Home » Career Guidance » Difference Between Diploma and Degree- A Comparative Guide
A degree or diploma is the dilemma of every student.
With nearly 4 crores of students pursuing higher education in India, having a clear answer to this question becomes crucial.
And for this, you need to know the difference between diploma and degree.
So, that you can make informed and right decisions regarding your education. Here in this article, you will get to know the meaning, types, pros and cons and much more.
Core area |
Degree |
Diploma |
Meaning |
A degree is an undergraduate or postgraduate program after a particular study at a specific level. |
A diploma is a certificate given to a student after a specific course. |
Eligibility |
Higher Secondary |
Highschool |
Time |
2–4 years |
6–12 months |
Fee |
Comparatively high |
Comparatively low |
Admission |
Annually |
Half-yearly and annually |
Awarded by |
Colleges and universities |
Universities, colleges, and private institutions |
Salary |
Comparatively high |
Comparatively low |
Flexibility |
Yes |
No |
Conducted by |
Universities |
Universities, educational institutes, and private companies |
A degree, in its simplest form, means a formal recognition awarded by an educational institution, such as a college or university, upon the successful completion of a prescribed program of study. It signifies the attainment of a certain level of knowledge, skills, and competence in a specific academic or professional field. Degrees are available across a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to arts, sciences, business, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
There are four types of degrees: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate.
A diploma meaning a short-term course. It generally lasts 6 months to a year. Diplomas are offered by an institution, college, or university after completing a certain course. These courses provide technical knowledge and job-ready skills which help the students become eligible for the job upon completion of the course. One can choose the diploma course according to the career they want to choose.
Related Read:
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Diploma | Degree |
A diploma teaches you the relevant skills and prepares you for a job role in a short span of time. | Enhances career growth prospects as recruiters know that you have professional know-how of the skills that a job demands. |
A diploma teaches hands-on skills. Anyone can use these skills to land a variety of job roles, from stitching to carpentry. | A degree is proof that you have earned your skills. |
A diploma degree can serve as a pathway to enter specific careers directly. | A degree puts you in contact with other people in the same field. |
Individuals with diplomas may find it easier to secure entry-level positions and gain relevant work experience in their field of interest. | Individuals with a degree tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with diplomas or lower levels of education. |
Diploma programs offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and course options. | Pursuing a degree equips you with a wide range of transferable skills. |
Diploma | Degree |
A diploma degree is considered less important in some fields and industries. | The degree requires a longer time duration to get completed. |
Individuals with degrees may have a higher earning potential compared to those with diplomas. | Obtaining a degree can be costly, especially at prestigious universities. |
Diplomas typically offer a narrower scope of academic subjects compared to a degree program. | Degrees often encompass a broader range of subjects and provide more general education. |
Diploma | Degree |
A diploma offers additional qualifications and professional training. | A degree is a step towards advancing your career. You can build the foundation of your knowledge in a subject by pursuing a degree. |
A diploma degree teaches practical ways of dealing with the job at hand. | A degree on one’s resume helps form a good impression on the recruiter. |
A diploma degree can be an excellent option for individuals looking to enter the workforce quickly. | A degree offers the time to learn from and exchange ideas with people in one’s field. |
Are you confused about choosing between a degree or diploma? Here is a list of some major difference between diploma and degree to make your choice easier.
Diploma or degree whatever you choose one thing is obvious you will get to gain knowledge. Now, the decision is whether you want to gain knowledge of practical skills of a specific job via a diploma degree. Or you want to gain theoretical knowledge of an industry or subject. The decision is yours, but be specific with what you want and choose the path that matches your interests, career prospects and circumstances.
To explore about numerous options of different degrees and diplomas deep dive into our guide on Career Advice.
There is a difference between a diploma and a degree. Degrees are more beneficial in the long run. More recruiters choose employees with degrees rather than diplomas. However, many recruiters also hire individuals who have job-specific skills, which are learned by a diploma degree.
Diploma is better if you want to learn skills related to a specific job and a degree provides you with detailed knowledge of subjects. They both are different in terms of duration, specialization and importance according to the industry or career you choose. So, no diploma and degree are not same.
No, the diploma is not higher than the graduation degree. What decides which is better is a student’s goals or ambitions. Every individual has different goals; therefore, their choices may also differ. What matters is keeping in mind the difference between diploma and degree when opting for either and how the choice will affect their long-term goals.
Yes, diploma degree certificate is good for a career. As it provides you with the job skills which help you get into the selected field easily. Diploma makes you job-ready on the go so that you can get hired immediately.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.