PGDM: Full Form, Course Details, Eligibility, Courses, Fees, Admission

Duration: 2 Years
Avg Fees: ₹3 - 12 LPA
Roumik Roy
Roumik Roy

Updated on - Jan 6, 2024

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PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a 2-year postgraduate management course, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various management concepts like Planning, Organizing, Leading, Group Dynamics, etc. A Post Graduate Diploma in Management course equips students with the skills required to succeed in the business world.

To be eligible for PGDM admissions, candidates must complete a bachelor's degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks and qualify for PGDM entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, etc as per college requirements. PGDM syllabus is skill-oriented and typically covers a wide range of subjects, including Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Ethics, Marketing, Operations, and HRM, etc.

PGDM course equips with job-relevant expertise to become successful managers, leaders, and executives in specialized business units. The average salary package for PGDM graduates is around INR 4 Lakhs - 24 Lakhs Per Annum. Top PGDM institutes have a 100% placement record with leading recruiters like Deloitte, EY, Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Aditya Birla, Accenture etc.

PGDM Course Details

Degree Postgraduate Diploma
Full Form Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Duration 2 Years
Age No specific age restriction
Entrance Exam CAT, XAT, MAT, NMAT, CMAT, GMAT
Minimum Percentage Minimum of 50% Marks for General Candidates Minimum 45% Marks for Reserved/PWD Candidates
Average Fees ₹3 - 12 LPA
Similar Options of Study MBA, PGPM, PGP
Average Salary INR 4-24 LPA
Employment Roles Administrative Officer, Business Consultant, Finance Manager, Human Resource Manager, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Executive

What is PGDM Course?

PGDM full form stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Management, a skill-oriented course that mainly focuses on providing knowledge and expertise based on practical approaches to several core areas of management and its functions. The PGDM course is equivalent to an MBA degree and is recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). PGDM specializations are available in different disciplines such as Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, IT, etc to cater to the diverse career aspirations of students.

The average PGDM course fees ranges from INR 3 Lakhs - 12 Lakhs Per Annum, depending on the government and private entity, specialization, location, etc. Top colleges in Delhi such as IMI Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, etc., have average fees between INR 8-9.50 LPA, whereas, colleges in Bangalore like IIM Bangalore, Welingkar Institute of Management and Research have average fees between INR 7-12 LPA.

Table of Contents

PGDM Eligibility Criteria 

While PGDM course eligibility criteria may vary with different colleges, the most common prerequisite for a PGDM course is pre-set marks in bachelor's degree, entrance examination scores and work experience. A detailed overview of PGDM eligibility requirements is listed below for clarity:

  • Candidate should have a bachelor's degree in BCom/BBA/BA, etc., with a minimum of 50% marks for unreserved category and 45% marks for reserved category students. Qualifying cut-off marks in the entrance exams such as MAT and CAT are required for admission.
  • At elite institutions like IIM, candidates should have scored a minimum of 60% or 6.5 CGPA on a scale of 10 in their undergraduate studies.
  • There is no age restriction for enrolling in the course.

Why Choose a PGDM Course?

PGDM course or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is one of the most sought-after management programs for a myriad of reasons as it aids management aspirants in acquiring in-depth knowledge in business administration.

Here are some specific reasons why one should enroll in a Post Graduate Diploma in Management program in 2024:

  • Exposure: A management degree allows you to see the practical business environment through internships, professional interactions, corporate meetings, and industrial workshops.
  • Further studies: After completing the PGDM course, aspirants can pursue a doctorate program, which is available in different specialization disciplines.
  • Demand: The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that employment in management jobs will rise by 8% between 2021 and 2031.
  • Opportunities: A management degree is one of the most important criteria that companies consider when hiring. In addition, a management degree would be a good choice for those seeking higher positions in their career.
  • Job role: PGDM course aspirants can pursue various career paths, such as Operations Manager, Project Manager, HR Manager, and Operations Consultant, depending on the type of specialization they pursue.
  • Lucrative Compensation: The job scope after PGDM course includes a good starting salary and adequate compensation benefits for freshers and experienced graduates as well. 

Why Choose PGDM Course?

Compare PGDM with PGPM Course

PGDM Admission 2024

PGDM Admissions for Tier I and Tier II colleges are mostly based on entrance exam merit scores, followed by GD/PI assessment rounds and Written Aptitude Tests (WAT). Students may also be admitted to private colleges through management quota, seats of which are limited in numbers. The step-by-step PGDM admissions process of top institutions and universities is mentioned below.

  • Step 1: The online portal/offline network must be used to get the PGDM application form first after reviewing the PGDM course details
  • Step 2: The aspirant must upload/attach the required documents as per the guidelines and specifications mentioned. Pay the admission fees for the PGDM course registration. 
  • Step 3: The selection is based on the eligibility criteria and the cut-off scores acquired in the entrance exams. 
  • Step 4: Aspirants are called to write a written test, participate in group discussions, and have a personal interview after passing these exams.
  • Step 5: Students must provide the required paperwork and pay the appropriate PGDM course fee after being selected.

Read More: PGDM Admission

PGDM Entrance Exams

Most admissions for PGDM course are conducted through University, institution and state-level management entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, etc. These exams include subject areas such as financial management, computer applications for business, personal & professional Skills, etc.

The PGDM entrance exams along with their tentative registration dates are as follows:

PGDM Entrance Exams

Registration Date

Accepting Colleges 

CAT

August 2024 (Tentatively)

IIMA, IIMB, SPJIMR and more

MAT

Dec 23, 2023-Mar 5, 2024 (February Session)

ABS, BIMTECH, Goa Institute of Management, and more

ATMA

Nov 29, 2023 - Feb 11, 2024

MDI, IPE, SIBM, IMS, and more

NMAT

August 2024- September 2024 (Tentative)

SPJIMR, KJ Somaiya, ITM and more

SNAP

August 2024- November 2024 (Tentative)

GLIM, Welingkar College, Fore School of Management and more

GMAT

February 2024 (Tentative)

XLRI, SPJIMR, GLIM, IMT and more

Also, Check: CAT vs CMAT vs NMAT vs MAT

PGDM Specializations

PGDM course offers various specializations that students can opt for based on their career objectives and future goals. Students can choose the specializations based on their choice in various domains such as Finance, HR, Marketing, International Business, Operations, etc.

PGDM Specializations

Given below is the information on various specializations in Post Graduate Diploma in Management courses.

PGDM Courses List

PGDM in Finance

PGDM in Business Analytics

PGDM in Marketing

PGDM in International Business

PGDM in HR

PGDM in Supply Chain Management

PGDM in Operations Management

PGDM in Information Technology

PGDM in Entrepreneurship

PGDM Insurance Management

PGDM Retail Management

PGDM Healthcare Management

Read More: PGDM Specializations

Top PGDM Colleges In India with Fees

PGDM course is the most renowned course in India, provided by several institutions across the country. Private institutions such as XLRI, SPJIMR, and GLIM offer PGDM courses. Reputed government institutions such as IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Raipur also offer extensively designed PGDM courses. The average PGDM course fee is in the range of INR 3-12 LPA.

Top IIMs Offering PGDM In India Based on NIRF Rankings 2023

Admission to PGDM course in IIMs is subject to high performance in entrance exams. The management-based courses provided at IIM are mostly known as PGP but are equivalent to MBA, PGDM, and Executive MBA. The table below lists the top IIM colleges in India along with the average IIM Post Graduate Diploma in Management fees:

NIRF Management Rankings 2023

College Name

Average Tuition Fees

Admission Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

1

IIM Ahmedabad

INR 10.50 LPA

-

INR 85,500 PA

2

IIM Bangalore

INR 12.25 LPA

INR 20,000

-

3

IIM Kozhikode

INR 11.25 LPA

-

INR 2.50 LPA

6

IIM Lucknow

INR 5.7 LPA

INR 70,000

INR 4.15 PA

8

IIM Indore

INR 10 LPA

INR 50,000

INR 54,000 PA

11

IIM Raipur

INR 7.87 LPA

INR 30,000

-

12

IIM Rohtak

INR 8.95 LPA

-

INR 95,000 PA

22

IIM Tiruchirappalli

INR 9.75 PA

INR 30,000

INR 60,000 PA

43

IIM Nagpur

INR 9.45 LPA

INR 50,000

-

51

IIM Amritsar

INR 6.25 LPA

-

INR 3.60 LPA

53

IIM Bodh Gaya

INR 4.8 LPA 

INR 15,000

INR 3.55 PA

Top Non-IIMs Offering PGDM In India Based on NIRF Rankings 2023 

In India, PGDM courses are top-rated and very demanding. All the top PGDM colleges in India are usually placed in the cities in India such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, etc. The best PGDM colleges in India according to NIRF Ranking 2023 are given below along with the PGDM course fees in India:

NIRF Ranking 2023

Name 

Average Tuition Fees Admission Fees Miscellaneous Fees

9

XLRI Jamshedpur

INR 8 LPA

INR 2,00,000

INR 3.50 LPA

13

MDI Gurgaon

INR 9.06 LPA

INR 14,300

INR 3.08 LPA

18

SPJIMR

INR 6.5 LPA

INR 1,00,000

INR 2.50 LPA

23

GLIM

INR 7.05 LPA INR 15,000 INR 5.70 LPA

28

IMI Delhi

INR 8.5 LPA

INR 15,000

INR 1.35 LPA

33

Goa Institute of Management

INR 5.89 LPA

INR 25,000

-

38

IMT Ghaziabad

INR 9.30 LPA INR 50,000 -

42

TAPMI Manipal

INR 6.50 LPA - INR 1.35 LPA

48

BIMTECH

INR 7 LPA - INR 2.07 LPA
63 Fore School of Management INR 9.13 LPA - INR 46,000 PA
73 Welingkar Mumbai INR 7 LPA INR 14,000 INR 1.60-2.20 LPA

Top City Wise PGDM Colleges in India

Below listed are location-wise PGDM course colleges in India with the average annual fees:

PGDM Cutoff 2023

Admission to PGDM courses depends on qualifying entrance exam with required cut-off marks. The cut-off marks can change every year depending on demand, institution rank, academic structure, etc. The following is detailed information on two important PGDM entrance exams and their expected cut-off marks.

PGDM CAT Cutoff 2023

Every college publishes its required cutoffs following the PGDM entrance examinations. Admission to the IIMs for PGDM is based on the CAT entrance exam. Although, the CAT cutoff for 2023 is yet to be released. Below is the list of the best PGDM colleges in India along with their expected cut-off marks in CAT 2023 for admission:

College Name

Expected CAT Cutoff 2023

IIM Bangalore

85 percentile

IIM Ahmedabad

95 percentile

IIM Lucknow

90 percentile

IIM Calcutta

80 percentile

IIM Kozhikode

85 percentile

IIT Kharagpur

90 percentile

IIT Delhi

90 percentile

IIM Indore

90 percentile

PGDM MAT Cutoff 2023

Management Admission Test, or MAT, is an important PGDM entrance exam in which candidates can apply for admission to the country's most renowned PGDM programs. The MAT test is usually held in September. The MAT cutoff score for 2023 has not yet been announced. The best PGDM colleges and predicted MAT cut-off scores for 2023 are shown below. 

College Name

MAT Expected Cutoff 2023

GLIM

95

NMIMS Mumbai

99

Chandigarh University

80

IMT Ghaziabad

85

IIHMR, Bangalore

60

PGDM vs MBA

PGDM is a post-graduation course based on management. The courses of MBA and PGDM are not the same but a few core subjects are similar to each other. It seems that AIU accreditation put together an institution PGDM program equivalent to MBA.

Listed below are the differences between MBA and PGDM courses:

Parameters

PGDM

MBA

Full-Form

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Masters of Business Administration 

Overview

PGDM focuses primarily on an industry-specific practical approach to business management practices. A diploma can be awarded by any autonomous body/institution.

Prime focus of an MBA is an in-depth insight into theoretical concepts around managerial practices. Course degrees can only be awarded by Universities or affiliated colleges. 

Qualification

Diploma Course

Degree Course

Duration

2 Years

2 years 

Eligibility

Graduate from any stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks

Graduate from any stream with a minimum of 50% of marks in any UG-recognized university

Specialization Offered

Insurance Management, Retail Management, Operations, etc.

HR, Marketing, Finance, IT, etc.

Average Fees

INR 3-12 LPA

INR 3-15 LPA

Average Salary

INR 4-24 LPA

INR 4-30 LPA

Read More: PGDM vs MBA

PGDM Syllabus and Subjects

The PGDM course is a 2-year program consisting of 4 semesters. PGDM syllabus for first-year consists of core managerial concepts and theories. PGDM syllabus for second-year focuses on taking a theoretical deep-dive into specialization-specific elective subjects. The PGDM syllabus for 1st year is given below: 

PGDM 1st Semester Syllabus

PGDM 2nd Semester Syllabus

Organizational Behavior

Business Information System

Accounting for Managers 

Business Research Methods

Managerial Economics 

Project Management

Macro Economics 

Cost & Management Accounting

Marketing Management

Human Resource Management

Quantitative Techniques

Financial Reporting 

Business Communication

Operations Management

Financial Management

 Soft Skills

Read More: PGDM Syllabus and Subjects

Types of PGDM Courses

There are different types of PGDM courses offered with different options available such that a professional can opt for PGDM online and distance learning courses which will directly help to move forward in their professional career. Listed below is the PGDM courses list along with different types:

Types 

Eligibility

Colleges Offering

Duration

Full-Time

50-55% marks in bachelor's degree + 45-50% marks for reserved category + Qualifying Entrance Exam + GD/PI/WAT scores

IIM Bodhgaya, IIM Lucknow, SPJMIR

2 Years

Part-Time

50% marks in bachelor's degree + 2 Years work experience

XLRI, IMT, LBSIM, IFIM

2-3 years

Online

50% marks in bachelor's degree + No reservation

GLIM, MDI, IMI, Lloyd Business School

2 Years

Distance

50% marks in bachelor's degree + No Reservation

NMIMS, IMT, Sikkim Manipal, IGNOU

2 Years

Part-Time Post Graduate Diploma in Management

Part-time PGDM course is ideal for working professionals as it provides additional value for career growth. Listed below are some of the important notes for Full-Time PGDM:

  • The course duration is 2-3 years
  • A Part-time PGDM course fee starts from INR 1.75-5.36 LPA depending upon the institution
  • Some of the major entrance exams are CAT, MAT, XAT, and NMAT.
  • Candidates are required 2 years of work experience. 
  • XLRI Jamshedpur, IMT Ghaziabad, LBSIM New Delhi, and IFIM Bangalore provide part-time PGDM courses.

Online Post Graduate Diploma in Management

Online courses are designed to be an accessible job-ready curriculum. Listed below are some of the important notes for Online PGDM course:

  • Candidates are introduced to an industry-oriented curriculum that involves certifications through critical evaluations. 
  • The PGDM course duration for part-time mode is two-three years.
  • The course is  easily accessible in the form of webinars, pre-recorded videos, and online study materials which allow students to learn at their own pace.
  • GLIM, MDI, Goa Institute of Management, JIM, IMI, and Lloyd Business School provide online PGDM courses. 

Distance Post Graduate Diploma in Management

Distance PGDM course is a distance learning process away from the source of the teacher. Students who want to pursue a PGDM course remotely can opt for the Distance PGDM program. Several institutes offer PGDM distance courses.

Listed below are some of the key points of Distance PGDM course:

  • It helps professionals to work as well as learn and also helps them to be updated with subjects while working
  • Students get a lot of admission opportunities in various colleges in Distance PGDM
  • Several Business schools offer Distance PGDM courses based on marks scored in the examinations such as CAT, MAT, and XAT
  • Many institutes conduct their entrance test as a part of PGDM distance learning admission procedures
  • Graduates from any stream can apply.
  • Aspirants have to secure 50% marks in 10+2 and graduation
  • Aspirants are required to achieve the qualifying marks in the entrance test
  • NMIMS, IMT, Sikkim Manipal University, IGNOU, and ICFAI offer distance learning courses for PGDM. 

Read More: Distance PGDM

Courses after Post Graduate Diploma in Management

PGDM course opens up a wide range of career options. It is even possible to study further after completing the course. The most commonly followed path in this aspect is the Doctorate, which can be obtained in different specialization domains like Management Studies, Business Administration, and others. A few of the courses are given below:

  • Ph.D
  • DBA
  • DMS
  • Doctoral Programme in Management

PGDM Salary in India

The starting salary of a PGDM course graduate would be around INR 4 - 24 LPA, depending on whether it's in the private or public sector. As skills and experience increase, so will the salary increment. Candidates can grab rewarding job roles in esteemed organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Apple, IBM, Amazon, etc. The following table comprises PGDM job roles and their respective salaries. 

Job Role

Average Entry-level Salary (INR)

Average Salary (INR) with 5+ years of Experience

Business Consultant

INR 5.40 LPA INR 12-17 LPA

Corporate Trainer

INR 4-7 LPA INR 9-14 LPA

Investment Analyst

INR 5-6 LPA INR 13-23 LPA

Risk Manager

INR 5-7 LPA INR 12-18 LPA

[Source: Glassdoor & Ambition Box]

Read More: PGDM Salary in India

Career Options After PGDM Course

After completing a Post Graduate Diploma In Management course, the aspirant can work in public and private sectors depending on the type of work or the skills they have. They even have further specialization by doing a postgraduate degree like a doctorate or even a further extension by doing an interior MBA or other full-time courses.

Some of the best job designations for graduates after the course of Post Graduate Diploma In Management are as follows:

Job Designation

Hiring Companies

Average Entry-Level Salary Range

Digital Marketing Executive

Accenture, HDFC Bank, Myntra, Flipkart, etc. INR 5.50 LPA

Finance Analyst

Accenture, Wells Fargo, Deloitte, Wipro, etc. INR 6.32 LPA

Retail Manager

Cars 24, Decathlon, Bata India, Reliance Industries, etc. INR 6-7 LPA

Operations Associate

Rivigo, Trav Clan, Paytm, Share Chat, etc. INR 4.50 LPA

Associate Project Manager

HCL Tech, HSBC Group, KPMG, E&Y, etc. INR 6.80 LPA

Top Recruiters for PGDM Course Graduates

PGDM course graduates are sought-after for their pragmatic skills and hands-on approach by top companies such as Goldman Sachs, Accenture, KPMG, IBM, etc. These organizations are known for providing promising career advancement opportunities and lucrative salary slabs to PGDM course graduates. Some of the top recruiters that hire PGDM course graduates are given below:

Top Recruiters

Average Salary

Goldman Sachs

INR 5.2 - 22 LPA

Apple

INR 6 - 30 LPA

Accenture

INR 5 - 15 LPA

Deloitte

INR 6 - 20 LPA

Wipro

INR 6 - 19 LPA

Microsoft

INR 7 - 35 LPA

KPMG

INR 5 - 25 LPA

IBM

INR 9 - 30 LPA

Amazon

INR 7 - 28 LPA

Cognizant

INR 5 - 20 LPA

[Source: Glassdoor & Payscale]

PGDM Recruiters

PGDM Scholarships

PGDM course scholarships are extremely beneficial as they provide financial assistance to students who are unable to pay their tuition and other expenses. Some of these scholarships are subject to high performance in previous academics. Listed below are a few MBA scholarship opportunities:

Scholarship

Eligibility 

Scholarship Amount

SJIM Scholarships

70% - 80% marks in the CAT entrance exam

INR 50,00 - 2 Lakhs

IMT EWS Scholarship

70% - 90% marks in the CAT and CMAT entrance exams

80% - 90% marks in the MAT entrance exam

10-20% on the course fee

JK Business School Scholarship

70% - 90% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exams

80% - 95% marks in the MAT/CMAT entrance exam

INR 10,000 - 30,000

VES Business School Scholarship

Excellent Performance in Bachelor’s studies 

Female Students and Physically Challenged Candidates

INR 25,000

Shriyut B K Birla Admission Scholarship

A minimum of 85% marks in the CAT/XAT/MAT 

INR 2 Lakhs

JIMS Scholarship

A minimum of 80% marks in the CAT entrance exam

70% marks in undergraduate studies

INR 50,000

LBSIM Scholarship

High academic performance in 1st and 2nd semester

INR 2 Lakhs

FIIB Scholarship Program

75% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exam

80% marks in the MAT/CMAT/ATMA entrance exam

75% marks in undergraduate studies from an accredited university

50% Tuition Fees

GIBS Scholarship

60-80% marks in the CAT/XAT/GMAT entrance exam

70-85% marks in the MAT/CMAT/ATMA entrance exam

INR 50,000

Skills to Excel as a PGDM Course Graduate

The PGDM course upgrades the skills and meets the industry's requirements by imparting practical approaches. It is an excellent choice for working professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of management and learn skills applicable to their field. It is recommended that students possess hard and soft skills for better course outcomes. Some of the skills required for the Post Graduate Diploma In Management graduates are as follows:

  • Versatility and flexibility - Graduates should be able to manage their time effectively and manage diverse responsibilities. It is important to be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 
  • Critical thinking - Critical thinkers may prepare for the future by staying on top of trends and gaining the requisite foresight.
  • Strong communication - Good communication skill is required for handling client and customer relationships along with additional career growth. 
  • Project management- Students should develop skills for handling projects which includes planning, forecasting along with successful execution of tasks. 
  • Leadership - PGDM course graduates can acquire job opportunities in a managerial position which requires entrepreneurial and leadership abilities.

Preparation Tips for PGDM Course

Aspirants have to ensure that they crack the required entrance exams to get admission into the PGDM course. Additionally, they will also have to update their knowledge of the business world and stay up-to-date with major events and developments. Below are some preparation tips made by experts for aspirants who want to pursue PGDM course:

  • Time Management: The aspirant should be capable of answering 180-200 questions in about two hours, which means about a minute should be given to answer each question.
  • Reading Newspapers: General knowledge and current affairs questions are often asked in entrance exams and sometimes in personal interviews and group discussion rounds.
  • Skills: Trying to focus more on analytical skills, data interpretation skills, verbal skills, general knowledge, etc., which are all included in the questions
  • Planning: To prepare well in advance, aspirants should practice with sample question papers, mock tests, and quizzes. By analyzing their errors, aspirants can develop a more effective strategy to attempt entrance exams.

PGDM Fee Structure

FAQs

What is PGDM full form?

The full form of PGDM is Post Graduate Diploma in Management.

What is the eligibility criteria for PGDM course?

Candidate should have completed a bachelor's degree such as BBA, BCom, BA, etc., with a minimum of 50% marks for unreserved category and 45% marks for reserved category students.

What is PGDM course fees?

PGDM fee is in the range of INR 3-12 LPA.

What is the PGDM admission process?

The candidate needs to meet minimum eligibility criteria and clear the cut-off for the entrance exams such as CAT, GMAT, MAT, etc. College may also conduct GD/WAT/PI rounds which a student needs to clear.

Which PGDM specialization has more scope?

It is wise to choose PGDM specialization based on the interest level of an individual. Most students opt for finance or marketing followed by global operations, Human Resource Management, Retail Management among others.

What are the career options after PGDM?

The graduates can work in various roles as per their specialization like Business Consultant, Business Development Manager, HR Manager, etc.

What is the salary of PGDM?

The average salary of PGDM Graduates ranges between INR 4 - 24 LPA (Source: Payscale)

Which are the top recruiters in the private sector for PGDM course?

The top hiring private organizations for PGDM graduates are Amazon, Wipro, Goldman Sachs, IBM, etc.

See Various PGDM Colleges in India

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