A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a popular choice for many students who want to pursue a career in management. However, choosing the right PGDM specialisation can be a challenging task as there are many factors to consider, such as your interests, aptitude, career aspirations, market demand, future prospects, etc. A PGDM specialisation can have a significant impact on your career growth and opportunities, so you need to make an informed decision.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the most popular and in-demand PGDM specialisations in India, and how they can help you achieve your career goals.
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What is a PGDM?
A PGDM is a two-year program that offers in-depth and practical exposure to various aspects of management, such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, strategy, and more. These postgraduate diplomas are similar to MBAs in several ways, as they help you develop the skills and knowledge required to become a manager in any industry or sector.
For more information regarding these programs at PGDM colleges in Maharashtra and other states, check out the table below.
| Course Name | Postgraduate Diploma in Management |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Mode of Examination | Semester System |
| Eligibility Criteria | Graduation with 50% or more |
| Admission Process | Entrance Test + Merit + SOPs + LORs + Work experience |
| Common Entrance Exams | CAT, CET, GMAT, CMAT, etc. |
| Common Specialisations | General Management, Finance, HR, Operations, Business Analytics, International Business, etc. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 4 – 20 Lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 12 – 15 LPA |
Top PGDM Specialisations in India
To understand the factors that go into how to choose the right PGDM specialisation for yourself, we need to first take a look at the top specialisations in India.
Finance
Finance is one of the most sought-after and lucrative PGDM specialisations in India. It covers topics such as accounting, taxation, auditing, financial analysis, corporate finance, investment banking, portfolio management, risk management, etc.
A PGDM in finance can prepare you for a variety of roles in the financial and allied sectors, such as financial analyst, financial manager, financial consultant, financial planner, investment banker, equity analyst, credit analyst, etc. Finance PGDMs can prepare you to work in banks, financial institutions, consulting firms, and corporate houses or start your own venture.
A PGDM in finance can also help you pursue higher studies or professional certifications, such as:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM).
Marketing
Another dynamic PGDM specialisation in India – marketing deals with the creation and delivery of value to customers and stakeholders. It covers topics such as consumer behaviour, market research, marketing strategy, branding, advertising, sales management, digital marketing, and social media marketing, to name a few.
A PGDM in marketing can equip you with the skills and knowledge required to understand the needs and preferences of target customers and design effective marketing campaigns. You can also learn how to use various tools and platforms to reach out to potential and existing customers and influence their buying decisions through a marketing specialisation.
This specialisation can open up many career opportunities for you in various sectors and industries, such as FMCG, retail, e-commerce, hospitality, tourism, media, entertainment, education, healthcare, etc. Some common job roles include those of a marketing manager, brand manager, product manager, market research analyst, digital marketing manager, social media manager, etc. It also equips you with enough skills to start your own venture or work as a freelancer or consultant.
Human Resources
Human Resources (HR) is another rewarding PGDM specialisation in India, as it teaches you the skills and knowledge required to manage the human capital of an organisation effectively and efficiently. It covers topics such as human resource planning, recruitment, selection, training, development, compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, employee relations, labour laws, etc.
With this specialisation, you can also learn how to create a positive work environment and culture that fosters employee:
- Engagement
- Motivation
- Satisfaction
- Retention.
A PGDM in HR qualifies you to work in various roles in the HR department of any organisation, such as HR manager, HR generalist, HR specialist, HR consultant, HR trainer, HR recruiter, etc. Other options include working as an independent HR professional or starting your own HR consultancy firm.
Operations
Operations is another vital PGDM specialisation in India, as it deals with the management of processes and systems that produce goods and services. It covers topics such as operations strategy, production planning, inventory management, quality management, supply chain management, logistics management, project management, etc. Depending on the topic it focuses on, this specialisation often comes with different nomenclatures, such as:
- PGDM in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- PGDM in International Business, etc.
A PGDM in operations can help you acquire the skills and knowledge required to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and ensure customer satisfaction and profitability. You can also learn how to use various tools and techniques such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, total quality management (TQM), and more to improve the quality of operations in your company.
This specialisation can prepare you for various roles in the operations department of any organisation, such as operations manager, production manager, quality manager, supply chain manager, logistics manager, project manager, etc. Operations PGDMs are just as flexible as other specialisations, as you can even work as an operations consultant or start your own operations management firm.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PGDM specialisation is a crucial decision that can shape your career path and future prospects. Hence, you should consider your interests, aptitude, career goals, market demand, and future opportunities before making a choice. You should also research the curriculum, faculty, placement, and reputation of the program and institute that you are interested in. Suppose you’ve decided to pursue this course and are still researching which program and specialisation to choose. In that case, we’d suggest checking out the PGDMs offered by Universal AI University, which offer many specialisation options at various levels.
FAQs
1. Which is better MBA or PGDM?
There is no clear answer to this question, as with both MBA and PGDM programs, there are specialisation options available that prepare you for similar jobs in their respective fields. Hence, the better option for you will depend on many factors like specialization, placement opportunities, electives and core modules, experiential modules, etc., of the specific course.
2. Is work experience mandatory for PGDMs?
No, not all PGDMs require you to have work experience. However, the best ones usually do require this criterion.
3. What makes the PGDMs at Universal AI University special?
The PGDMs at Universal AI University are notable for various reasons, including but not limited to how these programs give you a chance to get a degree from a reputed foreign university.
4. Can I specialise in more than one subject in a PGDM program?
Yes, many colleges, including Universal AI University, offer dual specialisation PGDM programs.
