Difference between M.B.A. and P.G.D.M.

Key Difference: M.B.A refers to Master of Business Administration. It is a degree that is conferred on completion of a two to three year management programme. It is granted by a University or an institution that is affiliated to the University. On the other hand, P.G.D.M. stands for a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. It is a diploma course of one to two years and is granted by an autonomous institution.

Many people do not understand the difference between an M.B.A. programme and a P.G.D.M. programme. People often relate the difference with the values associated with both and conclude that a degree is always better than a diploma. However, the main difference between them lies in the affiliation of the institutions offering these programmes.

M.B.A. is a degree that is provided by the colleges that are affiliated to a University and these Universities are controlled by the University Grants Commissions. P.G.D.M is a diploma that is provided by the colleges that are not affiliated to any University and the institution functions as an autonomous body.

Some of the key differences between them are listed below:-

	M.B.A.	P.G.D.M.
Full form	Masters of Business Administration	Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies
Type	Degree	Diploma
Programme	Offered by an institution that is affiliated to a University.	Offered by an institution that is not affiliated to any University.
Study	Based on developing technical skills and business knowledge.	Based on Industry-specific needs.
Examples	IGNOU, IIT	IIM’s, XLRI's
Focus	Generally, MBA focuses more on theoretical aspects of management.	Generally, PGDM focuses more on building soft skills.
Orientation	Exam	Industry
Affordability	Generally, more affordable	Generally, less affordable
Curriculum	Rigid, due to involvement of the University.	Flexible.
Duration	Two to three years	One to two years
Controller of Examination	University	Institute itself
Entrance Examination	Generally, through state level university examination.	Generally, through CAT/MAT/GMAT.