PGDM: Full Form, Course, Eligibility, Admission 2025, Fees, Colleges, Salary
Complete Guide to Post Graduate Diploma in Management

What is PGDM?
PGDM full form is Post Graduate Diploma in Management. The key element of this two-year PG-level management, skill-oriented program is to provide expertise and understanding based on a practical approach to various core specializations of management and its operations. They are further divided into several disciplines, including Human Resources, Marketing, Finance, IT, Operations, etc.
Similar to the MBA course, the PGDM course is authorized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Students have numerous choices when they apply for PGDM programs from an AICTE-approved institute. Notably, various leading companies only hire students from AICTE-authorized institutes.
PGDM: Course Highlights
Particulars | PGDM Course Details |
---|---|
PGDM Full form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
PGDM Course level | Postgraduate level |
PGDM Course duration | Two years |
PGDM Course Eligibility | Candidate must have completed graduation in any stream |
Entrance Exams | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP etc. |
Average PGDM fee | INR 3 lakh to INR 15 lakh |
Average Package | INR 5 LPA to INR 15 LPA |
Job Positions | HR Recruiters, Sales Manager, Public Relations Manager, Research Analyst etc. |
Top Recruiters | HDFC Bank, Dell, Myntra, Amazon, Lifestyle etc. |
Difference between MBA and PGDM
Well, both MBA and PGDM are business-oriented courses. While the MBA program introduces the academic concept and imparts on growing the technical understanding of an aspirant, PGDM prepares aspirants for practical conditions. Unlike an MBA, a PGDM course would be a little more expensive, costing between Rs 6 to 20 lakh.
Parameters | MBA | PGDM |
---|---|---|
Full-Form | Master of Business Administration | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
Qualification | Degree Course | Diploma Course |
Duration | 2 years | 1-2 years |
Eligibility | Graduation with minimum 50% marks | Graduation from recognized institution |
Fees | INR 5,00,000 – 12,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Average Salary | INR 9 LPA – 13 LPA | INR 10 LPA – 14 LPA |
Types of PGDM
Types of PGDM | Eligibility | Admission | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Full Time | Bachelor's Degree with 50% marks For IIM 60% marks |
Entrance Based | INR 4,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Online | Bachelor's Degree | Merit Based | INR 10,000 – 15,000 |
Distance | Bachelor's Degree | Entrance Based | INR 30,000 – 50,000 |
PGDM Specializations
Banking and Finance
Those who want to become Credit Managers and Financial Specialists, Accounting Managers, or Cash Managers can consider pursuing PGDM in Finance.
Human Resources
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial. These abilities are necessary for building relationships and managing conflicts.
Marketing
Responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies including branding, advertising, public relations, and social media.
Information Technology
Information technology has developed into the most fundamental requirement for society's overall efficient functioning.
Business Analytics
Offers knowledge and skills necessary to build future business plans and strategies founded on accurate data analysis.
Operations Management
Focus on efficient production and delivery of goods and services to maximize organizational productivity.
PGDM Admission Process 2025
PGDM Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
- Minimum 50% marks in graduation (45% for reserved categories)
- Final year students can also apply
- Valid score in entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP
PGDM Entrance Exams
Entrance Exam | Exam Date | Application Deadline | Accepting Colleges |
---|---|---|---|
CAT | November 2024 | September 2024 | IIMs, FMS, XLRI |
XAT | January 2025 | November 2024 | XLRI, IMT, MICA |
MAT | Multiple dates | Ongoing | 400+ B-Schools |
CMAT | January 2025 | December 2024 | AICTE approved colleges |
Selection Process
Entrance Exam
Appear for entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT
Application
Fill application forms of desired colleges
Shortlisting
Colleges shortlist candidates based on exam scores
GD/PI
Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds
Final Selection
Merit list preparation and admission offers
Top PGDM Colleges in India
College Name | Location | Average Package | Fees | Entrance Exam |
---|---|---|---|---|
IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | ₹25 LPA | ₹23 Lakhs | CAT |
IIM Bangalore | Bangalore | ₹24 LPA | ₹24 Lakhs | CAT |
IIM Calcutta | Kolkata | ₹28 LPA | ₹27 Lakhs | CAT |
XLRI Jamshedpur | Jamshedpur | ₹22 LPA | ₹25 Lakhs | XAT |
FMS Delhi | Delhi | ₹32 LPA | ₹2 Lakhs | CAT |
IMT Ghaziabad | Ghaziabad | ₹15 LPA | ₹17 Lakhs | CAT/XAT |
State-wise Top PGDM Colleges
Delhi NCR
- FMS Delhi
- IMT Ghaziabad
- MDI Gurgaon
- FORE School of Management
Maharashtra
- JBIMS Mumbai
- SIMSREE Mumbai
- KJ Somaiya
- PUMBA Pune
Karnataka
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Udaipur
- Christ University
- Alliance University
PGDM Career Opportunities
Job Roles after PGDM
Finance Sector
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Credit Manager
- Risk Manager
- Financial Advisor
Marketing & Sales
- Brand Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Product Manager
- Marketing Research Analyst
Human Resources
- HR Manager
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Training & Development Manager
- Compensation & Benefits Manager
- HR Business Partner
Salary Structure
Experience Level | Average Salary | Top Companies |
---|---|---|
Fresher (0-2 years) | ₹6-12 LPA | TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Accenture |
Mid-level (3-5 years) | ₹12-20 LPA | Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Flipkart |
Senior-level (5+ years) | ₹20-35 LPA | McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte |