Salary After Completing a Post Graduate Degree in India

A postgraduate degree in India can significantly influence both your career trajectory and income. According to surveys by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and employment reports from top business schools, graduates from reputed institutes often earn 20–30% more than those with only an undergraduate degree, depending on specialisation and sector. However, outcomes vary based on factors such as the field of study, the quality and reputation of the institute, work experience, chosen specialisation, and current job market demand.

For example, graduates in finance, analytics, or risk management tend to see higher starting salaries compared to general management or arts disciplines. Realistic expectations are important, as the decisions you make post-graduation—such as selecting the right course, gaining internships, or acquiring certifications—can significantly shape both your salary and long-term career path.

What is a postgraduate degree and why does it matter?

A postgraduate degree refers to academic qualifications pursued after an undergraduate degree. This includes master’s degrees (e.g., MA, MSc, MCom), professional diplomas, or specialised PG diplomas.

Post graduate courses aim to provide advanced knowledge or specialised skills that undergraduate programmes do not cover. These courses equip students with expertise that can make them more competitive in the job market.

Salary ranges by type of postgraduate degree

Salaries after postgraduate programmes vary widely due to discipline, specialisation, experience, and the institute. Some indicative trends:

Many fresh post-graduate diploma holders in India earn between ₹5–10 LPA, depending on the college and role.

Graduates from well-known institutions can see initial packages of ₹6–12 LPA.

With experience, salaries can rise substantially—often doubling or more—when moving into senior or specialised roles.

Master-level courses (e.g., MSc) generally correlate with higher average incomes, though this varies by field and job.

Thus, for job-oriented and relevant courses, graduates can realistically expect ₹5–12 LPA initially, with potential growth based on performance and experience.

GRMI PGDRM – what it offers and salary potential

The Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management (PGDRM) by Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI) is an example of a course that combines academic rigour with industry applicability.

Duration: One year.

Coverage: Risk management, ESG risk, sustainable finance, and applied analytics.

Career relevance: Finance, risk, ESG, compliance, and related fields.

According to GRMI, fresh PGDRM graduates earn an average starting salary of ₹9–10 LPA.

For a commerce graduate (e.g., BCom), the PGDRM provides a clear career path into finance, risk management, or ESG roles, with competitive starting remuneration and a defined progression ladder.

Watch the video below for a quick overview:

What to expect – actual salary results

A starting salary of ₹8–12 LPA is realistic for graduates of relevant postgraduate courses or diplomas in high-demand industries such as finance, risk management, analytics, and fintech.

With 3–5 years of experience, strong performance, and upskilling—such as professional certifications or advanced analytics training—salaries can increase 2–3 times the initial package, depending on specialisation and role.

Professionals who combine practical experience with certification often progress faster and move into senior positions such as Risk Manager, Treasury Analyst, or Compliance Lead within a few years.

In contrast, master’s graduates without specialised or professional training may start with lower salaries and experience slower career growth. Selecting a course that matches industry demand and skill requirements can significantly enhance both early-career remuneration and long-term career prospects.

Conclusion

A postgraduate degree in India can be a strong investment if you choose the right course that aligns with your interests and industry demand. Professional diplomas or specialised courses, such as GRMI’s PGDRM, offer industry-relevant skills, convenient course structure, and competitive starting salaries. For commerce graduates exploring options after BCom, PGDRM provides a blend of practical experience, professional credibility, and a clear career trajectory.

FAQ's

FAQs

Q1. Does a postgraduate degree ensure a high salary?
Ans. Not always. While postgraduate studies can enhance earning potential compared to an undergraduate degree, salary depends on specialisation, institute quality, role, market demand, experience, and personal capability.

Q2. Which are the best courses after BCom for commerce graduates?
Ans. Commerce graduates may pursue professional degrees such as PGDM, specialised diplomas like PGDRM (risk/finance), analytics-focused PG courses, or MSc/MCom. Courses aligned with finance, risk, banking, or analytics often offer better job prospects and salary.

Q3. What is the average starting salary after GRMI’s PGDRM?
Ans. Fresh graduates of PGDRM earn approximately ₹9–10 LPA, according to GRMI.

Blog

Salary After Completing a Post Graduate Degree in India