Programme comparison · Bangalore and online · updated 1 Nov 2026
AEP vs PGDIA vs EPGDIA: which programme fits
The AEP is the long classroom programme in Electronic City, Bangalore (3 to 12 months, ₹71,000 + 18% GST (₹83,780 in all)). PGDIA is the short one: 4 weeks, 24 classroom days of 4 hours at the same centre plus about 95 hours of guided self-study (₹26,000 including GST). EPGDIA is PGDIA taught live online, so you can join from anywhere in India (₹24,000 including GST). There is also a self-paced EPGDIA with recorded lessons (₹14,999 including GST, 12 months of access). None of the three is a university degree.
Side by side
| Item | AEP | PGDIA | EPGDIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Automation Engineer Program | Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Automation | Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Automation |
| Duration | 3 to 12 months | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Mode | Classroom, Electronic City, Bangalore | Classroom (Electronic City, Bangalore), Monday to Saturday, plus self-study in the portal | Live online with a trainer, labs in simulators on your computer, plus the same self-study |
| Daily time | Ask admissions | 4 hours a day, 24 class days | 4 hours a day, 24 live days |
| Fee | ₹71,000 + 18% GST (₹83,780 in all) | ₹26,000 including GST | ₹24,000 including GST |
| Payment | In full online, or in instalments arranged with admissions | In full before the course starts, no instalments | In full before the course starts, no instalments |
| Who it suits | Candidates who can attend the Bangalore classroom for several months | Graduates and diploma holders in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, mechanical or mechatronics engineering, and B.Sc graduates in related subjects, including final-year students. Admission follows a counselling session. | Graduates and diploma holders in electrical, electronics, instrumentation, mechanical or mechatronics engineering, and B.Sc graduates in related subjects, including final-year students and working professionals. You need a computer that can run the course software and a reliable internet connection. You can enrol and pay online, or talk to admissions first. |
| Recognition | An EDWartens programme | PGDIA is an EDWartens course and its certificate is an EDWartens credential. It is not a university degree, and it is not a UGC- or AICTE-recognised qualification or a vendor certification. | EPGDIA is an EDWartens course and its certificate is an EDWartens credential. It is not a university degree, and it is not a UGC- or AICTE-recognised qualification or a vendor certification. |
How to choose
- Choose the AEP if you can attend a classroom in Bangalore for several months and want the deepest hands-on route.
- Choose PGDIA if you can be at the Electronic City centre for 4 weeks and want a focused programme on Siemens and Delta PLC, HMI and SCADA.
- Choose EPGDIA if you want the PGDIA syllabus and a live trainer but cannot be in Bangalore.
- Choose the self-paced EPGDIA if you want the same syllabus without a timetable (12 months of access).
- Not sure? Start with the free PLC courses, which cost nothing and show whether the subject suits you.
Refunds and promises
PGDIA: Paid in full before the course starts; there are no instalments. If you withdraw before the course starts, the fee is refunded in full. Once the course has started, it is not refundable.
EPGDIA: Paid in full before the course starts; there are no instalments. If you withdraw before the course starts, the fee is refunded in full. Once the course has started, it is not refundable.
Read the terms before you pay. Placement support, where a programme offers it, has written conditions on the placement policy page; nothing on this page promises a job.
Questions
Quick answers
What is the difference between PGDIA and EPGDIA?
Same syllabus. PGDIA is taught in the classroom at Electronic City, Bangalore; EPGDIA is taught live online, with labs done in simulators on your own computer. PGDIA is ₹26,000 including GST and EPGDIA is ₹24,000 including GST.
How long is the AEP?
3 to 12 months, depending on the phases a candidate completes. Ask admissions for the next batch date.
How much do AEP, PGDIA and EPGDIA cost?
AEP: ₹71,000 + 18% GST (₹83,780 in all). PGDIA: ₹26,000 including GST. EPGDIA: ₹24,000 including GST. Self-paced EPGDIA: ₹14,999 including GST.
Are they university degrees, or approved by AICTE?
No. They are EDWartens programmes with EDWartens certificates. PGDIA and EPGDIA are not university degrees and not UGC- or AICTE-recognised qualifications.
Can I do EPGDIA from outside Bangalore?
Yes. It is live online, from anywhere in India.
Sources and related
Where these facts come from
Last reviewed 1 Nov 2026. Prices include GST where stated. If a page here disagrees with the linked product page, the product page is right; tell us at info@wartens.com.