Is there any difference between MBA and PGDM in India?

Question

Nitin Chauhan · Accepted Answer

MBA and a PGDM are both management education programs in India have often been in the news with debates on what to choose. Actually, the PGDM is designed to enhance your managerial skills like the MBA, but there are significant differences which really shape up your career path.
The Master of Business Administration, usually offered by a university, was a rather traditional offering, which I thought was a bit on the more academic side, but being recognized globally is a big advantage if you are eyeing opportunities abroad.
Now, PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is normally offered by autonomous institutes. There is faster response to the changing industries, and this is also making learning more practical and relevant. My friends have told me that PGDM courses comprise real projects and internships, which did really prepare them for the job market.
There is a mix of both recognition-wise. There is, as of now, a traditional perception toward an MBA, and sometimes a PGDM has an image for flexibility and innovation. Ultimately, it boils down to what you want. Are you inclined toward a theoretical, structured approach or a hands-on, practical approach? Both of them would lead you to great job opportunities, but understanding these nuances could help you make an educated decision.
For more information, visit here: PGDM Vs MBA

A.D Singh · Answer

While there are differences between an MBA and a PGDM in India, they are generally on par with each other in terms of content and benefits when it comes to job prospects. What's more important, though, they vary in the nature of the institution providing the knowledge and also by the body that grants accreditation to these institutions.
An MBA is a postgraduate degree that can only be instituted and granted by universities or institutions affiliated with the university. These courses are generally overseen by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A PGDM, or postgraduate diploma in management, is a diploma course offered by autonomous institutes accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The institutes themselves are not affiliated to a university, although many of them including the IIMs and XLRI-are widely respected.
Again, if the institute is renowned, then there isn't any real disadvantage in choosing a PGDM over an MBA recognition. Both are accepted by employers across industries, but for some academic paths like pursuing a Ph.D. or even university admissions abroad, an MBA may be preferred simply because, technically, an MBA is a degree versus a PGDM is really a diploma.
Both credentials lead to similar job opportunities, though the main difference lies in the credential itself (between a degree and a diploma) as well as the institution that awarded it.