What’s the difference between an undergraduate, graduate and a postgraduate degree? These terms can often be confusing to students. This blog explores the meaning and differences between each of these levels to help students navigate their career choices.
Levels of Higher Education in India
Higher education in India is organised into undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The programmes follow the completion of 10+2 education in India. The UG and PG programmes offer foundational and practical grounding, preparing students for professional careers. Doctoral-level programmes provide specialised expertise, preparing individuals for academic and research careers. Below are some of the major types of professional degrees in India:
- Undergraduate (UG) degrees
- Postgraduate (PG) degrees
- Postgraduate diplomas
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy) - Phased out under the 2020 NEP policy
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
What is an Undergraduate Degree?
An Undergraduate (UG) degree is the first level of higher education in India. It is generally pursued after completing Class 12 education. Undergraduate degrees provide foundational knowledge in the chosen field of study. They are also referred to as a Bachelor's degree.
Some of the popular undergraduate degrees include:
- B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology)
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
- B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
- B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
- BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws)
- B.Des (Bachelor of Design)
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
- B.Sc (Bachelor of Science)
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
What is a Graduate Degree?
The term ‘graduate degree’ can have different meanings depending on geographical contexts. In India, a graduate degree refers to an undergraduate qualification. Further studies are considered postgraduate qualifications. In countries like the US or UK, a graduate degree refers to completion of postgraduate studies (generally a Master’s/PhD).
Bachelor's programmes in India provide broad foundational knowledge. Master's degrees offer advanced-level knowledge and skills incorporating specialised study, research projects and practical applications.Graduate programmes abroad are highly specialised and research-focused.
What is a Postgraduate Degree?
A postgraduate degree is a specialised field of study pursued after completion of Bachelors degree. These programmes focus on research, practical training and enhancing career prospects.
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- M.Tech (Master of Technology)
- MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
- M.Sc (Master of Science in Biotech, Physics)
- M.Des (Master of Design)
- M.Arch (Master of Architecture)
- MA (Master of Arts in Psychology, Economics, Sociology)
Postgraduate courses include seminars, workshops, thesis and internships. They prepare graduates for senior-level roles across disciplines. Completing a postgraduate level degree increases the employability and salary potential of students. Unlike undergraduate degrees, postgraduate studies demand prior bachelor's knowledge in the respective fields. Doctoral Degrees or PhDs are the highest level of academic achievement, requiring several years of study (3- 6 years).
Core Differences Overview
The difference between undergraduate graduate and postgraduate degrees lies in entry requirements, focus, duration, and outcomes, as summarised below.
| Level of Education |
Undergraduate Level |
Graduate Level |
Postgraduate/ Doctoral |
| Eligibility criteria |
High school (Class 12) |
Class 12 (for studies in India)
Bachelor’s degree (for abroad studies) |
Bachelor's for Master's degrees
Master's for Doctoral studies |
| Duration |
3 - 4 years |
3 - 4 years (for Bachelor's studies in India)
1 - 2 years (For abroad Master's study) |
1- 2 years for Master's
3 - 6 years for Doctoral studies |
| Focus |
Broad foundations |
Specialised skills research |
Advanced research/professional |
| Career Outcome |
Entry-level jobs |
Mid-senior roles |
Leadership/Research |
Undergraduate vs Graduate vs Postgraduate Admissions
Admission for undergraduate courses requires a Class 12 qualification. The courses generally require candidates to qualify for entrance exams such as CUET for central universities, JEE Main/Advanced for Engineering, NEET for medical, CLAT for law and many others.
Admissions into postgraduate courses require completion of Bachelors degree in the respective fields. They require qualification for entrance exams such as CUET-PG, CAT, XAT (Management), GATE (Engineering), IIT JAM (Master's in Science), NEET-PG, and CLAT PG (Law).
Doctoral-level courses require research aptitude and subject expertise. They primarily require qualification of national-level tests like UGC NET, CSIR NET, and GATE for Indian students. The GRE/GMAT exam is required for students who aspire to study abroad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding undergraduate vs graduate vs postgraduate degrees helps students navigate the path of higher education with confidence. Undergraduate programmes build foundational knowledge in the discipline. Graduate levels help build the practical skills required for the real world. Thus, it’s essential for students to go through the differences and make career decisions accordingly.
Explore the top UG and PG programmes at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) for admissions.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between UG and PG?
A1. UG (Undergraduate) refers to the first level of higher education following class 12. These courses generally require 3 to 4 years. PG or Postgraduate refers to advanced, specialised study pursued after completion of a UG degree. This includes a Master’s or a PhD level of education.
Q2. What are the 4 levels of education?
A2. The four levels of higher education in India include: The four levels of higher education in India include undergraduate degree (3-4 years), postgraduate degree (2 years), M.Phil (being phased out), and doctoral (PhD) levels. Following the National Education Policy 2020, the system focuses on multidisciplinary approaches, flexibility, and skill development.
Q3. How many types of degrees are there?
A3. There are many types of degrees in India. These include:
- Undergraduate Degrees (Bachelor's Degrees) - These are typically the first level of study pursued after completing 12th grade, usually lasting 3 to 4 years.
- Postgraduate Degrees (Master's Degrees) - The degree is pursued after completion of a Bachelor's degree. These programmes last for about 1 - 2 years.
- Doctoral Degrees -The level of education requires 3- 7 years of study, post-master's completion.
- Integrated Degrees- These are combined UG-PG programmes, which mostly require 5-years.
- Professional Degrees - These degrees focus on specialised disciplines like architecture, arts, vocational studies and more.
- Diplomas - These courses last for about 6 months to 1 year, offering specialised training in the chosen area.
