You should enroll in NITIE PGDIM because with an SCM background, you will benefit from learning core management. PGDIM at NITIE will focus on marketing, finance, and HR in a more comprehensive manner, giving you a boost due to your SCM background.

Check the following table for a comparative analysis of both programs:

As per the brochure for the IIML-SM course, you will be taught sustainability management, which focuses more on Macro and Microeconomics to sustain business environments. It will not cover core areas of Marketing, Finance, and HR. However, SM is an emerging field in management.

NITIE admits students in two ways: through GATE and CAT. Any engineering branch is eligible for admission via Gate. 

Branches open through GATE score: 

• Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management program (PGDPM)
• Post Graduate Manufacturing Management Program (PGDMM)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering (PGDIE)

Branches open through CAT score: 

• Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Management (PGDIM)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Safety and Environmental Management (PGDISEM)

Clearing GATE and CAT in one attempt is not easy but also not impossible. So keep working hard until you achieve it.

One of my friends is studying at NITIE, and as per his insights, both the programs are excellent. The final choice depends upon the area of your interest. Consider the following points before making the final choice.

• PGDPM concentrates on teaching project management along with functional areas like Finance, HR, and others. It is a strategic level course that creates professionals for every sector or industry.
• PGDMM is a course focusing on the manufacturing and operational part of a business. It builds skilled professional that is well-equipped with the latest technologies.
• As per the past placement statistics, the average package for PGDPM is INR 11.5 LPA, and for PGDMM is INR 10.8 LPA.

Apart from the above points, detailed information about the two programs is available on the institute webpage. You can compare the programs and make your final choice. Overall, the scope of both programs is high.

One of my friends faced a similar situation as you and here are some tips for you regarding your question. My friend was placed in Maruti Suzuki after his graduation and then got selected in NITIE. He went with NITIE.

If you have a good academic profile i.e., good scores from 10th, 12th, B. Tech, and extracurriculars then you can directly go with NITIE.

If not then having one or two years of work experience may also help you in getting shortlists from the company on-campus placements.

One more thing you should be confident enough about is that you can convert to NITIE, Mumbai again if you want to have some work experience.

Admissions in PGDPM at NITIE accept GATE score followed by GD & PI. Here are few facts to keep in mind before pursuing the course:

1. PGDPM is focused on Operational Excellence and Financial Management, Marketing, and Human Resources. 
2. This is a perfect program for those who have experience from across the industry and wishes to transit from a technical role to a managerial role of managing products, manpower, and timely execution of the respective projects.
3. It will equip you to utilize the various tools and techniques that are industry-oriented for planning, evaluating, and monitoring. It can be called a foundation course which will lead to the development of basics needed for later advancing into the program, portfolio, and product management as well.
4. Project Management program acts as the connecting link between academics and industry, helping the organizations, implementing the strategies in moving forward in the digital space.
5. It is a dedicated course on contracts and strategic management and is vital for the course curriculum. It provides Project Managers all the necessary skills for handling Mergers & Acquisitions which is a part of the modern dynamic business world.
6. Project Management also enables the student to have a holistic approach in understanding businesses and strategize things taking into account market demands.

One will surely benefit from taking this course.

I have a few friends from NITIE so I can give you some information regarding admission to the institute. It accepts GATE scores for PGDIE, PGDMM, and PDPM courses. They shortlist students for GD-PI based on their GATE scores. The required cutoff for GATE varies every year, due to many variables. Here are the cutoff trends for 2021.

The GD-PI round will have 60% weightage for your final selection and the remaining 40% will include your GATE score, academic records, and your work experience if you have any. 

Hence, the GATE cutoff for every branch in NITIE is the same but you will also have to perform very well in your GD/PI round to get admission. 

Some of my friends studied at NITIE Mumbai. They now know all the intricate details on how to face a GD and a PI round. Let me share some things they used to keep in mind. 

Tips for GD:

• Try to start the discussion. Give it a structure and then conclude it. 
• Remember that if you give it a structure, it should flow in the same direction. Though it can be a bit tricky.
• If you are not able to start the discussion, make sure that you give at least three distinct and strong points.
• When you state your point, try backing it up with facts and numbers. This will make you stand out among others.
• Stay updated with current affairs and trends.

Tips for PI:

• Read your CV thoroughly.
• Questions that you can expect from your CV are related to your work experience and your projects if any. 
• If you are a fresher, you can expect questions on your final year project, your favorite subject, etc.
• Since my friend was a mechanical engineer, he was asked questions on thermodynamics and a few on the composition of air.
• You can expect basic questions such as Why NITIE Mumbai or Why Supply Chain? Go through the basics of supply chain and operations management.

So, these are some of the things you need to be prepared for. Overall be honest, humble, and answer with confidence.

As one of my friends made it to the institution through CAT and is pursuing PGDIM, I might be able to help you with your question.

To get shortlisted for the programs at NITIE Mumbai, there are two exam options:

CAT

• To get a call for the GP and PI round meant for the flagship program at NITIE, you need to score more than 97 percentile. 
• The placements are good for this program.
• PGDISEM is another program that you can apply for with your CAT score. 
• The cut-off is usually around 86 percentile. 
• It is related to the environment and the placements are also specific to the area. 
• I would suggest you opt for this course only if you are interested in the environmental area.

GATE

• You can apply for PGDIE through your GATE score. 
• PGDIE and PGDIM have placements in the same pool. 
• The course is good and you also get a stipend.

All the courses stand out because of their uniqueness. If placements are concerned, all these courses are the same. However, apart from these courses, PP and PM are two other courses that you can opt for with CAT scores. But, these are new courses and have poor placement records therefore, I would recommend not opt for these.