Why is PGDM better than MBA?

Imparting and acquiring good education plays a very vital role in the economic
development of any country. During the early days of Indian independence, the country
has always strived on improving the literacy rate in the country. In contemporary India,
ever since post economic liberalization, many students aspire to pursue management
studies. Therefore, pursuing management education has become one of the most
coveted and prestigious career options. Management courses are also in demand
because that Indians have gradually started moving from an agricultural-based economy
to a knowledge-based economy.

Are MBA and PGDM similar?

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) or Masters in Business
Administration (MBA) are all management courses at Master’s level. These respective
courses have a commercial orientation and it’s difficult to differentiate between the two.

At the end of PGDM course, candidates are offered a Diploma. However, at the end of
MBA programme, candidates receive a degree. Many students tend to think that a
diploma course does not hold the same value as that of a degree. But that is not true.
One of the India’s premier management institutes such as Indian Institutes of
Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools such as Indian School of Business,
Shailesh J Mehta School of Management, IIT-B, Management Development Institute,
XLRI-Xavier School of Management, MICA, formerly Mudra Institute of Communications,
and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai offer PGDM courses. Most
of these institutes are autonomous bodies which are not affiliated to any University and
conduct their own management course.
Comparison of MBA v/s PGDM

Why PGDM is better than MBA?

Both programs teach management skills, and it’s the quality of education imparted by
the b-school, its unique value propositions, track record of its alumni and the value that
the graduates bring to the table that matter to recruiters. In fact, in b-schools offering a
one year ‘certificate’ program in management, also called PGPM or PGP or other names
depending on the b-school, recruiters do not even differentiate between these students
and the PGDM students. Hiring is done purely on the basis of work experience,
background and skill requirements of the recruiter and how the students fit their
criteria.The PGDM course is beneficial as candidates who are business-centric and
focused on innovation and sustainability, are in huge demand. The program gives the
students an extensive and an immersive exposure to all the concepts of management.
The idea of PGDM course is to integrate learning and exposure across all functional
areas and also increase awareness. Some of the curricula of PGDM course are
innovative, and incorporate the cutting edge trends in the industry. While an MBA course
tends to be more theoretical, a PGDM focuses on the technical aspects, providing
exposure to real-life business situations.
Therefore, the sole aim of the PGDM program is to develop a well-rounded personality
that is ready to take on the rigorous business world. Owing to the rigid stance in
changing the curriculum is a challenge faced by the MBA colleges and many real life
challenges are tackled. Considering the fees structure, the PGDM fees in comparison
with full-time MBA courses also tend to economical.