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PGDM Syllabus & Subjects 2024
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The PGDM syllabus is designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical understanding needed for leadership roles in the corporate world. It covers a wide range of core subjects that impart fundamental business and management knowledge, as well as electives that enable students to customize their learning based on specific interests or career goals. PGDM syllabus is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and practices, ensuring relevance and rigour.
What is PGDM Syllabus?
PGDM syllabus is divided into four semesters over two years that is focused on training students with the core aspects of entrepreneurship and management. Some major PGDM subjects include Business Communication, Managerial Economics, Finance & Accounting, Information Technology Management, Marketing Management, Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior, Research Methodology, and more. There is a wide range of PGDM subjects that provide a comprehensive understanding of management and training that is based on a practical approach.
A PGDM course curriculum is specifically designed for students who wish to undertake managerial roles in an organization, immediately after the completion of their degree course. This is one of the reasons why a PGDM course focuses more on practical methods as opposed to theoretical knowledge. Specializations are also allowed in a PGDM course just like an MBA degree. Although the curriculum for PGDM is similar in most colleges and universities, there are variations depending on the specialization and the institute where a student is pursuing their degree.
A PGDM course is ideal for students who have completed their graduation and have also gained a substantial amount of skills and experience in the corporate world. Although an MBA course has certain course elements that allow the students to learn the practical aspects of management, a PGDM course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of managerial principles and practices through a practical perspective. The syllabus for a PGDM course is quite similar to that of an MBA.
After the completion of the PGDM course, individuals can find various PGDM jobs with an average PGDM salary between 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per year. Some business schools and management institutes make work experience a mandatory requirement for PGDM admission, whereas others consider it as an added advantage to a candidate’s profile. Find below the complete details about the PGDM syllabus and subjects.
Table of Contents
- What is PGDM Syllabus?
- PGDM Subjects
- Core Subjects in PGDM
- Elective Subjects in PGDM
- PGDM Year-wise Syllabus
- PGDM Syllabus for Different Specializations
- Syllabus for PGDM Distance Programmes
- PGDM Entrance Exam Syllabus
- Important Books for PGDM Syllabus
- PGDM Course Structure
- PGDM Syllabus PDF Download for Top Colleges
- PGDM Project Topics & Ideas
- FAQs about PGDM Syllabus
PGDM Subjects
A PGDM curriculum consists of numerous subjects across all semesters of the course. A detailed description of some of the important subjects in a PGDM curriculum, along with their contents is given below.
| PGDM Subjects | Topics | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Managerial Economics |
| Managerial Economics deals with the application of economic theory to the problem of management. Managerial Economics is viewed as economics applied to problem-solving at the organizational level. It enables the business executive to assume and analyze things. The primary function of learning Managerial Economics is to make the most profitable use of resources that are limited such as labour, capital, land, etc. |
| Business Communication |
| The process of sharing information between people within the workplace and outside a company is called Business Communication. It is intended to help a business achieve a fundamental goal, through information sharing between employees as well as people outside the company. Effective business communication is how employees and management interact to reach organizational goals, improve organizational practices, and reduce errors. |
| Financial Reporting, Statements, and Analysis |
| Financial accounting is the field of accounting that deals with the summary, analysis, and reporting of financial transactions for a business. It is a specific branch of accounting that involves a process of recording, summarizing, and reporting the myriad of transactions resulting from business operations over some time. |
| Organizational Behavior |
| Organizational behaviour (OB) is the study of how people interact within groups and its principles are used to make businesses operate more effectively. At its core, organizational behaviour analyzes the effect of social and environmental factors that affect the way employees or teams work. It is the study of the way people interact, communicate, and collaborate toward an organization's success. |
| Marketing Management |
| Marketing management is a discipline that focuses on the practical application of marketing principles, techniques, and methods inside an organization. It also focuses on the management of a firm's marketing resources and activities. It is centred on creating, planning, and implementing strategies that will help achieve wider business objectives. |
| Human Resource Management |
| Human resource management is the strategic, effective, and efficient management of people in an organization such that they help their business gain a competitive advantage. It is the department of a business organization that looks after the hiring, management, and firing of staff. It is designed to maximize employee performance in service of an employer's strategic objectives. |
| Operations Management |
| Operations management is the management of backend business functions like manufacturing, inventory, and quality control to ensure market-ready products and services. It is an area of management concerned with designing and controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services. |
| Business Ethics |
| Business ethics is a form of professional ethics, that deals with ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. It teaches students the standards for morally right and wrong conduct in business. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. |
| Quantitative Techniques for Managers |
| Quantitative Techniques in management involve the use of various elements of mathematics, including numbers, symbols, and mathematical expressions. They act as supplements for better decision-making and proper judgment in a business environment. The effective use of quantitative techniques can help in solving complex problems with remarkable accuracy which will lead to a reduction in cost and time effectiveness. |
Core Subjects in PGDM
Core subjects are the most important part of a PGDM curriculum as they teach students everything from the basics of management to complex theories, principles, and practices. A list of the core subjects in this course is given below.
| Business Environment & Policy | Marketing Management | Financial Management |
|---|---|---|
| Managerial Economics | Management of IT & Data Visualization | Managerial Communication |
| Strategic Marketing | Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation | Operations Management |
| Management of Change Innovation and Technology | - | - |
Elective Subjects in PGDM
Electives or Optional subjects are just as important as core subjects in a PGDM curriculum. These electives determine and enhance the knowledge and skills of a candidate in a particular field and thereby steering their career toward that industry. A list of elective subjects offered in a PGDM course is given below.
| Marketing of Services | B2B Marketing | Marketing Analytics & Business Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Management | HR Analytics | Financial Modelling and Analytics |
| Industrial Relations and Employment Laws | Corporate Restructuring | Talent Acquisition and Management |
| Financial Planning & Wealth Management | Operations Strategy | Web and Social Media Analytics |
PGDM Year-wise Syllabus
The PGDM course, like many management programs, spans a duration of two years. The common division of the curriculum is four semesters/terms with two semesters in each year of the program. However, there are management institutes where the course is divided into six terms of twelve weeks each and three terms/semesters each year. A list of subjects in each semester of a PGDM course can be found in the table below.
| Semester | PGDM Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Semester I |
|
| Semester II |
|
| Semester III |
|
| Semester IV |
|
PGDM Syllabus for Different Specializations
The best PGDM colleges in India provide a variety of PGDM specialisations to help students progress in a particular discipline while also broadening their understanding of the subject matter. In the first year of the programme, all core PGDM subjects are covered; however, the second year of the programme is devoted to the specialisation that the student has chosen based on their area of interest. The following is a list of the most popular PGDM specialisations offered along with the topics covered:
PGDM in HR Syllabus
Thousands of aspirants choose to enrol each year in the PGDM HR specialisation, one of the most popular PGDM specialisations in India. The most common PGDM HR subjects include HRM in the Service Sector and HR principles. The following table outlines a detailed PGDM in HR syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:
| PGDM in HR Syllabus | PGDM Subjects/Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Performance Management |
|
| Managing Redundancy |
|
| HRM in the Service Sector |
|
| Fundamentals of HR Management |
|
PGDM in IT Syllabus
PGDM IT is one of the finest technical PGDM programmes offered in India. It addresses numerous facets of overseeing IT teams and staff members, as well as the advancement of skills that one needs to succeed in the industry. In the IT PGDM Syllabus, topics like Biodesign Data, IT entrepreneurship, New Energy Technology, Big Data and Data Mining, and other PGDM subjects are widely covered. The following table summarises detailed PGDM in IT syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:
| PGDM in IT Syllabus | PGDM Subjects/Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Big Data and Data Mining |
|
| Computer Applications in Management |
|
PGDM in Finance Syllabus
For students who are interested in learning about a variety of financial aspects and how they relate to business and management, Finance is an ideal PGDM specialisation. The following table outlines a detailed PGDM in Finance syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:
| PGDM in Finance Syllabus | PGDM Subjects/Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Portfolio Management |
|
| Managerial Accounting |
|
| Financial Risk Management |
|
| Financial Reporting |
|
PGDM in Marketing Syllabus
Thousands of aspirants enrol each year in the PGDM HR specialisation, one of the most notable PGDM specialisations in India. The most common HR PGDM subjects include HRM in the Service Sector and HR principles. The following table highlights the detailed PGDM in Marketing syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:
| PGDM in Marketing Syllabus | PGDM Subjects/Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Human Resource/Organisational Behavior |
|
| Business Environment |
|
| Marketing Management |
|
| Consumer Behavior |
|
Syllabus for PGDM Distance Programmes
For individuals who desire to get a degree in management without losing their jobs, distance PGDM courses are particularly beneficial. Numerous reputable universities in India offer distance PGDM programmes, enabling students to combine employment with their education. In comparison, educational expenses are lower, and online lectures save a lot of time while letting students learn at their own pace. Candidates pursuing a distance-based PGDM course, however, should also check out if the course's credits are authorised and up to par with industry requirements. The following is a brief discussion of the semester-wise syllabus for PGDM distance programmes.
First-Year Distance PGDM Syllabus
The following table highlights the first-year (semesters I & II) syllabus for PGDM distance programmes:
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Business Statistics | Managing Quality and Supply Chain Management |
| Management Accounting | Business Environment |
| Managerial Communication | Introduction to Information Systems |
| Marketing Management | Organisation Behaviour |
| Principle of Economics | Financial Management |
Second-Year Distance PGDM Syllabus
The following table outlines the second-year (semesters III & IV) syllabus for PGDM distance programmes:
| Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|
| Legal & Regulatory Environment of Business | Elective - 1 |
| Strategic Management | Elective - 2 |
| Managing New Ventures | Elective - 3 |
| Human Resource Management | Elective - 4 |
| Ethics & Corporate Governance | Elective - 5 |
Students can choose their preferred PGDM institute based on various factors like placement, accreditation, global exposure, transfer programmes, specialisations offered, subjects and curriculum, etc. Therefore, let us discuss the semester-wise distance PGDM syllabus & subjects covered by the finest institutes in India like Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), etc.
NMIMS Distance PGDM Syllabus
Semesters I & II of the NMIMS distance PGDM syllabus are the same for all specialisations. However, semesters III & IV of the syllabus will vary as per a candidate's chosen specialisation. The following table shows the NMIMS distance PGDM syllabus for semesters I & II:
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | Business Statistics |
| Information Systems | Strategic Management |
| Managerial Economics | Operations Management |
| Marketing Management | Corporate Finance |
| Organisational Behaviour | Business Management |
NMIMS Pre-Term PGDM Syllabus
The following table shows the NMIMS pre-term PGDM syllabus for semesters I & II:
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Business Communication | Human Resource Management |
| Business Law | Operations Management |
| Business Oriented Computer Applications | Financial Management |
| Financial Reporting and Control Analysis | Entrepreneurship |
| Managerial Economics | International Business |
| Marketing Management | Consumer Behaviour and Customer Relationship Management |
| Organisational Behaviour & Principles of Management | Business Analytics |
| Organisational Study | Summer Internship Project |
| Quantitative Techniques | Business Research Method |
IGNOU PGDM Syllabus
The following table shows the IGNOU PGDM syllabus for semesters I to IV:
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Business Communication | Marketing Research |
| Financial Accounting | Management Science |
| Managerial Economics | Operation Management |
| Organisational Behaviour | Management Accounting |
| Quantitative Methods | Management of Information System |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Strategic Analysis | International Business Environment |
| Legal Environment of Business | Project Study |
| Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility | Strategic Management |
SCDL Distance PGDM Syllabus
The following table shows the SCDL distance syllabus for semesters I to IV:
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Business Law | Management Information Systems |
| Management Accounting | Human Resource Management |
| Managerial Economics | Marketing Management |
| Organisational Behaviour | Financial Management |
| Principles & Practices of Management | Production/Operations Management |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Required Specialisation I | Required Specialisation IV |
| Required Specialisation II | Required Specialisation V |
| Required Specialisation III | Project |
| Elective – I | Elective - IV |
| Elective – II | Elective - V |
| Elective - III | Elective - VI |
PGDM Entrance Exam Syllabus
Entrance exams are the first step toward pursuing a PGDM course and every aspirant must appear for these exams to be eligible for admission into a PGDM program. Colleges and universities consider standard management entrance exams like CAT, NMAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, MAT, ATMA, GMAT, etc. for the selection of candidates for PGDM courses.
Most of these entrance exams follow a similar exam pattern with slight variations depending on the exam. Due to this similarity in examination pattern, the syllabus for these exams also consists of similar topics and concepts. Many candidates use this as an advantage and tend to prepare for multiple entrance exams in a single academic year. A list of topics covered by these management entrance exams is given below:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability (VA) |
|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) |
|
| Logical Reasoning (LR) |
|
| Data Interpretation (DI) |
|
| Quantitative Ability (QA) |
|
Important Books for PGDM Syllabus
A student must also read reference books in addition to the required course readings. These books help students comprehend the course material better and maximize their understanding of the curriculum. Some essential books for PGDM students are given below.
| Name of the Book | Author(s) |
|---|---|
| Managerial Economics | Craig Petersen, W. Cris Lewis, Sudhir K. Jain |
| Business Communication Today | Bovee, Thill, and Chaturvedi |
| Essentials of Management: An International Perspective | Koontz & Weihrich |
| Contemporary Management | Gareth R. Jones & Jennifer M. George |
| Advance Accounting | Maheshwari S.N |
| Management - Tasks and Responsibilities | Peter. F. Drucker |
| Statistics for Management | Richard Levin and Rubin |
| Economic Environment of Business | Dutt & Sundaram |
| Understanding Organizations – Organizational Theory & Practice in India | Shukla, Madhukar |
| Values and Ethics for Organisations | Chakraborty, S. K, |
PGDM Course Structure
The course structure of a PGDM program is nearly identical to most MBA courses. The curriculum is a combination of academic subjects and co-curricular activities and projects. A PGDM course aims to teach managerial disciplines along with training students in these disciplines so that they can utilize theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Organizations always look for managers who show practical effectiveness as opposed to theoretical prowess. Thus, management students must focus on developing skills that are necessary in the real world.
The curriculum for a PGDM course allows students to learn the basics of management through the core subjects and explore their fields of interest through optional/elective subjects. Besides academic subjects, students are also allowed to exercise their knowledge in real-life situations through internships. A detailed list of subjects in the PGDM curriculum is given below.
| Course Element | PGDM Course Curriculum | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Subjects in Management |
| Foundational subjects in a PGDM curriculum are aimed at teaching students all the basic areas of management. These courses are designed to recapitulate the concepts that students have learned during undergraduate courses and/or in high school. These subjects are mandatory for strengthening the foundation of management disciplines in a student, and their presence in a PGDM course is necessary to cement those concepts that are required to understand the more detailed and specialized subjects later in the course. |
| Core Subjects |
| Core Subjects are essential, as they educate students in a manner that is by their course. These subjects provide students with the necessary knowledge regarding management principles and practices and also acquaint them with the different scenarios that they might face in a corporate environment daily. For example, during a PGDM course, students will learn about the basics of organizational behavior, human resource management, legal aspects of business, marketing, strategic management, etc. |
| Elective Subjects |
| Elective subjects in the PGDM curriculum offer students dozens of choices in terms of subjects that provide industry-specific knowledge. Students can choose certain electives that they are interested in and grow their knowledge and skills in these domains besides regular coursework. Electives serve as a great advantage to students by helping them increase their skill set and creating more avenues for them to explore. |
| Skill Enhancement |
| Practical knowledge and soft skills are indispensable to a manager's success in an organization. Theoretical knowledge is hardly useful if a manager cannot apply it to real-life situations. Therefore, skill enhancement in different areas is vital for management students. Skill development increases a manager's credibility in corporate domains. A manager is required to supervise a variety of roles under them, which requires them to be ready for almost all types of responsibilities. Therefore, skill enhancement is vital during a management course like a PGDM program, regardless of the specialization. |
| Projects |
| Project work is one of those crucial elements of a PGDM course without which the education of an individual, especially in a discipline such as management, is incomplete. Projects are assigned to students to teach them about the business world and industry relevant to their specialization through means of research and reasoning. Without an extensive understanding of the surroundings where an aspiring manager wishes to build their career, facing an abundance of hurdles is inevitable. Besides providing students with intimate details about the real world, projects also help develop research, and critical thinking skills among students. These projects encourage students to learn essential skills and use them to their benefit. |
| Internships |
| Internships have always been a great avenue for budding managers to showcase their skills in a real organization. These internships/apprenticeships are aimed to be a learning experience for students without pressuring them to perform important tasks. Students are asked to submit an internship report at the end of their tenure. This ensures their undivided attention during their time in the field. |
PGDM Syllabus PDF Download for Top Colleges
The PGDM syllabus PDF for various top colleges in India is available to download through the given links in the table.
| Name of the College | PGDM Syllabus PDF Download |
|---|---|
| SPJIMR Mumbai | PDF Download |
| Great Lakes Chennai | PDF Download |
| University of Pune | PDF Download |
| Pune Business School | PDF Download |
| BIMTECH Greater Noida | PDF Download |
| XIME Bangalore | PDF Download |
| NMIMS Indore | PDF Download |
| N L Dalmia Mumbai | PDF Download |
| Fore School of Management | PDF Download |
| XLRI Jamshedpur | PDF Download |
| SIES School of Business Studies | PDF Download |
PGDM Project Topics & Ideas
PGDM students have to complete projects during their course of study, which serves as a valuable opportunity to gain industry insights, develop relevant skills, and tackle real-world challenges. These project topics offer students a chance to delve deeper into their chosen fields of study, identify industry-related problems, and devise effective solutions to address them. By undertaking these projects, students can build a portfolio of work that will showcase their abilities to potential employers, thereby increasing their chances of landing their dream jobs in their respective sectors. Check out some of the popular PGDM project topics below.
- Rural Marketing Strategy of Pepsi Co.
- Sustainable Business models across consumer internet startups in India
- International Marketing of Khadi
- Foreign Direct Investments in Developing Countries
- An Analysis of the Grievance Handling Mechanism
- Risk management and portfolio management of investors in the equity segment
- Role of Women in Top Management Positions - Impact on Company Leadership
- Investment Management at Uber
- Impact of GST on the fast-moving consumer goods sector in India
- The Importance of a Strong Brand Image - Nykaa
- Employee welfare schemes at Hindustan Unilever
- Financial statements of ICICI Bank for the last 5 Years
- YouTube ads in digital marketing to reach mass audiences and its comparative effectiveness compared to TV adverting in FMCG industry
FAQs about PGDM Syllabus
What are the elective subjects in PGDM?
The elective subjects in PGDM include Marketing of Services, B2B Marketing, Marketing Analytics & Business Intelligence, Investment Management, HR Analytics, Financial Modelling and Analytics, Industrial Relations and Employment Laws, Corporate Restructuring, Talent Acquisition and Management, Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Operations Strategy, and Web and Social Media Analytics.
What are the core subjects in PGDM?
The core subjects in PGDM include Business Environment & Policy, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Managerial Economics, Management of IT & Data Visualization, Managerial Communication, Strategic Marketing, Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation, Operations Management, Management of Change Innovation and Technology, Organizational Behaviour, Financial Management, etc.
What is the PGDM 2nd year syllabus?
The PGDM 2nd year syllabus includes Digital Business Transformation, Management of Change Innovation and Technology, Information Systems, Sales & Distribution Management, Customer Relationship Management, Product & Brand Management, Financial Modelling and Analytics, Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility, Insurance Management, Corporate Restructuring, Fixed Income Securities, Tax Planning and Management, etc.
What is the PGDM 1st year syllabus?
The PGDM 1st year syllabus includes Managerial Communication, Managerial Economics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Marketing Management, Organizational Behaviour, Financial Management, Legal Aspects of Business, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Finance, Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation, Strategic Marketing, Management of IT & Data Visualization, Statistics for Business Decision Making, etc.
What are the distance PGDM subjects?
The distance PGDM subjects include Business Statistics, Managing Quality and Supply Chain Management, Management Accounting, Business Environment, Managerial Communication, Introduction to Information Systems, Marketing Management, Organisation Behaviour, Legal & Regulatory Environment of Business, Strategic Management, Managing New Ventures, Human Resource Management, Ethics & Corporate Governance, etc.
What are the popular books for PGDM syllabus?
The popular books for PGDM syllabus include Managerial Economics, Business Communication Today, Essentials of Management: An International Perspective, Contemporary Management, Advance Accounting, Management - Tasks and Responsibilities, Statistics for Management, Economic Environment of Business, Understanding Organizations – Organizational Theory & Practice in India, and Values and Ethics for Organisations.
Is it difficult to study PGDM subjects?
The difficulty of studying PGDM subjects can vary depending on factors such as your academic background, prior knowledge of management concepts, study habits, and the specific subjects you're studying. If you have a strong foundation in business or management-related subjects, you may find certain PGDM subjects easier to grasp.
Is PGDM syllabus different from regular MBA?
PGDM syllabus can indeed be different from that of a regular MBA. PGDM programs often have more flexibility in designing their curriculum compared to MBA programs.PGDM programs may place a stronger emphasis on practical learning and real-world applications of management concepts while MBA programs may prioritize theoretical knowledge and research.
What subjects are taught in PGDM?
The subjects taught in PGDM are Managerial Economics, Business Communication, Financial Reporting, Statements, and Analysis, Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Business Ethics, Quantitative Techniques for Managers, Research Methodology, Information Technology Management, Supply Chain Finance, Investment Management, etc.
What is the PGDM syllabus?
The PGDM syllabus includes Business Communication, Managerial Economics, Finance & Accounting, Information Technology Management, Marketing Management, Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior, Research Methodology, Operations Management, and more. PGDM syllabus is focused on training students with the core aspects of entrepreneurship and management.
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