Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM Admissions 2026
ApplyAdmissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024
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,
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Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
You can easily get CAT previous year question papers online in PDF format, with solutions too. Websites like CollegeDunia, Careers360, SelfStudys, Cracku, and Aglasem have papers from CAT 2024, 2023, 2022… even back to the 1990s.
Hi dear candidate,
The score of your CAT exam is valid for one year from the date of exam.
For example: If your CAT exam was held on 24th November 2024 then your score is valid till 31st December 2025 meaning that you can take admission in the academic year 2025 - 27.
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