PG Full Form: Insights Into Popular PG Programmes

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Manavta

21 February, 2025

PG Full Form: Insights Into Popular PG Programmes

“The unfortunate yet truly exciting thing about your life is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective.” – Jon Stewart.

Congratulations! 👏If you are considering going for a PG course 🎓 or wish to know about it, welcome yourself to endless coffee intakes and an infinite pool of knowledge. Gone are the times when being a graduate was enough. Today, the competition has become so intense 🤯 that most sectors prefer candidates with a PG programme for different job roles across various industries. But are you wondering what “PG” means in the context of education?

PG stands for post-graduation, a master’s-level programme pursued after graduation. This two-year-long master’s level programme is a thrilling journey that takes learners on an adventure of advanced theories, groundbreaking research, and, at times, existential crises. But don’t worry, boo! We’ve all been there, but that’s the thrill, right? Whether chasing knowledge, pursuing research, or aiming for career growth, PG programmes and their various specialisations have covered you.

This blog shall provide an overview of the varied domains of postgraduate programmes in India. We shall also explore the options and benefits offered by master’s-level programmes, whether you’re a professional looking to advance your skills and expertise or a recent graduate considering your next academic step.

PG Full Form

The full form of PG is “postgraduate.” These programs are designed to explore specific subjects or fields, allowing students to gain advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise in their chosen discipline/domain. The duration of these programmes is usually 2-4 years, depending on the particular course and organisation. In India, postgraduate courses typically last two years and can stretch up to four years if pursued from a non-conventional mode of study. If you want to pursue postgraduate studies in any discipline, you must do in-depth research about the specific field of discipline.

Benefits of the PG programme

Welcome to the world of PG or master’s level programmes, where a learner increases skills, knowledge, and abilities. A PG degree keeps a student or professional at the forefront of the competition in this fast-paced, changing, competitive world. What does a PG programme do? It hones your skills, upgrades your abilities, moves into academic research, and makes a place for you professionally. Here are some more benefits of the programme.


  • Deeper insight into various concepts related to a particular specialisation/subject

  • Enhanced job opportunities

  • Increases pay scales

  • Flexible modes of study

  • Better communication skills

  • Networking opportunities

  • Research Opportunities

  • Advancement into a particular career path

  • Upgraded professional level

  • Improved job prospects

Top 11 PG Programmes in India

There are various PG programmes in India. If you have completed graduation from a recognised university, you can pursue post-graduation (PG). Check out the below types of PG programmes in detail.

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA Degree equips you with advanced business knowledge and leadership skills. You will learn about areas like finance, marketing, human resources, and strategy, preparing you for managerial roles across various industries. You can pursue it in different modes, including online MBA, distance MBA, and the traditional MBA. It offers specialisations in different domains such as:


  • Operations Management

  • Human Resource Management

  • Financial Management

  • Marketing Management

  • Information Technology

  • Entrepreneurship & Leadership and many more
PG Course NameMaster of Business Administration (MBA)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any stream with a minimum of 40% (the minimum marks requirement may vary in different universities)
Study Stream Management
Admission Criteria CAT/MAT/XAT/GMAT/NMAT
Career Opportunities Management Consulting
Financial Analyst
HR Manager
Business Analytics
Marketing Manager
Operations Management
Top Colleges Amity University
Chandigarh University
SRM University
Jain University

2. Master of Science (M.Sc.)

MSc courses are 2-year duration PG courses that focus on a specific field of study within the science subjects. An M.Sc. degree deepens your knowledge in a particular scientific field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. You’ll conduct research, analyse data, and develop expertise in your chosen scientific discipline. It provides specialisations in the following domains:


  • MSc Biochemistry

  • MSc Actuarial Science

  • MSc Engineering

  • MSc Inorganic Chemistry

  • MSc Mathematics

  • MSc Data Science

  • MSc Clinical Research

  • MSc Electronics

  • MSc Physics
PG Course NameMaster of Science (M.Sc.)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Bachelor’s degree in science from a recognised college/university.
Study Stream Science
Admission Criteria CUET PG / GATE / IIT JAM / or merit-based
Career Opportunities Scientist
Data Analyst
Research Assistant
Data Scientist
Statistician
Top Colleges LPU Online
Online Manipal
IGNOU
Chandigarh University

3. Master of Technology (M.Tech)

Expand your engineering expertise through an M.Tech, a 2-year duration programme. If you have an engineering background and have completed a B.Tech, then you can pursue an M.Tech. It will help you secure technology-related job opportunities. Some of the M.Tech specialisations are listed below:


  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electronic Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Cybersecurity

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Environmental Engineering

  • Information Technology

  • Aerospace Engineering
PG Course NameMaster of Technology (M.Tech)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Must have passed B.Tech from a recognised college/university.
Study Stream Engineering
Admission Criteria GATE or online application
Career Opportunities Software Engineer
Software Developer
Research Analyst
Web Designing
IT and Software Firms
Top Colleges Delhi Technical University
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
National Institute of Technology
Amity University, Noida

4. Master of Arts (M.A.)

Master of Arts (M.A.) dwells advanced study in humanities and social sciences subjects like history, literature, psychology, or sociology. You’ll develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills in your chosen field. It is a 2-year duration programme pursued after a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Some of the MA specialisations are listed below.


  • MA Psychology

  • MA Communication Studies

  • MA Philosophy

  • MA Archaeology

  • MA Sociology

  • MA Religious Studies

  • MA Geography
PG Course NameMaster of Arts (M.A.)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates with a bachelor’s degree (preferably arts (B.A.)) or its equivalent (10+2+3)
Study Stream Humanities
Admission Criteria JUNEE / CUET PG / Online Application
Career Opportunities Graphic Designer
Art Teacher
Teacher
Journalist
Artist
Writer
Top Colleges Delhi University
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Jamia Millia Islamia University
IGNOU

5. Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

Master of Computer Applications (MCA) degree course builds upon your computer science background. You will gain advanced programming skills, software development expertise, and knowledge of various computer applications, preparing you for IT careers. MCA is usually pursued by BCA degree courses. Some of the MCA specialisations are listed below.


  • MCA in Data Analytics

  • MCA in Cyber Security

  • MCA in Data Science

  • MCA in Artificial Intelligence

  • MCA in Cloud Computing

  • MCA in Management Information Systems
PG Course NameMaster of Computer Applications (MCA)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates with BCA / B.Sc. / BIT / B.E. / B.Tech, with Mathematics or Statistics as one of the subjects from a recognised institution with a course duration of a minimum of 3 years.
Study Stream Computer Science
Admission Criteria Online Application
Career Opportunities Software Developer
Hardware Engineer
Business Analyst
Database Engineer
Technical Writer
Top Colleges Amity University Noida
D Y Patil University Vidyapeeth
Chandigarh University (CU)

6. Master of Commerce (M.Com)

Master of Commerce (M.Com) is a commerce-related degree. It is offered to students with a commerce background in 12th standard and graduation. You can learn business and commerce with an M.Com. Programmes explore accounting, finance, economics, and business management, equipping you for advanced careers in these fields. The list of M.Com specialisations is given below.


  • Financial Accounting

  • Managerial Economics

  • Corporate Finance

  • Business Law and Ethics

  • Marketing Management

  • Human Resource Management

  • Strategic Management

  • International Business
PG Course NameMaster of Commerce (M.Com)
Duration 3 Years
Eligibility Criteria 50% aggregate in bachelors or BCom or BCom (H) from a recognised university or college
Study Stream Commerce
Admission Criteria Online Application
Career Opportunities Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Tax Advisor
Accountant
Auditor
Top Colleges Jain University
Manipal University
Calicut University

7. Master of Laws (LLM)

Master of Laws (LLM) is a specialised degree for law graduates seeking expertise in a particular legal area, like tax law, international law, or intellectual property law. An LLM allows you to specialise and advance your legal career. You can pursue an LLM after completing an LLB degree. Some colleges also offer LLB-LLM integrated courses.

PG Course NameMaster of Laws (LLM)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates must have completed an LLB or a five-year integrated LLB from a recognised university.
Study Stream Law
Admission Criteria CUET LLM / CLAT PG / Online Application
Career Opportunities Corporate Lawyer
Legal Advisor
Advocate
Civil Advocate
Judge
Top Colleges Amity University
Manav Rachna University
SRM University

8. Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) is a two-year post-graduate (PG) programme. The study of pharmaceuticals and medications is the focus of pharmaceutical sciences, which form the basis of this course. It improves students’ theoretical, technical, and practical understanding of pharmacy while encouraging them to conduct additional pharmaceutical research.

PG Course NameMaster of Pharmacy (MPharm)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy (BPharm) with a minimum percentage of marks ranging from 45% to 60%, depending on the college.
Study Stream Medicine
Admission CriteriaCUET PG / GPAT
Career Opportunities Medical Transcriptionist
Health Care Unit Manager
Lab Technician
Drug Inspector
Research Associate
Top Colleges Jamia Hamdard University
Punjab University
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai

9. Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Education is a 2-year postgraduate programme. The purpose of an MEd is to assist instructors in improving their teaching skills, pedagogy, and subject matter expertise. In addition, it can put educators in a position to advance into leadership positions, such as those of higher education administrators, legislators, or school principals.

PG Course NameMaster of Education (MEd)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates who have obtained a B.Ed. degree are eligible for admission.
Study Stream Education
Admission Criteria Merit-Based / CUET PG / IPU CET
Career Opportunities Education Consultant
Instructional Coordinator
School Counselor
Policy Analyst
Tutor
Educational Researcher
Top Colleges Himachal Pradesh University
Banaras Hindu University
University of Delhi
Amity University, Noida

10. Post Graduate Diploma (PGD)

PGD is a postgraduate degree that follows a university degree, adding to the original degree and granting a graduate diploma. There are various types of PGD, such as a certification course or management course. The two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme allows management aspirants to acquire hard and soft skills to become market-ready management professionals. It is designed to meet industry needs.

PG Course NamePost Graduate Diploma (PGD)
Duration 1 – 2 Years (course & college dependent)
Eligibility Criteria Candidates with graduation from a UGC-recognised university
Study Stream Certification/Management
Admission Criteria CAT / XAT / MAT / Online Application (Merit)
Career Opportunities Human Resource Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
International Business Consultant
Market Research Analyst
Top Colleges Amity University
Chandigarh University
SRM University

11. Doctor of Medicine (MD)

MD is a postgraduate degree in medicine, which stands for Doctor of Medicine. It is a 2-year specialised degree in medicine. Doctors with MDs are allopathic doctors. This means that they use standard medical instruments, such as X-rays, prescription medications, and surgery, to treat and diagnose ailments. Conventional or mainstream medicine is another term for allopathic medicine. Physicians with a general practice background can choose to practice family medicine or primary care.

PG Course NameDoctor of Medicine (MD)
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Criteria Candidates must have received their MBBS from an accredited university with ICMR approval. Additionally, candidates must have finished the required one-year internship. MD admissions depend on the results of entrance examinations.
Study Stream Medicine
Admission Criteria NEET PG, INICET
Career Opportunities Doctor
Surgeon
Dentist
Pharmacist
Top Colleges All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana
Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh

PG Programmes: Admission Process 2025

Follow the admission process below to get admission into PG programmes.


  • Visit the official website for PG admission.

  • Click on the PG admission link.

  • Fill out the application form and pay the admission fee.

  • Upload the required documents.

  • Click on submit to complete the admission process.

  • Download and save the application form for future reference.

Final Takeaway

Knowing the extensive PG programmes offers insights and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Enrolling in PG programmes such as MBA, MCA, and LLM is dependent on graduation. If you graduated with a BA in history, then you can go for an MA in history subject, and so on. Whether pursuing postgraduate studies to deepen your expertise in a specific field, broaden your horizons, or elevate your career prospects, PG programmes serve as transformative platforms. With dedication and perseverance, PG programmes pave the way for fulfilling aspirations and achieving success.

FAQs

Q1. What is the PG’s full form?

PG stands for postgraduation. You can pursue PG programmes after undergraduate (UG) programmes. Some PG courses are MBA, MCA, MA, MSc, MCom, and LLM.

Q2. What does the PG class stand for?

“Postgraduate,” or “PG,” denotes the educational level pursued after an undergraduate degree. This covers courses like master’s degrees and other comparable certificates. An undergraduate degree must be completed to be admitted to a postgraduate programme.

Q3. How many types of PG are there?

There are many PG courses in various disciplines, such as Masters in Arts, Master of Science, or Masters in Commerce. The following courses offer different specialisations that cater to an individual’s academic needs and interests.

Q4. Which PG programme is best?

Different PG programmes offer unique benefits and career opportunities. MBA, MCA, and M.Com. are some of the most popular PG programmes. Depending on your interests and goals, you should decide which programme suits you best.

Q5. Who are called PG students?

Yes, one can go for a PG programme to develop their skill set, widen career prospects, and gain more in-depth knowledge in a particular subject at the master’s level.

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