When comparing diploma vs. degree, it’s important to note that degrees are more advanced and longer. While diplomas are shorter and focus more on practical training.
A diploma programme is of short duration compared to a degree with more impetus on hands-on practical skills.
The lower cost of obtaining a diploma compared to a degree is a highly attractive factor for individuals seeking a favourable return on investment.
Many students are unsure whether to pursue diploma vs degree. Many a time, owing to family constraints, students have to earn early to support their families.
In such a situation, they wonder whether to pursue a diploma vs degree & the resulting career opportunities.
An engineering diploma takes 3 years to complete while an engineering degree is of 4 years’ duration.
For entry-level jobs, companies prefer diploma engineers because they have hands-on skills vital for the job.
While for R & D profiles, companies prefer engineering degree holders who can improve processes & innovate better ways of doing things.
For shop floor profiles, companies hire diploma engineers who maintain quality & quantity parameters for the goods being produced.
In case the product manufactured is not of the desired quality, they seek help from quality & production engineers to rectify the problem.
Most production facilities hire diploma holders who are skilled in specific trades such as Civil, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electronics & Communication, Mechanical (Production), Mechanical (Automobile), Mechanical (R&M), Electrical, Chemical, Ref & Air Conditioning.
After a few years of work experience, they can gain a B.Tech degree through lateral entry scheme. The debate over diploma vs degree is endless because it depends on one’s interest and their career aspirations.
Similarly, prospective retail pharmacists may consider D.Pharma, while those interested in pharmaceutical production can opt for B.Pharma.
Diplomas are trade specific
Diplomas offer more immediate training, enabling quicker entry into the workforce compared to degrees.
In terms of career prospects, degrees are more valuable than diplomas, especially in specialized fields that demand a high level of expertise.
Yet, diplomas are beneficial for individuals seeking practical skills and knowledge in specific trades or industries.
Difference between diploma and degree in engineering
The major difference between diploma vs degree engineering is duration because diploma is of 3 years while degree takes 4 years to complete.
Diploma in engineering is more trade focussed, with impetus on providing hands-on skills for the job.
While an engineering degree provides the option to choose various electives, academic courses & practical’s in the chosen specialization. The engineering degree stresses more on academic rigour compared to an engineering diploma that emphasizes on practical skills.
For job readiness, a diploma holder is readily employable because he has hands-on skills for the job. While an engineering degree holder may require some hands on training/ internship before he is ready for the job.
Diploma Engineers can augment their qualification by pursuing B.Tech through lateral entry. Hence, after a few years of experience, they gain a degree in engineering.
Diploma Vs Degree salary in India
The salary of Diploma holders is less compared to those with a degree because diploma holders mostly work in entry-level jobs. They have specific skills to perform the task while degree holders can design & provide solution to complex problems faced by the entity.
Companies prefer diploma holders for specialized fields and specific roles, while the average salary range for a bachelor’s degree holder is INR 3,00,000 – 6,00,000.
Further, the average salary range of a diploma holder is INR 2,20,000 – 4,00,000.
The above figures are for entry level roles & after a few years of experience, a diploma holder earns well by augmenting their qualification.
Shri Venkateshwara University/Venkateshwara Group of Institutions offers diploma & degree in various disciplines which students can choose from.
Further, working professionals who wish to augment their qualifications can pursue a diploma in engineering (lateral entry), B.Tech (Lateral entry) or B.Pharma (lateral entry) to enhance their skills & qualifications.
Diploma vs Degree which is better?
Those who want to gain practical skills and find the academic pressure too much can enroll in Diploma which provides hands on training for the job. The diploma readies one for expertise in a specific trade through practical application.
Those who enjoy academics & wish to explore their field thoroughly should pursue a degree because they are more comprehensive & knowledge based.
It depends on the personal interest because those wanting to enter the workforce early should pursue a diploma, which they can do after secondary education. Exception being diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharma) which requires one to be 12th pass(PCM/PCB).
While, to gain a graduate degree, one should be 12th pass & study another 3 -5 years for the graduate degree.
