PGDBA Or MBA? Let’s Discuss

Posted by teresa matthews on January 9th, 2020

Two of the most famous names when it comes to higher education in management are Master’s in Business Administration or MBA and Post Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics or PGDBA. The two degrees share a lot of similarities. MBA, as you know, is one of the most sought-after degrees in India. The PGDBA, on the other hand, is a similar course with the same syllabus and is just as valuable as an MBA degree. Both degrees are application based and explore the depths of the management and marketing fields. How then, are the two courses different in comparison?

Here’s all you need to know

PGDBA and MBA – comparing the courses

The main point of contrast between PGDBA and MBA courses relates to the application. While the MBA is aligned more with theoretical concepts, the PGDBA course relies more on practical knowledge. Apart from the perspective of the form, the following are the main points of difference.

The admission process: It is essential to remember that the admission process of MBA is much more complex and stringent than the criteria that are required to pursue PGDBA. While MBA students need to appear for national-level competitive examinations to secure a seat, PGDBA students can look for school/institute level exams to seek admission. Some institutes do not have this vetting process while providing access to students interested in the PGBDA course.

•    The popularity of the course: Another fundamental difference lies in the fact that the MBA is infinitely more accessible than PGDBA. An MBA degree is recognised all throughout the world. It is global and is awarded by universities. On the other hand, a PGDBA is a post-graduate program offered by independent business schools, which are generally recognised as technical institutions in India. Students are rewarded with diplomas in the field of business administration.

•    Rigidity vs Flexibility: The MBA program is very rigid. The program remains universal on a state level and all institutions are required to follow the same syllabus in the state. The program is controlled by universities and is revised every few years. This seems like a disadvantage since students are prevented from learning about the ever-evolving trends in the business world. A PGDBA program, on the other hand, allows flexibility and fluidity in the curriculum. The syllabus is set by the business school and is revised from time to time, keeping the updated business trends in mind. Independent institutes rewarding such degrees are not bound to any rigid laws and keep updating the course structure according to the recent trends in the subject.

•    Prospects: Students who have completed their MBA course have a better chance at earning better pay packages and the job opportunities for them are infinite, mainly because of the competitive exams they are needed to appear for. While MBA graduates can opt for various traditional specialisations such as Supply chain, human resource, marketing and so on, the job prospects and pay packages for students completing PGDBA courses are just as attractive. Such students can venture into new and exciting arenas with specialisations such as blockchain, data science and much more.

In conclusion, there is no actual answer on whether PGDBA is better than MBA or the other way round. Both of these courses have their benefits and challenges and the decision to pursue them and join a business school, depends entirely on your aspirations and expectations out of your career.