What Is PGDM Full Form?

After completing a university degree, many students in India are ready to take the next step and advance their education. Those looking to continue in management and other professional business roles can choose between pursuing an MBA or a PGDM. While both options are excellent choices for a future managerial career, PGDMs are growing in demand and popularity. Learn more about PGDM in its full form, how a PGDM is different from an MBA, and the benefits of a PGDM.

What is the PGDM full form?

The full form of PGDM is Post Graduate Diploma in Management. These two-year programmes teach students the technical and workplace skills required to successfully pursue a career in management across different industries. The PGDM full form is an alternative on a similar level to an MBA. This diploma programme typically takes around four semesters (or six trimesters). The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approves the PGDM institutions.

The PGDM covers many topics that are relevant to managerial professionals, including the following:

• Information technology

• Finance

• Marketing

• Human resources

• Supply chain management

• Agriculture

• Entrepreneurship

• Communication

Who benefits from the PGDM?

Students aspiring to work in high-level managerial roles benefit from a PGDM. If you have a personality that thrives in leadership roles and are interested in leading teams to complete goals in different industries, the PGDM may be a beneficial option.

Before applying for the PGDM, it’s important to compare your experience and educational background to the course requirements to make sure you are eligible to enroll. Standard prerequisites include the following: 

• Graduation from an accredited university or institution.

• Have a graduation grade average of 50 percent or higher.

• Pass the required entrance exam(s) specified by the institution. These may be the CAT, MAT, GMAT, XAT, NMAT, or others.  

How is the PGDM different from an MBA?

The main difference between a PGDM and an MBA is the institution that offers the programmes. An MBA, or Master in Business Administration, is a degree universities confer, and only universities can give degrees. A PGDM is a diploma offered by autonomous institutions approved by the AICTE. A PGDM is equivalent to an MBA, and recruiters may look for either when considering hiring candidates.

Benefits of completing the PGDM course

The PGDM allows students to develop foundational knowledge and skills to help them succeed in managerial roles across multiple industries. Because the PGDM course is so rigorous, students who complete it are in high demand by recruiters and business managers. PGDM courses offer the opportunity to network with high-profile professionals while exposing you to potential job opportunities in different industries. The PGDM provides the leadership skills you need to be a successful managerial professional.

Many students opt to attain their PGDM instead of an MBA because the PGDM focuses on current and on-trend marketing lessons. MBA courses focus more on theory than real-world situations, while PGDM courses focus on technical aspects of certain industries. Another advantage is how quickly a standalone institution can update its PGDM programme. MBA programmes offered at larger institutions may not have that advantage. Because the PGDM’s syllabus is flexible, it tailors to the most up-to-date industry standards, allowing students to feel more prepared.

How to choose the right PGDM course for you

When choosing the right PGDM course for your goals and career interests, it’s important to consider several factors, including how the PGDM course ranks. You’ll want to aim for a highly accredited institution with high-quality courses and instructors. If you want opportunities for hands-on experience, look for a course that offers internships.  It’s beneficial to consider what you want out of your programme—like a particular speciality or experience, such as an international exchange.  Then, you should research to find a PGDM course that matches your interests and priorities.

Jobs that use the PGDM

If you’re looking for a managerial position in India, many use the skills and knowledge you’ll develop while enrolled in the PGDM. Positions exist in the public sector, such as health services and railways, or the defence forces like the Indian Army. Some examples of jobs that use the PGDM include the following:

*All salary data from Glassdoor India and as of August 2024

Finance and banking

One example of a finance and banking role is a banking officer or a commercial loan officer who works for commercial banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. In this role, you would primarily review and approve or decline applications. Banking officers typically fill supervisory roles and help monitor applications and payments handled by loan administrators. The typical base salary for a banking officer is ₹2,49,996 per year [1].

Government jobs

One example of a government job is as a public affairs specialist. These professionals are responsible for informing the public of government services through promotion and the creation of materials. You will typically communicate with the media during crises or emergencies and often train others to interact with the media and the public during high-pressure situations. Public affairs specialists create content and develop relationships with spokespeople to provide the public with accurate and relevant information. A public affairs specialist's typical annual base salary is ₹27,00,146 [2].

International business

One example of an international business job is a business development manager. These professionals develop strategies that maximise profits and grow a business’s global influence. As a business development manager, you’ll meet these goals by identifying target markets and audiences, creating new relationships that foster growth, and pursuing leads and new opportunities. A business development manager's average annual base salary is ₹12,75,000 [3].

Supply chain management

Supply chain managers plan, organise, and create large-scale supply chain projects. They oversee these projects and ensure they add value to a supply chain system. You will oversee projects to ensure they stay within budget and the company has enough products in stock to maintain the supply chain successfully. The average annual salary for a supply chain manager is ₹14,59,400 [4].

Human resources

With a PGDM, you could pursue a human resources career, such as a human resources manager position. A human resources manager designs, monitors, and evaluates a particular business or company’s various human resources policies, procedures, and processes. They help create effective strategic plans, ensure everything from hiring to employee benefits is legal, and follow the correct policies. They provide support for employees and give recommendations for any issues that might occur. A human resources manager's average annual base salary is ₹10,00,000 [5].

Getting started with Coursera

Sharpen your managerial skills and earn your PGDM through courses offered on Coursera. With options such as the S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research’s Post Graduate Diploma in Management Online, you’ll learn the foundational skills necessary to complete your PGDM and take the next step towards a managerial position in one of India’s many industries.