PGDM Subjects and Specialisations in India

Vaishali Pandey
November 5, 2024

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PGDM Subjects and Specialisations in India

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is one of the most sought-after management courses in India. Its popularity stems from its industry relevance, practical approach, and flexibility in offering specialisations. 

Whether you’re considering a PGDM in finance, marketing, or any other specialisation, knowing the PGDM subjects and syllabus will help you make an informed decision.

This blog breaks down the key subjects you’ll encounter in a PGDM course, focusing on the PGDM syllabus, specialisations, and their relevance in today’s business world.

What is a PGDM Course?

A PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) is a two-year postgraduate programme that focuses on equipping students with essential managerial skills. The course is designed to give you a practical understanding of business management, and it’s tailored to industry needs. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), XLRI, and other top B-schools offer this course.

Core PGDM Subjects You Will Study

In the first year of your PGDM course, you will be introduced to a wide range of PGDM course subjects that form the core of management education. These subjects aim to build a solid foundation in management.

Subject Key Areas Covered
Managerial Economics Micro and macroeconomics, application in business decision-making
Financial Accounting Basics of financial statements, accounting processes, and their interpretation
Marketing Management Marketing concepts, consumer behaviour, market segmentation
Organisational Behaviour Human behaviour in organisations, team dynamics, leadership
Quantitative Techniques Mathematical and statistical tools for business decision-making
Business Communication Practical communication skills, both written and verbal
Operations Management Production processes, supply chain management, quality control
Human Resource Management Recruitment, training, performance management
Business Law Laws affecting business operations, contracts, corporate governance

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Specialised PGDM Subjects: Tailor Your Career Path

As you move into the second year, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from various specialisations. Each specialisation has its own set of PGDM subjects, tailored to give you expertise in a specific area.

Specialisation Key Subjects
PGDM Finance Subjects - Financial Derivatives
- Investment Banking
- Corporate Valuation
- International Finance
- Financial Risk Management
PGDM Marketing Subjects - Consumer Behaviour
- Brand Management
- Digital Marketing
- Sales and Distribution
- Marketing Analytics
PGDM HR Subjects - Organisational Development
- Performance Appraisal Systems
- Compensation Management
- Employee Relations
- Talent Acquisition
PGDM Operations Subjects - Supply Chain Management
- Logistics and Distribution
- Project Management
- Operations Strategy
- Quality Management
PGDM Information Technology Subjects - Database Management
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

PGDM is one of India’s most sought-after business degrees. Discover the top specialisations and leading colleges offering PGDM courses across the country!

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PGDM Syllabus Overview

The PGDM syllabus is designed to offer a blend of core subjects, electives, and projects that provide hands-on experience. 

Below is an overview of what you can expect in a typical PGDM course syllabus.

Year Semester Subjects in PGDM
Year 1 Semester 1 Managerial Economics, Financial Accounting, Marketing Management, Business Communication
Year 1 Semester 2 Organisational Behaviour, Operations Management, Quantitative Techniques, Business Law
Year 2 Semester 3 Core Specialisation Subjects (e.g., PGDM Finance, Marketing, HR)
Year 2 Semester 4 Elective Specialisation Subjects, Dissertation, Industry Projects

Entrance Tests for PGDM

Entrance Exam Conducting Body Tentative Exam Date
CAT (Common Admission Test) IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) Last Sunday of November (Annually)
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) XLRI, Jamshedpur 1st Sunday of January (Annually)
MAT (Management Aptitude Test) AIMA (All India Management Association) February, May, September, December (Multiple Sessions Annually)
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) NTA (National Testing Agency) Last Week of January (Annually)
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) Available year-round (Flexible Dates)
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) Symbiosis International University December (Annually, Multiple Dates)
NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test) Graduate Management Global October - December (Annually, 75-Day Testing Window)

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PGDM Entrance Exam Syllabus

The syllabus for PGDM entrance exams typically covers various key areas necessary for assessing candidates' readiness for management studies.

Entrance Exam Subjects Covered
CAT
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Data Interpretation
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Sufficiency
XAT
  • Decision Making
  • Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
  • English Language Ability
  • General Knowledge
MAT
  • Language Comprehension
  • Mathematical Skills
  • Data Analysis and Sufficiency
  • Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
  • General Knowledge
CMAT
  • Quantitative Techniques
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension
  • General Awareness
GMAT
  • Analytical Writing Assessment
  • Integrated Reasoning
  • Quantitative Section
  • Verbal Section
SNAP
  • General English
  • Analytical & Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative & Data Interpretation
NMAT
  • Language Skills
  • Quantitative Skills
  • Logical Reasoning

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PGDM Recommended Books

These books can help you excel in your PGDM studies by providing essential insights and knowledge in various management areas.

Subject Book Title Author Description
Managerial Economics Managerial Economics William F. Samuelson Covers economic principles applied to business decisions.
Financial Accounting Financial Accounting: A Managerial Perspective Ashok Banerjee Focuses on accounting principles from a managerial viewpoint.
Marketing Management Marketing Management Philip Kotler A comprehensive guide to marketing strategies and practices.
Organisational Behaviour Organizational Behaviour Stephen P. Robbins Explores the dynamics of behaviour in organizations.
Business Communication Business Communication Penelope D. Le Pouvoir Offers practical skills for effective communication.
Operations Management Operations Management William J. Stevenson Discusses key concepts in managing operations efficiently.
Human Resource Management Human Resource Management Gary Dessler Covers the principles of HR management and its importance.
Business Law Business Law: Text and Cases Neal Bevans Provides an overview of laws affecting business operations.

PGDM Finance Subjects and Specialisations

PGDM in Finance provides essential skills for success in the financial sector. Key subjects include corporate finance, investment analysis, and risk management. Students can also specialise in areas like marketing and business analytics, tailoring their education to career goals.

Key PGDM Finance Subjects

Subject Description
Corporate Finance Study of capital structure, financing decisions, and financial planning.
Investment Analysis Techniques to evaluate investment opportunities and manage portfolios.
Financial Markets Overview of stock markets, bonds, and derivatives.
Risk Management Identification, evaluation, and mitigation of financial risks.
International Finance Study of global financial markets and exchange rate fluctuations.

PGDM Course Subjects for Different Specialisations

Specialisation Subjects
Marketing Digital Marketing, Sales Management, Brand Management, Market Research.
Finance Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Portfolio Management, Risk Management.
Human Resources Talent Management, Leadership Development, Employee Relations.
Operations Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Lean Operations.
Business Analytics Data Analytics, Machine Learning, Predictive Modelling, Big Data Analytics.

Real-World Applications of PGDM Subjects

The real-world application of PGDM subjects is vast. Companies across industries require managers with skills in finance, marketing, and operations. For example:

PGDM Specialisations Overview

Specialisation Real-World Applications Example Roles Typical Employers Average Salary Range (INR)
Finance Skills in financial planning, risk management, and investment strategies are essential for finance professionals. They handle budgeting, investment decisions, and risk analysis. Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager HDFC Bank, ICICI, Deloitte ₹10-15 lakhs per annum
Marketing Marketing experts focus on branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement. They drive campaigns and manage product positioning to increase market share. Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist, Sales Manager HUL, PepsiCo, Nestle ₹12-18 lakhs per annum
Human Resources HR professionals specialise in recruitment, employee relations, and leadership development. They ensure effective workforce management and foster organisational culture. Talent Manager, HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Specialist TCS, Infosys, Reliance Industries ₹8-12 lakhs per annum
Operations Operations experts work on process efficiency, project management, and supply chain optimisation to streamline production and minimise costs. Operations Manager, Project Coordinator, Supply Chain Analyst Amazon, Flipkart, Tata Steel ₹10-14 lakhs per annum
Business Analytics Data-driven insights in analytics are applied for predictive modelling, market analysis, and strategic decisions. They use data to drive business growth and operational efficiency. Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager, Predictive Modelling Specialist PwC, KPMG, Accenture ₹10-16 lakhs per annum

PGDM Specialisation List and Job Roles

Once you’ve completed your PGDM with a specialisation, a wide range of job roles opens up across industries. Here’s a PGDM specialisation list along with common job roles.

Specialisation Job Roles
Finance Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager
Marketing Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, Sales Head
HR Talent Manager, HR Business Partner, Recruitment Head
Operations Supply Chain Manager, Operations Head, Project Manager
Business Analytics Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Manager
Information Technology IT Consultant, Cybersecurity Manager, ERP Consultant

If you're into Business Analytics, a PGDM in Data Analysis is a perfect fit! Explore the syllabus, top colleges, and critical entrance exams for an MBA in Data Analytics now.

PGDM Distance Education Overview

The PGDM distance education programme spans two years, mirroring the structure of traditional PGDM courses. This format is ideal for both students and working professionals, offering the flexibility to balance studies with other commitments. Since its approval by the University Grants Commission (UGC-DEB) in 2018, PGDM distance education has gained credibility and recognition in the management education sector.

IGNOU Distance PGDM Syllabus

The table below outlines the IGNOU distance PGDM syllabus:

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FAQs About PGDM Subjects

What are the core PGDM subjects?

Core subjects typically include Managerial Economics, Financial Accounting, Marketing Management, and Operations Management.

How many specialisations can I choose in a PGDM programme?

Most PGDM programmes offer multiple specialisations, often between 5 and 10, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals.

What is the importance of PGDM subjects in business education?

PGDM subjects provide essential knowledge and skills needed for effective decision-making and strategic thinking in various business contexts.

Are PGDM subjects the same across all colleges?

While many colleges follow a standard curriculum, there can be variations in subjects offered and their focus depending on the institution.

What is included in the PGDM syllabus?

The PGDM syllabus typically includes core subjects, electives, and practical training components such as internships and projects.

How do PGDM finance subjects differ from other specialisations?

PGDM finance subjects focus specifically on financial management, investment strategies, and financial markets, compared to other specialisations like marketing or HR.

What are the common subjects in PGDM courses related to marketing?

Common marketing subjects include Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, and Marketing Research.

Can I pursue a PGDM without a background in business?

Yes, many colleges accept candidates from diverse educational backgrounds for PGDM courses, provided they meet the entrance exam criteria.

What skills do I gain from studying PGDM subjects?

You will acquire analytical, managerial, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success in the business world.

Which colleges in India are best known for their PGDM programmes?

Top colleges include IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, and NMIMS, among others, renowned for their quality of education and industry connections.

How can I choose the right PGDM specialisation?

Consider your career interests, industry demands, and personal strengths when selecting a PGDM specialisation.

Are there practical components in PGDM subjects?

Yes, many PGDM programmes include case studies, projects, internships, and live projects to enhance practical learning.

What are the entrance exams required for PGDM admission?

Common entrance exams include CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, and GMAT, which assess your aptitude and readiness for a PGDM programme.

How do I prepare for PGDM entrance exams?

Focus on quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and general knowledge through practice tests, coaching, and self-study materials.

What are some popular electives in PGDM courses?

Popular electives include Data Analytics, International Business, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship.

What is the duration of a typical PGDM programme?

Most PGDM programmes last between 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution and curriculum structure.

Are there any online PGDM courses available?

Yes, several institutions offer online PGDM programmes that provide flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.

What career opportunities are available after completing a PGDM?

Graduates can pursue careers in management consulting, marketing, finance, human resources, and operations across various industries.

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