MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Career Growth?

MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Career Growth?

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 06 Jun 2025, 12:52 PM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Growth?
  2. Understanding MBA vs PGDM for 2025 Admission
  3. Difference Between MBA and PGDM
  4. MBA VS PGDM in 2025: Degree vs Diploma
  5. PGDM vs MBA in 2025: What Salary Can You Get
  6. MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Course Fees
  7. PGDM vs MBA 2025: Duration
  8. MBA VS PGDM 2025: Entrance Exams
  9. MBA Vs PGDM in 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
  10. MBA vs PGDM: What are the Job Prospects in 2025?
  11. Top Institutions for MBA and PGDM in 2025 with Fees
  12. MBA vs PGDM: Which One You Should Pick in 2025?
MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Career Growth?
MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Career Growth?

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.

MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Which One Offers Better Jobs, Salary & Growth?

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.

Understanding MBA vs PGDM for 2025 Admission

What is an MBA program?

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.

What is the PGDM program?

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.

Difference Between MBA and PGDM

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.

MBA vs PGDM: Other Key Differences

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.

MBA VS PGDM in 2025: Degree vs Diploma

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.

PGDM vs MBA in 2025: What Salary Can You Get

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.

PGDM Salary 2025

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

MBA Salary 2025

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.

MBA vs PGDM in 2025: Course Fees

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

MDI Gurgaon

Rs. 1.87 Lakhs - 26 Lakhs

Management Development Institute, Gurgaon

Rs. 6,85,025

Amity University Gurgaon

Rs. 6 Lakhs - Rs. 26.36 Lakhs

Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai

Rs. 9,44,850

Great Lakes Institute of Management

Rs. 9.45 Lakhs - Rs. 11.5 Lakhs

Goa Institute of Management

Rs. 7,68,000

Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies

Rs. 17.84 Lakhs

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

Rs. 7,95,000

Amrita School of Business

Rs. 11.1 Lakhs

MICA - The School of Ideas, Ahmedabad

Rs. 11,22,000

Quick Read: MBA Fees in India

PGDM vs MBA 2025: Duration

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.

MBA VS PGDM 2025: Entrance Exams

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

MBA Vs PGDM in 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process

MBA Eligibility Criteria

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.

MBA Selection Process

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.

PGDM Eligibility Criteria

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.

PGDM Selection Criteria

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

MBA vs PGDM: What are the Job Prospects in 2025?

MBA Job Opportunities & Salary

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

PGDM Job Opportunities & Salary

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.

Top Institutions for MBA and PGDM in 2025 with Fees

The following list mentions some of the most prominent institutions offering MBA and PGDM courses, along with their fees.

Colleges Offering MBA Courses

Colleges Offering MBA

Average Fees

IIM Ahmedabad

Rs. 26.50 Lakhs

IIM Bangalore

Rs. 25 Lakhs

IIM Jammu

Rs. 18.86 Lakhs

IIM Calcutta

Rs. 27 Lakhs

IIM Nagpur

Rs. 18.90 Lakhs

IIM Udaipur

Rs. 19.26 Lakhs

IIM Kashipur

Rs. 17.21 Lakhs

IIM Sambalpur

Rs. 15.05 Lakhs

IIM Ranchi

Rs. 17.30 Lakhs

IIT Kharagpur – VGSOM

Rs. 10.29 Lakhs

IIT Delhi-DOMS

INE 12.10 Lakhs

IIT Madras-DOMS

Rs. 10.03 Lakhs

IIM Sirmaur

Rs. 15.10 Lakhs

IIFT Delhi University

Rs. 17.88 Lakhs

NMIMS

Rs. 25 Lakhs

FMS Delhi University

Rs. 2.29 Lakhs

IIT Jodhpur

Rs. 8 Lakhs

JBIMS Mumbai

IIM Amritsar

Rs. 18.10 Lakhs

Colleges Offering PGDM Courses

Colleges Offering PGDM

Average Fees

IIT Kanpur-DOMS

IIT Bombay-SJMSOM

Rs. 14.02 Lakhs

IIT Roorkee - DOMS

Rs. 4.48 Lakhs

IMT Ghaziabad

Symbiosis International Deemed University

Rs. 13.05 Lakhs

SPJIMR

NMIMS

Rs. 21 Lakhs

IIM Raipur

MDI Gurgaon

XLRI Jamshedpur

IIM Calcutta

Rs. 27 Lakhs

IIM Lucknow

Rs. 9.80 Lakhs

IIM Shillong

IIM Kozhikode

IIM Indore

IIM Trichy

IIM Rohtak

IIM Bodh Gaya

Rs. 15.50 Lakhs

MBA vs PGDM: Which One You Should Pick in 2025?

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:

  • You want a recognised degree for government jobs or higher studies (like a Ph.D.), especially abroad.

  • You prefer a structured curriculum with less frequent changes.

  • You want to study at a university or a college affiliated with one (like Delhi University, Mumbai University).

  • You're looking for a more affordable option—MBA programs at government universities often have lower fees.

You must opt for the PGDM program if:

  • You want a practical, industry-oriented curriculum that evolves with current trends.

  • You're aiming for corporate jobs, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles in dynamic industries.

  • You're targeting top autonomous institutes like XLRI, SPJIMR, MDI, or IIMs (many now offer MBAs but still follow PGDM-like flexibility).

  • You value case-based learning, internships, and corporate exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who earns more, PGDM or MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Can I do both PGDM and MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Does PGDM have the same value as an MBA?
A:

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.

Q: Does IIM give PGDM or MBA?
A:

Earlier, IIMs offered PGDM, but now most IIMs offer an MBA degree since they have been granted the status of Institutes of National Importance.

Q: Which is better MBA or a PGDM, for government jobs?
A:

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.

Q: MBA or PGDM, which is better in India?
A:

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.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

Here's why:

  • "a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.

  • "The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.

  • "an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."

  • "a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.

  • "the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."

Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

Here's the link: CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!