Do you get confused between the terms ‘Diploma’ and ‘Degree’? They both look similar, but are quite different. A degree requires a full-time commitment of 3 to 5 years, while you can complete a diploma in a comparatively shorter time.
As soon as you complete your schooling, you start thinking about pursuing a degree or a diploma. The objective of both of these is to make you skilled and qualified so that your worth in the job market can increase.
It is not always easy to decide between a degree and a diploma, particularly when you don't know what they mean.
There are a number of factors that you need to consider while making a choice between these two. This article covers everything you need to consider while making the right choice for your career growth. So, let’s begin with the basics.
What is Diploma Course?
Diploma courses are generally based on some specific knowledge and skills of a particular field. These short and practical programs help students quickly prepare for work in a particular industry.
If you wish to earn professional expertise in any field without a long-term commitment, then a Diploma course would be the right choice for you. Plus, their completion doesn’t completely depend on your achieved scores at the course end.
Diploma courses are typically of the following two types:
- Graduate Diploma Courses
You can join these graduate diploma courses after completing your 10th or 12th. Thus, these are undergraduate-level courses. For example, a Diploma in Engineering or a Diploma in Graphic Design is a Graduate Diploma Course.
You can go for these courses only after completing your bachelor's degree. These are postgraduate-level courses. PG Diploma in Computer Applications or in Business Analytics are examples of postgraduate diploma courses.
Advantages of Diploma Courses
Diploma courses have several benefits. They are:
- Quicker to complete
- Easier to enroll in
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Prepares you directly for the job
Disadvantages of Diploma Courses
Diploma courses have some disadvantages also. Diploma holders face limitations like:
- Lower salaries
- Fewer job opportunities
- No academic exposure
- Structure-less schedule
- Need for further education for career growth
What are Degree Programs?
A degree is a university-accredited qualification that can be both undergraduate and postgraduate. You need to fully commit to about 3 to 5 years to complete your degree program.
It includes academic learning, extracurricular activities, semester-based coursework, and exams. So, their aim is to prepare you both intellectually and culturally for your future career.
Degree programs are of the following types:
Minimum eligibility for a bachelor’s degree is 12th grade. These programs have a duration of 3 to 4 years and include courses such as B.Sc, BBA, B.Com, B.Tech, etc.
- Master's Degree Programs
These programs have a duration of 2 years and require you to complete your undergraduate degree in a related field. These include courses like MA, M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, MCA, etc.
- Doctoral Degree Programs
For pursuing doctoral programs, you need a master’s degree. These programs involve dissertations and research work. These include degrees like Ph.D., M.D., D.M.D., etc.
Advantages of Degree Programs
Degree programs have advantages, like they offer:
- Academic assessment via regular exams
- Cultural exposure
- Stronger job prospects
- Specialized Career Preparation
- Valuable skills like critical thinking and problem-solving
Disadvantages of Degree Programs
Degree programs also have some drawbacks. These include:
- Competitive admission criteria
- Full-time commitment
- Compulsory minimum attendance requirement
- Significant financial investment
- No job guarantee after course completion
Diploma vs Degree: Key Differences
The key differences between a diploma and a degree can be understood with the help of the following comparison table:
Also Read: Which Is Better MBA or PGDM?
Diploma vs Degree Salary
The diploma holders are desirable candidates in specific positions or fields, while the recruitment chances of a degree holder are higher. The average salary of a diploma holder lies between ₹2.2 LPA and ₹ 4 LPA, while a degree holder, on average, earns between ₹3-6 LPA.
As per the Ambition box, diploma student salary in India ranges between ₹ 1 LPA to ₹ 5 LPA for an experience range of less than 1 year to 6 years.
On the other hand, as per the Ambition box, the degree salary in India ranges between ₹1 LPA to ₹ 12.1 LPA for less than 1 year of experience.
Diploma or Degree: Which is Better?
Well, choosing between a diploma and a degree totally depends on your career goals. A degree can provide you with a broader, well-rounded education with longer campus experience. This way, you can have more academic as well as career opportunities, but you need to spend more time and money at the same time.
A Diploma, on the other hand, focuses on specific skills that make you job-ready faster, and that too at a low cost. But it may have limited long-term recognition or value.
So, to conclude, if you want a versatile career, go for a degree, while if you want targeted, industry-specific roles, go for a diploma.
FAQs for “Diploma vs Degree”
Which is better, a diploma or a degree?
A diploma is better if you want quick, job-ready skills and faster employment. A degree is better if you want long-term career growth, higher salaries, and access to professional or global opportunities. The “better” choice depends on your goals and timeline.
Is a diploma higher than a degree?
No, a diploma is not higher than a degree. A degree has greater academic value, wider recognition, and more weight in job eligibility and promotions.
Is a diploma a graduation?
No, a diploma is not considered graduation. Graduation refers to completing a degree program such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech, or B.Com. A diploma is a separate qualification focused on skill-based training.
Is a 3-year diploma equivalent to a degree?
A 3-year diploma is not equivalent to a degree. However, it may allow lateral entry into the second year of certain degree programs, especially in engineering (B.Tech).
Is a diploma worth it?
Yes, a diploma is worth it if you want practical skills, lower fees, and a quick entry into the job market. But for long-term career growth, a degree typically provides better opportunities.
Which has a better salary: diploma or degree?
Degree holders generally earn more, with salaries ranging from ₹3–6 LPA, depending on field and experience. Diploma holders usually earn ₹2–4 LPA, but may increase their earning potential through experience or further education.
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