Regular PGDM Vs Distance PGDM Course

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) course has always been a popular choice among many of the students. The PGDM course is equivalent to MBA when we talk about management degrees. Both PGDM and MBA have their own importance when it comes to professional growth of a management professional.

The PGDM course is offered in three modes, first one is regular PGDM course, the second one is online PGDM course and the third one distance PGDM course. The students should not confuse between the online PGDM course and distance PGDM course. Both the modes of course are totally different. 

The present article  tries to explain the merits and demerits of only regular PGDM and distance PGDM courses. The students can choose their desired PGDM course depending upon their conveniences. Many choose to prefer a regular PGDM course while some may opt for a distance PGDM course due to various factors. 

There are some important aspects that are essential to be understood by the students before they choose between a regular PGDM course and distance PGDM course. 

Let’s try to understand them here

There is a huge difference between a regular PGDM and distance PGDM. The two modes have completely different teaching modules. Acceptability of the courses in the business world is also different.

However, with the emergence of technology there is no more distance or correspondence course because of the availability of online classes. Through the facility of virtual classes, students and faculty interact easily from any part of the world, allowing conduction of smooth discussions. In other words, online, part-time and executive PGDM courses are specifically designed for certain working professionals according to their conveniences.

Let’s try to explore some of the differences between regular PGDM course and distance PGDM course

Flexibility in Studies

It is always better to manage the classes as per one’s own convenience. The distance PGDM students will have the option to study according to their convenience. The study material is provided to the students in case of distance PGDM course. Some top universities/colleges provide excellent study materials while many of them provide average study materials. So, the students have to make a background check about the college or university for their distance PGDM course.  The colleges offering distance PGDM courses will provide prescribed slots for exams, the students can take up their exams according to their convenience in these prescribed slots.

But this is not possible in regular PGDM course, the students have to attend the regular classes on time and should complete assignments as per schedule. The students are provided with notes and reference books during their study in regular PGDM course. The students have no option to skip the exams, if they skip then they will lose one academic year to rewrite the exam and take the passing certificate.

Saves Time & Energy

The distance PGDM course enables the students to manage the time effectively. Typically, a distance PGDM course is opted by working professionals. In distance PGDM course, the students will have limited access to the faculty depending upon the colleges and universities that offer distance PGDM course. Some top colleges may provide exclusive access while many of them do not provide access to the faculties and they are required to study on their own.  The students can study conveniently in distance PGDM course and can manage time.

But in a regular PGDM course it is not possible to manage time. Going to college daily will be tiring and hectic, because it is difficult to manage assignments and lessons. Unless the students are free, it may not be possible for them to complete the assigned tasks on time. The classes will be held regularly and students have to maintain regular attendance in classes. So, a regular PGDM course is ideal for fresh graduates and for non-office going individuals.

Tech Friendly Atmosphere

There is no option of virtual class in a regular PGDM course. In the case of online PGDM course there is an option of virtual class. But in the case of distance PGDM course there is no concept of virtual class. Some top colleges that offer distance PGDM course may provide a tech friendly learning atmosphere. But this facility is not available in the majority of colleges that offer distance PGDM course. 

Further, in regular PGDM class the students are required to prepare notes by themselves by referring various books. But in case of distance PGDM class, the printed material is always provided by the institutes. So, the distance PGDM students have better facilities when compared to regular PGDM students.

Earn while you Learn

Sometimes situations may not match the desires of many students and they may end up in compromising due to commitments. Many students drop out of academics to support their family or earn money. The distance PGDM course allows these students to earn their living along with the option of studying management courses. The classes are mostly held during weekends or evening hours or in online mode. So, one can attend the office work on weekdays and study on weekends.

This is not possible in case of regular PGDM course, the students have to compulsorily attend the classes, finish the assignments and projects on time and also give regular tests and exams and earning is not possible in case of regular PGDM course. The regular PGDM course students cannot take any chances of attendance shortage, because shortage of attendance will not allow them to give exams.

Cost Effective

The fees of a regular PGDM course is invariably high and not everyone can afford such high fees. Thus, many students drop the idea of pursuing a regular PGDM course due to their financial constraints and family commitments. But distance PGDM course takes care of this problem and also its fees are low and affordable for everyone. So many students opt for distance education for the PGDM course.

Less Exposure for Network and Market Trends

One of the major drawbacks of pursuing a distance PGDM course is that one is left out of PGDM networking and market trends. Unlike regular PGDM students one will not get a chance to build a network or interact with various kinds of people in the industry. One may not get any opportunity to interact with classmates. In distance PGDM course the students are limited to virtual classes or projects. Also learning market trends from live experiences and case studies may not be possible in distance PGDM course.

On the other hand, the regular PGDM course students will have an opportunity to interact with the industry and tech experts, SMEs, etc on a regular basis. The regular PGDM colleges will be organising regular seminars and symposiums for students. So, the regular PGDM students can have better networking opportunities when compared to distance PGDM course students.

Lack of Placement Opportunities

Although there are many good institutes that offer distance PGDM course but they all lack; is a good recognition in job markets and by top recruiters. Most of the top recruiters will not prefer students of distance PGDM course through campus interview selections. The job opportunities are very less for distance PGDM students through campus interviews. Even colleges will not promote students from distance PGDM course for campus interviews. They may have to find the job by themselves and cannot depend on the colleges for job opportunities.

But this is quite the opposite in case of regular PGDM students. The top organisations prefer regular PGDM students over distance PGDM students. The organisations will be always eager to offer better salary packages for regular PGDM course over distance PGDM students. Many institutes even guarantee jobs for the regular PGDM students even before the completion of the course. But the distance PGDM students will lack such guarantee when it comes to jobs

No direct interaction with Faculty

Many times it is essential to have mentors to explain a concept or help in solving questions. Distance PGDM lacks direct contact with the faculty. The mode of communication with the faculty is always through e-mails or video calls. Most of the time the students have to solve the problems by themselves due to limitations in communications in case of distance PGDM course.

But regular PGDM course students will be always in touch with the faculty almost every day. The students can directly approach the faculty to clarify their doubts. This increases the efficiency of the students. So, the regular PGDM course students have upper hand over distance PGDM students.

The above aspects are some of the key points to be noted when it comes to choosing between distance PGDM and regular PGDM course. The students are advised to keep in mind before choosing their mode of education.

Conclusion

The regular PGDM course and distance PGDM course come with their own merits and demerits. So, the students have to carefully judge and make a decision. Typically, the distance PGDM course is best suited for working professionals. The regular PGDM course is ideal for fresh graduates and students who are not working professionals. 

The decision has to be taken by the student based on their situations and circumstances and choose the right one which helps them to grow in their careers.