MBA in HR: Top Programs in India

An MBA in Human Resources (HR) equips professionals with the strategic insight needed to manage an organization’s most valuable asset—its people. With an emphasis on understanding and improving employee relations, recruitment, performance management, training, and development, an MBA in HR is ideal for those looking to drive organizational growth through effective human capital management. Here’s a guide to some of the best MBA programs in HR offered by premier institutes in India, their key features, entrance exams, placement statistics, and more.

Before we dive into the colleges, let’s have a look why you should choose an MBA in HR!

1. People-Centric Approach: If you have a passion for working with people, understanding their motivations, and helping them grow professionally, an MBA in HR allows you to make a significant impact.
2. Strategic Influence: HR professionals are no longer just administrators; they are strategic partners in driving business success. An MBA in HR places you at the heart of decision-making processes.
3. Adaptability in a Changing Workplace: As organizations evolve with technological advancements, remote work, and globalization, HR professionals play a crucial role in managing these transitions, making this degree highly relevant.
4. Diverse Work Environment: HR roles often involve a mix of strategic planning, interpersonal communication, negotiation, and analytics, making it a dynamic and engaging career choice.

Whether you’re passionate about people management, looking to climb the corporate ladder, or eager to drive change in today’s dynamic work environment, an MBA in HR could be your key to unlocking new opportunities. So, if you have made up your mind to pursue MBA in HR, below is the list of top colleges that you can aim to get admission to:

1. XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur

• Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management (PGDHRM)
• Duration: 2 years (full-time, residential)
• Fees: ₹28,60,000
• Key Features: Strong focus on leadership in HR, curriculum covering labor laws, industrial relations, talent management, and organizational behavior.
• Entrance Exam: XAT
• Cut-Offs: 95%ile
• Average Package: ₹32.20 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Microsoft, Deloitte, TATA Steel, PwC
• Placement Rate: 100%
• Campus: State-of-the-art campus with a world-class library, sports facilities, and learning centers.
• Facilities: Hostels, fitness centers, recreational areas, and healthcare facilities.
• Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid.
• Financial Aid: Tie-ups with banks for student loans at preferential rates.

2. TISS – Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

• Program: MA in Human Resource Management & Labor Relations (HRM & LR)
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹1,85,000
• Key Features: Ranked among the top HR programs, strong focus on labor studies and industrial relations.
• Entrance Exam: TISSNET
• Cut-Offs: General – 71 Marks, SC/ST – 64 Marks
• Average Package: ₹27.22 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Accenture, Infosys, Asian Paints
• Placement Rate: 100%
• Campus: 21-acre campus with modern facilities and research centers.
• Facilities: Hostels, sports facilities, a well-equipped library, and student activity centers.
• Scholarships: Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/Minority students.
• Financial Aid: Bank loans and institutional support for financially disadvantaged students.

3. MDI Gurgaon – Management Development Institute

• Program: Post Graduate Program in Human Resource Management (PGP-HRM)
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹24,99,440
• Key Features: Focus on strategic HRM, talent acquisition, and employee relations.
• Entrance Exam: CAT
• Cut-Offs: Between 93-95
• Average Package: ₹26.65 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Amazon, IBM, Capgemini
• Placement Rate: 100%
• Campus: Modern 37-acre campus with advanced learning facilities.
• Facilities: Residential accommodation, gyms, sports complexes, and auditoriums.
• Scholarships: Merit scholarships for top performers and need-based aid.
• Financial Aid: Loan facilities with leading banks.

4. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune

• Program: MBA in Human Resource Management
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹22,20,000
• Key Features: Focus on HR analytics, talent management, and employee engagement strategies.
• Entrance Exam: SNAP
• Cut-Offs: 98+%ile
• Average Package: ₹28.16 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Reliance Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra, Aditya Birla Group
• Placement Rate: 98%
• Campus: 300-acre hilltop campus with modern amenities.
• Facilities: Library, IT infrastructure, hostels, sports, and recreational facilities.
• Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students.
• Financial Aid: Loans through partner banks and financial institutions.

5. Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi (IIM Ranchi)

• Program: MBA in Human Resource Management
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹17,20,000
• Key Features: Focus on industrial relations, labor laws, and HR strategy.
• Entrance Exam: CAT
• Cut-Offs: 94 (2023-25), 91 (2022-24)
• Average Salary: ₹17.30 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Cognizant, EY, Infosys
• Placement Rate: 100%
• Campus: City campus with digital classrooms and research centers.
• Facilities: Hostels, sports grounds, cafeteria, library, and health services.
• Scholarships: Need-based scholarships and assistance for economically weaker sections.
• Financial Aid: Loan schemes with nationalized banks.

6. International Management Institute (IMI), Delhi

• Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Human Resource (PGDM-HR)
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹20,80,000 (approx.)
• Key Features: Offers a curriculum that integrates core HR functions with contemporary management practices.
• Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT
• Cut-Offs: 85%ile
• Average Salary: ₹14.2 LPA
• Top Recruiters: KPMG, HCL, Deloitte
• Placement Rate: 98%
• Campus: Centrally located with state-of-the-art infrastructure and learning resources.
• Facilities: Auditoriums, library, student accommodations, and recreational areas.
• Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships for deserving candidates.
• Financial Aid: Education loans and deferred payment options.

7. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

• Program: MBA in Human Resource Management
• Duration: 2 years (full-time)
• Fees: ₹24,00,000
• Key Features: Emphasis on HR digitalization, talent acquisition, and employee development.
• Entrance Exam: NMAT
• Cut-Offs: 95%ile
• Average Salary: ₹26.63 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Tata Consultancy Services, Larsen & Toubro, Asian Paints
• Placement Rate: 99%
• Campus: State-of-the-art infrastructure with proximity to Mumbai’s corporate hubs.
• Facilities: Hostels, library, sports facilities, and auditoriums.
• Scholarships: Scholarships for high academic achievers and need-based assistance.
• Financial Aid: Tie-ups with banks for student loans.

Each of these institutes offers unique advantages, from diverse HR curricula and experienced faculty to excellent campus facilities and strong placement records. Depending on your preferences for location, fee structure, and specialization, you can make a well-informed decision for your MBA journey in Human Resources.

Remember, an MBA in Human Resources is more than just a degree; it’s a pathway to a strategic leadership role that directly impacts an organization’s success. With the right skills, mindset, and education, HR professionals can shape company culture, drive employee engagement, and contribute to the overall growth of the business.