Undergraduate (UG degree) and post-graduate (PG degree) are something every school student knows. What are they actually? They are courses which help you in your particular career goals. UG and PG are two terms for describing a higher education program.
In today competitive academic and professional landscape, the value of higher education has become crucial and essential for every student. Basically, undergraduate course open up various entry level job opportunities and this will help the individual to develop interests. While on the other hand, postgraduate degree provides specialized knowledge and expertise in any subject.
In this article, we will discuss about what is the difference between UG and PG, top career option for UG and PG courses. So, if you also wanted to enhance the career, shift the career directions and deepen the academic understanding, both degree are equally important and have distinct purpose.
Table of Contents
What is UG and PG?
UG and PG are short names which are used in the educational and academic domain. This refers to undergraduate and postgraduate.
UG full form is undergraduate, and it is the level of education which can be pursued after the completion of higher secondary education and before the master’s section. To be eligible for UG degree, an individual must have completed higher secondary education, i.e. class 12th from a recognized board. UG courses include bachelor’s degrees, diploma courses, certificates courses.
PG full form is a postgraduate degree and it the level of education which can be done after the completion of the bachelors degree in a relevant field. To be eligible for PG degree, an individual must have bachelors degree in any discipline. The postgraduate courses includes masters degree, postgraduate diploma course and PhD courses.
What is an UG Degree (Undergraduate)?
- Undergraduate (UG) is the first degree of a university, and it is the first part of a three-tier system (Bachelor, Master, PhD).
- The length of your undergraduate degree can vary depending on which school you attend and what subject you study.
- The duration of the UG courses is of 3 years to 4 years
- The Undergraduate program is to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
- You’ll spend your first year in a core curriculum, which covers basic topics which you need to know about your career path.
- In addition to your core courses, you’ll take classes in your major of choice.
- In your second year, you’ll have more freedom with your electives as well as a chance to explore other areas of interest through one of our many minors or concentrations.
What is the Significance of a UG Degree (Undergraduate)?
Undergraduate classes are the first stop on your journey to a higher education degree. They’re also an opportunity for you to explore your options and figure out what it is you want to study in college.
The courses you take as an undergraduate will set the stage for what classes you can take as a graduate student, so it’s important that you choose wisely—not just in terms of what interests or excites you, but also when it comes to preparing yourself for advanced-level work.
The main benefit of an undergraduate level is that it prepares students for further learning by providing foundational knowledge. Which is needed to get ahead in their career path. For example, in various fields such as mathematics or literature. Before moving on to specialized programs like medicine or law school. Later down the road when they’re ready for more advanced studies.
As an undergraduate student, you will be able to pursue a wide variety of different academic interests.
The following list shows some of the most popular areas of study:
- Agriculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Management
- Education
- Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Administration and Safety
What is a PG Degree (Post-Graduate)?
Post-Graduation refers to advance level degree or diploma courses. PG degree can be pursued after the completion of the bachelors degree or undergraduate degree. This includes masters degree, post doctorate degree and PhD degrees.
PG courses will help in securing a higher position in various kinds of jobs and opportunities.
This course allows the graduates to do expertise in a specific subject and develop specialized skills.
Graduated, involve in depth research, offering opportunities to contribute knowledge in that field.
What is the Significance of a PG Degree (Postgraduate)?
- Post-graduate studies is important because they help you to sharpen your skills and gain more knowledge. You will get the opportunity to do an internship and you can also work in the industry.
- The course will also help you to explore various opportunities in the field and improve your career prospects.
- Postgraduate studies are a wonderful way to deepen your knowledge and expand your experience. Especially if you’re interested in starting a career.
- Postgraduate studies can help you grow as an individual and prepare you for the next stage of your life.
- Postgraduate studies allow students to specialize in their chosen area of study.
- By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can truly make yourself stand out from other candidates. Post-graduation is the new beginning of your life.
- Post-graduation is not just an additional qualification or degree but it changes your whole perspective towards life.
Steps to follow for PhD Admission after Completion of PG Degree
- Choose your subject area and type of PhD
- Check application deadlines
- Draft a research proposal
- Contact potential PhD supervisors
- Check PhD entry requirements, fees, and funding
- Prepare your documentation
- Make your application and take PhD Admission 2025
Difference between UG and PG?
| Parameters | Under graduation | Postgraduation |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| Level | Bachelors | Masters |
| Eligibility criteria | Higher secondary pass with minimum 55% | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 55% |
| Duration | 3 to 4 years | 2 to 3 years |
| Admission process | Merit/Entrance based | Mostly Entrance based |
| Purpose | Foundational knowledge | Advanced specialization |
| Entrance examination | IPU-CET, MHTCET, CUET-UG | IPU-CET, MHTCET, CUET-PG |
| Focus | General education | In-depth study |
| Top courses | BTech, BSc, BCom, MBBS | MTech, MSc, MCom, MBA |
Top Careers for UG and PG Courses
| Parameters | UG course | PG course |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | BTech and BE | ME and MTech |
| Business and management | BBA and BCom | MBA and MCom |
| Computer science and IT | BCA, BSc in computer science | MCA, MSc in computer science |
| Arts and humanities | BA in English, political science, geography, psychology | MA in English, political science, geography and psychology |
| Science | BSc in physics, mathematics, Chemistry | MSc in physics, mathematics, Chemistry |
| Law | BALLB, BComLLB, BBALLB | LLM |
| Architecture | Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) | Masters in architecture |
| Medical and healthcare | MBBS, BSc in nursing, BDS, BPT | MDS, MS, MPT, MSc Nursing |
| Education | Bachelors of elementary education | MA in education, MEd, BEd |
| Fashion | BFA, BSc in Fashion, B. Design | MFA, MSc in Fashion, M. Design |
Conclusion
A question often arises for engineers and PG degree to UG degree graduates; which one is better? There is no definite answer to this question. Both UG and PG degrees have their own significance in the educational field. A student should take up PG if he/she enjoys challenges. Wants to be on top in technical skills and aim for better opportunities. In all, UG and PG degrees can certainly help a candidate find a job. But they should not be the only factor considered when choosing between various candidates.
Frequently asked questions
UG Degree stands for undergraduate degree." It can be pursued after the completion of higher secondary education in any relevant field and from a recognized university. PG degree stands for postgraduate degree. This degree can be pursued after the completion of the bachelor's degree in any relevant course from a UGC-recognized university. PG degree provides more advanced and specialized expertise in any particular subject.
yes, an individual can pursue a postgraduate course in any different field than an undergraduate degree. But for any technical course, prior experience is a must in the undergraduate degree.
Some of the entrance examinations for UG courses are as follows: CUET-UG, MHT-CET, IPU-CET and other state university-specific entrance examinations. While on the other hand, some of the entrance examinations for PG courses are as follows: CUET-PG, MHT-CET, IPU-CET, CAT, CMAT, NEET- PG, etc.
Postgraduate courses are important for significant career growth and enhance career prospects, especially in the field which requires specialized knowledge and research skills. Pg Degree is important for roles in academics, senior management, and professional sectors such as law, healthcare and engineering research.