The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) continues to be one of the most in-demand management qualifications in India. With a flexible, industry-driven curriculum, PGDM is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in consulting, analytics, finance, marketing, HR, and international business.

If you are exploring PGDM course details 2025—including eligibility criteria, admission process, course duration, benefits, and placements—this guide covers everything you need to know.

Among India’s leading management schools,  PGDM course in bangalore at ABBS School of Management (ABBSSM) stands out with global collaborations, strong placement support, and recognition by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

What is PGDM? (PGDM Course Overview 2025 – 2026 )

The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is a postgraduate diploma program in management, recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

 AICTE defines PGDM as a professional diploma equivalent to MBA, provided the institution is AIU recognized. ABBSSM’s PGDM program has achieved this recognition, with AIU accreditation granted in 2024, ensuring the program is globally accepted (Education21 Report).

Unlike MBA (university-affiliated), PGDM programs are autonomous, offering the flexibility to regularly update their curriculum in line with industry demands. This makes PGDM a practical choice for students aiming for fast-track corporate careers.

PGDM Eligibility Criteria (2025 to 2026)

The pgdm eligibility criteria are straightforward and apply across most AICTE-approved colleges.

• Academic Qualification:

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
  • Final-year graduates can also apply with provisional admission.

• Entrance Exams Accepted:

  • National: CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, GMAT.
  • State: KMAT, PGCET (Karnataka).

• Work Experience :

  Not compulsory, but beneficial for certain executive PGDM programs.

• Age Limit:

  No restriction.

 At ABBSSM, PGDM admissions are based on entrance test scores + academic profile + GD/PI performance.

PGDM Admission Process 2025 – 2026

General Admission Process

1. Appear for CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, or KMAT.
2. Fill out the application form at your chosen institution.
3. Get shortlisted based on the entrance cutoff scores.
4. Attend Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
5. Receive final selection letter.

Admission at ABBSSM

The PGDM admission process at ABBSSM is simple and student-focused:

• Apply online at ABBSSM’s official portal.
• Submit entrance exam score and academic details.
• Attend GD/PI (available both online and offline).
• Receive the offer letter and scholarship eligibility details.

PGDM Course Duration: 1 Year vs 2 Years

Standard Duration (2 Years)

• Divided into 4 semesters.
• Includes core courses, electives, summer internships, and a final project.

One Year PGDM Course

• Accelerated 12-month program.
• Designed for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement.
• Limited internships due to shorter duration.

Comparison Table: 1 Year PGDM vs 2 Year PGDM

For most students fresh out of graduation, the 2-year PGDM (like ABBSSM’s program) is the best option due to internships and placement support.

PGDM Dual Specialization  in 2025 -2026

Popular PGDM Specializations at ABBSSM:

• Marketing Management
• Finance Management
• Human Resource Management (HRM)
• Business Analytics
• International Business

Other in-demand specializations in India 2025:

• Operations & Supply Chain
• IT & Systems
• Entrepreneurship

Benefits of PGDM (Why Choose PGDM in 2025?)

The benefits of PGDM include:

1. Industry-Driven Curriculum – regularly updated to meet corporate needs.
2. High Employability – focus on placements and recruiter tie-ups.
3. Global Exposure – ABBSSM’s partnership with ESCE France provides exchange programs and internships abroad.
4. Career Flexibility – opportunities in consulting, IT, FMCG, startups, and international business.
5. Skill Development – PGDM emphasizes leadership, analytics, and problem-solving.

PGDM Fees Structure in Bangalore (2025)

The pgdm course fees in Bangalore generally range between ₹6–10 Lakhs.

• ABBSSM PGDM Fees: ₹8.5 – ₹9 Lakhs (2 years).
• Inclusions: tuition, global immersion, library, placement training, campus facilities.

💡 With ABBSSM’s average placement of ₹7.5 LPA, the return on investment (ROI) is highly competitive.

Placement After PGDM

Average PGDM Salaries in India (2025)

• Freshers: ₹6–8 LPA.
• Professionals with prior experience: ₹9–15 LPA.

Top Recruiters for PGDM Graduates

• Consulting: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC.
• IT & Analytics: Infosys, Accenture, TCS, Wipro.
• FMCG: ITC, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever.
• Startups: Flipkart, Ola, Byju’s, Swiggy.

ABBSSM Placement Highlights

• Average Package: ₹7.5 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Amazon, Infosys.
• Career Roles: Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Financial Consultant, HR Business Partner.

 Learn more on ABBSSM’s placement page.

PGDM Career Scope in India & Abroad

After completing PGDM, students can enter:

• Consulting & Strategy
• Finance & Banking
• Data Analytics & IT
• HR & Organizational Development
• Entrepreneurship & Startups
• Global Management Roles (with international exposure programs)

PGDM in India vs Abroad

• PGDM in India: affordable fees, strong placement ecosystem, deep understanding of Indian markets.
• PGDM Abroad: higher fees, stronger global exposure, wider multinational network.

 Colleges like ABBSSM bridge the gap by offering global tie-ups (e.g., with ESCE France) that give students the best of both worlds.

FAQs:

1. What is the eligibility for PGDM in 2025?
   Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) and scores from CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, or KMAT are required for PGDM admission.

2. Which is better: 1-year PGDM or 2-year PGDM?
   A 2-year PGDM is best for fresh graduates due to internships and placement support. A 1-year PGDM is better for working professionals seeking quick career growth.

3. What is the average salary after PGDM?
   Fresh PGDM graduates can expect ₹6–10 LPA, while professionals with prior experience may earn ₹9–15 LPA.
4. Which PGDM specialization has the best scope in 2025?
   Specializations in Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing are trending in 2025 due to high demand across industries.
5. Is ABBSSM PGDM recognized as equivalent to MBA?
   Yes, ABBSSM’s PGDM program is AICTE-approved and AIU-recognized, making it equivalent to an MBA in academic and professional terms.
6. What is the duration of a PGDM course in India?
   The standard PGDM course duration is 2 years (full-time). Some institutes also offer a 1-year PGDM for working professionals.
7. What is the difference between PGDM and MBA?
   PGDM is offered by autonomous AICTE-approved institutions with an industry-updated curriculum, while MBA is offered by universities and is often more theory-oriented.
8. Do PGDM colleges in Bangalore offer international opportunities?
   Yes, top PGDM colleges like ABBSSM provide student exchange programs, global internships, and international tie-ups (e.g., ABBSSM’s ESCE France partnership).
9. What are the benefits of PGDM compared to other management courses?
   The benefits of PGDM include industry-aligned curriculum, global exposure, strong placements, flexible specializations, and skill development focused on employability.
10. What are the entrance exams for PGDM admission in 2025?
    The main exams for PGDM admissions include CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, GMAT, and KMAT (for Karnataka colleges).

Conclusion

The PGDM program in 2025 continues to be a strong pathway for management aspirants. With its industry-aligned curriculum, global exposure, and high placement opportunities, PGDM prepares graduates for careers across diverse industries.

For students looking for a top PGDM college in Bangalore, ABBS School of Management is a premier choice. With its AIU-recognized PGDM program, international partnerships, and strong recruiter network, ABBSSM offers academic excellence with global exposure.

Call to Action

 Begin Your PGDM Journey with ABBSSM Today!

👉 Apply Now to ABBSSM PGDM

👉 Download Fees & Placement Brochure 

  Visit Campus: Off Magadi Road, 3, Acharya College Main Rd, Shushruti Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560091

  Call: 080 2324 5515 / 16 / 17
  Email: director@abbssm.edu.in