Difference Between Diploma And Degree - Check Diploma Vs Degree

What is the Difference between Diploma and Degree? This is one of the most complicated questions that arise in the mind of every second student after passing class 10th & 12th. In such a situation, students have many options available, in which many courses either are of diploma after 10th and 12th or degree but in most situations, students get trapped in a question of ‘what is the difference between diploma and degree. So why does this happen? Here, in this article, we will provide you the information regarding the difference between a diploma and degree courses. We will find out what options are there for both, from fast degrees online, to online and on-site diplomas, read on to find out the ins and outs.

Difference between diploma and degree: Comparison Chart

Difference between diploma and degree
BASIS FOR COMPARISON	DEGREE	DIPLOMA
Term period	Long-term course	Short term course
Course duration	3-5 years	1-3 years
Eligibility criteria	It is must pass his/her 12th Intermediate.	Both 10th and 12th pass out students can pursue
Syllabus	Provide knowledge of various concepts	Focus on a single term or the concept
Subject variety	Limited syllabus to study for	Wider coverage of the syllabus
PayScale at the time of  employment	Higher	Comparatively low than Degree
Flexible	The degree course is flexible	The Diploma course is not flexible
Financial investment	Can be more as per the level of the institute	The diploma course is cheaper to attempt
The difficulty level of the exam	High	Comparatively less than a degree course
Depth of Knowledge	More	Provide only the relevant and specific information
Admission process	Difficult	Easy
Conducted by	Universities	Universities / Educational Institutes
Admissions	Annually	Semiannually
Fees	More	Less
Job opportunities	More	Less

Some other differences between diploma and degree are
 

The only a university can provide you with a degree.	An Institute or any university can offer a diploma course.
In order to pursue further studies, a degree from a UGC-approved university will only be accepted.	To pursue the diploma course there is no need for the institute or the university to be UGC or AICTE approved.
In the same fields, a degree holder is always preferred over the diploma field.	As compared to the degree courses, the importance of a Diploma is less.

Difference between Diploma and Degree:

There are many students who want to clear out their difference between a diploma and degree, or what will be the benefits in their career, what is the scope of it, etc. but before going into the differences we should first know what Diploma and Degree actually stand for?

Diploma Course:

A diploma course refers to a short-term course for which a certificate is given by a college or university that indicates that the diploma holder has completed studies in this subject. The Diploma course duration is of about 1-3 years. Admission to the Diploma course can be taken after clearing the High School Examination (10th). 

Major two types of diploma are as follows:

• Graduate Diploma
• Post Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma Course: The Graduate Diploma Course seeks to combine practical skill development with theoretical and technical understanding and knowledge. Diploma programs open up choices for students and offer a root to further higher education, apprenticeship, or employment. It deals with the qualification at the undergraduate level.

Post Graduate Diploma: A postgraduate Diploma is a postgraduate qualification taken after a Bachelor's Degree. It provides the most advanced training in a specific field.

Top Diploma Courses To Do After 10th & 12th

Engineering Diploma courses	Marine field related Diploma courses	Diploma in Fire and safety technology
Diploma in Hotel Management	Diploma in animation and multimedia	Diploma in Interior designing
Diploma courses related to computers and programming	Nursing related Diploma courses	Air Hostess/Steward Diploma courses
Diploma course to become a gym instructor	Diploma Paramedical Courses	Diploma in Business Management
Diploma in Architectural Assistantship
Other Diploma Courses
Diploma in Medical Lab Technology	Diploma in Dialysis Technology	Diploma in Radiography
Diploma in X-Ray Technology	Diploma in Physiotherapy	Diploma in Speech Therapy
Diploma in Operation Theater Technology	Diploma in Nursing Care Assistant	Diploma in Medical Record Technology
Diploma in Optometry	Diploma in Dental Hygienist	Diploma in Hearing Language and Speech
Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication	Diploma in Acting and Anchoring	Diploma in Visual Communication
Diploma in Culinary Arts	Diploma in Fashion Technology	Diploma in Photography

• A JET(Joint Admission Test) could be conducted for admission in Diploma Course

Degree Course:

The degree is a long-term course with a duration of 3-5 years. When you do a degree course, you get deep knowledge that is not available in the diploma course. After completing the degree course, countless opportunities will open for you. Only recognized universities or colleges issue degrees when you finish your Bachelor's or Master’s degree. To do a degree course, your minimum qualification should be 10 + 2.

Major four types of degrees are:

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Master Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Associate Degree: The associate’s degree program is a 2-year degree program. A candidate can hold various kinds of Associate Degrees. They are:

• Associate of Science (A.S.)
• Associate of Arts (A.A.)
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
• Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.)

Careers with an Associate’s Degree can be:

Diagnostic medical sonographer Respiratory Therapist Paralegal Computer programmer

Registered nurse Veterinary technician Mechanical designer Dental hygienist Geologic and petroleum technicians

• Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor’s degree is a 3-4 year full-time regular undergraduate degree after which the applicant can go for your Master’s degree. The highest qualification to pursue a Bachelor’s degree course is 10+2 (Intermediate). A Bachelor Degree is always a UGC Recognized Graduation Degree.

Streams and its Graduation Courses
Arts	Commerce	Science	Computers	Management
BA in : Hindi,  English,  Mathematics,  Economics,  Sociology,  Political Science,  History,  Geography,  Social Work,  Fashion Design,  Fine Arts,  JMC	B.Com - A UGC Recognized Graduation Degree	B.Sc in:  Bio-Tech, Bioinformatics,  Microbiology,  Bio,  Physics,  Chemistry,  Mathematics,  PCM,  Zoology,  Botany,  Chemistry,  ZBC,  Psychology,  Environmental Science	BCA,  B.Sc (IT),  B.Sc (CS),  B.Sc (Animation & Multimedia)	BBA,  BBA (Valuation / Hotel Mgt / Hospitality)

• Master's Degree: A master’s degree is a postgraduate professional degree. It’s a 2-year degree program. The highest qualification to pursue a master’s degree is a Graduate from any field (10+2+3). Some of the master Degree Programs are as follows:

Degree	Full Title
MA	Master of Arts
MSc	Master of Science
MRes	Master of Research
MPhil	Master of Philosophy
MFA	Master of Fine Arts
MLitt	Master of Letters
LLM	Master of Laws
LPC	Legal Practice Course
GDL	Graduate Diploma in Law
MBA	Master of Business Administration
MIM	Masters in Management
MEng	Master of Engineering
MSW	Master of Social Work
PGCert	Postgraduate Certificate
PGDip	Postgraduate Diploma
PGCE	Postgraduate Certificate in Education
PGDE	Professional Diploma in Education

Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree is considered the highest level of academic degree that can be accomplished after the master’s degree. The Doctorate degree course duration is 2-3 years. Some of the Doctorate degrees are as follows:

• A Doctor of Law degree
• Doctor Of Medicine
• Doctor Of Pharmacy
• Doctor Of Physical Therapy

Now from the description given above, you must have understood that what is a diploma and a degree, and how many types of diploma and degree courses are. Now let’s move to the main question of what is the difference between a diploma and a degree.

Difference between diploma and degree: Branch-Wise Course Names-

By the name of Degree and Diploma many people often gets confused. Down below a short table is given of the top trending branches of both the courses. Here We’re including the name of some diplomas and degree courses that can be helpful for you in choosing the desired course for the future.

Diploma Courses	Degree Courses
Diploma in Automotive Engineering	B.E/ B. Tech/ M.E./ M.Tech (Automotive Engineering)
Diploma in Photography/ Acting/ Cinematography/ Journalism etc.	Bachelors or Masters in Mass Comm & (or) Journalism
Diploma in Drawing/ Singing/ Acting etc	Bachelors/ Masters in Fine Arts
Diploma in Literature (English/ Spanish etc.)	Bachelors/ Masters in Arts (English/ Spanish/ etc)
Diploma in Biotech	B.Sc./ B.E./ M.tech / M.Sc./ M.E./ B.Tech in Biotech
Diploma in Commerce	B.Com/ M.Com
Diploma in Business Studies/ Administration	BBA/ MBA

Wrapping:

We hope that the above-given information related to the Difference between diploma and degree has cleared all your doubts. If you still have some queries, kindly leave a message on our comment section and we will surely reach you within time.