the best?

PGDM offers many specializations like Marketing, International Business, Finance, Logistics-Supply Chain Management & Operations. Candidates can choose as per their preference.

Which are the top B-schools offering PGDM courses other than IIMs?

Some of the top B-schools other than IIMs which offer PGDM courses are:

  • XLRI Xavier School of Management
  • Management Development Institute
  • SPJIMR
  • Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
  • IMT Ghaziabad
  • IMI Delhi

Which are the skills required to pursue a PGDM course?

Candidates must possess the following skillsets to pursue the course:

  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Entrepreneurial Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Negotiation Skills

Which IIMs offer PGDM courses?

Some of the IIMs which offer PGDM courses are:

  • IIM Calcutta
  • IIM Indore
  • IIM Kozhikode
  • IIM Raipur
  • IIM Rohtak
  • IIM Lucknow

What are the top PGDM colleges in India?

Some of the top PGDM colleges in India are XLRI Jamshedpur - XLRI-Xavier School of Management, SPJIMR, Mumbai, AIMS Institutes, Bangalore, MDI Gurgaon - Management Development Institute, Doon Business School, Dehradun, Welingkar Mumbai - Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, ITM Navi Mumbai - ITM Business School.

Can PGDM be done after the 12th?

It is not possible to join a PGDM program immediately after the 12th. One must complete a graduation course and obtain an undergraduate degree before applying for a PGDM program.

What are the top colleges that offer PGDM Admission based on CMAT score?

Some colleges offer admission to the PGDM on the basis of CMAT scores are BIMTECH, Welingkar Institute of Management, KJ Somiya, etc.

What is the process for PGDM Admission 2023?

A candidate needs to pass their bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks and as required by the college clear the entrance exams cut off.

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