PGDM in Finance: Course Overview, Colleges, Fees, and Career Prospects in India

A 2-year PGDM in Finance provides lucrative opportunities in Banking, Investment, Fintech and other sectors. Read about this course in detail, with top colleges, syllabus updates, admission process, jobs and more. 

The growing financial sector in India fuels the demand for skilled professionals, making a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Finance a compelling option. This specialized two-year program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills for a successful finance career. Eligibility typically requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks and a valid score on entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, or XAT. A PGDM in Finance covers financial accounting, corporate finance, investment management, and financial markets.

Graduates can pursue roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, portfolio managers, and financial consultants, with starting salaries ranging from INR 6,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 per annum. Program fees in India range from INR 2,00,000 to INR 25,00,000, depending on the institution. This article provides an overview of the PGDM in Finance program in India, including top government and private colleges like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), and SP Jain Institute.

PGDM in Finance: An Overview of the Course in India

A Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Finance is a specialized program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the financial sector. Before diving deep into the course, here is a quick overview:

Aspect	Details
Full Form	Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Finance)
Duration	Typically 2 years (full-time; divided into 4 semesters or 6 trimesters)
Course Level	Postgraduate Diploma
Approval Body	AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education); offered by autonomous institutes
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with minimum 50% aggregate (may vary; relaxations for reserved categories); valid scores in entrance exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, or GMAT
Admission Process	Entrance exam scores + Group Discussion (GD) + Personal Interview (PI) + sometimes Written Ability Test (WAT)
Course Fees (Approx.)	₹4 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs+ for the full program (varies widely by institute; top-tier colleges often ₹10–25 lakhs)
Key Focus	Practical, industry-relevant skills in finance; includes core management subjects in Year 1 and finance specialization/electives in Year 2
Core Subjects (Typical)	Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management, Financial Markets & Institutions, Risk Management, International Finance, Derivatives, Financial Modelling, Taxation, Strategic Financial Management
Career Roles	Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager, Corporate Finance Manager, Treasury Manager, Credit Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Banker, Wealth Manager
Average Starting Salary	₹8–15 LPA (varies by institute; top colleges often ₹15–25+ LPA)
Top Colleges/Institutes	IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta (and other IIMs with finance focus), XLRI Jamshedpur (Xavier School of Management), SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Mumbai, and select other autonomous B-schools

PGDM in Finance Eligibility Criteria: Detailed Requirements

The eligibility criteria for a PGDM in Finance program in India typically require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum percentage of marks. Here is a detailed list of eligibility criteria required by most colleges:

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

• Most colleges require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories as per government norms).

• Final-year undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of graduation during admission.

• Applicants must appear for a management entrance exam such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, or the institute’s own test.

• Many institutes conduct Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) as part of the selection process.

• Some colleges may prefer candidates with a background in commerce, business, economics, or mathematics, though it is not mandatory.

• Work experience is not compulsory, but candidates with professional exposure in finance, accounting, or banking may receive added preference.

• There is no specific age limit for applying to a PGDM in Finance program.

Popular Entrance Exams for PGDM in Finance

Here is a list of India’s most common entrance exams for this course, along with key colleges, exam pattern and dates:

Entrance Exam	Key Colleges Accepting the Exam	Exam Pattern (Brief)	Typical Exam Dates
CAT	IIMs, MDI, IMT, TAPMI, SPJIMR	MCQs & TITA; Verbal, DILR, Quant; 2 hours	November
MAT	AIMA-approved B-schools, BIMTECH, JIMS	MCQs; 5 sections including Math, English, GK; 2.5 hours	February, May, September, December
XAT	XLRI, XIMB, IMI, TAPMI	MCQs; Decision-Making, Verbal, Quant, GK; 3+ hours	January
CMAT	AICTE-approved institutes, KJ Somaiya, SIMSREE (varies)	MCQs; 5 sections including Quant, LR, GK, Innovation	April–May
ATMA	PGDM colleges across India, including Welingkar	MCQs; Analytical Reasoning, Verbal, Quant; 3 hours	Multiple times a year
GMAT	Premier PGDM institutes; used for some executive or global programs	Adaptive test; Quant, Verbal, IR; 2–3 hours	Throughout the year
Institute-Level Tests (e.g., MICAT, IRMA Test, others)	Specific institutes offering PGDM programs	Varies—usually aptitude + analytical sections	Varies by institute

Quick Tips to Ace PGDM Finance Entrances

PGDM Finance entrance exams are quite competitive. Lakhs of students appear for the exam in pursuit of limited college seats. Here are some practical tips that’ll keep you focused in preparation and help ace entrances:

• Master high-weightage quant topics first (Arithmetic, Algebra, DI) to maximise score before touching low-yield areas.

• Solve one full-length mock every 3 days and spend more time analysing errors than taking the test.

• Build a daily finance habit—read markets, RBI updates, and corporate news for GK-heavy exams like CMAT/MAH-CET.

• Create section-wise time boundaries (e.g., 40 mins quant, 30 mins verbal) and stick to them to avoid time drain during the real test.

• Use previous-year papers as your roadmap—identify repeating question patterns and tailor your study plan around them.

PGDM in Finance Admission Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The admission process for a PGDM in Finance program in India starts with taking an entrance exam such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, or CMAT. Scores from these exams, along with academic records and work experience (if any), are used to shortlist candidates.

1. Entrance Exam: Take an entrance exam such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, or CMAT (fees range from INR 1,000 to INR 2,500).
2. Application: Apply to PGDM in Finance programs at target colleges (application fees range from INR 500 to INR 2,000).
3. Shortlisting: Colleges shortlist candidates based on entrance exam scores, academic record, and work experience (minimum cutoff score of 50-60 percentile).
4. Group Discussion (GD): Participate in a group discussion to assess communication and teamwork skills.
5. Personal Interview (PI): Attend a personal interview to evaluate personality, motivation, and career goals.
6. Final Selection: Final selection is based on a composite score considering performance in the entrance exam, GD, PI, academic record, and work experience.
7. Offer Letter: Receive an offer letter from the college with details about the program, fees, and enrollment process.
8. Acceptance and Enrollment: Accept the offer and complete enrollment by paying the required fees (INR 10,00,000 to INR 25,00,000 for the entire program).
9. Document Verification: Submit documents such as mark sheets, certificates, and ID proof for verification.
10. Medical Test: Some colleges may require a medical test.

Top Colleges for PGDM in Finance in India: Government Institutions

The following table lists top government colleges in India offering a PGDM in Finance or related specializations. Find colleges with locations, admission mode and course fees:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees	Admission Mode
IIM Ahmedabad (Ahmedabad)	₹25 Lakh	CAT + WAT/GD/PI
IIM Bangalore (Bangalore)	₹24.5 Lakh	CAT + WAT/GD/PI
IIM Calcutta (Kolkata)	₹27 Lakh	CAT + WAT/GD/PI
IIM Kozhikode (Kozhikode)	₹20.5 Lakh	CAT + GD/PI
IIM Lucknow (Lucknow)	₹23 Lakh	CAT + WAT/GD/PI
DoMS IIT Madras (Chennai)	₹10 Lakh	CAT + GD/PI
Delhi School of Management, DTU (Delhi)	₹3.12 Lakh	CAT/CMAT + GD/PI

Top Private Colleges for PDGM in Finance in India

The table below lists top private colleges in India offering a PGDM in Finance or related specializations, including location, course fees and admission mode:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees	Admission Mode
XLRI Xavier School of Management (Jamshedpur)	₹23.15 Lakh	XAT/GMAT/GRE + GD/PI
Management Development Institute (Gurgaon)	₹24.16 Lakh	CAT/GMAT + GD/PI
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (Mumbai)	₹19 Lakh	CAT/XAT/GMAT + GD/PI
NMIMS School of Business Management (Mumbai)	₹21 Lakh	NMAT + GD/PI
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (Pune)	₹23 Lakh	SNAP + GD/PI
Institute of Management Technology (Ghaziabad)	₹20.8 Lakh	CAT/XAT/GMAT + GD/PI
Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida)	₹14.75 Lakh	CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT + GD/PI

Distance Learning Options for PGDM in Finance in India

Here are the top choices for students looking to pursue PGDM in Finance via distance learning options:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees	Admission Mode	Study Mode
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (Pune)	₹55,000 – ₹70,000	Online application + Merit	Online self-paced + Recorded sessions
IMT Centre for Distance Learning (Ghaziabad)	₹1.11 Lakh	Online application + Merit/Entrance	Distance/Online with virtual classes
MIT School of Distance Education (Pune)	₹82,000 – ₹96,000	Online application + Merit	Online + Self-study
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (Online Mode, Mumbai)	₹2 Lakh (approx.)	Online application + Entrance/Interview	Online interactive + Live sessions
BITS Pilani WILP (Pilani)	₹2.5 Lakh (approx.)	Online application for working pros + Merit	Online WILP (Work Integrated Learning)

PGDM in Finance Fees Structure: Comparing Government and Private Colleges

The fee structure for PGDM in Finance programs in India differs significantly between government and private colleges. Here is a side by side comparison:

College Type	College Name	City	Fees (INR)
Government	National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM)	Pune	INR 2,00,000
Government	Indian Institute of Management (IIM) – varies	Various Cities	INR 10,00,000 – 25,00,000
Private	SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)	Mumbai	INR 18,00,000
Private	Great Lakes Institute of Management	Chennai	INR 16,00,000
Private	Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) Graduate School of Business	Sri City	INR 14,00,000
Private	Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)	Bhubaneswar	INR 17,00,000
Private	Management Development Institute (MDI)	Gurgaon	INR 20,00,000

PGDM Finance Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown

Click Here For IMI PGDM Official Syllabus

The PGDM in Finance program in India is a two-year postgraduate diploma covering finance, accounting, and financial management. The program is divided into four semesters, each covering core and elective subjects. Here is a broad semester wise breakdown:

Year	Semester	Core Subjects	Elective Subjects	Typical Credit Hours
1	1	Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Quantitative Methods, Marketing Management	Business Communication, Information Technology for Managers	Core: 3 credits each (most); Electives: 1.5–3 credits
1	2	Corporate Finance, Financial Markets and Institutions, Investment Management, Operations Management	Business Law, Human Resource Management	Core: 3 credits each; Electives: 1.5–3 credits
2	3	Financial Derivatives, International Finance, Risk Management, Financial Modeling	Banking and Insurance, Portfolio Management	Core/Specialization: 3 credits each; Electives: 3 credits each
2	4	Strategic Financial Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Finance, Fintech	Wealth Management, Real Estate Finance	Core/Specialization: 3 credits each; Electives: 3 credits each

Understanding Core Subjects for PGDM in Finance

Explore the core subjects taught in this course in detail below:

Subject Name	Subject Description
Financial Accounting	Introduces principles of recording, classifying, and reporting financial transactions to prepare accurate financial statements.
Managerial Economics	Applies economic theories and tools to managerial decision-making, covering demand, supply, costs, and market structures.
Quantitative Methods / Business Statistics	Covers statistical and mathematical techniques for data analysis, forecasting, and decision support in business contexts.
Marketing Management	Explores strategies for identifying customer needs, product positioning, pricing, promotion, and distribution.
Organizational Behavior / Principles of Management	Examines individual, group, and organizational dynamics to enhance leadership, motivation, and team performance.
Operations Management	Focuses on designing, overseeing, and improving production processes, supply chains, and service delivery for efficiency.
Corporate Finance / Financial Management	Teaches principles of capital budgeting, cost of capital, financing decisions, and value creation for firms.
Financial Markets and Institutions	Provides an overview of money and capital markets, banking systems, regulators, and intermediaries in the financial ecosystem.
Investment Management / Investment Analysis	Covers techniques for evaluating securities, building portfolios, and managing investments to achieve risk-adjusted returns.
Risk Management	Introduces identification, measurement, and mitigation of financial risks including market, credit, operational, and liquidity risks.
Financial Derivatives	Explains futures, options, swaps, and other instruments used for hedging, speculation, and arbitrage in financial markets.
International Finance	Addresses global financial management, foreign exchange markets, international capital flows, and cross-border risk exposure.
Financial Modeling	Teaches building spreadsheet-based models for valuation, forecasting, scenario analysis, and financial decision support.
Strategic Financial Management	Integrates finance with corporate strategy, covering mergers, acquisitions, capital structure optimization, and long-term value creation.

Why PGDM Finance After Graduation?

A PGDM in Finance is a popular choice among graduates because it offers a practical, industry-driven curriculum that aligns closely with the needs of modern financial markets. It prepares students for high-demand roles across banking, investment, corporate finance, and fintech. The program also helps build strong analytical and managerial skills, making it suitable for students from any academic background.

• Offers a practical and industry-focused curriculum based on real-time financial practices.

• Builds strong skills in financial analysis, budgeting, valuation, and portfolio management.

• Provides access to careers in banking, NBFCs, equity research, fintech, and corporate finance.

• Ensures strong internship and placement support through industry partnerships.

• Enhances analytical, decision-making, and managerial abilities required in finance roles.

• Provides good salary prospects and long-term career growth.

• Suitable for graduates from any stream aiming to enter the finance sector.

What to Do After PGDM in Finance: Higher Studies, Jobs & More

Completing a PGDM in Finance opens diverse pathways for career growth and skill enhancement in India’s dynamic financial sector. Here are four key options to consider:

Pursue immediate employment in core finance roles

Jumpstart your career by joining top recruiters in BFSI, investment banking, corporate finance, or fintech firms. Roles like Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager, or Portfolio Manager offer strong starting packages (often ₹8–25+ LPA from premier institutes) with rapid growth through on-the-job experience and performance.

Opt for professional certifications to boost expertise

Enhance your credentials with globally recognized certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) for investment analysis, FRM (Financial Risk Manager) for risk management, or CPA/ACCA for accounting and international standards. These add significant value, improve employability, and open doors to specialized, high-paying positions in consulting, banking, and global firms.

Consider higher studies for advanced specialization

Enroll in a PhD in Finance or Management for academic/research careers, or pursue short executive programs/executive MBA for leadership roles. This path suits those aiming for academia, think tanks, or senior strategic positions, though most professionals prioritize industry experience first before advanced degrees.

Explore entrepreneurship or niche emerging areas

Leverage your finance knowledge to start a fintech venture, advisory firm, or consultancy in areas like sustainable finance, wealth management, or financial analytics. With India’s booming startup ecosystem and demand for innovative solutions, this route offers independence and high long-term potential for ambitious graduates.

Top Job Roles with Salary Ranges After PGDM in Finance

Here is an overview of top job roles to pursue after completing a PGDM in Finance:

Job Role	Job Description	Salary Range (₹ LPA, Entry-Level/Freshers)
Financial Analyst	Analyzes financial data, prepares reports, forecasts, and supports budgeting and investment decisions.	₹6 – 15 LPA
Investment Banker	Advises on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, IPOs, and financial transactions for clients.	₹10 – 30+ LPA (higher in top firms with bonuses)
Risk Manager	Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial, credit, market, and operational risks in organizations.	₹8 – 18 LPA
Credit Analyst	Evaluates creditworthiness of borrowers, assesses loan risks, and recommends approvals in banking/NBFCs.	₹6 – 12 LPA
Portfolio Manager	Manages investment portfolios, selects assets, and optimizes returns while balancing risk for clients/funds.	₹10 – 25 LPA
Corporate Finance Manager	Handles capital structure, budgeting, financial planning, and strategic decisions in companies.	₹8 – 18 LPA
Treasury Manager	Manages liquidity, cash flow, forex, investments, and funding for organizations.	₹8 – 16 LPA
Wealth Manager / Advisor	Provides personalized financial planning, investment advice, and wealth management services to high-net-worth clients.	₹7 – 15 LPA (plus incentives)
Equity Research Analyst	Researches stocks, companies, and markets to provide buy/sell recommendations and reports.	₹8 – 15 LPA
Banking Relationship Manager	Manages client relationships in banks, handles accounts, cross-sells products, and ensures satisfaction.	₹6 – 12 LPA

Top Recruiters After PGDM in Finance

The table below lists some of the top recruiters typically hiring PGDM Finance graduates:

Industry/Sector	Top Recruiters (2–4)	Average Package (₹ LPA, Finance Roles)
Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI)	Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, HDFC Bank / ICICI Bank	₹15–30 LPA (higher in IB/PE roles)
Investment Banking & Private Equity	Barclays, Avendus Capital, Citi, Nomura	₹20–35+ LPA
Consulting (Finance/Strategy Focus)	Accenture Strategy, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), McKinsey, Deloitte / KPMG	₹20–35 LPA
Global Banks & Financial Institutions	American Express, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank	₹18–32 LPA
Fintech & NBFCs	Bajaj Finance, Mastercard, IDFC First Bank, L&T Finance	₹12–25 LPA
Corporate Finance & Conglomerates	Aditya Birla Group, Reliance, Mahindra, TAS (Tata Administrative Services)	₹15–28 LPA

Quick Comparison:

PGDM in Finance vs PGDM in Banking

Aspect	PGDM in Finance	PGDM in Banking
Primary Focus	Broad financial expertise: investments, corporate finance, markets, risk, fintech, derivatives	Sector-specific to banking: operations, credit/lending, compliance, treasury, insurance basics
Curriculum Orientation	Covers wide finance applications (corporate, investment, international, modeling)	Emphasizes banking processes, regulatory frameworks, credit appraisal, risk in banking context
Typical Core Subjects	Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Financial Derivatives, Risk Management, Financial Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions, Fintech	Bank Management, Credit Management, Financial Markets & Services, Banking Regulations, Treasury Operations, Insurance Principles, plus select finance cores
Career Scope & Flexibility	High versatility; suits diverse roles	More targeted; ideal for core banking/NBFC careers
Common Job Roles	Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager	Relationship Manager (Banking), Credit Analyst, Branch/Treasury Manager
Top Recruiters (Examples)	Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Accenture	SBI, HDFC/ICICI/Axis Bank, RBI (via exams), NBFCs (Bajaj, L&T)
Average Starting Package	₹8–20 LPA	₹7–18 LPA
Best Suited For	Students seeking broad finance exposure and flexibility across sectors	Aspirants targeting stable banking careers, operational roles in banks/NBFCs, or regulatory/BFSI-specific paths
Top Colleges (Examples)	XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad	NIBM Pune (PGDM B&FS), Goa Institute of Management (GIM – PGDM BIFS), IMI New Delhi (PGDM BFS), IPE Hyderabad

PGDM in Finance vs MBA

Aspect	PGDM in Finance	MBA in Finance
Full Form & Type	Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Finance) – Diploma program	Master of Business Administration (Finance) – Degree program
Awarding Body	Autonomous institutes approved by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)	Universities or affiliated colleges approved by UGC (University Grants Commission)
Recognition	Equivalent to MBA in India (especially if AIU-recognized)	Globally recognized degree; slight edge for government jobs, academia, or PhD pursuits
Curriculum Focus	Industry-oriented, practical, and flexible; updated frequently to include fintech, analytics, derivatives, and current trends	More theoretical, structured, and academically focused; follows university guidelines with slower updates
Teaching Pedagogy	Hands-on: live projects, simulations, case studies, internships, and corporate exposure	Classroom lectures, exams, research-oriented; emphasis on conceptual depth
Specialization	Often niche and finance-specific from the start; easier to incorporate emerging areas like sustainable finance or financial modeling	Traditional specializations (finance, etc.); broader foundational approach
Duration	Typically 2 years (full-time)	Typically 2 years (full-time)
Fees (Approx.)	₹4–35 lakhs	₹2–25 lakhs
Entrance Exams	CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA, GMAT (institute-specific)	CAT, MAT, CMAT, state-level exams (university-specific)
Placements & Salary	Strong in private sector/BFSI; average ₹8–20 LPA (top institutes: ₹20–35+ LPA)	Comparable or slightly varied; strong in diverse sectors (average ₹8–25 LPA; top: similar highs)
Best Suited For	Students seeking quick industry readiness, practical skills, and roles in banking, investment, fintech	Those preferring academic rigor, global mobility, or future PhD/government/academia paths

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)