An MBA in Human Resources (HR) is a postgraduate degree course, spaced out over two years, for students who are aspiring to join the business world and be responsible for managing people and workplace culture. A few of the popular Indian top business schools that offer this HR program are IIMs, FMS Delhi, and ISB Hyderabad.
An MBA in HR syllabus covers the core management subjects, such as Organizational Behavior, Managerial Principles, Accounting, and Research Methods, along with subjects specifically for HR programs, such as Human Resource Management. All these subjects shape and prepare students to manage people from job specialization, recruitment, and training, to employee engagement, building leadership development, etc.
For MBA HR admission in 2025, candidates must fulfill the entrance examination requirement alongside a common eligibility criterion of a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks in aggregate. Although there are many exams accepted and conducted for an MBA HR course, a few common entrance exams accepted are CAT, XAT, GMAT, SNAP, CMAT, etc.
Full-time on Campus or flexible online study modes are available for students to select the most suitable option based on their needs. The average fees for an MBA in HR range from INR 2 lakh - INR 23 lakh. It can be pursued offline as well as online.
The average MBA HR Salary ranges between ₹4 lakh and ₹10 LPA, and may be higher for freshers of top MBA colleges in India. This includes IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI Jamshedpur, IIM Indore, IMT Ghaziabad, and Symbiosis Pune, which offer an average salary of ₹20- 25 LPA.
MBA HR graduates can take a variety of roles, including HR Manager, Recruitment Coordinator, Talent Acquisition Head, or Professor in HR. The top recruiters include Goldman Sachs, Flipkart, HSBC, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Accenture.
What does an MBA in HR Mean?
The full form of MBA HR is Master of Business Administration in Human Resources. It is a two-year postgraduate program that prepares students to find, recruit, manage, and retain talent. It combines the fundamental principles of business management and functions of HR with specialized HR subjects, providing graduates with the foundation to step into roles such as an HR manager and lead the strategic development and implementation of talent sticks in an organization.
When comparing MBA vs PGDM in HR, an MBA is a university degree focusing more fundamentally on theory, while a PGDM is a diploma obtained from an autonomous institute that is aligned to industry and is flexible, with a focus on practical skills. Both programs provide students with the ability to be prepared for a career in HR, but PGDMs may provide more up-to-date and hands-on learning experiences.
MBA in HR Course Details
The goal of an MBA in human resource management program is to give students the information and abilities they need to manage people resources in businesses efficiently.
Particulars | MBA in HR Details |
MBA HR Full Form | MBA in Human Resources or MBA in HR |
MBA HR course Level | Masters |
MBA HR Duration | 2 years |
MBA HR Eligibility | Graduation |
MBA HR Entrance Exams | CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, SNAP etc. |
MBA HR Fees | INR 5 Lakh - INR 20 Lakh |
MBA HR Salary | INR 4 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
MBA HR Jobs | HR Manager, Senior HR Manager, HR Business Partner, HR Human Resource Analyst etc. |
MBA HR Top Recruiters | TCS, Wipro, Deloitte, Samsung, Nokia, Reliance, KPMG and so on. |
MBA HR Colleges | Woxsen University, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Parul University, etc. |
MBA in HR Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2025
While the eligibility requirements for an MBA in HR Management can differ between schools, most business schools that offer the degree generally have certain standard requirements. The following provides a broad summary of the typical requirements for an MBA HR eligibility:
- The eligibility for an MBA is A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from an accredited university in any field or its equivalent.
- A relevant MBA entrance exam, such as the CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, SNAP, etc., must have been passed by the candidate.
- No upper age limit.
- Final-year candidates may also enroll in the course. However, their acceptance will depend upon their final grades.
MBA in HR Admission Process 2025
The MBA in HR Admission process 2025 generally includes the following steps :
- Apply for MBA entrance exams, including CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, NMAT, or TISSNET.
- Shortlisting of Candidates: Based on the entrance exam scores, the institute will generate a shortlist for the next rounds.
- GD/PI/WAT Round: All candidates will go through a series of Group Discussions, Personal Interviews, and Written Ability Tests to assess leadership, problem-solving solving and communication skills.
- Final Selection: The final selection made by the institutes will be based on the academic record, entrance exam, and interview outcome.
- Admission & Fee Payment: After the confirmation of admission by the institute, candidates will need to confirm their seats by making the fee payment.
MBA in HR Entrance Exams 2025
Various organizations and institutions conduct multiple entrance exams for human resources or other MBA specializations. Before applying for admission to an MBA in HR management, candidates must review the eligibility criteria for each exam as well as the universities that accept their results.
More preparation in the form of study guides, practice exams, and coaching (if required) can help you achieve higher scores on the MBA in HR exams. Several well-known MBA in HR entrance exams are as follows:
MBA in HR Exams | MBA in HR Exam Dates |
CAT 2025 | 30 Nov 2025 |
SNAP 2025 | 6, 14, 20 Dec 2025 |
XAT 2026 | 4 Jan 2026 |
MAT 2025 |
|
CMAT 2026 | January 25, 2026 |
Top MBA in HR Colleges in India
Many universities now offer an MBA in Human Resources, which allows students an opportunity to choose their preferred college. Below is the list of the top MBA colleges in India, both Private and Government.
The options also include a Best Distance MBA college and an Online MBA college in India to ensure professionals and remote learners obtain HR management qualifications do so regardless of the long opportunity or disruption in a career.
Top Government MBA in HR Colleges
You will institute government agencies in affordability and strong industry partnerships. If you're looking for the Best Government MBA college in India, you may want to think about:
MBA in HR Colleges | MBA in HR Fees |
IIT Madras | INR 9 lakh |
IIM Calcutta | INR 23 lakh |
IIM Indore | INR 17 lakh |
IIT Kanpur | INR 3 lakh |
IIT Kharagpur | INR 3 lakh |
IIM Lucknow | INR 13 lakh |
IIM Ranchi | INR 15 lakh |
IIM Raipur | INR 8-14 lakh |
Institute of Insurance & Risk Management, Hyderabad | INR 8 lakh |
T C Business School, Jaipur | INR 2 lakh |
Top Private MBA in HR Colleges
There are private institutes that will have unique specialization options with strong placement capabilities. If you're searching for the Best Private MBA college in India, you may want to consider these programs:
MBA in HR Colleges | MBA in HR Fees |
Amity University, Noida | INR 13 lakh |
Chandigarh University | INR 5.8 lakh |
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | INR 13.25 lakh |
Galgotias University, Greater Noida | INR 1.3 lakh |
Jaipuria Institute, Noida | INR 12.5 lakh |
Management Development Institute, Gurugram | INR 21.34 lakh |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai | INR 10.42 lakh |
Parul University, Vadodara | INR 1.48 lakh |
School of Business, UPES | INR 11.4 lakh |
Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur | INR 23 lakh |
MBA in HR Distance Learning
Several candidates are unable to pursue the course of MBA in HR, but with regular study can do the same with distance education too. You may choose distance or online formats if you want to pursue a flexible, self-paced academic schedule. There are various MBA in HR Distance Learning colleges in India. Below is the list of such colleges:-
MBA in HR Distance Learning Colleges | MBA in HR Distance Learning Fees |
INR 1,20,000 | |
INR 65,650 | |
INR 37,800 | |
INR 35,000 | |
INR 20,000 | |
IMT Distance MBA | INR 27,500 |
INR 30,000 | |
INR 15,205 |
Best Online MBA in HR College in India
Here is a table containing some of the best colleges in India for online MBA in HR with their approximate fees for the full program or per semester, based on the latest available information:
Best Part-time MBA in HR College in India
Here is a table summarizing some of the best part-time MBA in HR colleges in India with their approximate fees and average salary expectations after graduation:
MBA in HR Jobs and Salaries in India
The location, experience level, industry, and size and standing of the hiring company are some of the variables that can affect the average salary for an MBA in HR. The monthly salary for an MBA in HR in India is based on experience level, industry, and institution. The Average MBA in Human Resources Salary is mentioned below:-
The industry-wise distribution of MBA salaries in India shows that Consulting, IT, and the BFSI sector offer the highest salary packages. IT companies, such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, offer ₹4-15 LPA for MBA HR roles, while the FMCG industry pays ₹12-18 LPA. Manufacturing and retail sectors typically offered competitive packages mostly in the range of ₹6-12 LPA, depending on the complexity of the task and demands of the organization.
MBA in HR Salary in India
This table makes it easy for aspirants to compare MBA salaries in India city-wise, understand pay for freshers and experienced, and help them decide to take up a high-paying job after MBA or select the best MBA college in India.
City | Fresher Salary Range | Experienced (3-5 years) | Average Salary |
Mumbai | ₹10-15 LPA | ₹20-35 LPA | ₹18-25 LPA |
Bangalore | ₹12-20 LPA | ₹25-40 LPA | ₹21.2 LPA |
Delhi NCR | ₹8-18 LPA | ₹20-30 LPA | ₹15-20 LPA |
Hyderabad | ₹8-15 LPA | ₹18-25 LPA | ₹12-18 LPA |
Pune | ₹8-12 LPA | ₹15-22 LPA | ₹10-16 LPA |
Chennai | ₹6-12 LPA | ₹12-20 LPA | ₹9-15 LPA |
Kolkata | ₹6-10 LPA | ₹12-18 LPA | ₹8-14 LPA |
Top Recruiters of MBA in HR
The recruitment landscape for MBA HR graduates encompasses diverse industry sectors, from traditional manufacturing companies to modern technology firms and consulting organizations. Understanding the top recruiters helps students align their career preparation with market opportunities and industry expectations.
Top College for MBA in HR Placements
An MBA in Human Resources includes core business management along with added HR aspects like recruitment, employee engagement, performance management, labor laws, and the use of HR analytics. MBA in HR provides graduates with skills to prepare to lead and develop workforce strategy, and workforce initiatives that allow for engagement and thriving of the employee, and an organization to remain in growth.
With growing demand for HR professionals, an MBA in HR offers strong career opportunities and competitive salaries. Graduating from top MBA HR colleges in India provides an edge with better salary growth, industry exposure, and leadership prospects in today’s corporate landscape.
Who should pursue an MBA in HR?
For those interested in a career in HR management and leadership, an MBA in Human Resources (HR) can be a valuable degree. Listed below are some examples of those who might think about earning an MBA in HR:-
- HR Professionals
An MBA in HR can equip you with the strategic and business skills necessary to succeed in such roles if you already work in the HR profession and want to advance your career into managerial or leadership positions.
- Career Changers
An MBA in HR could be useful for people who are transitioning into HR from other fields. Your current skills and knowledge, and the specialized knowledge needed for HR professions, may be bridged with the aid of this degree.
- Aspiring HR Managers
An MBA in HR can give you the necessary training in subjects like organizational behavior, talent management, employee relations, and strategic planning if you're an HR professional aspiring for management positions.
- Entrepreneurs
An MBA in HR can be helpful for people who want to launch their own HR consulting companies or businesses because it gives them a strong foundation in business principles and HR-specific management techniques.
- Leadership Roles
The mix of strategic thinking, business acumen, and HR skills that an MBA in HR gives might be useful for those striving for top-level leadership positions within organizations, such as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
- Global HR Professionals
Businesses have to deal with a diversified workforce and foreign operations in a world that is becoming more and more globalized. Understanding the challenges of managing human resources across many cultures and geographical locations can be made easier with an MBA in HR.
- Skill Development
An MBA in HR can offer a well-rounded education that goes beyond conventional HR knowledge if you want to improve your analytical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Networking Opportunities
MBA programs frequently offer plenty of chances for networking with other students, alumni, and business professionals, which can be beneficial for career advancement.
- Strategic Thinkers
An MBA in HR can give you the knowledge and skills you need to shape an organization's overall strategy and how HR works with business objectives.
Types of MBA in HR Courses
A specialized program that prepares students for careers in HR management is the MBA in HR Management. There are several MBA HR programs, each concentrating on a different mode of human resource management. The following are a few popular types of MBA programs offered in the Human Resource specialization:
Types of MBA | MBA in HR Eligibility Criteria | MBA in HR Admission |
Executive MBA in HR | Bachelor’s Degree + Work Experience | Merit/Entrance-Based |
Distance MBA in HR | Bachelor's degree with 50% and to have a work experience of 2 to 3 years | Merit/Entrance-Based |
Online MBA in HR | Bachelor’s Degree | Merit-Based |
Full-Time MBA in HR | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% | Entrance-Based |
MBA in HR Syllabus
Although the MBA in HR syllabus might differ slightly between various colleges, it often covers a wide range of subjects linked to Organizational Behavior, Business Administration, and HR Management. An outline of the standard topics and areas covered in an MBA in HR is provided below:
MBA in HR Subjects Semester 1 | |
Organizational Behavior | Accounting and Finance |
Managerial Economics | Financial Analysis |
MBA in HR Subjects Semester 2 | |
Strategic Management | Human Resource Management |
Operations and Supply Chain Management | Business Environment |
MBA in HR Subjects Semester 3 | |
HR Planning and Development | Industrial Relations Management |
Entrepreneurship Development | Labor Laws |
MBA in HR Subjects Semester 4 | |
Contemporary Employment Relations | Production and Operations Management |
Research Methodology | Compensation and Reward Management |
Why Pursue an MBA in HR?
For those looking to flourish in HR leadership roles, pursuing an MBA in Human Resources (HR) offers a distinctive blend of specialized HR skills and general commercial aptitude. Through this program, participants gain the strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making skills necessary to match HR efforts with organizational objectives.
An MBA in HR equips people to manage personnel as well as to create an organization's culture, drive performance, and stimulate innovation by exploring topics including organizational behavior, talent management, and employee relations.
Additionally, the inclusion of a global perspective in many MBA programs aids graduates in navigating a variety of workplaces and equips them to handle the intricacies of HR across cultures and locations.
Pursuing an MBA in HR is a comprehensive approach for aspirants looking to lead and prosper in the dynamic field of human resources since it offers networking opportunities, higher income potential, and the capacity to influence an organization's performance.
What can I study after an MBA in HR?
There are several courses that one can study after an MBA in HR. Moreover, the courses that one can pursue after HR are:-
- Certified Talent Management Practitioner Program
- SAP HR Certification
- SHRM Certified Professional
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional
- Society for Human Resource Management Certification
Demand for Human Resource Professionals
The job market for HR professionals is expanding, particularly in specialized areas. Let's look at the statistics -
Category | Details |
Job Growth | HR management roles are expected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Rising Demand for Specializations | - People Analytics: Increasing demand post-pandemic - Employee Engagement: Increasing demand post-pandemic |
The following graphs show the accurate data in detail. Let's have a look -
To Conclude - Is an MBA in HR worth it?
With the rapid expansion of businesses across industries, there is a growing need for qualified organizations that can undertake people management and workplace culture management. This makes an MBA in HR a very gratifying potential course of action, as well as an 'in-demand' profession choice in the years ahead for many potential Human Resource Manager candidates.
Many candidates wonder, "Is an MBA worth it?" - and in the case of HR, it is a YES! The HR program gives graduates the capability to source and hire top-tier talent, support employee health and well-being, and think strategically about job roles as part of an overarching organizational plan. As new industries begin to shape employment plans, the need for HR professionals who are people management and strategic HR professionals will only become more pronounced.