Do you need help to choose between different management programmes? Among the many options, two programmes that stand out are PGDM and PGPM. If you need more clarification about the differences between these courses and need help deciding, this blog is for you. Written by experts under the guidance and supervision of industry leaders, this blog provides an overview and the differences between the two programmes to help you make an informed choice.
Terminologies And A Basic Overview Of The Programmes
PGPM
PGPM stands for the Post Graduate Programme in Management. PGPM programmes are primarily tailored for professionals with a few years of work experience who aspire to develop a career in business management. These programmes cover a comprehensive range of subjects concerning business and management, encompassing finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. To provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to actual business scenarios, these programmes integrate case studies, simulations, live projects, and industry interactions. As a result, PGPM graduates possess the requisite expertise, abilities, and practical experience to excel in management positions across various industries.
PGDM
The full form of PGDM is Post Graduate Diploma in Management. PGDM is a management studies programme that spans two years and is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in various aspects of business and management. The programme typically covers core business and management courses, such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, and information technology, alongside elective courses that allow students to specialise in entrepreneurship, business analytics, and international business. PGDM emphasises practical learning through case studies, internships, live projects, and industry interactions to prepare students for the challenges of the corporate world.
Objectives
PGPM
The PGPM programme aims to transform functional specialists into value-based leaders with robust functional and general management capabilities.
PGDM
The goal of PGDM, on the other hand, is to foster socially aware leaders with a global perspective who can contribute to the institute’s mission of influencing managerial practices through wise innovation.
Curriculum
PGPM
The PGPM course duration of 18 months comprises 15 months of in-class learning, followed by a three-month Industry Immersion. PGPM provides a solid foundation in management fundamentals and a deep dive into a chosen area of specialisation. The programme offers a wide range of electives and strong academic rigour.
Major
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- General Management
- Information Management
- Marketing
- Operations & Supply Chain
PGDM
The PGDM programme sets the stage for a robust management education by beginning with the Harvard Business School’s pre-MBA foundation module. The programme is dedicated to core functional and general management courses, complemented by experiential learning opportunities and Design and Innovation.
The PGDM programme participants choose a major specialisation and can also switch to a different one. Additionally, participants can opt for a minor specialisation.
Major
- Operations and Supply Chain
- Information Management
- Marketing
- Finance
Minor
- Analytics
- Marketing
- Consulting
- Finance
- Information Management
Flexibility
PGPM
This offers the participants a high degree of flexibility in designing their learning experience. They can specialise in a specific function, including contemporary areas like business analytics, or pursue a general management track. It allows the participants to tailor their education to their specific career goals and areas of interest. The programme’s flexible approach to learning ensures that participants receive a customised education that meets their individual needs and helps them achieve their career aspirations.
PGDM
Usually offers flexibility concerning the curriculum design and course offerings, allowing students to opt from a wider range of electives and specialisations.
Eligibility Criteria
PGPM
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Minimum three years of relevant work experience at the time of commencement of the programme.
- GMAT/CAT scores accepted.
- Scores for GMAT taken between August 31, 2018 – September 30, 2023, or CAT scores for years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
- GMAT scores have to be submitted through GMAC
- GMAT scores can be submitted by September – October.
PGDM
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in any discipline from a recognised university.
- CAT and GMAT entrance scores are accepted.
- Both fresh graduates and candidates with a maximum of 5 years of work experience.
Selection Process
PGPM
Applicants are shortlisted based on their profiles and evaluated using the following criteria –
- Academic record
- Relevance of work experience in specialisation applied for versatility and achievements.
- Interviews of shortlisted applicants will be conducted on a rolling basis.
PGDM
Applicants must meet the qualifying scores in at least one of the entrance exams. The profiles are evaluated and the applicants are sorted into two groups – Profile-based and Profile-cum-Score-based. For selection, the applicants are shortlisted based on their profiles, and the following factors are considered –
- A strong and consistent performance in 10th and 12th grade and every year of graduation.
- Minimum eligibility cutoff required for the entrance exam.
- Endeavours in diverse fields of interest and noteworthy past achievements.
Rankings
PGPM
SPJIMR is ranked #6 in India by the Business World 2022 B-School Rankings for its PGPM programme.
PGDM
PGDM programme is highly regarded, and in 2022 it was recognised by the Financial Times Masters in Management (FT MiM) Rankings as one of the country’s top two leading management institutes. Among management programmes in India, PGDM is ranked first for its Careers service (ranked 10th globally) and Career progress (ranked 22nd globally) by FT MiM. PGDM also consistently ranks among the top 10 management programmes in India.
Career Opportunities
After Pursuing The PGPM Programme
- General Management
- Consulting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Operations and Supply Chain
- Entrepreneurship
After Pursuing The PGDM Programme
- Management Consultant
- Investment Banker
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Business Development Manager
- Human Resources Manager
Placement & Salaries
PGPM
The PGPM programme has a remarkable record of strong placements year after year, with an expanding range of companies hiring from diverse industries and sectors. In the Class of 2021, PGPM participants witnessed a significant average hike of 159.7% in their compensation packages, indicating the high value of the programme in the job market. The top 25% of the batch secured an average CTC of INR 31 lakhs, while the top 50% received INR 28.7 lakhs, highlighting the excellent career prospects for PGPM graduates.
Placement Highlights
PGDM
PGDM programme has maintained a consistent track record of 100% placement for more than two decades, a testament to the quality of education and training. In the 2022 final placements, over 59% of the batch secured offers above INR 30 lakhs per annum, and over 87% received offers over INR 25 lakhs per annum
Placement Highlights
Which One Should You Opt For – PGPM OR PGDM?
Both programmes – PGPM and PGDM are highly respected and recognised in the industry, and choosing between them should be based on your individual career goals and aspirations.
If you have a few years of work experience and are looking for a programme that will equip you with advanced management knowledge and skills, then PGPM may be a good fit. PGPM programmes are designed for professionals who want to accelerate their careers and take on leadership roles in their respective industries. The programme covers a wide range of topics related to business and management and provides practical exposure through case studies, live projects, and industry interactions.
On the other hand, if you are a recent graduate with limited work experience and are looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of business and management, then PGDM may be a better fit for you. PGDM programmes provide a solid foundation in core business and management courses and allow students to specialise in entrepreneurship, business analytics, international business, etc. The programme emphasises practical learning through case studies, internships, and live projects.
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It is recommended that you thoroughly research both programmes, speak to alums and faculty members, and evaluate your career goals before making a decision.
