Postgraduate Diploma: Course Details, Eligibility, Fees, Admission

Duration: 2 Years
Avg Fees: ₹4 - 5 LPA
Shristi T
Shristi T

Updated on - Aug 21, 2023

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) courses are designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills in various fields. The PG course duration may vary, but they typically range from one to two years. PGD courses are offered by various institutes and universities across India and cover a wide range of subjects, including management, finance, marketing, healthcare, IT, and more. 

PG Diploma eligibility requires candidates to hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate score in their undergraduate studies. The PG Diploma qualification may differ depending on the institute, and some may require candidates to pass an entrance exam or have relevant work experience.

The fees for PGD courses can vary depending on the institute, course duration, and the subject being pursued. On average, the fees range from INR 20,000 to INR 15 lakhs.

Table of Contents

PGD Course Details

Degree Postgraduate Diploma
Duration 2 Years
Age No specific age limit
Entrance Exam CAT, XAT, ISI, NIFT, IIFT, MAT
Subjects Required Based on subjects in UG
Minimum Percentage Minimum of 50% marks in Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. [Relaxations for the Reserved Category]
Average Fees ₹4 - 5 LPA
Similar Options of Study PGDM
Average Salary INR 2 -15 LPA
Employment Roles Administrators, Managerial Roles, Consultant, Specialist, Human Resource Specialist, Analyst
Top Recruiters Accenture, TCS, IBM, Wipro, Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Appollo Hospital, Times of India

What is Postgraduate Diploma?

PGD full form is Postgraduate Diploma and the course focuses on practical and industry-oriented learning. The PGD course extends over two academic years and includes core subjects, elective courses, practical projects, internships, and industry exposure creating a unique and resourceful student experience.

PG Diploma Eligibility Criteria

The PG Diploma eligibility criteria may vary across different colleges and institutes, but they generally entail certain essential parameters that candidates are required to meet, as outlined below:

  • Prospective candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any related discipline from a recognized university. 
  • A minimum aggregate of 50% marks is required, reserved categories such as SC/ST/PwD may have a relaxed minimum requirement of 45% aggregate marks.
  • Students who are in their final year of bachelor's degree studies are also eligible to apply for PGD programs on a provisional basis.
  • For entrance-based admission, candidates need to appear for the relevant entrance exam conducted at the national, state, and university/institute levels.

Why Choose a PGD Course?

Choosing Post Graduate Diploma courses can offer several advantages, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking career growth and specialization in a specific field. Here are some reasons to consider a PGD course:

  • Shorter Duration: Compared to traditional Masters programs, PGD course duration is typically shorter, ranging from 1 to 2 years. This allows you to enter the job market or advance your career sooner.  
  • Skill Development: PGD courses focus on practical skills and industry-specific training, making you job-ready with relevant skills that employers value. According to recent surveys, individuals who pursued PGD course witnessed an average career advancement of 25% within two years of completion. 
  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: PGD courses are designed to align with the current needs of industries, ensuring that you acquire knowledge and skills that are in demand. 
  • Faster Return on Investment: Since PGD courses have a shorter duration, you can start applying your newly acquired skills in the job market sooner, resulting in a faster return on your investment in education. IIM Calcutta offering PGD in Business Analytics witnessed a noteworthy surge in the average salary to INR 29.71 LPA, reflecting a 12.75% uptick from the previous year. The highest offer reached INR 42.50 Lacs, with the Median CTC climbing by 14% to INR 28.00 LPA.
  • Pathway to Higher Studies: Completing a PGD course can also serve as a stepping stone for further studies or pursuing a full-fledged Master's degree if you decide to continue your education in the future.

Why choose PGD course

PGD Admission Process 2023

Admission to PG Diploma courses can be pursued through both online and offline methods. Below is a standard step-wise admission procedure and selection structure followed by colleges and universities for PGD admissions:

  • Step 1. Research institutes for your chosen PGD course, considering specialization, reputation, faculty, infrastructure, and placement opportunities.
  • Step 2. Check eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and marks required.
  • Step 3. Prepare for and appear in entrance exams if needed (e.g., CAT, MAT).
  • Step 4. Fill out the online/offline application form with the required details and documents.
  • Step 5. Institutes may shortlist based on exam scores and academic performance, followed by a GD and PI round.
  • Step 6. Some courses may include a GD to assess communication skills, followed by a PI to evaluate knowledge and motivation.

PGD Admission Process

PGD Entrance Exams 

Admissions to PGD courses may follow either merit-based or entrance-based criteria, depending on the institute and program. Certain institutes conduct their own entrance exams for PGD admissions, evaluating candidates based on their aptitude and subject knowledge.

Several colleges accept nationally recognized entrance exams, such as CAT, MAT, XAT, or CMAT, as well as other specialized entrance tests tailored to specific PGD fields. The table below shows some common entrance exams for PGD courses.

MBA Entrance Exams

Tentative Registration Date

Accepting Colleges

Exam Registration Details

CAT

Aug 2 - Sep 13, 2023

IIM, IIT, MDI, TAPMI

Application Form

MAT

Aug 17 - Sep 14, 2023

Amity Business School, BIT Mesra, NIT Waranga

Application Form

XAT

Jul 15 - Nov 30, 2023

XLRI

Application Form

NMAT

Aug 1 - Oct 10, 2023

NMIMS, Ansal University, UPES

Application Form

CMAT

February 2024

IIMP, Jaipuria Institute of Management, NID

Application Form

ATMA

December 2024

BIMM, BULMIM, XIME

Application Form

Top PGD Colleges in India

PGD students are equipped to excel across time zones, languages, and cultures. The curriculum prioritizes employability, innovation, and hands-on application, preparing future leaders for success. The following list of top colleges in India caters to the dynamic needs of this domain.

Top PGD Colleges in India

Sl.No

Specialization

College Name

Average Fees

1.

PGD in Management

IIM Kolkata

INR 31,00,000

2.

PGD in Supply Chain and Logistics

Manipal University

INR 1,74,000

3.

PGD in Journalism

Indian Institute of Mass Communication

INR 95,500

4.

PGD in Computer Application

Punjab Technical University

INR 40,000

5.

PGD in Hospital Health Management

National Institute of Public Health Training and Research

INR 40,000

Top PGD Private Colleges

The selection of leading private institutions that offer PGD courses in Management, IT, Mass Communication, and such are given in the table below:

College Name

Average Fees

IMT Ghaziabad

INR 19,53,000

SPJIMR

INR 23,50,000

XLRI

INR 23,15,000

IIMC

INR 1,00,000

Institute of Management Studies

INR 70,000

Top PGD Government Colleges

The following table shows esteemed government institutions offering PGD courses that produce individuals that cater to the growing demands of professionals in the workforce industry.

College Name

Average Fees

Jadavpur University

INR 25,000

JNU

INR 10,000

Karnataka University

INR 5,000

Jamia Millia University

INR 6,000

Calcutta University

INR 10,000

PGD Fee Structure 2023

The average fee for a PGD course in India ranges from INR 20,000 up to INR 12 LPA in private institutions, while government institutions and universities may charge a relatively lower fee. The table below provides some of the best universities in India along with their average fees.

Sl.No

College Name

Tuition Fees (INR)

Admission Fees (INR)

Miscellaneous Fees (INR)

1

IGNOU

INR 15,000

INR 1,100

INR 2,000

2

Christ University

INR 90,000

INR 5,000

-

3

National Institute of Public Health Training and Research

INR 8,000

INR 3,000

INR 5,000

4

NMIMS Global

INR 25,000

INR 1,200

INR 4,000

5

IMT Nagpur

INR 2.5 LPA

INR 50,000

INR 8,000

PGD Specialisations

PGD courses offer specialized knowledge and practical training in various fields, catering to the diverse career aspirations of individuals. Here are some popular specializations in PG Diploma courses list along with their career opportunities and their average salaries.

Specialization

Details

Job Roles

Average Salary(Fresher to 5 Years)

Management

Oversees various management domains, encompassing marketing, finance, HR, operations, and strategic management.

HR Manager, Operations and Resource Specialist, Financial Expert, etc.

INR 2-15 LPA

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Emphasises efficient management of goods and services flow, encompassing inventory, transportation, warehousing, procurement, and distribution.

Supply Chain Manager, Inventory Controller, Distribution Manager, etc.

INR 2-13 LPA

Journalism

Tailored for journalism, media, and communication enthusiasts, covering news reporting, writing, editing, ethics, and digital journalism.

Content Writer, Communication Coordinator, Media Relations Specialist, etc.

INR 2-10 LPA

Hospital Health Management

Equips individuals for competent healthcare management, covering administration, policy, financing, quality, and operations.

Healthcare Administrator, Medical Service Manager, etc.

INR 3-17 LPA

Fashion Design

PGD in Fashion Design imparts essential fashion industry skills: illustration, garment construction, textiles, pattern-making, and marketing

Fashion Designer, Illustrator, Brand Marketing

INR 2.2-13 LPA

The table below entails other popular specializations in PGD:

Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance

Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management

Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analytics

Postgraduate Diploma in Business

Postgraduate Diploma in Machine Learning and AI

PGD Syllabus and Subjects

The PGD course syllabus and subjects can vary depending on the specific program and the institute or university offering it. Here is an overview of some important core and elective subjects covered in the Post Graduate Diploma courses list.

PGD in Management:

Core Management Subjects Electives
Organizational Behaviour Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
Financial Management Managerial Economics
Marketing Management Quantitative Techniques for Management
Human Resource Management International Business
Operations Management Information Technology for Management
Strategic Management -

Read more: PGD in Management

PGD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management:

Core Subjects Electives
Supply Chain Management Procurement and Sourcing
Transportation Management Supply Chain Analytics
Inventory Management E-commerce and Supply Chain Integration
Warehousing and Distribution Lean Management in Supply Chain
Global Logistics and International Trade Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Read more: PGD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

PGD in Computer Applications:

Core Subjects Electives
Programming Languages (C, C++, Java, etc.) Networking and Security
Database Management Systems Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
Software Engineering Mobile Application Development
Web Technologies Operating Systems
Data Structures and Algorithms Project Management

Read more: PGD in Computer Application

PGD in Journalism:

Core Subjects Electives
News Reporting and Writing Digital Journalism
Media Law and Ethics Media and Society
Feature Writing Public Relations and Corporate Communication
Broadcast Journalism Media Management
Photojournalism Investigative Journalism

Read more: PGD in Journalism

PGD in Hospital Health Management:

Core Subjects Electives
Healthcare Administration and Leadership Healthcare Information Systems
Healthcare Operations Management Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations
Health Policy and Planning Patient Safety and Risk Management
Healthcare Financing and Insurance Human Resource Management in Healthcare
Quality and Accreditation in Healthcare Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues

Read more: PGD in Hospital Health Management

PGD vs PGDM

PGD courses are offered in various fields of study and provide theoretical knowledge and skill for a chosen field of study. We can compare PGD with other courses such as PGDM. The table below draws a comparison between PGD and PGDM:

Parameter PGD PGDM
Full-Form Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Diploma in Management
Overview Offers specialised knowledge in various fields beyond undergraduate education. Specifically focused on providing specialisation in management
Course Duration 1-2 Years 1-2 Years
Eligibility Minimum of 50% aggregate score in Bachelors Degree Minimum of 50% aggregate score in Bachelors Degree
Average Fees INR 20,000 - INR 15,00,000 INR 30,000 - INR 12,00,000
Job Roles Marketing Executive, Consultant Specialist, Human Resource Specialist, Data Analyst. Business Manager, Accounts Handling Manager, Public Relation Specialist.
Average Salary INR 2 - 15 LPA INR 5 - 8 LPA

Read more: PGDM

Courses After PGD

For PGD graduates seeking to enhance their credibility, there are numerous courses to choose from. Listed below are some sought-after courses that PGD graduates can consider

Salary After PGD

PGD graduates have numerous career options with an average salary that ranges from INR 2 -15 LPA. Here are some professions that can be pursued after PGD with their salary as a fresher and after a few years of experience.

Job Designation

Job Description

Average Salary 
For Freshers

Average Salary After 5 Years

Healthcare Administrator

PGD in hospital health management students can pursue careers as healthcare administrators, managing operations and patient care in healthcare facilities.

INR 2.2 LPA

INR 4.5 LPA

Managerial Roles

PGD graduates often qualify for supervisory or mid-level management positions, leveraging their specialized knowledge to lead teams and drive organizational success.

INR 4 LPA

INR 7.5 LPA

Consultant

Advising businesses and organizations in your area of specialization.

INR 4 LPA

INR 9.4 LPA

Supply Chain Manager

Positions of supply chain manager, logistics coordinator, or procurement specialist are viable options

INR 3 LPA

INR 5.5 LPA

Public Relations Specialist

Graduates with a background in journalism or communication can enter the field of public relations, managing communication between organizations and the public

INR 2.1 LPA

INR 5.7 LPA

[Source: AmbitionBox]

Career Options After PGD

A PG Diploma qualification holds value for various career opportunities in itself. After completing a PGD course students can advance careers in the following fields:

  • Industry Expert
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Teaching and Training
  • Research Assistant
  • Non-Profit Sector 
  • Government Sector

Top Recruiters for PGD

Some of the top companies that hire PGD students are Accenture, TCS, BYJU, etc. Listed below are some top organizations that recruit students for different job designations.

Job Designation

Job Description

Hiring Companies

Average Salary 

Marketing Coordinator

Assist in planning and executing marketing campaigns, analyze market trends, and manage social media presence.

Crossword, Sony, Packt Publishing, Tech Mahindra

INR 4-18 LPA

Financial Analyst

Analyse financial data, create reports, and provide insights for informed decision-making.

Accenture, TCS, IBM, Wipro

INR 3 - 20 LPA

Human Resources Specialist

Handle employee recruitment, training, and HR processes while ensuring compliance with policies.

Amazon, Accenture, Startrek, BYJU’s, Infosys

INR 2.8 - 30 LPA

Data Analyst

Collect, interpret, and analyze data to provide actionable insights and support strategic decisions.

TCS, Cognizant, Accenture, Wipro, Global Logic, Tech Mahindra

INR 4 -17 LPA

Operations Manager

Oversee daily operations, manage resources, and optimize processes for efficiency and productivity.

Genpact, Amazon, Axis Bank, Wipro, Concentrix Corporation, TCS, Delhivery

INR 4 - 22 LPA

Top PGD Recruiters

PGD Scholarships

Several categories of scholarships in India are designed to support families facing financial constraints in funding their children's education. These scholarships aim to provide deserving students with quality education and empower them to pursue higher academic achievements.

Listed below are some of the scholarships available for PG in Diploma course students. The table below entails the eligibility criteria and amount for the above scholarships: 

Scholarships Eligibility Amount
KVPY Scholarship Science students from class XI to postgraduate degree Up to INR 28,000
Mother Teresa Scholarship Residents of Kerala pursuing vocational or diploma courses INR 15,000
Prerana Scholarship Residents of Odisha pursuing 10+2, ITI, diploma, vocational courses, graduate or postgraduate degrees Up to 1,200
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship Maharashtra residents pursuing a professional and technical diploma course 50% Tuition and Exam fee coverage
CCB Scholarship Candidates pursuing diploma, Postgraduate diploma courses 100% Tuition fee coverage

Read More: Diploma Scholarships in India

Skills Required for PGD 

A PG Diploma qualification demands unique skills for success, listed below are a few key skills that will help you as you delve into advanced coursework and research during the PGD course duration

  • Research Skills: Ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information for academic projects.
  • Analytical Skills: Aptitude to critically assess data, identify patterns and draw conclusions.
  • Communication Skills: Effectively communicate ideas and information through writing, presentations, and discussions.
  • Time Management: Efficiently allocate time for coursework, research, and assignments.
  • Subject Expertise: Sound understanding of the chosen field of study and its concepts
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing academic demands and environment.

PGD Fee Structure

FAQs

What is PG Diploma?

A PGD program is a specialised and focused course of study at the postgraduate level, offering in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical training in a specific field or discipline.

What is PGD duration?

The duration of PGD programs can vary, typically ranging from 1 to 2 years, depending on the institute and the field of study.

What is PG Diploma eligibility criteria?

Candidates must have secured 50% in their bachelor's degree in any related discipline from a recognized university.

What is PG Diploma full form?

The full form of PGD is Postgraduate Diploma.

What is the difference between a PGD and a Master's degree?

A PGD is usually shorter in duration and more focused on practical skills and industry-specific training, while a Master's degree is more comprehensive and research-oriented.

How to choose the right PGD programme ?

Research institutes and programs that align with your career goals and interests. Consider factors like curriculum, faculty, placements, and industry reputation.

Is it possible to pursue a PGD while working?

Yes, many PGD programs offer flexible study options, including part-time or online courses, allowing you to balance your studies with work commitments.

Can students pursue further studies after completing PGD?

Yes, they can pursue further studies such as Master's degrees or Ph.D. programs after completing a PGD. Some institutions may offer credit transfers for PGD graduates.

What are the career prospects after completing a PGD programme?

PGD graduates can pursue various career paths in industries related to their field of study. They may qualify for specialised roles, managerial positions, or even entrepreneurship.

See Various PGD Colleges in India

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