How to Become a Project Manager: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Skills, Benefits, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Project Managers oversee and coordinate the planning, execution and successful completion of different projects. To become a Project Manager, candidates are required to clear class 12 from a recognised board and then pursue a graduate degree preferably in project or business management. They can start working on entry-level jobs after pursuing a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree along with a certification can greatly increase employability chances. Candidates can pursue various courses to Become Project Managers after 12th such as BBA, BMS, BSc, BTech and MBA. Certifications are greatly valued in project management and candidates should pursue certifications like PMI for better career growth. Project management courses are offered by many colleges in India. IIM Indore, NMIMS, Woxsen University and IIM Rohtak are some of the top colleges for project management courses. CAT, MAT, SNAP and CMAT are some of the popular entrance exams for project management courses. 

The Salary of a Project Manager varies greatly according to their knowledge and experience in India. The average annual salary of a Project Manager in India is INR 12 LPA while the highest salary is INR 22 LPA which can go up to INR 50 LPA with gradual experience and expertise. 

How to Become a Project Manager: Quick Facts

Eligibility Class 12 with PCM
Qualifications Bachelor’s/Master’s in Project Management or related fields
Starting Salary (INR) 3.5 LPA
Average Salary (INR) 7.7 LPA
Highest Salary (INR) 22.3 LPA
Top Recruiters Accenture, TCS, Cognizant, HCL Tech, Capgemini, Tech Mahindra

Eligibility to Become a Project Manager

Certain educational qualifications, certifications and experience are commonly required to become a Project Manager in India. The typical eligibility criteria are as follows 

  • Education: Most organisations look for Project Managers with at least a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees in project or business management are most common, but candidates can also graduate in fields like engineering, IT and computer science. 
  • Certifications: Though not mandatory, a certificate in project management can increase career prospects and employability. PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP and CSM are some of the most popular certifications.
  • Experience: Specific work requirements can vary depending on the industry or organisation, having relevant work experience is mostly looked at by potential employers.
  • Project Management Knowledge: Employers generally look for candidates with a good understanding of project management methodologies, tools and techniques. Candidates should be familiar with project management frameworks.

Qualifications to Become a Project Manager

To become a Project Manager, there are certain educational qualifications that are typically required by candidates. Some general qualifications that are required include

  • Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like project or business management for entry-level jobs. In many cases, degrees from other disciplines are also accepted. 
  • Candidates can have a project management certificate showcasing their skills and expertise. Candidates with PMI certification tend to earn more than those without any certificate. Though certificates are not mandatory, they help in better employability. 
  • They can also choose to pursue an MBA in Project Management, after gaining substantial years of experience for better career prospects. 

Steps to Become a Project Manager

There are different steps that a candidate has to follow to become a Project Manager in India, which are mentioned in the following points -

  • Complete Graduation: A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for becoming a Project Manager. Candidates can graduate in any discipline but project and business management is usually preferred. 
  • Choose the Specialisation: Project Managers work in different settings and various types of industries. Choosing a specific field in which they want to work can help in the next steps. 
  • Pursue a Certification: A certification can make candidates stand out in the competition so that they can be noticed by potential employers. PMP, PMI and CAPM are some of the most commonly pursued certifications. 
  • Gain Experience: Experience can help candidates get their desired work positions as project management jobs highly rely on experience. Candidates can gain experience and learn skills by opting for internships or applying for entry-level jobs. Candidates can also develop management skills in this way.

Project Management Courses

There are many courses that can be pursued by candidates looking to become Project Managers. BBA, BMS and MBA in Project Management are some of the popular courses. The details for these courses are mentioned in the table below. 

Parameters BBA BMS MBA
Eligibility Class 12 Class 12 Graduate in any stream
Entrance Exams DU JAT, IPU CET, NPAT MUCMET, AIMA UGAT, CUET CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, MAH MBA CET 
Top Colleges DU, NMIMS Mumbai, SSCBS New Delhi, IIM Rohtak, ICFAI Hyderabad Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Jai Hind College, Madras Christian College SJ Mehta School of Management, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, NMIMS, Amity University Mumbai
Course Fees  INR 50,000 - 2,00,000 1,00,000 - 2,00,000 2,00,000 - 40,00,000
Average Salary (INR) 2.5 LPA - 10 LPA  2 LPA - 5 LPA 7 LPA - 9 LPA
Top Recruiters Accenture, TCS, HDFC Bank, EY Uber, Nestle, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Hindustan Unilever TCS, Reliance Industries, Cognizant, Wipro

Entrance Exams

There are many exams that aspiring Project Managers can appear in. The details for some of the most popular exams are mentioned in the table below.

Entrance Exams Application Deadlines Exam Dates Result Declaration
CAT 03-Aug-2024  to  15-Sep-2024  24-Nov-2024 Last week of December 2024
SNAP August 23 - November 23, 2024 Test 1: December 10, 2023
Test 2: December 17, 2023
Test 3: December 22, 2023,
January 10, 2025,
CMAT 2nd week of February - 2nd week of March 2024 1st week of May 2024 Last week of May 2024
MAT PBT: 4th week of March - 1st week of May 2024
CBT: 4th week of March - 1st week of May 2024
PBT: 4th week of May 2024
CBT: 3rd week of May 2024
PBT: June 2024
CBT: June 2024

Top Project Management Colleges

There are many colleges in India in which candidates can take admission to pursue project management as a career. Some of the top colleges are mentioned in the table below.

Name of the Colleges Location Average Fees (INR)
IIM Indore Indore 17.05 L
NMIMS Mumbai 3.25 L
Woxsen University Hyderabad 4 L
IIM Rohtak Rohtak  5.54 L
Parul University Vadodara 1.16 L
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Studies Hyderabad 2.80 L
JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) Jaipur 1.40 L
IIM Ranchi Ranchi 15.93 L
RV University Bangalore 2 L
KIIT School of Management Bhubaneswar 9.15 L

Skills Required to Become a Project Manager

Candidates are required to have a combination of technical, leadership and interpersonal skills to be a successful Project Manager. Some of the top skills are tabulated below.

Project Planning and Organisation Leadership and Team Management Communication and Stakeholder Management
Risk Management Problem-Solving and Decision Making Budgeting and Financial Management
Adaptability and Flexibility Technical Knowledge Influencing Skills

Benefits of Becoming a Project Manager

There are numerous benefits to pursuing a career as a Project Manager. Some of the key benefits include.

  • High demand and career opportunities - Project management skills are in high demand across various industries which will continue to grow providing many opportunities and job stability. 
  • Competitive salary - Project Managers often receive competitive salaries, bonuses and other incentives reflecting the value they bring to organisations. 
  • Diverse and exciting work - Project Managers work on different projects across various industries and sectors. Diversity keeps the work interesting and allows continuous growth. 
  • Leadership opportunities - Project Managers are responsible for leading and managing teams, making decisions and driving projects to success. 
  • Impact and achievement - Project Managers make a significant impact on organisations by successfully executing projects. The profession allows to seek tangible results of efforts. 

Salary of a Project Manager

The average annual salary of a Project Manager in India is INR 12 LPA. The starting salary for Project Managers is INR 4 LPA with the highest salary being INR 12 LPA. The salaries for different Project Manager designations are mentioned in the following table. 

Designations Average Annual Salary (INR)
Product Manager 16.7 L
Senior Project Manager 19.5 L
Technical Project Manager 19.4 L
Associate Project Manager 10.6 L
Program Manager 18.1 L
Project Coordinator 3.9 L

How to Become a Project Manager: FAQs

Ques. What are the educational requirements to become a Project Manager in India?

Ans. A specific degree in project management is not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like business administration is commonly preferred. A Master’s degree can provide additional knowledge and improve job prospects.

Ques. Do I need any certification to become a Project Manager?

Ans. Project Manager certifications are highly valued but they are not mandatory. They enhance the candidate’s credentials and are offered by institutes like the PMI.

Ques. What skills are essential to become a Project Manager?

Ans. Project planning and organisation, leadership, communication, risk management, problem-solving and budgeting are some of the top skills that every Project Manager should have.

Ques. How I can gain practical experience in project management?

Ans. Internships and entry-level jobs are the best options to gain practical experience in project management. Candidates should look for opportunities to work on projects and develop skills.

Ques. Are there any industry-specific requirements for Project Managers?

Ans. Industry-specific requirements for Project Managers can vary. It is beneficial to have domain-specific knowledge related to the industry candidates wish to work in. 

Ques. What are the job prospects for Project Managers in India?

Ans. Project Managers are in high demand across various industries in India. With experience, Project Managers can advance to senior management positions, become program managers or specialise in specific domains. 

Ques. Name cities which are paying the most to Project Managers in India.

Ans. Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi are cities that are paying the most to Project Managers in India.

Ques. What are the top-paying industries for Project Managers in India?

Ans. Software Products, IT Services, Engineering and Construction, Financial Services and Real Estate are the industries that are paying the most to Project Managers in India.

Ques. Name the top recruiters of Project Managers in India.

Ans. Accenture, TCS, Cognizant, HCL Tech, Capgemini and Tech Mahindra are some of the top Project Manager recruiters in India.

Ques. What is the monthly earning of a Project Manager in India?

Ans. Project Managers in India earn between INR 83,335 to INR 87,568 per month.

Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management : 20 answered questions

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Ques. Which one should I choose: MBA at IIT Kharagpur (operations) or IMT Ghaziabad (finance)?

● Top Answer By Akriti Banerjee on 06 Oct 23

Ans. IIT Kharagpur for operations would be better than IMT Ghaziabad (finance). As IMT Ghaziabad is more famous for its marketing course than finance. IIT Kharagpur is known for its operations management program and has a strong reputation as an institution of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). A few key aspects of IIT Kharagpur are as follows: In 2023 IIT Kharagpur secured 14th rank among all top management schools in India. This does reflect its academic excellence, infrastructural abilities, faculty strength, and placement records.  The faculties are adequately skilled and helpful while imparting quality education. The hostel's amenities include triple and double sharing, as well as all the essentials. The food is of high quality, and you will have four meals. The admissions procedure includes signing up for the hostel. Accommodation in a hostel is required for all students. IIT Kharagpur placements 2023 have been concluded. IT Kgp highest package stood at INR 43.37 LPA whereas VGSOM IIT Kharagpur's average package stood at INR 22.13 LPA. So based on these aspects IIT Kharagpur is a better option for pursuing an MBA in operation management.Read more
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Ques. Which is the best among IMT G, SIOM, TAPMI, great LAKES, KJSOM and Fore school for operations MBA?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 16 May 23

Ans. Operations management MBA programs at these schools: IMT Ghaziabad: India's one of the oldest and most esteemed business schools. The institute's MBA in Operations Management covers production, planning, control, project management, and supply chain management. Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management, Nashik is a dedicated Operations Management institute. Supply chain management, logistics, distribution, and quality management are included in the institute's MBA in Operations Management. TAPMI Manipal, provides an MBA in Operations Management. Operations strategy, quality management, supply chain management, and operations research. Great Lakes Chennai offers an MBA in Operations Management. Supply chain, quality, and operations strategy. KJ Somaiya Mumbai provides an Operations Management MBA. Supply chain, logistics, and quality management. FORE School of Management provides an MBA in Operations Management. Operations strategy, quality management, supply chain management, and operations research are taught. Our ranking for these colleges would be IMT G SIOM FORE KJSOM TAPMI Reason for putting IMT-G on top stop. Alumni: 1980-founded. Over 9000 alumni—many CXOs and industry leaders. B-Schools benefit from STPs and insightful guest talks. Faculty: Top-notch nationwide. They guide you throughout the year, using case studies to teach marketing, HR, and other disciplines (P.S. Dr. S.R. Singhvi is the marketing god, and his classes are amazing!). New Director is also adding industrial expertise (Marketing, Finance, Operations, etc.) to the faculty. Your academic learning will always be outstanding. Students: The college accepts CAT/GMAT/XAT. The entrance exam cut-off wasn't announced until last year, but most students get 90/92%ile+. The profile, scores, and CT+GE+PI procedure determine the ultimate pick. Placements: Top HR, marketing, finance, and operations org. visit school for summer and final placements.  Institute excels in B-School competitions. Students have won several national and international contests, including Mahindra War Room, Deloitte Mavericks, RB Mavericks, HUL Carpe Diam, Reliance UltimatePitch, and Hult Prize. They have also won B-school competitions: IIM-Ahmedabad, IIM-Lucknow, MDI, IIM Raipur. Committees: The administration encourages student-led campus activities. They have committees for every activity, including IMTeamPRISM, MarkUp, RACE, ALCOM, SportsCom, CulCom, Finnacle, Finniche, Operations Committee, and 31 others.Read more
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Ques. Would it be a risk to take a loan of 17 lacs for an Operations PGDM from SPJIMR if I have a job at a good company like Tata Steel?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 09 May 23

Ans. Ultimately the decision is yours but below is a table showing the current fees (as of 2023, because it is not INR 17 Lakhs anymore), the highest salary package, the average salary package, and the median salary package. Particulars SPJIMR Stats PGDM Fees INR 20.42 Lakhs Highest Salary INR 77.8 LPA Average Salary INR 33.02 LPA Median Salary INR 32.89 LPA So, considering the RoI, it is really good, as it is a one-time investment of 20.42 Lakhs and you will be getting anything around 33 LPA (more than that as well) if you can keep yourself in the top 50 percent of the batch or placement numbers. Apart from that you can try for the sabbatical as well if you are not that confident and would love to work in TATA only as it assures of stability of the job. TATA recruits from SPJIMR as well so, don’t worry much and go for it if the opportunity is available.Read more
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Ques. Is NMIMS Mumbai famous for an MBA in operations?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 06 May 23

Ans. MBA in Operations is not something that NMIMS is known for, but MBA is. Most MBA Core students choose either Marketing or Finance, so Operations has a small number of students. (This could be a good thing or a bad thing.) The case method is the main way that the School teaches. It uses real-world business situations that offer interesting possibilities in difficult situations. The focus here is on practical information and learning that fits each person's needs. It has a lot of intellectual capital in the form of professors who are well-known in their areas and work hard to make the school a dynamic place to learn. Aside from the classes, placements in the operations field are also pretty good, and companies offer operations management students a wide range of jobs.advRead more
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Ques. What are the companies that hire PGDM in operations management from TAPMI?

● Top Answer By Hitesh Takran on 27 Apr 23

Ans. The institute has a strong industry connection, and several leading companies recruit from TAPMI for their operations management roles. Some of the top companies that hire PGDM students in Operations Management from TAPMI include Amazon, Asian Paints, Cognizant, Deloitte, EY, Flipkart, HCL, Infosys, KPMG, L&T, Mahindra & Mahindra, PwC, Reliance, Tata Motors, and Wipro. These companies offer roles such as Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Production Manager, Materials Manager, and more. The average salary package for PGDM students in Operations Management at TAPMI is around INR 9-10 lakhs per annum, while the highest salary package offered is around INR 16-17 lakhs per annum.Read more
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Ques. How is operations as a PGDM branch in BIMTECH Noida?

● Top Answer By Meghamollar Roychowdhury on 19 Apr 23

Ans. BIMTECH is a reputed B-school with a focus on experiential learning and industry interface. It has a strong alumni network and offers good placements to its students. BIMTECH is known for its focus on sustainability and social responsibility and has won several accolades for its initiatives in these areas. Placement of BIMTECH  Final Placement process for 367 students pursuing PGDM courses from the batch of 2021-23 to 100%. More than 92 organizations participated in the recruitment drive across sectors like Consultancy, Financial Services, FMCG/FMCD, Insurance, IT & ITeS, Marketing, Market Research, Manufacturing, Retail, and Automobiles among others. BFSI, IT & ITeS, and Consulting sectors, with 75 % of the total offers. Average of the Top 10% is 15.86 Lakh per Annum Average of the Top 25% is 14.31 Lakh per Annum Average of the Top 50% is 12.80 Lakh per Annum Even if operations is not BIMTECH as the core program, they still have superb faculty and a strong placement record in Operations. Read more
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Ques. How good is it to do PGDPM from NITIE for a fresher?

● Top Answer By Aditi Roy on 24 Mar 23

Ans. The course offered by the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) is designed to cater to the needs of both freshers and experienced professionals. The course curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the industrial engineering domain to students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are a fresher who has just completed your undergraduate degree or an experienced professional looking to enhance your skills, NITIE's course can offer you valuable learning opportunities. The institution's faculty members are experts in their respective fields, and they bring a wealth of industry experience and academic knowledge to the classroom. As a fresher who is currently pursuing the course at NITIE, I can attest to the fact that the course offers excellent exposure and learning opportunities. The coursework is challenging yet rewarding, and the hands-on training and practical sessions have helped me gain a deeper understanding of industrial engineering concepts. One of the key advantages of the course is its emphasis on practical learning. The institution offers several industry-focused programs and projects, which help students apply the theoretical concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios. This practical approach helps students develop their problem-solving skills and prepares them for the challenges they may face in their future careers. In addition, NITIE has a vibrant student community, with several clubs and societies catering to a range of interests. The institution also hosts several cultural and technical events throughout the year, providing students with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and talents. Overall, NITIE's course in industrial engineering is a well-rounded and comprehensive program that can offer valuable learning opportunities to both freshers and experienced professionals. The institution's focus on practical learning, industry exposure, and student life makes it an attractive choice for those looking to pursue a career in the industrial engineering domain.Read more
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Ques. Is Goa Institute of Management good for a PGDM in operations?

● Top Answer By Subhashree Meher on 02 Mar 23

Ans. One of my friends is majoring in HR but has opted for numerous positions in IT Operations. According to her, the course is very well designed and is industry relevant. Speaking specifically about Operations, the electives under it are directly related to the industry such as Business Analysis Big Data Analytics (now a specialization in itself at GIM) Project Management Supply Chain Management  The pedagogy comprises a case-based approach with special emphasis on recent trends in each specialization. The faculty is very experienced and has had enough exposure to the corporate world. On average, around 30-40 students specialize in Operation every year at GIM. The most common roles offered to students who are specialized in Operations are Business Analyst Consultant Project Manager  So Goa Institute of Management is a very good option for PGDM in Operations.Read more
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Ques. What are the placement prospects of doing an MBA in IM from SPJIMR?

● Top Answer By Aarzoo Shah on 02 Mar 23

Ans. The IM Major at SPJIMR, Mumbai provides a diverse range of career opportunities that are categorized into several different tracks. These include: General Management Roles - As the name implies, these roles are in the general management sector of companies and are open to all, regardless of specialization. Consulting Roles - Consulting roles are further divided into several sub-categories. Management consulting involves working with clients to solve their general business problems. Roles in Mergers and Acquisitions, Deal Value, and Technology Consulting, specifically in Technology Strategy, are available and open to all. There are also niche roles in procurement and supply chain consulting. Product Management Roles - Product management is one of the most in-demand roles for IM students. This field includes product management, technical product management, and program management, and is available in industries such as e-commerce, banking, and supply chain. Technical Sales/Pre-Sales - These roles combine sales and technical skills to sell technology products and/or services. Corporate IT Roles - Corporate IT roles are internal consulting roles within companies, especially in the FMCG sector, and focus on delivery management and project management. Project Management Roles - Some companies also offer roles in project management, making this a niche field.Read more
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Ques. How good is PGDM with Oprations at IMT Ghaziabad or TAPMI?

● Top Answer By Shubham Arora on 27 Jan 23

Ans. My friends passed out from IMT Ghaziabad and said that your specialization does not really matter. What matters is the institute. She was in a dilemma about choosing IMT and TAPMI and later went for IMT Ghaziabad and is very proud of her decision. She thinks it has many advantages over TAPMI like IMT Ghaziabad has a better reputation and brand name than TAPMI Most recruiters consider IMT a top B School of the country and give it preference to TAPMI IMT does not instill unnecessary rigor and has a calm relaxed environment. It’s up to you to grab the necessary opportunities and climb the ladder The campus life is usually student driven so it helps in overall personality development The Operations faculty at IMT Ghaziabad is a notch above TAPMI All these points clearly show that IMT Ghaziabad is better than TAPMI.Read more
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