Amity University Noida MBA Admissions 2025
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In 2025, with changing industry demands and evolving B-school trends, making the right choice between an MBA and a PGDM is more important than ever. While both aim to build business acumen and leadership skills, the differences can significantly impact your career — especially when it comes to job opportunities, salary packages, and long-term growth. With evolving industry demands, corporate preferences, and global opportunities, making the right choice requires a deeper understanding of how each program aligns with current market trends.
In this article, we break down the core differences between MBA and PGDM, analyze placement and salary data, and help you decide which path aligns best with your career goals.
Let us start by looking at the distinction between MBA and PGDM and how they differ in the following categories, which will help you decide which one to choose in 2025.
MBA full form is Master in Business Administration, is generally offered by government and private universities and colleges. MBA programs usually have a fixed structure, where any changes are made only after proper planning, and this change usually occurs every 3-5 years.
Graduates with an MBA degree are well-prepared to pursue a variety of senior managerial roles in some of the top organisations.
PGDM refers to Post Graduate Diploma in Management, which is a diploma-level business program focusing on practical training and offers industry-relevant skills. This program is offered by autonomous institutions. The curriculum of PGDM programs changes based on the decisions that are made by business industry trends.
When choosing between MBA vs PGDM, candidates usually consider various factors such as the ranking of the institution, curriculum, fee structure and placements. Let us look at some of the major differences between both the programs to get a detailed overview:
Particulars | MBA | PGDM |
Full Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management | Master in Business Administration |
Course Level | Post Graduate Diploma | Post Graduate Degree |
Key Focus Area | Practical knowledge and industry orientation | Theoretical and skill-based |
Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Flexibility | Follows university syllabus | Autonomous institutes can change curricula as per industry needs |
Accreditation | AICTE | University Grants Commission (UGC) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's in any discipline with 50% minimum marks from a recognised university. | Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university. |
Fees Structure | Affordable | Expensive |
Industry Perception | Prefer in government jobs and academics | Preferred in corporate and private sectors |
Examinations | Conducts semester exams | Institutes conduct internal/semester exams. |
The table below mentions the following differences between what is taught in both courses.
Particulars | MBA | PGDM |
Curriculum | An MBA program, which is a specialisation program, has a fixed curriculum. | These programs are more flexible and allow for more specialisations in areas such as AI or data analytics. |
Key Focus Area | Their main focus is on offering theoretical knowledge and understanding of the business principles. | They focus on practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills, and case studies. |
Institutions | This program is taught in government colleges. | These are offered by independent business schools. |
Recognitions | These are degree programs. | These are diploma programs. |
To conclude, both these programs have a main focus on equipping students with the necessary management skills. However, the focus on curriculum, institutions' key focus areas can vary.
In 2025, an MBA is a degree program offered by universities or colleges affiliated with universities. It is governed by the UGC (University Grants Commission).
Whereas PGDM is a diploma program offered by AICTE-approved autonomous institutions. Despite being a diploma, it is considered equivalent to an MBA in terms of value and job prospects, especially when earned from a top institute.
Take a look at the following differences between both the courses in terms of degree and the diploma program.
Aspect | MBA | PGDM |
Full Form | Masters in Business Administration | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
Type | Degree (awarded by universities) | Diploma (awarded by autonomous institutes) |
Affiliation | Offered by universities or university-affiliated colleges | Offered by AICTE-approved autonomous institutes |
Governing Body | UGC (University Grants Commission) | AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) |
Duration | 2 years | 1-2 years (mostly 2 years) |
Flexibility | Less flexible in updating curriculum | More flexible and updated frequently |
Recognition | Recognised as a master’s degree | Recognised as a postgraduate diploma (but equivalent to MBA in many cases) |
Example Institutions | IIMs (some now offer MBA), FMS, university departments like DU, MU | XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, NMIMS (autonomous B-schools) |
Higher Studies | Easily accepted for Ph.D. programs (India & abroad) | May require an equivalency certificate in some cases |
Placement & Career | Similar placements if from reputed institutes. | Equivalent career opportunities if from top B-schools. |
Both MBA and PGDM graduates in 2025 can expect competitive salaries upon graduating. However, earning potential depends on factors such as the reputation of the institution, the graduate’s experience and the demand of the specialised role in the market.
Here is the expected salary which one can expect after completing PGDM and MBA.
Starting Salary of PGDM Graduate | Rs. 3 LPA to Rs. 8.5 LPA |
Average Salary of PGDM Graduate | Rs. 7.73 LPA |
Highest Salary of PGDM Graduate | Rs. 20 LPA |
Starting Salary of PGDM Graduate | Rs. 7 LPA to Rs. 10 LPA |
Average Salary of PGDM Graduate | Rs. 5 LPA to Rs. 25 LPA |
Highest Salary of PGDM Graduate | Around Rs. 21.3 LPA |
Note: The above-mentioned salary for both MBA and PGDM can vary depending on the organisation.
PGDM programs are more expensive than MBA programs, which are generally affordable. This is because PGDM programs are offered through autonomous business schools, which cover costs independently.
On the other hand, MBA programs are offered by universities or government-funded colleges.
Here is a quick comparison of both PGDM and MBA fees that are offered in the colleges.
MBA Colleges | Fees | PGDM Colleges | Fees |
Rs. 1.87 Lakhs - 26 Lakhs | Management Development Institute, Gurgaon | Rs. 6,85,025 | |
Rs. 6 Lakhs - Rs. 26.36 Lakhs | Rs. 9,44,850 | ||
Rs. 9.45 Lakhs - Rs. 11.5 Lakhs | Rs. 7,68,000 | ||
Rs. 17.84 Lakhs | Rs. 7,95,000 | ||
Rs. 11.1 Lakhs | Rs. 11,22,000 |
Quick Read: MBA Fees in India
Both PGDM and MBA courses typically last two years. Both these programs are designed to prepare students for business management courses, which will help them cope with the pressure in the corporate world.
The table below lists the top MBA and PGDM entrance exams for 2025 which are conducted in India, along with the exam dates, to help you get a better idea.
Top MBA and PGDM Entrance Exams
For a candidate to be eligible for a basic MBA program in India, they will require a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% (marks (45% for reserved category). Most of the MBA colleges also require that candidates score well on entrance exams such as XAT, CAT, MAT and others.
Once the candidates clear the exam with a valid score, they are then called in for Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) to move ahead with the selection process and eventually get admission into the university.
To be eligible for a PGDM program, the candidate will require a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. They will also have to appear for national-level management entrance exams such as MAT, XAT, CAT, GMAT or NMAT depending on which institution they want to go to.
To pursue the PGDM program, a candidate needs to have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. The candidate should also have scored well on national-level management entrance exams such as XAT, MAT, CAT, GMAT and others, depending on the specific institutions.
*Make sure you check the university website to get clear information on both eligibility and selection criteria, as it might vary.
Also Read: MBA Eligibility Criteria
Following is the list of MBA job opportunities along with the expected salary package in which MBA graduates are hired.
Job Profiles | Top Recruiters | Average Salary Package |
Investment Banker | Amazon, Aditya Birla Group, McKinsey & Co, ITC, Google, Microsoft, Bain & Co, Coca-Cola Company, Goldman Sachs, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, Boston Consulting Group, JP Morgan Chase & Co and others. | Rs. 2-50 LPA |
Management Consulting | Rs. 7-42.8 LPA | |
HR Manager | Rs. 2.9 - Rs. 19 LPA | |
Project Manager | Rs. 4.2 - 30 LPA | |
Chief Financial Officer | Rs. 12 - 90 LPA | |
Sales Manager | Rs. 2.2 - 16 LPA | |
Operations Manager | Rs. 3 - 21 LPA |
Job Profiles | Top Recruiters | Average Salary Package |
Data Scientist | Jio, Asian Paints, Deloitte, Adobe, Flipkart, Wipro, Accenture, Cipla, Ericsson, Bajaj Auto, Jio | Rs. 3.8 LPA - Rs. 28 LPA |
Public Relations Officer | Rs. 1 LPA - Rs. 7.6 LPA | |
PR Manager | Rs. 2.7 LPA - Rs. 18 LPA | |
Sales Manager | Rs. 2.2 LPA - Rs. 16 LPA | |
Research Analyst | Rs. 1.8 LPA - Rs. 10 LPA |
*Take note that the above-mentioned salaries will vary for each organisation.
The following list mentions some of the most prominent institutions offering MBA and PGDM courses, along with their fees.
Colleges Offering MBA | Average Fees |
Rs. 26.50 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25 Lakhs | |
Rs. 18.86 Lakhs | |
Rs. 27 Lakhs | |
Rs. 18.90 Lakhs | |
Rs. 19.26 Lakhs | |
Rs. 17.21 Lakhs | |
Rs. 15.05 Lakhs | |
Rs. 17.30 Lakhs | |
Rs. 10.29 Lakhs | |
INE 12.10 Lakhs | |
Rs. 10.03 Lakhs | |
Rs. 15.10 Lakhs | |
Rs. 17.88 Lakhs | |
Rs. 25 Lakhs | |
Rs. 2.29 Lakhs | |
Rs. 8 Lakhs | |
– | |
Rs. 18.10 Lakhs |
Colleges Offering PGDM | Average Fees |
– | |
Rs. 14.02 Lakhs | |
Rs. 4.48 Lakhs | |
– | |
Rs. 13.05 Lakhs | |
– | |
Rs. 21 Lakhs | |
– | |
– | |
– | |
Rs. 27 Lakhs | |
Rs. 9.80 Lakhs | |
– | |
– | |
– | |
– | |
– | |
Rs. 15.50 Lakhs |
Choosing between MBA and PGDM depends on one’s goals for 2025, such as for career, preferred learning style, and the type of institute you want to study in. To help you in making you decision, following are criteria based on which you can easily make your decision whether you should take up MBA or PGDM.
You must pick MBA if:
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You must opt for the PGDM program if:
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MBA and PGDM are valuable; MBA offers a university degree, while PGDM provides a more industry-focused curriculum. You must choose based on your career goals and the institute's reputation.
An MBA is better for government jobs as it is a university-recognized degree, while PGDM is a diploma and may not be accepted for some government roles.
Earlier, IIMs offered PGDM, but now most IIMs offer an MBA degree since they have been granted the status of Institutes of National Importance.
Yes, PGDM has the same value as MBA if it's from a reputed institute like IIMs, XLRI, or SPJIMR and is widely accepted in both corporate and academic fields.
Yes, you can do both PGDM and MBA, but it's usually unnecessary—one is sufficient for a management career if done from a reputed institute.
Earnings depend more on the institute's reputation and individual skills than the title; a PGDM from a top B-school can earn more than an MBA from an average college.
Hello aspirant,
The question papers for CAT MGU University can be found on their official website, or you can also visit careers360 website for the same.
The link of which, I am attaching here,
https://university.careers360.com/articles/mgu-cat-2025
Regards
Hello Anshuman!!!
You have gotten 86% in 10th, which is a good score. 70% in graduation is not the best but decent. But the main problem is your 12th score which is 62%.
You would be already aware that the Top IIMs (BLACKI) give a big emphasis on your academic score. Let me tell you one example of IIM Ahmedabad,
According to a research i read a few days ago, in IIM Ahmedabad,
70.8%
of students has 90+ percent in 12th,
25.8%
has 80-90 percent and around
3.8%
has less than 80% with the bracket of 60-69 having only
0.26%
students of the total batch. Nearly same is the case of the other top IIMs like IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore.
Statistically, getting into these TOP IIMs is possible with 62% in 12th is possible (0.26% has done it) but practically you cannot get into these TOP IIMs unless you top the CAT exam.
See, I don't wish to dishearten or demotivate you but I wish to tell you the truth. Although the probability of you getting into these TOP IIMs is very less, but trying is better than doing nothing. You have a good score in 10th which will certainly help you. The least you could do is try your best.
My advice would be that you should not focus on these things like "Will I get top IIM" or negative talk like " I got low marks I won't qualify" etc.
The main focus should be on your preparation.
Give 100% in your preparation because that's the only thing in your hand. You can't change your 10th/12th/Graduation scores but you can put some more effort in your preparation which would certainly help to get better percentile.
Keep working hard and give your best. You might surprise yourself!!! And if not BLACKI, there are many other good colleges like FMS, MDI, newer IIMs etc.
Hello,
Yes, with a 622 rank in IPU CET for MBA and being a Delhi candidate, you have a good chance of getting admission in MAIT (Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology).
You don’t need to worry about not giving the CAT exam. IPU CET rank is enough for admission in MAIT under the CET quota.
Just make sure to keep MAIT high in your preference list during counselling.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
A NEET 2025 score of 333 marks, an All India Rank (AIR) near 3,56,000, and belonging to the SC category from Andhra Pradesh suggest a fair possibility of obtaining an MBBS seat within the state quota, especially in private medical colleges under Category A (government quota seats in private institutions).
In Andhra Pradesh, SC category cut-offs for Category A seats in private institutions generally vary from 320 to 370, influenced by the college and the counselling round. Government medical colleges tend to be more competitive, with the SC cut-off for MBBS frequently rising, often exceeding 400 marks.
Although obtaining a government MBBS seat is improbable, you stand a feasible opportunity in private medical colleges within A category (which offer lower tuition than B and C categories). In Round 2 or the Mop-Up round, you can anticipate improved opportunities, since cut-offs generally decrease when other students move to superior colleges or vacate seats.
Colleges such as NRI Medical College (Guntur), Katuri Medical College (Guntur), Great Eastern Medical School (Srikakulam), Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (Eluru), and Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences (Kadapa) are among those where seats could become available for SC students in subsequent rounds under Category A.
Hope this helps. All the best!
Yes, candidates who qualify in CUSAT CAT can gain admission to various participating institutes based on their rank. These include engineering colleges associated with CUSAT, such as its own School of Engineering in Kochi, Model Engineering College, and over 20 government and private engineering colleges across Kerala like College of Engineering Thrikkaripur, Co-operative Institute of Technology Vadakara, and MG College of Engineering Thiruvallam. The final seat allotment is based on your rank and your choice of program during the counselling process.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
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