Parents and students have always been in a dilemma as to whether the students should opt for a MBA degree, which is affiliated to a University or to an autonomous Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) approved by AICTE. The title MBA has been generally more fascinating than PGDM in view of its common usage by most of the Universities across the country offering the post graduate management programme vis-à-vis the AICTE approved PGDM which is an autonomous 2 year full time Management Programme, offered by premier B-Schools like IIMs and select others through All India level competitive exams like CAT, MAT etc. unlike the State level competitive exams like GCET in Gujarat, CET in Maharashtra etc..

At this juncture it may be useful to understand the difference between the university affiliated MBA programme and autonomous PGDM approved by AICTE.

At the outset it is essential to know that All India Council for Technical Education is the apex level competent authority entrusted with all the powers to approve the management programmes across the country. As such one should know that even the MBA programmes offered by Universities are also required to be approved by AICTE and then it is managed and administered by the respective University in their jurisdiction.

Coming to the differences between the MBA affiliated to University and 2 year full time autonomous PGDM approved by AICTE, the following aspects merit attention:

• The University affiliated MBA Programme has its inherent constraints and restraints which gets reflected in the complex decision making process in the University and its adverse impact on the curriculum.

• The curriculum for MBA is not easily amenable to frequent updates in order to keep pace with the dynamics of business and social realities which is a very critical component in any management programme as we need to prepare the Managers for tomorrow and not for yesteryears.

• The curriculum/syllabi which needs to fit into the University pattern cannot offer some meaningful value addition to the programme and / or offer additional courses to keep up with the business and industry needs which may have an adverse impact on industry interface and final placement.

• The 2-year full time PGDM being an autonomous programme under the overall supervision of AICTE do not suffer from the aforesaid disabilities of University affiliated MBA and has built-in innovative and futuristic characteristics.

• The autonomy of decision-making and flexibility to update the curriculum in tune with the business dynamics and social realities adds to its credibility and acceptability in the industry and service sector.

• The PGDM offered by GRBS has the unique distinction of weaving into its curriculum both functional and service sector specialization besides the social action project and industry attachment which are intended to make a qualitative change in the mind set of budding managers

• The forging of academics and industry through fruitful partnership is intended to enhance the placement opportunities for students pursuing the PGDM.

• The PGDM also provides for value addition in the form language lab to improve the English vocabulary as well as learning foreign language viz. mandarin which is the need of the hour
  
• To keep pace with the process of integration with the global economy and the mobility of resources beyond the national frontier, the PGDM envisages the need for global perspective and multi-cultural linkages through overseas study tour for students and faculty as well as possible tie-ups with Institutions abroad for student and faculty exchange programmes.

• Relevance of the curriculum to practical business applications.
• High exposure to business realities from the state-of-the-art course.
• Fusion to theoretical inputs with practical applications.
• Emphasis on fostering teamwork and on personal effectiveness
• Encouragement on self-management through self oriented, designed and managed projects.
• Development of learning skills.