The main difference between a postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) program lies in the level of study and the qualifications obtained upon completion.

1. Level of Study:

   • Undergraduate programs (UG) are typically the first level of tertiary education and are pursued after completing secondary education. These programs usually span three to four years and lead to a bachelor's degree.
   • Postgraduate programs (PG), on the other hand, are pursued after completing an undergraduate degree. They are at a higher level of study and delve deeper into a specific field or discipline. PG programs can include master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and other advanced qualifications.

2. Qualifications Obtained:

   • Undergraduate programs culminate in the awarding of a bachelor's degree. Examples include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), etc.
   • Postgraduate programs lead to the attainment of advanced degrees such as Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (MEng), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), etc.

3. Depth of Study:

   • Undergraduate programs provide a broad foundation in a chosen field of study, covering fundamental concepts and principles. They aim to impart basic knowledge and skills across various disciplines.
   • Postgraduate programs are more specialized and focused, allowing students to explore advanced topics within their chosen field in greater depth. They often involve research, practical applications, and advanced coursework.

4. Admission Requirements:

   • Undergraduate programs generally require students to have completed secondary education (high school) or its equivalent. Admission may be based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and other criteria set by the institution.
   • Postgraduate programs typically require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Admission criteria may also include prerequisite coursework, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT for certain programs).

In summary, while undergraduate programs provide a foundational education at the bachelor's level, postgraduate programs offer advanced study opportunities and specialized expertise beyond the undergraduate level.

UG is an acronym for Undergraduate, which is done immediately once one have completed with 12th standard. It is for providing students with Bachelor degree such as B.com, BA, B.sc etc. it generally takes 3 years to complete.

Whereas, PG is an acronym for Postgraduate, which is done only after achieving bachelor degree. It is for developing students with a high class knowledge, professionalism,etc. like M.com, MA, M.sc etc. It takes 2 years to complete.

PG means post graduate

UG means Under graduate

UG is what that you are taking after 12th.

PG is for masters (such as- M. Tech, Msc, M. COM, MA), which you should do after completing your UG degree (B. TECH, BSC, BA, B.COM)



Hope you understand..

The first studies undertaken at university are generally referred to as undergraduate studies, designed to introduce students to the knowledge base within a specific discipline. A bachelor's degree is the name of an award given to students upon completion of their undergraduate studies.



Postgraduate study refers to the range of courses available to students who have generally completed undergraduate studies. It requires a higher level of understanding, greater independence and more specialised knowledge than undergraduate study. Graduates with a postgraduate degree are considered to be more highly qualified as a result