Syllabus of MBA vs Syllabus of PGDM

There are some key differences between the syllabus of MBA and syllabus of PGDM courses in India. Check the list of differences along with the semester-wise syllabus of MBA and PGDM courses. Also find the specialization level syllabus of different MBA course electives here.

Table of Contents

Differences between Syllabus of MBA and Syllabus of PGDM
MBA and PGDM Syllabus and Curriculum: General Overview
List of Elective Courses in MBA and PGDM Courses
Popular MBA Colleges in India
Popular PGDM Colleges in India

We all know that Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a degree course, whereas, Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) also know Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM), is a diploma course. An MBA degree can be offered only by the universities or the institutions affiliated from AICTE recognized universities. On the other hand, autonomous bodies or private institutions cannot offer a degree course, so they offer a PGDM or PGPM course. The syllabi of both the courses are almost the same, apart from few defining differences. A major difference between the syllabus of the MBA courses and PGDM courses is that that MBA syllabus gets designed by the universities whereas PGDM syllabus gets framed by the individual independent institutions. Take a closer look at the differences between MBA and PGDM here.

Differences between Syllabus of MBA and Syllabus of PGDM

Syllabus of an MBA degree focuses more on technical and theoretical aspects of management studies, whereas, PGDM syllabus is coined to be industry oriented and focuses more on skillful approach and practical knowledge. If a candidate has taken up MBA then there are chances that he/she is studying a syllabus that was designed years back with no up-gradation and revision. On the contrary, a candidate who has taken up PGDM or PGPM course is more likely to study a syllabus with upgraded topics and sections as per the needs of the industry. Let’s look at some points of differences and similarities between the syllabus of MBA and syllabus of PGDM courses.

Syllabus of MBA	Syllabus of PGDM
Course Offered by Universities	Course Offered by Independent Institutions
Designed by Universities	Designed by Autonomous Bodies
Technical and Theory-Based	Industry Based
Gets Revised Once in 4-5 Years	Gets Revised on a Regular Basis
Full Two Years Syllabus	1-2 Years Syllabus as per the Institutional Decision
Has Core and Elective Courses	Has Core and Elective Courses

MBA and PGDM Syllabus and Curriculum: General Overview

Semester 1

Organizational Behaviour	Quantitative Methods
Managerial Economics	Financial Accounting
Marketing Management	Human Resource Management
Business Communication	Information Technology Management

Semester 2

Organization Effectiveness and Change	Management Science
Economic Environment of Business	Financial Management
Management Accounting	Production and Operations Management
Marketing Research	Management of Information System

Note: After the completion of two semesters in an MBA or PGDM programme, candidates are required to undergo compulsory internship or summer training with any company across the country. Credits are added to their final academic percentage for the same.

Semester 3

Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility	Strategic Analysis
Legal Environment of Business	Elective Courses as per Institutional Guidelines (Check the list below)

Semester 4

Project Study	Strategic Management
International Business Environment	Elective Courses as per Institutional Guidelines (Check the list below)

List of Elective Courses in MBA and PGDM Courses

Since a student must opt for an elective course and specialization as a part of the course, we have listed down some of the popular list of electives that are offered by the b-schools in India.

Financial Management

Quantitative Analysis of Financial Decisions	Security Analysis and Investment Management
Portfolio Management	International Financial Management
Management of Financial Services	Management Control System
Corporate Taxation	Financial Derivatives
Project Planning, Analysis and Management	Risk Management
Fixed Income Securities	Corporate Governance
Financial Reporting	-

Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management

Management of Industrial Relations	Human Resource Planning and Development
Manpower Development for Technological Change	Cross-Cultural and Global Management
Performance Management	Training and Development
Managing Interpersonal and Group Processes	Managing Diversity
Counselling Skills for Managers	Human Resource Development: Strategies and Systems
Leadership, Power & Politics	Negotiation, Persuasion and Social Influence Skills
Personal Power & Leadership through Asian Values	Compensation Management

Marketing

Consumer Behaviour	Advertising Management
Competitive Marketing	Business Marketing
Sales Force Management	Service Marketing
Sales Promotion Management	Brand Management
Internet Marketing	Retailing Management
Marketing Channel	Analytical Marketing
Advanced Research Techniques in Marketing	-

Production and Operation Management

Advanced Operations Management	Operations Strategy
Total Quality Management	Operations Research
Environment and Safety Management	Modelling in Supply Chain Management
Quantitative Analysis of Risk and Uncertainty	Production Planning and Control
Supply Chain Management	Technology, Innovation and New Product Management

Information Technology Management

Managing E-Business	Business Process Re-Engineering
System Analysis and Design	Strategic Management of Information Technology
Database Management Systems	Knowledge Management
Managing IT-Enabled Services	Network Operations, Management & Security
Business Intelligence	-

Services Management

Management of NGOs	Tourism Marketing
Transportation Management	Hospitality Marketing
Hospitality Operations Management	Civil Aviation Management
Airport Management	Service Operations Management
Total Service Quality Management	-

Please understand the syllabus described above may vary from college to college and university to university depending on the specialisations offered by them. Students interested in taking admission to MBA colleges can do so through our Common Application Form (CAF) . Check out some of the most popular MBA and PGDM colleges given below.

Popular MBA Colleges in India

College	Location	MBA Course Fee (in Rs. lakhs)
Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems and Management (VVISM)	Hyderabad	--
BML Munjal University	Gurgaon	10.50
CT University	Ludhiana	2.62 - 9.20
Acharya Bangalore B-School (ABBS)	Bangalore	8.10 - 10.02
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS)	Delhi	0.20
The ICFAI University	Raipur	1.66
KL University	Guntur	5.00
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)	New Delhi	7.60
Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC)	Landran	1.82
Management Development Institute (MDI)	Gurgaon	24

Popular PGDM Colleges in India

College	Location	PGDM Course Fee
Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed University	Ambala	2.00
Aurora's Business School	Hyderabad	4.60
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)	Mumbai	16.50
T A Pai Management Institute	Manipal	14.60
NIMS University	Jaipur	1.20
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research	Mumbai	17.50
Xavier Labour Relations Institute	Jamshedpur	20.95
Jagannath International Management School (JIMS)	New Delhi	7.70
Institute of Management Studies (IMS)	Ghaziabad	7.90
NSHM Knowledge Campus	Kolkata	5.66

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How does GIBS balance academics with practical learning?

-PreethiUpdated on January 30, 2026 12:38 PM

1 Answer

Himani Daryani, Content Team

Dear Student,

GIBS Business School blends academics with practical learning by following a 70% practical and 30% theory approach. Classroom lessons are combined with case studies, live projects, role plays, and interactions with companies, so you not only understand management concepts but also learn how to apply them in real business situations.

Thank You!

What role do faculty mentors play in student success at GIBS?

-PreethiUpdated on January 30, 2026 12:36 PM

1 Answer

Himani Daryani, Content Team

Dear Student,

The faculty mentors at GIBS Business School, Banagalore, are there to support you academically, personally, and professionally, this way:

At GIBS, faculty mentors are like your personal guides throughout your management journey. Each mentor is assigned to a small group of students (for example, 3 students per mentor) so you get close, individual attention.
Mentors meet with students every month to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. They help you plan your academic path, like choosing courses, understanding concepts, improving study habits, and preparing for exams and assignments.
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How does GIBS build leadership and professionalism in students?

-PreethiUpdated on January 30, 2026 12:33 PM

1 Answer

Himani Daryani, Content Team

Dear Student,

As per my knowledge and research, GIBS Business School, Bangalore, tries to build leadership and professionalism in students through the following measures:

GIBS focuses on turning students into confident leaders and professionals right from the start. One of the main ways they do this is through the School of Youth Leadership (SoYL). This program teaches leadership skills like communication, decision-making, strategic thinking, and team management.
In the classroom, learning is very practical. Case studies, live projects, and simulations mirror real corporate challenges, so you get to practice leadership in real situations. While working in teams, you naturally …