Most of the confusion revolving around the ‘PGDM VS MBA’ has
been ended to certain extent. Due to the evolution of social media platforms
like Facebook, LinkedIn, and question
answering platform Quora; more and more students are connected, and getting
the relevant news in the form of blog posts, from their colleagues and Quora;
resulting in clearance of the doubts regarding MBA VS PGDM success.
Yet, there are individuals, who’re not used to these social
media platforms, and believe in traditional ways like reading articles and
getting advice from their immediate seniors which, in most cases, doesn’t
satisfy them. And they end up wanting for more. This article is dedicated to
these individuals.
What is the entire fuss about MBA and PGDM?
The basic difference starts from the fact that MBA (Master
of Business Administration) is offered by the universities, as per Indian Law,
like several other courses B.Tech, B.Com, or BBA. Whereas the institutions not
affiliated to universities, and are autonomous (self governing) offer PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in
Management). Some of the best
institutions such as IIMs, and even XLRI, for the matter of the fact, offer
PGDM not an MBA.
Suspicion due to
‘DIPLOMA’
The suspicious
outlook toward PGDM and reluctance of the candidates when it comes to join the
course is due to the use of word – DIPLOMA. Yes, as in Indian mindset the
diploma doesn’t get along well with people. Diploma degrees basically are
offered to prepare ‘working force’, but more often, it prepares crowd rather
than specialized and skilled work force ending up creating a deep suspicion
toward this degree.
Significance of PGDM
The course, mostly offered, by autonomous bodies and
privately run institution focuses on preparing a specialized work force for
different industries. And some of the best B schools are owned by corporate BIG
WIGS providing an ample opportunity for the students of these colleges the best
industry oriented training and exposure.
Moreover the major factor why every 9 out of 10 colleges are
running the PGDM courses is the increased demand, in the corporate sectors, for
the industry specific specialists. Riding
high on the advantage to design and upgrade the curriculum independently, the
institutions are focusing on ‘their strengths’ for preparing industry relevant
courses. Whereas, an MBA degree makes it student JACK of all but master of NONE
and the PGDM emphasize to make students MASTER of a certain area.
Benefiting Students
belonging to TIER II cities
Also, considerable is the fact that PGDM colleges have
helped management education to de centralize which, in earlier time, were
limited to Major Metropolis. The owner of these privately run institute have deep
and good ties with industries and corporate, enabling them to –focus - to cater the needs of a
specified industry, and also giving them a chance to exploit the huge
population looking to pursue a management degree thus providing corporate a
much needed specialists, and lots of them enabling a healthy competition. In
the recent times, the TIER two cities are witnessing the lots of budding
colleges offering great opportunities. “TECHNO - a PGDM college in Lucknow - is witnessing a large numbers in admissions
as it provides an industry centric curriculum, and constantly performing well
for the last few years when it comes to placement” says Dr Nimes Singh,
Director Academics of the institute.
All in all there is no difference between a PGDM degree and
an MBA whether in terms of reputation or placements. In fact, barring FMS –
Delhi University’s MBA programme – most of the colleges featuring in the list
of top colleges offer PGDM degree. Now I hope the remaining residuals of doubts
must’ve been cleared. Wishing you “All the best”.
