RIIM PGDM FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between PGDM and MBA at RIIM Pune? Which is better?
Ans. The PGDM at RIIM is an AICTE-approved Post Graduate Diploma in Management, while the MBA is a university degree affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). The PGDM is RIIM's flagship programme with a more industry-oriented, practical curriculum (70:30 model), 8+ certifications, and the IBEP-Dubai international exposure built into the fee. The MBA is a university degree with fees regulated by the Shikshan Shulka Samiti (lower fees, approximately INR 5,00,000). For students prioritising a university degree, MBA is the choice; for those prioritising practical skills, certifications, and international exposure, PGDM is preferred.
Ques. Is the PGDM from RIIM Pune recognised? Will it be accepted for government jobs or higher studies?
Ans. The PGDM from RIIM Pune is approved by AICTE, New Delhi, and is AIMA-CME certified. AICTE-approved PGDMs are recognised as equivalent to MBA degrees for most private sector jobs and are accepted by many universities for PhD admissions. However, for certain government jobs that specifically require a university-affiliated MBA degree, the PGDM may not qualify. Students planning to pursue government jobs or PhD programmes should verify the specific requirements of their target institutions before choosing PGDM over MBA.
Ques. What is the IBEP-Dubai programme included in the PGDM fee? Is it mandatory?
Ans. The International Business Exposure Programme (IBEP) - Dubai is a 5 Nights/6 Days educational tour to Dubai included as part of the PGDM + IBEP-DUBAI programme. It provides students with international business exposure, industry visits, and global networking opportunities. The IBEP-Dubai is included in the PGDM course fee (INR 8,60,000 for standard specialisations). RIIM also offers a separate 1-month IBEP programme in UK/France at an additional cost of INR 3,50,000, which is optional.
Ques. What specialisations are available in the PGDM at RIIM Pune?
Ans. The PGDM at RIIM Pune offers dual specialisation from Day 1. The available specialisations are: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources (HR), Business Analytics, Agri Business Management (ABM), and Pharmaceutical Management. Students pursuing ABM or Pharmaceutical Management specialisation are offered the PGDM at a lower fee of INR 7,20,000 (vs INR 8,60,000 for other specialisations). The dual specialisation model allows students to develop expertise in two functional areas simultaneously.
Ques. How does the PGDM admission process at RIIM Pune work? Is there a minimum CAT/CMAT percentile required?
Ans. RIIM Pune accepts a wide range of entrance exam scores including CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, MAH MBA CET, GMAT, and NMAT. There is no publicly stated minimum percentile requirement for PGDM admission. The selection process involves submitting an application with entrance exam scores, followed by a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) at the campus. The final selection is based on a combination of entrance exam score, GD-PI performance, academic record, and work experience. Students with lower percentiles can still secure admission through a strong GD-PI performance.
Ques. What certifications will I get during the PGDM programme at RIIM Pune?
Ans. PGDM students at RIIM Pune receive 8+ certifications across 4 semesters. These include: Business Analytics Certification from IIM Bangalore (via MakeIntern), Six Sigma, SAP, Digital Marketing, Advanced Excel, AI, NSE Finance/Capital Market Workshop, and Foreign Language. Additional certifications from programmes like X-Culture, Global Young Leaders, World Innovation Alliance, and Gryphon Academy are also available. The certifications are indicative and may change based on market demand. These value-added certifications significantly enhance the employability of PGDM graduates.
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