private placement versus preferential offer

Logically, Private placement ( Which is not public offer) but securities offered to "Identified" person other than existing holders with Max. capping of 200 for each offer in a financial Year, With compliance of Section 42 & Relevant Regulations.

Preferential Allotment ( Preference over other) When Selected group of existing shareholder or convertible securities are offered securities with compliance of section 62(1)(c) ,SEBI Regulations ( For Listed Entity) ,and relevant regulations...

For more information and side by side comparison make chart of Section 42 & Section 62(1)(c) And rule 13 & 14 of Companies (PAS) Rules with recent amendments -- You can find it on mca websites or through google... Keeping in mind the basic things which I described it will be cleared..