PGDM
"Unleash Your Management Potential: Dive into Our Comprehensive PGDM Curriculum"
PGDM
Curriculum
The PGDM curriculum is structured into four semesters. The curriculum adheres to industry standards and norms, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to be prepared for employment and secure suitable jobs. The initial and subsequent semesters mostly focus on theoretical concepts and fundamental issues. During the course, students are required to complete an internship in order to familiarize themselves with the problems and expectations.
PGDM Syllabus
The PGDM course structure is divided into two parts: a mandatory collection of courses covering all core areas of management, and an elective set of courses aimed at developing job-specific skills and knowledge.
The PGDM syllabus is divided into semesters, as shown below.
| PGDM Subjects Semester I | |
| Management Functions and Behavior | Human Resource Management |
| Economic and Social Environment | Introduction to Information Technology |
| PGDM Subjects Semester II | |
| Operations Management | Marketing Management |
| Quantitative Techniques for Managers | Managerial Economics |
| Strategic Management | – |
| PGDM Subjects Semester III | |
| Marketing Management (MM) | Financial Management (FM) |
| International Business (IB) | Human Resource Management (HR) |
| Operations Management (OM) | Information Systems (IS) |
| Insurance Management (IN) | – |
| PGDM Subjects Semester IV | |
| Business Law and Corporate Governance | International Business |
| Management Information Systems | Research Methodology |
| Project Work | – |
The PGDM program provides a variety of alternatives, including general, executive, part-time, and more. Admission is stringent, including admission examinations, group discussions, interviews, and academic performance evaluations. Fees vary according to institute and program. Marketing, finance, human resources, business analytics, and other fields are all specializations. The table below provides a brief overview:
| PGDM Full Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Management |
|---|---|
| Types of PGDM | General PGDM, Executive PGDM, Part-time PGDM, Distance Learning PGDM, Online PGDM, Dual Specialization |
| Course Level | Post Graduation Degree Course |
| MBA Admission Process | Entrance Exam (CAT, MAT, XAT, etc.), Group Discussion, Personal Interview, Academic Performance |
| PGDM Fees | Varies based on Institute and Program |
| Top PGDM Specializations | Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Business Analytics, Information Technology, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management, etc. |
The PGDM Syllabus for the year 2025
The PGDM curriculum is largely the same across the majority of business institutions. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects aimed at instructing students in essential business concepts. There are a total of 11 core subjects that are universally studied and an additional 35 elective subjects that can be chosen based on personal preferences. Furthermore, if you desire to concentrate in a certain field such as finance, HR, marketing, or IT, the syllabus is tailored to place greater emphasis on that particular area of study.
Syllabus for the PGDM CAT Entrance Exam in 2025
The renowned Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, administers the respected Common Admission Test (CAT), a nationwide entrance examination. The computerized CAT examination comprises three essential elements: a piece assessing numeric aptitude, a section evaluating verbal ability and reading comprehension, and a section testing logical reasoning and data interpretation skills.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension | Odd Sentence Out, Sentence Correction, Word Usage, Para Summary, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Modern Math, Arithmetic |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games Tournament, Logical Sequence, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Order Ranking, Data Tables, Caselets, Charts, and Graphs |
Syllabus for the PGDM ATMA Entrance Exam in 2025
The ATMA is a well-acknowledged PGDM entry examination, overseen by the Association of Indian Management Schools. The syllabus for the ATMA PGDM entrance test may be found on the official website of the organization for those who are interested in applying. The syllabus comprises three primary elements: analytical thinking, verbal reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Set theory, Ratio and Proportions, Time Speed and Distance, Algebra, Surds and Indices, Profit and Loss, Discounts, Logarithms, Problems of ages, Permutation and Combination, Average, Mensuration, Binomial Theorem, Geometry, Quadratic equation. |
| Analytical Reasoning | Statement and Conclusion, Syllogisms, Coding and Decoding, Weak and Strong Arguments, Critical Reasoning, Course of Action, Arrangements, Data Sufficiency, Statement and Inference |
| Verbal Reasoning | Jumbled up sentences, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Sentence completion, Grammar |
Syllabus for the PGDM XLRI XAT Entrance Exam in 2025
The XAT syllabus can be easily downloaded from the official website. The duration of this examination is 180 minutes, and it consists of a total of 100 questions. The XAT PGDM Entrance Paper consists of four main sections: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making, and General Knowledge.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | Bar Diagrams, Tables, Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Percentage, Number System, Surds and Indices, Pie charts, Mensuration. |
| Verbal and Logical Ability | Logical reasoning, Analogy, Vocabulary, Fill in the blanks, Error Detection, Para jumbles, Verbal Reasoning, Reading comprehension. |
| Decision-Making | Arrangement of Data, Premises, Caselets, Assumptions, Business Decision Making, Complex Arrangements, Conclusions, Ethical Dilemma |
| General Knowledge | Prizes and Awards, Constitution of India, Politics, Management, History, Economy, Science and Technology, Important Personalities, Sports. |
Syllabus for the PGDM NMAT Entrance Exam in 2025
The NMAT syllabus can be seen on the official website of the Graduate Management Aptitude Council (GMAC). The examination is administered to individuals who desire to participate in the NMIMS PGDM programs. Several prestigious management institutions in the country also consider NMAT scores. The NMAT PGDM Entrance syllabus for 2025 consists of three sections: linguistic skills, logical thinking, and quantitative capabilities. Candidates may obtain the official notification of the NMAT curriculum by downloading it from the website once it has been published by the authorities.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Skills | Time Speed and Distance, Algebra, Trigonometry, Surds and Indices, LCM and HCF, Probability, Number System, Profit and Loss, Data Interpretation, Simple and Compound Interest, Percentage, Discounts, Statistics, Geometry, Statistics. |
| Logical Reasoning | Cubes and Dice, Embedded Figures, Blood Relations, Number Completion, Puzzle, Data Sufficiency, Statements and Arguments, Syllogisms, Sequential Output, Classification, Mirror Images and Water Images, Venn Diagrams, Paper Folding and Cutting, Distance and Directions |
| Language Skills | Jumbled up sentences, English Grammar, Passages, Reading Comprehension, Antonyms and Synonyms, English Usage |
Syllabus for the PGDM CMAT Entrance Exam in 2025
The CMAT, a national-level PGDM entrance exam, is administered by the National Testing Agency. The CMAT examination has a total duration of 3 hours and is comprised of four distinct sections: logical thinking, linguistic comprehension, numeric aptitude and data interpretation, and general awareness. The syllabus of the CMAT exam is designed to assess a candidate’s ability. Prospective candidates who fulfill the necessary criteria can get the syllabus for the CMAT PGDM Entrance Test on the official website and commence their studies. The CMAT examination is conducted in a computer-based format and has duration of three hours. The CMAT program incorporates an elective segment on innovation and entrepreneurship.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation | Fraction and Decimals, Probability, Simple and Compound Interest, Number Systems, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Geometry, Pipes and Cisterns, Ratio and Proportion, Time Speed-Distance, Permutations and Combinations, Profit and Loss, Graphs, Pie Chart, Algebra |
| Logical Reasoning | Direction and Distance, Number Series, Blood Relations, Coding and Decoding, Statement Assumptions, Symbol Based Problems, Inferences, Linear Arrangements, Sequencing, Nonverbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning. |
| General Awareness | Constitution of India, Literature, Geography, Culture, Economy, Science and Technology, Important Personalities, Politics, History, Sports, Current Affairs |
| Language Comprehension | Antonyms and Synonyms, English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Jumbled Paragraphs, Idioms and Phrases, Sentence Completion, Word Substitution. |
| Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Innovation, Startups, Business Development, Entrepreneurship Skills |
Syllabus for the PGDM SNAPS Entrance Exam in 2025
The SNAP PGDM Entrance syllabus for 2025 has been announced by Symbiosis International University and is available for candidates to access on the website. Candidates can have a comprehensive understanding of the number of questions and the weighted average score for each section of the exam by referring to the SNAP curriculum and exam pattern. The SNAP examination is comprised of three distinct sections: general English, data interpretation and sufficiency, and analytical and logical reasoning.
| Sections | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| General English | Jumbled Paragraphs, Passages or Poems, Synonyms and Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Odd One Out, Verbal Reasoning, Idioms and Phrases, Syllogisms, Analogies, One-word Substitution |
| Analytical and Logical Reasoning | Blood Relations, Linear Arrangement, Venn Diagrams, Pie Charts, Visual Reasoning, Matrix Arrangements, Coding and Decoding, Functions, Family Tree, Cause and Effect, Statements and Assumptions, True and False, Line Graphs, Assertions and Reasons |
| Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Quadratic Equation, Trigonometry, Permutation and Combination, Number Systems, Surds and Indices, Set Theory, Logarithmic Functions, Averages, Coordinate Geometry, Algebra, Binomial Theorem, Ratio and Proportion |
Syllabus for PGDM in India in 2025
The curriculum and syllabus for the Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) comprise mandatory courses and optional courses, allowing students to choose based on their preferences and desired industry specialization (such as finance, human resources, operations, marketing, etc.). The compilation of prevalent disciplines that several universities incorporate into their curriculum is categorized chronologically by academic year. This might be considered as the model curriculum for a PGDM course.
| PGDM Subject in 1st Semester | PGDM Subject in 2nd Semester |
|---|---|
| Organizational Behavior – 1 | Financial Management – I |
| Managerial Accounting and Control | Macroeconomics |
| Business Communication | Managerial Accounting and Control – II |
| Microeconomics | Quantitative Techniques – II |
| Quantitative Techniques – 1 | Marketing Management – I |
| Operational Management – 1 | Organizational Behavior – II |
| PGDM Subject in 3rd Semester | PGDM Subject in 4th Semester |
| Financial Management – II | International Business Environment |
| Human Resource Management | Business Policy Ethics |
| Marketing Management – II | CSR and Sustainability |
| Management Information System | Electives |
| Operation Management – II | Corporate Personality Development |
| Research Method | Project Work |
List of PGDM Subjects:
The PGDM curriculum consists of a wide array of subjects, covering both essential and optional courses. Electives are implemented to offer specialized instruction in particular businesses and sectors, according to individual interests and applicability. Consult the table provided below for specific information regarding the quantity of core and elective courses available in this program.
| PGDM Subjects List: Core | PGDM Subjects List: Elective |
|---|---|
| PGDM Subjects List: Core | PGDM Subjects List: Elective |
| Management Process & Organizational Behavior | International Economics |
| Decision Sciences | Export-Import Management & Strategies |
| Managerial Economics | International Trade |
| Accounting for Management | Advanced Econometric Analysis |
| Information Technology Management | Business Forecasting |
| Business Communication | Security Analysis and Portfolio Management |
| Management of Technology, Innovation, and Change | International Finance |
| Financial Management | Risk & Insurance Management |
| Marketing Management | Merchant Banking & Financial Services |
| Human Resource Management | Corporate Valuation, Merger & Acquisition |
| Operations Management | Micro-Finance |
| Strategy Area Management | Taxation & Tax Planning |
| – | Advance Equity Research |
| Derivatives & Equity Research | |
| Retail Banking | |
| Bank Performance Analysis | |
| Project Appraisal and Financing | |
| Financial Engineering | |
| Treasury Management | |
| Fixed Income Market | |
| Business Analysis and Valuation | |
| Strategic Financial Management | |
| Organisation Development and Change | |
| Building and Leading Effective Teams | |
| Negotiations Management | |
| Strategic HRM | |
| Business Process Re-engineering | |
| Enterprise Resource Planning | |
| E-commerce Business Modules | |
| Management Software Development | |
| Data Warehousing & Data Mining | |
| Knowledge Management | |
| Decision Support Systems | |
| Consumer Behavior | |
| Product and Brand Management | |
| Services Marketing | |
| Business-to-Business Marketing (B2B Marketing) | |
| Sales and Distribution Management | |
| Managing Marketing Communication | |
| Advanced Marketing Research |
PGDM Syllabus 2025: Subject Details
Course information regarding the 2025 PGDM syllabus are as follows:
| PGDM Subject | Management Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Management Process Organizational Behavior | Process of Management, Fundamentals of Organizational Behavior, Individual Group Behavior and Process in Organization, Introduction to Management |
| Decision Sciences | Decision Theory, Descriptive Statistics, Transportation Problems, Linear Programming |
| Managerial Economics | Introduction, Theory of Cost and Market Structures, Introduction to Macroeconomics, Demand Analysis and Theory of Production |
| Accounting Management | Cost Accounting, Decision-Making Techniques, Performance Evaluation Techniques, Nature of Accounting Information |
| Business Communications | Data Communication and Network, Functional and Enterprise Systems, Computer Software, Computer Hardware and Number System |
| Management of Technology, Innovation, and Change | Change Management, Technology Management, Creative and Lateral Thinking Management, Innovations Management |
| Information Technology Management | Computer Software, Data Communication and Network, Functional and Enterprise Systems, Computer Hardware and Number System |
| Financial Management | Capital Budgeting, Planning for Sources of Finance, Retained Earning Vs. Dividend Decision, Nature and Scope of Financial Management |
| Marketing Management | Promotion and Distribution Decisions, Introduction to Marketing, Emerging Trends and Issues in Marketing, Product and Pricing Decisions |
PGDM Elective Subject List
Electives are designed to give instruction in industries and sectors of interest and relevance. The available electives for this course are given below:
Economics Subjects
The table below shows the list of PGDM economics subjects:
| International Economics | Export and Import Management Strategies |
| International Trade | Advanced Econometric Analysis |
| Business Forecasting | – |
Finance Subjects
The table below shows the list of PGDM finance subjects:
| Security Analysis and Portfolio Management | International Finance |
| Risk Insurance Management | Merchant Banking Financial Services |
| Corporate Valuation, Merger Acquisition | Micro-Finance |
| Taxation Tax Planning | Advance Equity Research |
| Derivatives Equity Research | Retail Banking |
| Bank Performance Analysis | Project Appraisal and Financing |
| Financial Engineering | Treasury Management |
| Fixed Income Markets | Business Analysis and Valuation |
| Management Control Systems | Strategic Financial Management |
Human Resource Management Subjects
The table below shows the list of PGDM HRM subjects:
| Organisation Development and Change | Building and Leading Effective Teams |
| Strategic HRM and International Perspective | Managerial Excellence |
| Negotiations Management |
Syllabus for the PGDM Entrance Exam in 2025
PGDM admission tests comprise a diverse range of evaluations, such as CAT, MAT, NMAT, CMAT, XAT, and several additional college-level entrance exams. Although the exam design typically adheres to a standard format, certain sections may differ. The CAT exam, which is globally acknowledged, is conducted by the IIM and is usually held online in November across more than 156 cities. The PGDM entrance exam syllabus is structured to assess applicants using multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that include Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). This comprehensive assessment guarantees a meticulous evaluation of candidates’ aptitudes and expertise for pursuing a PGDM program.
| CAT Syllabus | ATMA Syllabus |
| NMAT Syllabus | CMAT Syllabus |
| GMAT Syllabus | XAT Syllabus |
Syllabus for PGDM Distance Education in 2025
The PGDM Distance Education Courses cover a wide-ranging syllabus that includes disciplines such as business concepts, business communication, operations management, marketing research, and others. The duration of the full PGDM distance education program is equivalent to that of a standard PGDM, lasting for a period of 2 years. This educational method is available to both students and employed individuals, providing them with the opportunity to engage in advanced management studies while managing their other responsibilities. In 2018, the University Grants Commission (UGC-DEB) officially approved PGDM distance education, enhancing its credibility and reputation in the field of management education.
IGNOU Distance PGDM Syllabus
The table below shows the IGNOU distance PGDM syllabus:
| 1st Sem PGDM Subjects | 2nd Sem PGDM Subjects |
|---|---|
| Business Ethics Corporate Social Responsibility | Management Science |
| Strategic Analysis | 4th Sem PGDM Subjects |
| Legal Environment of Business | Strategic Management |
| Business Communication | International Business Environment |
| Managerial Economics | Project Study |
| Quantitative Methods | Management Accounting |
| Financial Accounting | Marketing Research |
| 3rd Sem PGDM subjects | Operation Management |
| Organizational Behavior | Management of Information System |
SCDL Distance PGDM Syllabus
The table below shows the SCDL distance PGDM syllabus:
| 1st Sem PGDM Subjects | 2nd Sem PGDM Subjects |
|---|---|
| Principles Practices of Management | Production/Operations Management |
| Organizational Behavior | Financial Management |
| Management Accounting | Human Resource Management |
| Managerial Economics | Marketing Management |
| Business Law | Management Information Systems |
| 3rd Sem PGDM Subjects | 4th Sem PGDM Subjects |
| Required Specialization 1 | Required Specialization 4 |
| Required Specialization 2 | Required Specialization 5 |
| Required Specialization 3 | Project |
| Elective 1 | Elective 4 |
| Elective 2 | Elective 5 |
| Elective 3 | Elective 6 |
Books Recommended for PGDM
Explore a carefully curated assortment of recommended PGDM books, specifically selected to correspond with the extensive PGDM curriculum. This resource is extremely beneficial for prospective students who aspire to begin their PGDM journey. This tabular representation provides a concise summary of the many subjects offered for individuals who are enthusiastic about pursuing enrollment in the PGDM program.
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| Macroeconomics | R. Glenn Hubbard |
| Operations Management: Theory and Practices | Mahadevan |
| Essentials of Management: An International Perspective | Koontz Weihrich |
| Management (Text and Cases) | V.S.P. Rao V Hari Krishna |
| Financial Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis | Ashok Banerjee |
| Organization Behaviour | Stephen P. Robbins, Timothy A. Judge Seema Sanghi |
| Human Resource Management | John Ivancevich |
| Contemporary Management | Gareth R. Jones Jennifer M. George |
| Business Communication Today | Bovee, Thill Chaturvedi |
| Production and Operations Management | E.E. Adam and R.J. Ebert |
| International Financial Management | Thummuluri Siddaiah |
| Elective 2 | Elective 5 |
| Elective 3 | Elective 6 |