MBA HR is probably the most popular MBA program after the regular MBA because selecting, nurturing and retaining good employees is becoming increasingly difficult. We can see that it has a higher percentage of female students than any other MBA program, implying that girls prefer it. Some business schools offer HR specialisations in the final year while others provide an MBA in human resource management.

A few IIMs including Indore, Ranchi, Trichy and Amritsar, offer this specialised MBA program.

This program is also offered by several excellent private-sector business schools including XLRI, MDI, TISS and SCMHRD.

What is Human Resource Management (HRM)

Organising, coordinating and managing workers within a company to achieve its mission, vision and objectives is known as human resource management. This covers finding, selecting, training, paying, keeping and inspiring staff members.

In order to help guarantee employee safety, HRM personnel also create and implement policies and procedures. The HRM team oversees compliance with state and federal laws that may be able to safeguard employees' personal data and guarantee their physical security as well as their mental and emotional health. HRM is essential to the smooth and effective operation of businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Why pursue an MBA in Human Resource Management?

Pursuing an MBA in HR can be useful for those who want to study subjects related to talent/manpower such as finding talent, selecting and training them according to the company's policy and keeping them motivated to work in the organisation for a long time. This program focuses on talent acquisition and recruitment, labour laws, HR technologies, training and development, compensation and benefits and so on.

MBA HR Fees

Fees for the course of MBA HR is obviously varied by college but it is either slightly lesser than the regular MBA program or equal to that. TISS Mumbai and JBIMS Mumbai are the colleges charging the lowest fees among the best MBA colleges in the country. XLRI’s MBA HR costs more than Rs 30 Lakh and IIM Indore would cost less than 20 lakh.

MBA HR Average Salary

The salary provided to the MBA HR graduates is at par with their other MBA counterparts such as MBA, MBA BM, MBA Finance, but of course varies by college. The highest average salary is offered to XLRI HR graduates at Rs 29 LPA followed by TISS Mumbai, IIM Indore and SCMHRD.

Entrance examinations to qualify for MBA HR Course

Different colleges accept the scores of different entrance examinations. Top MBA HR colleges XLRI accept the XAT score. CAT scores are accepted by TISS, IIM Indore, JBIMS Mumbai, MDI gurugram and IIM Ranchi and IIM Trichy. JBIMS accepts MH CET scores also. NMIMS conduct its own entrance examination called NMAT, scores for which is also accepted by XIMB for its MBA HR program. SNAP scores are accepted by SCMHRD pune.

Jobs after MBA HR

MBAs in HRM prepare candidates for positions such as  Talent Acquisition Manager or specialist, Talent Development Manager, Human Resources Information System Manager (HRISM), Diversity Officer, Organisational Development Manager, Compensation Manager, Employee Relationship Manager, HR Analytical Specialist, Workforce Planning and Development Manager, HR Project Manager and finally chief human resources manager or director HRM.

LIST OF 15 BEST MBA HR Colleges in India

The list of best 15 MBA HR colleges is given with their location, NIRF 25 and IIRF 25 rankings, Program fee, average salary and score of the entrance examinations accepted by the colleges.

1. Xavier School of Management – XLRI

XLRI Jamshedpur –  Established in 1949, XLRI Jamshedpur is India’s oldest and respected management institute. Founded in culture of ethics and social responsibility, its philosophy is ‘For the Greater Good’. Famous for its Human Resources and Business Management programs, XLRI offers a perfect atmosphere for learning and leadership development. Its solid corporate connect provides excellent placements, giving rise to a strong alumni of market leaders. XLRI beyond business It is not just the business that XLRI focuses on; it is about creating conscientious professionals who feel liable towards society. This living, breathing campus is an extraordinary lab for the testing of ideas that we then apply in our local community and on a global scale. This really sums up the brilliant stand taken by XLRI in management education!

Location: Jamshedpur and Delhi-NCR

NIRF 25 Ranking: 10

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 2

Approval: AICTE

Accreditation: AACSB, NBA and AMBA

Name of Program: PGDM-HRM

Program Fee: INR 30.6 Lakh

Average Package: INR 29 LPA

Entrance Exam: XAT

2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences – TISS

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), India's premier institution in social work education since 1936. Best known for its quality professional education in social science, social work, and health studies programmes at our Mumbai, Tuljapur, Guwahati and Hyderabad off-campuses.

Their cross-cutting methodology combines in-depth academic research and direct field action into new approaches that are transforming development, public policy, human resources and education worldwide. As a school of national importance TISS engages in teaching and research programmes that integrate knowledge, intervention and understanding to meet the needs of people across sectors.

Location: Mumbai

NIRF 24 Ranking: - NA

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: - NA

Approval: UGC, GOI

Accreditation: NAAC

Name of Program: MA-HRM&LR

Program Fee: INR 1.85 Lakh

Average Package: INR 26.31 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

3. Indian Institute of Management Indore—IIM Indore

One of the most beautiful campuses in India, IIM Indore has over 193 lush green acres in area on top of a hillock. As the sixth Indian Institute of Management, it is ranked among India's elite B-schools. Through its demanding flagship PGP program, it shapes leaders who possess both the analytical and practical countenance to change the face of business.

Besides academics, IIMI provides students with opportunities to develop their personalities through student committees, international exchange programs and the exclusive five-day 'Arthashastra' immersion program. The institute focuses on ethics and social responsibility as it prepares ethically responsible professionals. Backed by a renowned alumni base and AACSB accreditation, IIM Indore is churning out world-ready leaders.

Location: Indore

NIRF 25 Ranking: 8

IIRF Govt 25 Ranking: 5

Approval: MoE, GOI

Accreditation: EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA

Name of Program: MBA-HR

Program Fee: INR 18.43 Lakh

Average Package: INR 22 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

4. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management—JBIMS

JBIMS is one of India’s premier management education institutions promoting post-graduate management education, research and training of practitioners in business studies. Affiliated with the University of Mumbai, it is known as the “CEO Factory” for churning out an impressive number of business leaders. Famous for its fierce Master of Management Studies (MMS) program, JBIMS provides unmatched industry connect in the country’s financial capital. With its rigorous selection procedure, robust alumni base and track record of delivering quality education since 1965, JBIMS has always been one of the most ranking B-schools in India known for high ROI and radiant management education.

Location: Mumbai

NIRF 24 Ranking: -

IIRF Govt 25 Ranking: 6

Approval: UGC

Accreditation: -

Name of Program: Masters in HRD

Program Fee: INR 7 Lakh

Average Package: INR 21 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT, MH CET

5. Management Development Institute – MDI

MDI Gurugram (Management Development Institute) was established in 1973. Situated in the corporate suburb of Gurugram, it is among India’s elite management institutes. MDI is known for its PGPM course, especially other courses like National Management Programme and numerous executive programs. The institute has a beautiful campus, well-equiped infrastructure and very dynamic student life. Back by a strong faculty and a curriculum that emphasises leadership and innovation, MDI’s grads are in high demand with companies. With its prime position, students get unmatched exposure to the national capital region’s corporate environment.

Location: Gurugram 

NIRF 25 Ranking: 9

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 3

Approval: AICTE

Accreditation: AMBA, AACSB

Name of Program: PGDM-HRM

Program Fee : INR 24.99 Lakh

Average Package: INR 23.33 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

6. Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resources Development—SCMHRD

The Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune is one of the most sought after B-Schools in India known for its flagship MBA program. Founded in 1993 under the aegis of Symbiosis, it focuses on all-round development and industry-connect. SCMHRD has a niche as only an exclusive HR college, with strong specialisation across Marketing, Finance and Business Analytics. Famous for its challenging academic program, extremely talented faculty and excellent facilities, it is always among the top B-schools of India. The robust association between school and corporate makes it easier for the students to get placed in good companies thereby giving rise to nimble business leaders and strategic HR professionals who are ready to take on the complexity of a management world.

Location: Pune

NIRF 24 Ranking:  -

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 4

Approval: UGC

Accreditation: AACSB

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 26.3 Lakh

Average Package: INR 24.28 LPA

Entrance Exam: SNAP

7. Indian Institute of Management Ranchi—IIM Ranchi 

Located in the mineral-reach state of Jharkhand, IIM Ranchi is one of the premier B schools on the rise. It is one of the newest IIMs, having been established in 2010, which promotes a culture of innovation and academic rigor. The institute provides the flagship MBA, doctorate and executive programmes. IIM Ranchi with its emphasis on sustainability, analytics and experiential learning nurtures future leaders ready to make an indelible contribution to the world around. Its well laid out campus offers a conducive environment for an all round personality development. Based on the ancient Indian model of management education and research, IIM Ranchi aspires to contribute to the society by grooming leaders of change Management.

Location: Ranchi

NIRF 25 Ranking: 18

IIRF Govt 25 Ranking: 20

Approval: MoE, GOI

Accreditation: NA

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 17.5 Lakh

Average Package: INR 19.02 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

8. Indian Institute of Management Trichy—IIM Trichy

The Indian Institute of Management Trichy (IIM Trichy) was also founded on January 4, 2011 and is an Institute of National Importance as per the Government of India. The eleventh Indian Institute of Management is also one among the fastest growing second-generation IIMs in India.

It is a modern 175-acre campus in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu that runs programs from its registered accreditation. These include PGPM, a two-year full-time Program in Management, early stage Venture Capital fund, PGPM - Human Resources Training; MBA for Working Executives at Chennai and Doctoral programs.

IIM Trichy is 16th best B-school in India as per the NIRF 2025, which can be attributed to its academic excellence. It nurtures a developmental setting to appreciate leadership and skill growth; values ethics, industry interaction and an international staff-student mix.

Location: Trichy

NIRF 25 Ranking: 16

IIRF Govt 25 Ranking: 18

Approval: MoE, GOI

Accreditation: NA

Name of Program: MBA-HR

Program Fee : INR 21 Lakh

Average Package: INR 17.88 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

9. Indian Institute of Management Amritsar—IIM Amritsar

IIM Amritsar was set up in 2015 and is one of the newest addition to the elite league of IIMs. It is situated in holy city of Amritsar, Punjab which has blend of both country side and modernity. It has a two year MBA Program with excellent academic course and the idolization of leadership and entrepreneurial approach.

Spread across a lush 60-acre campus in Mohali (about 13 kms from the Chandigarh International Airport), IIM Amritsar is one of the leading IIMs used to provide industry exposure to its students. It is quickly establishing a name for itself by developing an engaged pool of future leaders who are ready to tackle the world's most intricate business problems.

Location: Amritsar

NIRF 25 Ranking: 64

IIRF Govt 25 Ranking: G-34

Approval: MoE, GOI

Accreditation: -

Name of Program: MBA-HR

Program Fee : INR 21.5 Lakh

Average Package: INR 19.73 PA

Entrance Exam: CAT

10. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies—NMIMS

NMIMS established in 1981, is a top private Deemed-to-be University based in Mumbai. The university is most popularly known for its management programs but has expanded to become a multi-disciplinary university offering programs in engineering, law, pharmacy, architecture and commerce across multiple campuses in India. NMIMS is one of the premier business schools in India and enjoys a stellar reputation in producing top-tier business leaders. The university has strong industry linkages, an exceptional placement record, and a rigorous academic course structure that aligns with the best practices in the management education sector. Disproportionately, the MBA program is highly coveted among business students and recruiters in India. NMIMS promotes critical and innovative thinking, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurship, all of which make it an ideal multidisciplinary Deemed University with a proven track record of excellence.

Location: Mumbai

NIRF 25 Ranking: 24

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 5

Approval: AICTE

Accreditation: EQUIS, AACSB and NAAC

Name of Program: MBA (HUMAN RESOURCE)

Program Fee: INR 26 Lakh

Average Package: INR 18.64 LPA

Entrance Exam: NMAT

11. Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar

XIM University is a private university located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha and is known for providing education in numerous fields of courses. Based on the rich heritage of Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), the university makes several program options available -for business sustainability, management, human resource, law and communications.

Driven by its Jesuit ethos of nurturing 'Magis' (the greater good) and social responsibility, XIM University focuses on intensive academics, ethics-based leadership and holistic human development. With its dynamic and caring community, experienced faculty and deeply connected alumni network, Seneca graduates are highly skilled and sought-after by employers. The university is a shining example of transformative learning and holistic education as it comes with an international perspective attuned to the national cause.

Location: Bhubaneswar

NIRF 25 Ranking: 45

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 10

Approval: UGC

Accreditation: NAAC, NBA

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 21 Lakh

Average Package: INR 17.02 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT, XAT, NMAT, XGMT

12. Indian Management Institute (IMI)

Indian Management Institute (IMI) Delhi, founded in 1981 is one of the best business schools in India with a strong emphasis on quality management education and has an accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB). Situated in the heart of country’s capital, it makes the best use of its location to offer unparalleled corporate exposure.

IMI Delhi provides the flagship PGDM program in core management, HR and analytics as well as executive education. The prestigious staff, the solid connection with the industry and a healthy campus life have made it conducive for all-round learning.

Consistently ranked among the best B-schools in India, IMI Delhi is renowned for moulding ethical global business leaders who can effectively navigate the ever-changing complex environment and also has a strong alumni base comprising of successful professionals within different industries spread across the globe.

Location: New Delhi

NIRF 25 Ranking: 40

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 7

Approval: AICTE

Accreditation: AACSB, AMBA, NBA

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 22 Lakh

Average Package: INR 16.73 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT, XAT, GMAT

13. T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI)

TAPMI (T. A. Pai Management Institute), established in 1980, is a B-School (AICTE approved) in India. A graduate business school with a tough as nails reputation and scenic campus at Manipal, it is rated amongst the top management institutions in the country.

TAPMI provides flagship courses such as PGDM, other specialised masters programs. The curriculum focuses on overall development of the individuals through a balanced mix of classroom inputs, field exposure and industry interface, professional / societal societies & culture round in its campus. The institute is known for its excellent placement record, very good faculty and a very active alumni network.

The mission of TAPMI is to build a future ready and responsible leaders, goaded by evidence based knowledge, grounded on professional orientation and oriented by human values in a dynamic global environment.

Location: Manipal

NIRF 25 Ranking: 39

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 12

Approval: AICTE

Accreditation: AACSB, AMBA

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 18.2 Lakh

Average Package: INR 16 LPA

Entrance Exam: 

14. UBS, Panjab University

UBS Panjab University was established in 1963 and is recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. About the Program University Business School, Chandigarh is a part of Panjab University known for academic excellence and formulating industry-specific course curriculum.

It provides high quality postgraduate studies such as MBA, MBA (HRM and PhD that attracts the best students all around the country. UBS enjoys excellent placement with leading corporate organisations, enabling the Quality of Faculty. The taught programme is delivered by research and technically qualified faculty. The UBS is a name synonymous with excellence, nurturing future leaders and entrepreneurs who go on to make indelible mark in the business world.

Location: Chandigarh

NIRF 25 Ranking: 92

IIRF Government 25 Ranking: 15

Approval: UGC

Accreditation: NAAC

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 0.47 Lakh

Average Package: INR 15.2 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

15.Nirma University

Nirma University a leading university based in Ahmedabad, which was established in the year 2003 is an illustrious institution known for its academic excellence and value-based education. It is on the vision of Dr. Karsanbhai Patel, the university has become multidisciplinary. Its premier Institute of Technology is reputed for its engineering studies, while its institutes of management, law, pharmacy and architecture have also made a name. This vast green campus promotes an atmosphere of learning with contemporary amenities. Nirma University lays sufficient stress on discipline, innovation and industry connect to produce employable graduates with a good track record of placement resulting in its recognition among the top universities in Gujarat.

Location: Ahmedabad

NIRF 25 Ranking: 53

IIRF Private 25 Ranking: 10

Approval: UGC

Accreditation: NAAC, NBA

Name of Program: MBA-HRM

Program Fee: INR 14.43 Lakh

Average Package: INR 11.22 LPA

Entrance Exam: CAT

CONCLUSIONS:

1. The top three colleges for MBA-HR/PGDM-HR are XLRI, TISS, and IIM Indore.

2. TISS and JBIMS are the country's best ROI HR business schools.

3. XLRI, SCMHRD, MDI and NMIMS charge the highest fees.

4. Students studying at XLRI and TISS are offered the highest average packages.