What is the Full Form of PGDM?

PGDM full form is a Postgraduate Diploma in Management offered by autonomous business schools in India, recognised by AICTE(All India Council of Technical Education). The program is designed to provide students with practical knowledge and skills related to business and management through a rigorous curriculum that includes case studies, seminars, projects, and other industry-oriented training programs.

Although PGDM is not technically the same as an MBA degree, it is widely considered as an equivalent in India, especially if the college offering the program is accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and/or recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The aim of this program is to provide students with a more practical approach to management and equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen careers.

PGDM Full Form/Course Details

• PGDM is a popular course among students aspiring to pursue a career in the management field.
• The course is open to students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognised university with the required percentage. 
• It is an interdisciplinary course that combines different fields such as management, accountancy, economics, and more to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of various business aspects.
• Pursuing a PGDM course can help students position themselves to meet the current requirements of industries and markets. 
• PGDM courses are available in both online and distance learning formats, making it more accessible to students and working professionals who have time and financial constraints.
• PGDM colleges generally do not discriminate based on age, which means that professionals with significant work experience can also enrol in PGDM programs and pursue career advancement opportunities.
• Having work experience can be an advantage when pursuing this course. While a PGDM course after graduation can still provide valuable knowledge and skills, having a few years of work experience can help you better understand the practical aspects of the business world and provide context for the theoretical concepts learned in the course.

Types of PGDM Courses

The increasing demand for PGDM courses has led to the availability of various options for students to choose from which can be suitable for professionals looking to advance in their careers while managing other responsibilities. Given below are the three types of PGDM courses for anyone to choose from: 

Full-Time PGDM

• Full-time PGDM course is a two-year professional diploma course that provides students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills. 
• It is the most popular form of PGDM course, and the fee for it can range from INR 4-24 LPA depending on the college. 
• Admission to PGDM programs is based on entrance exams conducted at the national or university level, such as CAT, MAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and GMAT. 
• Specialisations for PGDM programs include Marketing, Finance, HR, and others. Many top colleges across the country offer PGDM programs, including the IIMs.

Online PGDM

• Online PGDM courses are short-term courses offered by various online platforms, providing knowledge on a particular topic or subject that can be beneficial for professional career growth. 
• These courses offer topics based on current market trends, and students can learn at their own pace without the need to travel. 
• Additionally, the course fees are generally less expensive than traditional offline classes. 
• These courses can also help students broaden their minds in the field of management, giving them a better understanding of the current industry trends and the changing business landscape.

Distance PGDM

• PGDM distance education is a cost-effective and flexible mode of education that allows students to work and study simultaneously while providing a range of college options. 
• It also enables individuals to keep themselves up-to-date with the subject matter without leaving their jobs.

Admission Process for PGDM Course

• Admission to PGDM programs typically involves qualifying in entrance exams conducted by national bodies or institutes, followed by further rounds such as written tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
• Final admission is offered to candidates based on their overall performance in these rounds.
• The range of PGDM admission fees can vary depending on the institution and program, with some programs costing between 1 Lakh to 20 Lakhs or more.
• Academicians suggest that candidates should choose a B-School that can provide them with a competitive advantage, even if they have scored 99% in CAT. 
• This means considering factors beyond just academic reputation, such as industry connections, alumni network, faculty expertise, and placement opportunities.

Eligibility for PGDM course

• Candidates applying for admission to PGDM programs typically require a Bachelor's degree from a recognised college or institute, with a minimum of 50% percentage. 
• Elite institutions such as IIM may require a higher minimum percentage or CGPA. 
• There is usually no specific age limit for pursuing a PGDM program, although some institutions may have age restrictions or preferences for certain age groups.

Application deadline for PGDM 2024

Exam Name	Exam Description	Registration Date	Exam Date
CAT	It stands for the Common Admission Test, a computer-based exam for entry into Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and leading business schools in India.	August 2 – September 13, 2023	November 26, 2023
ATMA	The ATMA examination refers to the AIMS Test for Management Admissions. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) for admission to various postgraduate management programs, including MBA, PGDM, and MCA courses.	Third week of December 2023 – Second week of February 2024  (February session)	Last week of February 2024
XAT	It refers to the Xavier Aptitude Test, which is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by Xavier School of Management (XLRI) Jamshedpur. The XAT exam is accepted by more than 150 B-schools in India for admission to various management programs, including MBA, PGDM, and Executive programs.	July 15, 2023 – November 30, 2023	January 7, 2024
CMAT	It refers to the Common Management Admission Test, which is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various management programs.	Second week of February 2024 – Second week of March 2024	April-May 2024
NMAT	It refers to the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies Management Aptitude Test, which is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).	August 1, 2023 – October 12, 2023	October 10, 2023 – December 19, 2023
KMAT	It refers to the Karnataka Management Aptitude Test, which is a state-level management entrance exam conducted by the Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA)	First week of January 2024 (Registration Begins)	Third week of February 2024
TISSNET	It stands for Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test. It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for admission to various postgraduate programs offered by the institute. TISS is one of the top-ranked institutions in India that provides courses in the field of social work, social sciences, and human resources management.	Second week of December 2023 – Last week of January 2024	Last week of February 2024
MAH CET	It refers to Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, which is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admission to various management programs, including MBA, MMS, PGDM, and other allied programs offered by colleges in Maharashtra.	Third week of January 2024 -  Last week of February 2024	March 23 - 24, 2024
SNAP	It is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) for admission to various management programs, including MBA, M.Sc, and other allied programs offered by the institutes under Symbiosis International University.	August 23, 2023 – November 23, 2023	December 10, 2023 December 17, 2023 December 22, 2023
IBSAT	It stands for ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test, which is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education (IFHE), Hyderabad for admission to various MBA and PGPM programs offered by the ICFAI Business School.	July 1, 2024 - December 21, 2024	December 24-25, 2024

List of subjects in PGDM

PGDM course structure typically consists of two parts:

• Compulsory core courses: These courses cover foundational areas in management such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and strategy.
• Elective courses: These courses are designed to provide students with specialised skills and knowledge in specific areas such as business analytics, entrepreneurship, international business, or other industry-specific domains. 

Following is the tabulated form of the course structure divided as per the semester:

SEMESTER I	SEMESTER II
Management Functions & Behaviour	Operations Management
Economic and Social Environment	Quantitative Techniques for Managers
Human Resource Management	Strategic Management
Introduction to Information Technology	Marketing Management
	Managerial Economics
SEMESTER III	SEMESTER IV
Marketing Management (MM)	Business Law & Corporate Governance
International Business (IB)	Management Information Systems
Operations Management (OM)	International Business
Insurance Management (IN)	Research Methodology
Financial Management (FM)	Project Work
Human Resource Management (HR)
Information Systems (IS)

The first two semesters mainly focused on theory and core subjects in management. The curriculum is typically designed to align with industry standards and norms, with a focus on building job-ready skills and knowledge.

Many PGDM programs also include a compulsory internship as part of the curriculum. The internship provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and get accustomed to the challenges and requirements of the workplace. 

PGDM Course Scope

PGDM graduates have various options to choose from for their career paths, depending on the individual's interests, aspirations, and skills. The following listed are some options to continue after PGDM: 

1. Entrepreneurship: One of the options for PGDM graduates is to start their own business or venture. The skills and knowledge gained during the PGDM program, including business planning, marketing, finance, and operations management, can be beneficial in starting and running a successful business.
2. Government Jobs: PGDM graduates can also apply for government jobs in various fields, including banking, public administration, finance, and more. The government sector provides a stable work environment and offers various benefits and opportunities for career growth.
3. Non-Profit Sector: Graduates with a PGDM degree can also pursue a career in the non-profit sector. Non-profit organisations require management skills to operate efficiently, and PGDM graduates can contribute to the sector by taking up roles such as project managers, program managers, and more.
4. Consulting: Many consulting firms hire PGDM graduates as consultants. In this role, graduates can work with clients from various industries to solve business problems, improve processes, and achieve business goals. 

PGDM Course Specialisation

Following is the list of the different specialisations offered in PGDM course :

Specialisation	Description	Average Fees (INR)	Average Salary (INR)
PGDM in International Business	It is a 2-year program that provides students with specialised knowledge and training in the field of international business. The curriculum typically includes subjects such as international trade, finance, marketing, economics, logistics, and supply chain management.	4-12 Lakhs	4-10 LPA
PGDM in Operations Management	It is a program that focuses on developing the skills and competencies necessary to manage and optimise the operations department of an organisation. This includes areas such as production planning and control, supply chain management, quality management, and process improvement.	3-10 Lakhs	4-8 LPA
PGDM in Business Analytics	It is a program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to analyse and interpret data to make informed business decisions. The program covers a range of topics, including data mining, statistical analysis, predictive modelling, data visualisation, and machine learning.	3-12 Lakhs	5-10 LPA
PGDM in Finance	is a program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to manage financial resources and analyse financial data in order to make informed decisions for organisations. The program covers a range of topics, including financial management, financial planning, investment analysis, risk management, and international finance.	1-5 Lakhs	4-12 LPA
PGDM in HR	It is a program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to manage human resources effectively in organisations. The program covers a range of topics, including human resource information systems, performance management, human resource planning, training and development, and compensation administration.	4-10 Lakhs	5-15 LPA
PGDM in Supply Chain Management	It is a program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers effectively in organisations. The program covers a range of topics, including design, production, inventory management, transportation, and logistics.	4-15 Lakhs	5-20 LPA
PGDM in Marketing	It is a program that focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to create, manage, and execute effective marketing strategies for organisations. The program covers a range of topics, including marketing research, brand management, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and sales management.	2-5 Lakhs	4-10 LPA

Top recruiters After PGDM Course:

Given is the list of top recruiters hiring students post-graduate diploma holders:

1. McKinsey & Company
2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
3. Bain & Company
4. Accenture
5. Deloitte
6. KPMG
7. EY (Ernst & Young)
8. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
9. Capgemini
10. IBM

Conclusion

By offering a diverse range of subjects and skills, PGDM enables students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in different roles and industries. This interdisciplinary approach can help students develop a holistic understanding of business and management and prepare them for a successful career. 

Sunstone provides training courses to assist people in learning occupational skills.  Additionally, it offers its students 100% placement support, interview assurances, and other benefits that may help them land employment offers.

FAQs

Do I need to have any work experience to pursue PGDM?

Work experience is not always required but will be helpful, as PGDM programs are typically designed for individuals who have some professional experience and are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge to advance their careers.

Is PGDM better than MBA?

PGDM can be a better option for someone who wants industry-focused and practical education, while MBA will be better for those who are interested in broader management education. 

What is the difference between MBA, MMS and PGDM?

The most prominent difference between MBA, MMA and PGDM is that MBA is mainly focused on the broader term of management and administration, while MMA entirely focuses on management studies. On the hand, PGDM is a short-term course focusing on the practical approach of MBA program.