PGDM Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Feb 28, 2024 09:31AM IST

What is PGDM Syllabus?

PGDM syllabus is divided into four semesters over two years that is focused on training students with the core aspects of entrepreneurship and management. Some major PGDM subjects include Business Communication, Managerial Economics, Finance & Accounting, Information Technology Management, Marketing Management, Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior, Research Methodology, and more. There is a wide range of PGDM subjects that provide a comprehensive understanding of management and training that is based on a practical approach.

A PGDM course curriculum is specifically designed for students who wish to undertake managerial roles in an organization, immediately after the completion of their degree course. This is one of the reasons why a PGDM course focuses more on practical methods as opposed to theoretical knowledge. Specializations are also allowed in a PGDM course just like an MBA degree. Although the curriculum for PGDM is similar in most colleges and universities, there are variations depending on the specialization and the institute where a student is pursuing their degree. 

A PGDM course is ideal for students who have completed their graduation and have also gained a substantial amount of skills and experience in the corporate world. Although an MBA course has certain course elements that allow the students to learn the practical aspects of management, a PGDM course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of managerial principles and practices through a practical perspective. The syllabus for a PGDM course is quite similar to that of an MBA.

After the completion of the PGDM course, individuals can find various PGDM jobs with an average PGDM salary between 4 lakhs to 10 lakhs per year. Some business schools and management institutes make work experience a mandatory requirement for PGDM admission, whereas others consider it as an added advantage to a candidate’s profile. Find below the complete details about the PGDM syllabus and subjects.

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PGDM Subjects

A PGDM curriculum consists of numerous subjects across all semesters of the course. A detailed description of some of the important subjects in a PGDM curriculum, along with their contents is given below.

PGDM SubjectsTopicsDescription
Managerial Economics
  • Introduction, Utility of Managerial Economics, Equilibrium and Related Concepts
  • The Theory of Production
  • The Theory of Demand
  • Pricing and Output Decisions
  • Alternate Theories of the Firm
  • Decision Making under Risk and Uncertainty
  • Alternate Goals of Managerial Firms
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Market Types and Analysis
  • National Income Accounting
Managerial Economics deals with the application of economic theory to the problem of management. Managerial Economics is viewed as economics applied to problem-solving at the organizational level. It enables the business executive to assume and analyze things. The primary function of learning Managerial Economics is to make the most profitable use of resources that are limited such as labour, capital, land, etc.
Business Communication
  • Principles of Communication
  • Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Internal Communication
  • External Communication
  • Communication in Business Organizations
  • Formal Conversations and Making Oral Presentations
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Handling Business Information
  • Writing Business Letters
The process of sharing information between people within the workplace and outside a company is called Business Communication. It is intended to help a business achieve a fundamental goal, through information sharing between employees as well as people outside the company. Effective business communication is how employees and management interact to reach organizational goals, improve organizational practices, and reduce errors.
Financial Reporting, Statements, and Analysis
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Financial Accounting – Concept, Conceptions, IGAAP & IFRS
  • Management Accounting - An Overview
  • Cost Accumulation/Determination
  • Steps in Processing Transaction
  • Preparation of Disclosure – Annual Report
  • Financial Statement Analysis and Interpretation
  • Profit Planning
  • Using Financial Statements
Financial accounting is the field of accounting that deals with the summary, analysis, and reporting of financial transactions for a business. It is a specific branch of accounting that involves a process of recording, summarizing, and reporting the myriad of transactions resulting from business operations over some time.
Organizational Behavior
  • Organizational Behavior – An Overview
  • Job Traits and Individual Decision-Making
  • Organizational Behaviour & Personality
  • Organizational Behaviour & Perception
  • Work Motivation
  • Attitudes and Job Satisfaction
  • Group Behavior
  • Organizing & Leading
  • Conflict in Organization
  • Power and Politics & Organization Structure, Culture and Change
Organizational behaviour (OB) is the study of how people interact within groups and its principles are used to make businesses operate more effectively. At its core, organizational behaviour analyzes the effect of social and environmental factors that affect the way employees or teams work. It is the study of the way people interact, communicate, and collaborate toward an organization's success.
Marketing Management
  • Introduction to Marketing Management
  • Identifying Market Segments, Targeting, and Positioning
  • Analyzing Marketing Opportunities
  • Strategic Marketing Planning
  • Analysing Marketing Environment and Competition
  • Product Classification
  • Formulating Marketing Strategies
  • Managing and Delivering Marketing Programs
  • Branding and Packaging
  • Product Extension Strategies - Pricing, Place, Promotion Decisions
Marketing management is a discipline that focuses on the practical application of marketing principles, techniques, and methods inside an organization. It also focuses on the management of a firm's marketing resources and activities. It is centred on creating, planning, and implementing strategies that will help achieve wider business objectives.
Human Resource Management
  • Introduction to Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Planning
  • Management of Non-Executives
  • Recruitment & Selection Process
  • Emerging Issues in Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Development
  • Performance Management System
  • Downsizing & Outplacement
  • Compensation Management: Wages
  • Fundamentals of Industrial Relations
  • Fundamentals of Labour Laws
Human resource management is the strategic, effective, and efficient management of people in an organization such that they help their business gain a competitive advantage. It is the department of a business organization that looks after the hiring, management, and firing of staff. It is designed to maximize employee performance in service of an employer's strategic objectives.
Operations Management
  • Operations Management Basics
  • Product and Process Design
  • Inventory Management
  • Maintenance Management
  • Difference between Manufacturing and Service Operations
  • Product Process Matrix
  • Materials, Purchasing & Stores Management
  • Capacity Design and Planning
  • Quality Management
  • Sustainable Operations Management
Operations management is the management of backend business functions like manufacturing, inventory, and quality control to ensure market-ready products and services. It is an area of management concerned with designing and controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services.
Business Ethics
  • Understanding Business Ethics
  • Ethical Culture in Organizations
  • Theories of Ethics
  • Approaches to Business Ethics
  • Managing Ethical Dilemma
  • Understanding the Need for Ethics
  • Ethical Values and Codes
  • Kohlberg’s Six Stages of Moral Development
  • Ethical Decision-making
  • Ethical Reasoning
Business ethics is a form of professional ethics, that deals with ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. It teaches students the standards for morally right and wrong conduct in business. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations.
Quantitative Techniques for Managers
  • Defining Statistics, Statistics Data, and Summary Measures
  • Linear Programming
  • Transportation Problems
  • The Basics of Probability
  • Sampling and Statistical Testing
  • Forecasting and Time Series Analysis
  • Integer Programming (IP) Formulations
  • Graphical Solution - Simplex Method
  • Set Theory - Functions and Applications
  • Maximum Flow Problem
Quantitative Techniques in management involve the use of various elements of mathematics, including numbers, symbols, and mathematical expressions. They act as supplements for better decision-making and proper judgment in a business environment. The effective use of quantitative techniques can help in solving complex problems with remarkable accuracy which will lead to a reduction in cost and time effectiveness.
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Core Subjects in PGDM

Core subjects are the most important part of a PGDM curriculum as they teach students everything from the basics of management to complex theories, principles, and practices. A list of the core subjects in this course is given below.

Business Environment & PolicyMarketing ManagementFinancial Management
Managerial EconomicsManagement of IT & Data VisualizationManagerial Communication
Strategic MarketingQuantitative Techniques and OptimisationOperations Management
Management of Change Innovation and Technology--
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Elective Subjects in PGDM

Electives or Optional subjects are just as important as core subjects in a PGDM curriculum. These electives determine and enhance the knowledge and skills of a candidate in a particular field and thereby steering their career toward that industry. A list of elective subjects offered in a PGDM course is given below.

Marketing of ServicesB2B MarketingMarketing Analytics & Business Intelligence
Investment ManagementHR AnalyticsFinancial Modelling and Analytics
Industrial Relations and Employment LawsCorporate RestructuringTalent Acquisition and Management
Financial Planning & Wealth ManagementOperations StrategyWeb and Social Media Analytics
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PGDM Year-wise Syllabus

The PGDM course, like many management programs, spans a duration of two years. The common division of the curriculum is four semesters/terms with two semesters in each year of the program. However, there are management institutes where the course is divided into six terms of twelve weeks each and three terms/semesters each year. A list of subjects in each semester of a PGDM course can be found in the table below.

SemesterPGDM Syllabus
Semester I
  • Managerial Communication
  • Managerial Economics
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Marketing Management
  • Organizational Behaviour-I
  • Organizational Behaviour-II
  • Financial Management
  • Business Environment & Policy
  • Human Resource Management
  • Consumer Behaviour
Semester II
  • Legal Aspects of Business
  • Strategic Management
  • Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Finance
  • Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Management of IT & Data Visualization
  • Statistics for Business Decision Making
  • Research Applications in Business
Semester III
  • Digital Business Transformation
  • Management of Change Innovation and Technology
  • Information Systems
  • Sales & Distribution Management
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Product & Brand Management
  • Financial Modelling and Analytics
  • Investment Management
  • Derivatives & Risk Management
Semester IV
  • Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Insurance Management
  • Corporate Restructuring
  • Fixed Income Securities
  • Financial Planning & Wealth Management
  • Strategic Cost Management
  • Tax Planning and Management
  • Performance Management & Competency Mapping
  • Global Human Resource Management
  • Operations Strategy
  • Procurement Management
  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Dissertation
  • Summer Internship Project
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PGDM Syllabus for Different Specializations

The best PGDM colleges in India provide a variety of PGDM specialisations to help students progress in a particular discipline while also broadening their understanding of the subject matter. In the first year of the programme, all core PGDM subjects are covered; however, the second year of the programme is devoted to the specialisation that the student has chosen based on their area of interest. The following is a list of the most popular PGDM specialisations offered along with the topics covered:

PGDM in HR Syllabus

Thousands of aspirants choose to enrol each year in the PGDM HR specialisation, one of the most popular PGDM specialisations in India. The most common PGDM HR subjects include HRM in the Service Sector and HR principles. The following table outlines a detailed PGDM in HR syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:

PGDM in HR SyllabusPGDM Subjects/Topics Covered
Performance Management
  • Objectives of performance and appraisal
  • Methods of performance and appraisal
  • Appraisal forms and formats
  • Appraisal communication
Managing Redundancy
  • Definition of redundancy
  • Impact of redundancy on organisation
  • Employees
  • Society
  • Managing redundancy
HRM in the Service Sector
  • Manufacturing and service sector
  • Difference in HR practices
  • Training and empowerment for customer satisfaction
  • Compensation and reward structure
Fundamentals of HR Management
  • Human resource development
  • HR management: concepts and challenges
  • Line management in HR
  • HR policies and practices

PGDM in IT Syllabus

PGDM IT is one of the finest technical PGDM programmes offered in India. It addresses numerous facets of overseeing IT teams and staff members, as well as the advancement of skills that one needs to succeed in the industry. In the IT PGDM Syllabus, topics like Biodesign Data, IT entrepreneurship, New Energy Technology, Big Data and Data Mining, and other PGDM subjects are widely covered. The following table summarises detailed PGDM in IT syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:

PGDM in IT SyllabusPGDM Subjects/Topics Covered
Big Data and Data Mining
  • Large scale visualisation
  • Information extraction
  • Parallel distributed processing
  • Anomaly detection
Computer Applications in Management
  • Office Management
  • Computer programmes & software

PGDM in Finance Syllabus

For students who are interested in learning about a variety of financial aspects and how they relate to business and management, Finance is an ideal PGDM specialisation. The following table outlines a detailed PGDM in Finance syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered: 

PGDM in Finance SyllabusPGDM Subjects/Topics Covered
Portfolio Management
  • Behavioral finance theory
  • Derivatives
  • Analysis of individual factors/risk premia
  • Fixed income and structured finance
  • International investing
  • Long-term/retirement investing
Managerial Accounting
  • Job order costing
  • Process costing
  • Absorption costing vs variable costing
  • Understanding cost behaviour and cost-volume-profit analysis
  • Operational budgeting
  • Pricing of individual products and services
Financial Risk Management
  • Enterprise risk management
  • Business interruption
  • Captive insurance
  • Claim management
  • Climate change
  • Crisis management
  • Cyber risk
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Legal risks
  • Reinsurance
Financial Reporting
  • Auditing
  • Budget analysis
  • Business strategy
  • Financial Accounting

PGDM in Marketing Syllabus

Thousands of aspirants enrol each year in the PGDM HR specialisation, one of the most notable PGDM specialisations in India. The most common HR PGDM subjects include HRM in the Service Sector and HR principles. The following table highlights the detailed PGDM in Marketing syllabus along with a list of PGDM subjects offered:

PGDM in Marketing SyllabusPGDM Subjects/Topics Covered
Human Resource/Organisational Behavior
  • Managing organisations
  • Managing people and performance in an organisation
Business Environment
  • Concept, significance and nature of business environment
  • Broad profile of Indian economy
  • Industrial policy & its historical perspective (in brief)
  • Industrial policy liberalisation
Marketing Management
  • Concept, nature, scope and importance of marketing
  • Communication process
  • Factors affecting price determination; Pricing policies and strategies
Consumer Behavior
  • Introduction to Consumer Behaviour (CB)
  • Individual determinants of CB
  • Environmental influences on CB
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Syllabus for PGDM Distance Programmes

For individuals who desire to get a degree in management without losing their jobs, distance PGDM courses are particularly beneficial. Numerous reputable universities in India offer distance PGDM programmes, enabling students to combine employment with their education. In comparison, educational expenses are lower, and online lectures save a lot of time while letting students learn at their own pace. Candidates pursuing a distance-based PGDM course, however, should also check out if the course's credits are authorised and up to par with industry requirements. The following is a brief discussion of the semester-wise syllabus for PGDM distance programmes.

First-Year Distance PGDM Syllabus

The following table highlights the first-year (semesters I & II) syllabus for PGDM distance programmes:

Semester ISemester II
Business StatisticsManaging Quality and Supply Chain Management
Management AccountingBusiness Environment
Managerial CommunicationIntroduction to Information Systems
Marketing ManagementOrganisation Behaviour
Principle of EconomicsFinancial Management

Second-Year Distance PGDM Syllabus

The following table outlines the second-year (semesters III & IV) syllabus for PGDM distance programmes:

Semester IIISemester IV
Legal & Regulatory Environment of BusinessElective - 1
Strategic ManagementElective - 2
Managing New VenturesElective - 3
Human Resource ManagementElective - 4
Ethics & Corporate GovernanceElective - 5

Students can choose their preferred PGDM institute based on various factors like placement, accreditation, global exposure, transfer programmes, specialisations offered, subjects and curriculum, etc. Therefore, let us discuss the semester-wise distance PGDM syllabus & subjects covered by the finest institutes in India like Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), etc.

NMIMS Distance PGDM Syllabus

Semesters I & II of the NMIMS distance PGDM syllabus are the same for all specialisations. However, semesters III & IV of the syllabus will vary as per a candidate's chosen specialisation. The following table shows the NMIMS distance PGDM syllabus for semesters I & II:

Semester ISemester II
Financial AccountingBusiness Statistics
Information SystemsStrategic Management
Managerial EconomicsOperations Management
Marketing ManagementCorporate Finance
Organisational BehaviourBusiness Management

NMIMS Pre-Term PGDM Syllabus

The following table shows the NMIMS pre-term PGDM syllabus for semesters I & II:

Semester ISemester II
Business CommunicationHuman Resource Management
Business LawOperations Management
Business Oriented Computer ApplicationsFinancial Management
Financial Reporting and Control AnalysisEntrepreneurship
Managerial EconomicsInternational Business
Marketing ManagementConsumer Behaviour and Customer Relationship Management
Organisational Behaviour & Principles of ManagementBusiness Analytics
Organisational StudySummer Internship Project
Quantitative TechniquesBusiness Research Method

IGNOU PGDM Syllabus

The following table shows the IGNOU PGDM syllabus for semesters I to IV: 

Semester ISemester II
Business CommunicationMarketing Research
Financial AccountingManagement Science
Managerial EconomicsOperation Management
Organisational BehaviourManagement Accounting
Quantitative MethodsManagement of Information System
Semester IIISemester IV
Strategic AnalysisInternational Business Environment
Legal Environment of BusinessProject Study
Business Ethics & Corporate Social ResponsibilityStrategic Management

SCDL Distance PGDM Syllabus

The following table shows the SCDL distance syllabus for semesters I to IV:

Semester ISemester II
Business LawManagement Information Systems
Management AccountingHuman Resource Management
Managerial EconomicsMarketing Management
Organisational BehaviourFinancial Management
Principles & Practices of ManagementProduction/Operations Management
Semester IIISemester IV
Required Specialisation IRequired Specialisation IV
Required Specialisation IIRequired Specialisation V
Required Specialisation IIIProject
Elective – IElective - IV
Elective – IIElective - V
Elective - IIIElective - VI
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PGDM Entrance Exam Syllabus

Entrance exams are the first step toward pursuing a PGDM course and every aspirant must appear for these exams to be eligible for admission into a PGDM program. Colleges and universities consider standard management entrance exams like CAT, NMAT, CMAT, XAT, SNAP, MAT, ATMA, GMAT, etc. for the selection of candidates for PGDM courses. 

Most of these entrance exams follow a similar exam pattern with slight variations depending on the exam. Due to this similarity in examination pattern, the syllabus for these exams also consists of similar topics and concepts. Many candidates use this as an advantage and tend to prepare for multiple entrance exams in a single academic year. A list of topics covered by these management entrance exams is given below:

SectionTopics
Verbal Ability (VA)
  • Facts / Inferences / Judgements
  • English Usage or Grammar
  • Sentence Correction
  • Sentence Completion
  • Irrelevant Sentences 
  • Vocabulary Based (Synonyms Antonyms)
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Jumbled Paragraphs
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Para Completion and Inference
  • Idioms
  • Different Usage of the Same Word
  • Usage of Phrasal Verbs 
  • Summary Questions
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Analogies or Reverse Analogies
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Meaning-Usage Match
Reading Comprehension (RC)
  • Use of Technology in Essential Services
  • Why Fiction Trumps Truth
  • Marshmallow Experiment
  • Distributing Bureaucracy
  • Evolution of Tea as a Drink
  • Colonialism/Nationalism
  • Nanotechnology
  • Language Instinct
  • Dense Cities
  • Language & Culture
  • Meritocracy and Diversified Teams
  • Time Accuracy Entropy
  • Unconscious and Psychoanalysis
  • Anarchism
  • Investing in Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Piracy in International Trade
  • Travel Writing and Feminism During Colonial Times
  • The Need for Economic Literacy in the General Population
  • Screen Time and Undercurrents of Social Class
  • An Analysis of Human Nature
  • Internet Shopping and Choice Anxiety
  • Google and Archaeology
Logical Reasoning (LR)
  • Logical Reasoning based on Rankings
  • Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Input-Output
  • Assumptions
  • Series
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Clocks
  • Calendars
  • Binary Logic
  • Linear and Matrix Arrangement
  • Blood Relations (Family Tree)
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Direction Sense and Decision Making
  • Syllogism
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Puzzles
Data Interpretation (DI)
  • Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts
  • Data Tables
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs
  • Data Analysis and Data Comparison
  • Caselet-based Data
  • Sets & Caselets
  • Data charts
  • Pie charts
  • Statements
  • Data Sufficiency
Quantitative Ability (QA) 
  • Interest (Simple and Compound)
  • Surds and Indices
  • Number System 
  • Algebra
  • Geometry/Mensuration
  • Venn Diagrams 
  • Complex NumbersTrigonometry
  • Speed, Time, and Distance
  • Time and Work
  • Square Root and Cube Root
  • Geometric Progression
  • Mean, mode, median
  • Inequalities
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Probability Functions
  • Averages
  • Profit and Loss
  • Linear Equations
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Binomial Theorem
  • LCM and HCF
  • Percentages
  • Ratio and Proportion, and others
  • Set Theory
  • Mensuration
  • Mixtures and Alligations
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Logarithm; Progressions
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Important Books for PGDM Syllabus

A student must also read reference books in addition to the required course readings. These books help students comprehend the course material better and maximize their understanding of the curriculum. Some essential books for PGDM students are given below.

Name of the BookAuthor(s)
Managerial EconomicsCraig Petersen, W. Cris Lewis, Sudhir K. Jain
Business Communication TodayBovee, Thill, and Chaturvedi
Essentials of Management: An International PerspectiveKoontz & Weihrich
Contemporary ManagementGareth R. Jones & Jennifer M. George
Advance AccountingMaheshwari S.N
Management - Tasks and ResponsibilitiesPeter. F. Drucker
Statistics for ManagementRichard Levin and Rubin
Economic Environment of BusinessDutt & Sundaram
Understanding Organizations – Organizational Theory & Practice in IndiaShukla, Madhukar
Values and Ethics for OrganisationsChakraborty, S. K,
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PGDM Course Structure

The course structure of a PGDM program is nearly identical to most MBA courses. The curriculum is a combination of academic subjects and co-curricular activities and projects. A PGDM course aims to teach managerial disciplines along with training students in these disciplines so that they can utilize theoretical knowledge in practical situations. Organizations always look for managers who show practical effectiveness as opposed to theoretical prowess. Thus, management students must focus on developing skills that are necessary in the real world.

The curriculum for a PGDM course allows students to learn the basics of management through the core subjects and explore their fields of interest through optional/elective subjects. Besides academic subjects, students are also allowed to exercise their knowledge in real-life situations through internships. A detailed list of subjects in the PGDM curriculum is given below.

Course ElementPGDM Course CurriculumObjectives
Foundational Subjects in Management
  • Managerial Economics
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Management Concepts
  • Business Environment
  • Marketing Management
  • Financial Management
  • Principles of Management
  • Organizational Structure
  • Human Resource Management
  • Corporate Environment
Foundational subjects in a PGDM curriculum are aimed at teaching students all the basic areas of management. These courses are designed to recapitulate the concepts that students have learned during undergraduate courses and/or in high school. These subjects are mandatory for strengthening the foundation of management disciplines in a student, and their presence in a PGDM course is necessary to cement those concepts that are required to understand the more detailed and specialized subjects later in the course.
Core Subjects
  • Business Environment & Policy
  • Statistics for Business Decision Making
  • Marketing Management
  • Financial Management
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Managerial Economics
  • Management of IT & Data Visualization
  • Managerial Communication
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Supply Chain Finance
  • Legal Aspects of Business
  • Research Applications in Business
  • Operations Management
  • Management of Change Innovation and Technology
  • Digital Business Transformation
  • Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Core Subjects are essential, as they educate students in a manner that is by their course. These subjects provide students with the necessary knowledge regarding management principles and practices and also acquaint them with the different scenarios that they might face in a corporate environment daily. For example, during a PGDM course, students will learn about the basics of organizational behavior, human resource management, legal aspects of business, marketing, strategic management, etc.
Elective Subjects
  • Marketing of Services
  • Integrated Marketing Communication
  • Marketing Analytics & Business Intelligence
  • B2B Marketing
  • Omni-Channel Retailing
  • Investment Management
  • Corporate Restructuring
  • Fixed Income Securities
  • Financial Modelling and Analytics
  • Financial Planning & Wealth Management
  • Talent Acquisition and Management
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • Industrial Relations and Employment Laws
  • HR Analytics
  • Organizational Change & Development
  • Operations Strategy
  • Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Total Quality Management
  • Services Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Analytics
  • Predictive Analytics using Python
  • Marketing Analytics and Business Intelligence
  • Web and Social Media Analytics
  • Big Data and Cloud: AWS and Analytics
  • Data Warehouse and Big Data for Business Intelligence
Elective subjects in the PGDM curriculum offer students dozens of choices in terms of subjects that provide industry-specific knowledge. Students can choose certain electives that they are interested in and grow their knowledge and skills in these domains besides regular coursework. Electives serve as a great advantage to students by helping them increase their skill set and creating more avenues for them to explore.
Skill Enhancement
  • Self-Awareness and Management
  • Advanced MS-Office Certification 
  • Student Development Program
  • Placement Readiness Enhancement Program
  • Digital and Social Media Marketing
  • Emotional Competence and Teamwork
  • English Training Program
  • Tally Training
  • Yellow Belt Six Sigma
  • Aptitude Training
  • SIP to PPO
  • SPSS Training
  • The Super Power Job Seeker Professional
  • Corporate Readiness & Managerial Mindset
  • Training Program on CMIE's Prowess
  • Entrepreneurial Culture
  • Campus to Corporate
  • Financial Markets Product and Planning/ Sales and Negotiation
  • Grooming for On-Boarding
Practical knowledge and soft skills are indispensable to a manager's success in an organization. Theoretical knowledge is hardly useful if a manager cannot apply it to real-life situations. Therefore, skill enhancement in different areas is vital for management students. Skill development increases a manager's credibility in corporate domains. A manager is required to supervise a variety of roles under them, which requires them to be ready for almost all types of responsibilities. Therefore, skill enhancement is vital during a management course like a PGDM program, regardless of the specialization.
Projects
  • Dissertation (Synopsis, Progress Report, Presentation)
Project work is one of those crucial elements of a PGDM course without which the education of an individual, especially in a discipline such as management, is incomplete. Projects are assigned to students to teach them about the business world and industry relevant to their specialization through means of research and reasoning. Without an extensive understanding of the surroundings where an aspiring manager wishes to build their career, facing an abundance of hurdles is inevitable. Besides providing students with intimate details about the real world, projects also help develop research, and critical thinking skills among students. These projects encourage students to learn essential skills and use them to their benefit.
Internships
  • Summer Internship Project
Internships have always been a great avenue for budding managers to showcase their skills in a real organization. These internships/apprenticeships are aimed to be a learning experience for students without pressuring them to perform important tasks. Students are asked to submit an internship report at the end of their tenure. This ensures their undivided attention during their time in the field.
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PGDM Syllabus PDF Download for Top Colleges

The PGDM syllabus PDF for various top colleges in India is available to download through the given links in the table.

Name of the CollegePGDM Syllabus PDF Download
SPJIMR MumbaiPDF Download
Great Lakes ChennaiPDF Download
University of PunePDF Download
Pune Business SchoolPDF Download
BIMTECH Greater NoidaPDF Download
XIME BangalorePDF Download
NMIMS IndorePDF Download
N L Dalmia MumbaiPDF Download
Fore School of ManagementPDF Download
XLRI JamshedpurPDF Download
SIES School of Business StudiesPDF Download
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PGDM Project Topics & Ideas

PGDM students have to complete projects during their course of study, which serves as a valuable opportunity to gain industry insights, develop relevant skills, and tackle real-world challenges. These project topics offer students a chance to delve deeper into their chosen fields of study, identify industry-related problems, and devise effective solutions to address them. By undertaking these projects, students can build a portfolio of work that will showcase their abilities to potential employers, thereby increasing their chances of landing their dream jobs in their respective sectors. Check out some of the popular PGDM project topics below.

  • Rural Marketing Strategy of Pepsi Co.
  • Sustainable Business models across consumer internet startups in India
  • International Marketing of Khadi 
  • Foreign Direct Investments in Developing Countries
  • An Analysis of the Grievance Handling Mechanism
  • Risk management and portfolio management of investors in the equity segment
  • Role of Women in Top Management Positions - Impact on Company Leadership
  • Investment Management at Uber
  • Impact of GST on the fast-moving consumer goods sector in India
  • The Importance of a Strong Brand Image - Nykaa
  • Employee welfare schemes at Hindustan Unilever
  • Financial statements of ICICI Bank for the last 5 Years
  • YouTube ads in digital marketing to reach mass audiences and its comparative effectiveness compared to TV adverting in FMCG industry
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FAQs about Post Graduate Diploma in Management Syllabus

What is the PGDM syllabus?

The PGDM syllabus includes Business Communication, Managerial Economics, Finance & Accounting, Information Technology Management, Marketing Management, Business Ethics, Organizational Behavior, Research Methodology, Operations Management, and more. PGDM syllabus is focused on training students with the core aspects of entrepreneurship and management.

What subjects are taught in PGDM?

The subjects taught in PGDM are Managerial Economics, Business Communication, Financial Reporting, Statements, and Analysis, Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Business Ethics, Quantitative Techniques for Managers, Research Methodology, Information Technology Management, Supply Chain Finance, Investment Management, etc.

Is PGDM syllabus different from regular MBA?

PGDM syllabus can indeed be different from that of a regular MBA. PGDM programs often have more flexibility in designing their curriculum compared to MBA programs.PGDM programs may place a stronger emphasis on practical learning and real-world applications of management concepts while MBA programs may prioritize theoretical knowledge and research.

Is it difficult to study PGDM subjects?

The difficulty of studying PGDM subjects can vary depending on factors such as your academic background, prior knowledge of management concepts, study habits, and the specific subjects you're studying. If you have a strong foundation in business or management-related subjects, you may find certain PGDM subjects easier to grasp.

What are the popular books for PGDM syllabus?

The popular books for PGDM syllabus include Managerial Economics, Business Communication Today, Essentials of Management: An International Perspective, Contemporary Management, Advance Accounting, Management - Tasks and Responsibilities, Statistics for Management, Economic Environment of Business, Understanding Organizations – Organizational Theory & Practice in India, and Values and Ethics for Organisations.

What are the distance PGDM subjects?

The distance PGDM subjects include Business Statistics, Managing Quality and Supply Chain Management, Management Accounting, Business Environment, Managerial Communication, Introduction to Information Systems, Marketing Management, Organisation Behaviour, Legal & Regulatory Environment of Business, Strategic Management, Managing New Ventures, Human Resource Management, Ethics & Corporate Governance, etc.

What is the PGDM 1st year syllabus?

The PGDM 1st year syllabus includes Managerial Communication, Managerial Economics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Marketing Management, Organizational Behaviour, Financial Management, Legal Aspects of Business, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Finance, Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation, Strategic Marketing, Management of IT & Data Visualization, Statistics for Business Decision Making, etc.

What is the PGDM 2nd year syllabus?

The PGDM 2nd year syllabus includes Digital Business Transformation, Management of Change Innovation and Technology, Information Systems, Sales & Distribution Management, Customer Relationship Management, Product & Brand Management, Financial Modelling and Analytics, Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility, Insurance Management, Corporate Restructuring, Fixed Income Securities, Tax Planning and Management, etc.

What are the core subjects in PGDM?

The core subjects in PGDM include Business Environment & Policy, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Managerial Economics, Management of IT & Data Visualization, Managerial Communication, Strategic Marketing, Quantitative Techniques and Optimisation, Operations Management, Management of Change Innovation and Technology, Organizational Behaviour, Financial Management, etc.

What are the elective subjects in PGDM?

The elective subjects in PGDM include Marketing of Services, B2B Marketing, Marketing Analytics & Business Intelligence, Investment Management, HR Analytics, Financial Modelling and Analytics, Industrial Relations and Employment Laws, Corporate Restructuring, Talent Acquisition and Management, Financial Planning & Wealth Management, Operations Strategy, and Web and Social Media Analytics.

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