PGDM Vs MBA: Which is Better for Placements?

Choosing the right career is an essential step to take. As a student, thinking about a profession to decide on can be a daunting task.  

From picking an apt college to an apt career, a student must decide cautiously. After graduation, there is a crucial period for students where many struggle to get placed in reputed companies for jobs. 

Indian students generally prefer to step into a career field that is taxing yet has a high future scope. One such preferred career option would be in the field of Management. Each year, lakhs of students enrol into Management colleges and B-schools. Of the numerous management courses, an MBA is the most coveted of them all. With the progress made in the Management and Entrepreneurship sectors in India, the popularity and demand for MBA courses has also risen in the recent past. 

Previously, the norm was pursuing an MBA course. However, an alternative has been provided, i.e. a PGDM course. The course has gained equal popularity and demand among students.  

Although MBA and PGDM courses educate students on managerial and leadership positions, they differ in certain aspects. Students need to understand which is better when it comes to placements. 

In order to do that, let’s learn the difference between a PGDM and an MBA. 

What is an MBA? 

MBA or Master in Business Administration is a 2-year postgraduate course approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).  

MBA courses are offered at more than 6,000 recognised universities and colleges. The course is generally offered with various specialisations and students can select any specialisation from the MBA courses list offered at the institutes.  

The MBA curriculum is updated regularly to keep pace with the changing business environment.  

Since an MBA has valuable acumen in the business field, students who opt for the course earn a high salary in the future.  

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree under any discipline with a minimum aggregate marks of 50% from a recognised university are eligible for an MBA course. 

What is PGDM? 

PGDM or Post Graduate Diploma in Management is a 2-year diploma course offered by colleges, universities and B-schools in India. PGDM courses are offered by state and central universities as well. 

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is similar to an MBA degree. PGDM may be offered as a part-time course or as distance education. The syllabus for MBA and PGDM are similar. However, a PGDM takes more of a practical approach to management training.  

Candidates with a Bachelor’s equivalent degree with a minimum aggregate marks of 50% or equivalent from a recognised university in India or abroad are eligible to apply for the PGDM course.  

All About Placement Cells of Colleges/ Universities: 

Expert Panel Members:  

The placement cells at universities and colleges have qualified members to counsel students on placements and career paths after graduation. This makes students more comfortable approaching the members with doubts regarding job opportunities.

Guidance for Placements: 

Students have the opportunity to avail assistance from the placement cell for preparation of interviews. Students are trained in various topics throughout the entire placement process.  

The institute may aim to improve soft skills, technical knowledge, reasoning, aptitude and much more in order to prepare students for interviews. 

Expansive Opportunities:  

A placement cell will have information about the various industries and MNCs that hire graduates. This allows aspirants to have many career options and makes it easier for them to choose the best. 

Knowledge of the Industry:  

Professionals and teachers from the placement cell would educate students about the industry and its functions. This valuable insight is an added benefit for students to make career decisions.   

Mapping a clear career path makes it easier for the students in the future. This is where the placement cells come into view. Placement cells are vital in the decision-making process of the student's career. With apt guidance, students can compare and analyse what is best for them. Aspirants can confirm whether the college or university they wish to attend has a placement cell.  

Top MBA Colleges: 

Many top-ranking institutes in India provide exceptional MBA teachings with exposure.  

Here is a list of some of the top institutes for MBA in India according to the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) rankings as of 2024: 

Top PGDM Colleges: 

The demand for teaching professionals and quality syllabi has increased as the PGDM course is designed based on industry requirements. As a result, the PGDM course has gained more popularity over the years. The course ranking has risen in India and abroad as well.  

Here is a list of some of the top institutes that provide a PGDM course: 

Job Prospects: 

Good placement opportunities are necessary for students to build a strong career in Management. Quality placements from a well-recognised college or university have many benefits.  

MBA Placement Opportunities at Top Colleges: 

-Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad 

IIM, Ahmedabad is one of the finest institutes that offer an MBA course and placements are done in more than 20 domains in Management. They also have 100% placements. 

A total of 188 companies offered around 280 job profiles for students as of 2023. 

Internships: 

Students intern for 8 - 10 weeks with their preferred organisations. Summer internships help students gain practical experience in real-world situations. About 224 pre-placement offers were made as a result of the students’ performance during the internship period. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- University of Delhi - Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi 

FMS in Delhi offers all the requirements for placements. 

As of 2023, about 110 companies made more than 280 offers across different domains. All of the graduates participating in placements received an offer. 

Internships: 

Students intern for 8 - 10 weeks with their preferred organisations. Summer internships help students gain practical experience in real-world situations. The average stipend for the summer internship was about INR 3 lakhs in the year 2023. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

-Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore 

IIM, Bangalore is one of the top B-schools in India that provides an MBA course with excellent placement.  

As of 2024, almost 163 recruiters made about 570 or more offers in different domains.  

Internship: 

IIM has a summer internship program where students intern in organisations of their preference. The internships are offered in the fields of Consulting, Information Technology, Finance, Manufacturing, Hospitality, etc.  

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), Kolkata 

IISWBM in Kolkata is well known for providing quality education in MBA.  

IISWBM achieved a placement rate of 96% as of 2023. Of all the companies that participated in the recruitment process, 25% were first-time recruiters. 

Internship: 

IISWBM has a summer internship program for MBA students where they can intern at their preferred organisations. Interns can choose to work in different sectors such as HR, Consulting, BFSI, Telecom/ Media, General Management, Manufacturing and Automotive, etc. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune 

SIBM is a constituent unit of Symbiosis International University (SIU). SIBM is consistently ranked among the top 10 B-Schools in India. 

As of 2023, more than 100 companies participated in the recruitment process. 

Internship: 

SIBM has a summer internship program where students intern at their preferred companies. As a result of exceptional performance during the internship period, 96 pre-placement offers were made by various companies. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

PGDM Placement Opportunities at Top Colleges: 

- Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur: 

XLRI in Jamshedpur is one of the top management institutes in India.  

XLRI has attained 100% placement every year in the PGDM course. On average, the institute has about 154 recruiters, including domestic and international companies.  

Internship: 

XLRI has a summer internship program for the students as part of the curriculum. As a result of exceptional performance, about 160 students and more received a pre-placement offer.  

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon 

MDI in Gurgaon provides excellent placement opportunities for a PGDM course.  

The management institute has placed about 472 students in the year 2023. Of the 102 recruiting companies that participated in the placement process, 21 were first-time recruiters. 

Internship: 

MDI has a summer internship program as part of the curriculum. As a result of exceptional performance of the students, about 150 or more pre-placement offers were made. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- Institute of Marketing & Management (IMM), New Delhi 

IMM in New Delhi is one of the top institutes in India that provide various PGDM courses with specialisations.  

IMM has been providing 100% placement for students in various domains like Consulting, HR, Finance, Banking, Automotives and more. 

Internship: 

IMM has a Corporate Resource Centre which provides multiple paid internships during the Summer and Winter internship programs. A majority of the students have received Pre-Placement Offers based on their performance during the internships. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- RV Institute of Management (RVIM), Bangalore 

RVIM in Bangalore is one of the top colleges for PGDM courses in Karnataka 

RVIM has weekly placement training sessions where students work on their soft skills, aptitude, communication skills and more. As of 2023, about 150 students and more have been placed. About 68 recruiters took part in the placement process.  

Internship: 

RVIM has a summer internship program where students can intern at their preferred organisations. Upon completion of the internship, students must submit a project report.  

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai 

SPJIMR in Mumbai is one of the top institutes that provide a PGDM course. The course has been approved by AICTE, accredited by NBA and AMBA and has ranked in India’s top 10 management programmes.  

About 72 companies participated in the recruitment process as of 2024.  

Internship: 

SPJIMR has an autumn and summer internship program where students can intern at their preferred organisations for a period of 2 months. As of 2024, 110 pre-placement offers were made to students as a result of their performance during the internship period. 

Top Recruiters: 

Salary Highlights: 

The Decision 

To evaluate the difference between PGDM and MBA, students must consider the differences at every level. Both courses have some differences, yet they also have some similarities. Along with this, the PGDM course is rapidly gaining popularity among aspirants.  

The aspects of faculty, campus, peers, rankings and accreditations of the institute also play an important role in the decision-making process. Aspirants would have to consider these factors while making a choice based on their personal and professional goals.