MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

What is MBA in HR? Course Overview, Syllabus Colleges & Salary

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Kashyap Matani
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An MBA in HR focuses on talent acquisition, performance management, and organisational behavior. This 2-year program combines elements of a traditional MBA with HR-related courses. 

By the end of this blog, you will know everything about pursuing an MBA in HR - from top universities to the cost of studying and job opportunities.

Key Highlights:

  • London Business School, Symbiosis, and SP offer some of the best MBA programs in Human Resources.
  • The cost of studying for an MBA HR ranges from $20,000 to $120,000 (approximately ₹15 lakhs to ₹90 lakhs) in India and foreign countries. 
  • After graduating, you can work as an HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Chief Human Resources Officer, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 (INR 43 lakhs to INR 68 lakhs).

Table of Contents:

Why Study an MBA in HR?

Pursuing an MBA in HR provides a comprehensive understanding of human resource management, with strategic thinking, and leadership abilities. An MBA in HR prepares you to navigate complex workforce challenges and work culture by implementing innovative HR practices that align with business goals. 

You should pursue an MBA in HR because : 

  • Diverse Career Paths: An MBA in HRM opens doors to rewarding careers in HR management and leadership, talent acquisition and development, organisational development and consulting. 
  • Leadership Opportunities: An MBA in HR unlocks leadership roles in top organisations, driving business growth and success. 
  • Strategic Impact: By pursuing an MBA in HR, you can navigate the complexities of the modern workforce and make a lasting impact on your organisation.

If you are standing at the crossroads of your MBA journey, Yocket is your trusted guide. With 10+ years of experience, 10,000+ success stories, and USD 35 million in scholarships, Yocket equips you with insider knowledge, expert tips, and personalised support Explore Yocket Premium to take your MBA in HR journey to the next level. 

Types of MBA in HR Courses 

MBA in HR offers various types, including Full Time, Part-Time and Online courses. Each focuses on aspects like recruitment, talent management, and employee relations, catering to specific career paths in human resources.

  • Full-Time MBA: A full-time MBA in General Management offers a rich curriculum and networking opportunities.
  • Part-Time MBA: Perfect for balancing work and study, a part-time MBA in General Management allows you to take classes on evenings or weekends, giving you flexibility.
  • Online MBA: With an online, distance MBA, you can complete coursework digitally and connect with classmates and instructors.

Top Business Schools for MBA in HR

Top business schools for an MBA in HR abroad include Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Melbourne Business School. These programs offer specialised courses in consumer behavior, organisational learning and others.

  University

QS World MBA Rankings 2025

Annual Fees

London Business School 

03

INR 85.70 Lakhs

Harvard Business School

04

INR 62.60 Lakhs

Stanford Graduate School of Business

06

INR 69.40 Lakhs

Cambridge Judge Business School 

12

INR 63 Lakhs

Melbourne Business School

30

INR 62.50 Lakhs

Columbia Business School

34

44 Lakhs - 76 Lakhs

Alliance Manchester Business School

43

INR 45 Lakhs

Ivey Business School

49

INR 76.65 Lakhs

Warwick Business School

69

INR 48.54 Lakhs

Smith School of Business

94

INR 66.56 Lakhs

Top Business Schools for MBA in HR in India

Top Indian business schools for an MBA in human resources include TISS, ISB and SP Jain. These programs provide in-depth training in organisational learning, company management and others.

  University

2025 Rankings Indian Rankings

Fees

Indian School of Business (ISB)

01

24.6 Lakhs

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS)

04

2 Lakhs

Xavier School of Management (XLRI)

05

28.60 Lakhs

Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) 

12

INR 17.2 Lakhs - INR 24.2 Lakhs

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

13

1.85 Lakhs

SP Jain Institute of Management and Research

16

19 Lakhs

Institute of Management Technology

20

INR 20.3 Lakhs

National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE)

22

INR 14 Lakhs

K J Somaiya Institute of Management

24

INR 20.90 Lakhs

Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)

25

INR 17 Lakhs

Eligibility Criteria for an MBA in HR

Before you embark on this journey, you must understand the eligibility criteria for admission into this specialised program. 

Here’s what you need to know to ensure you meet the requirements for an MBA in HR:

Requirement

India

Abroad

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a 50% aggregate score

Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum 3.0 GPA

Work Experience

Not mandatory, but 1-2 years is a good addition

3+ years of work experience is mandatory for most B-schools

Entrance Exam

CAT, MAT, or equivalent scores required.

GMAT score of 650+ for good B-schools, and GRE above 320.

English Language Proficiency

Not required

TOEFL or IELTS scores required for non-native English speakers.

Documents Required

Not required mostly. Some universities may ask for LOR, and an Interview will be conducted

Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a Personal Statement or Essay, and a Resume.

Cost of Studying for an MBA in HR In India & Abroad

The financial investment required for an MBA in Human Resource Management can vary significantly based on your chosen country and institution. In addition to tuition fees, it's important to account for other expenses like books, materials, and administrative fees. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost ranges for an MBA in HRM across different countries.

India

Studying for an MBA in Human Resources in India offers a wide range of possibilities, with costs varying substantially based on institution reputation, location, and accreditation. Below is a table outlining the typical fees for some of India's most renowned colleges offering MBA in HR programs:

Below is a general overview of tuition costs for an MBA in HRM across various countries.

Expense Type

Average Cost (per year)

Tuition Fees

INR 10 - INR 30 lakh

Living Cost (Housing)

INR 1 - INR 3 lakh

Food

INR 50,000 - INR 1 lakh

Transportation

INR 20,000 - INR 50,000

Miscellaneous

INR 30,000 - INR 70,000

Abroad

Studying for an MBA in HR involves tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Costs vary widely depending on the country, city, and lifestyle. Many students explore scholarships, financial aid, and part-time work options to help manage expenses.

 

Expense Type

Average Cost (per year)

Tuition Fees

USD 30,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 25 - 60 lakh)

Living Cost (Housing)

USD 10,000 - USD 20,000 (INR 8.4 - 16.8 lakh)

Food

USD 3,000 - USD 5,000 (INR 2.5 - 4.2 lakh)

Transportation

USD 1,000 - USD 2,500 (INR 84,000 - 2.1 lakh)

Miscellaneous

USD 2,000 - USD 4,000 (INR 1.68 - 3.36 lakh)

Subjects Covered in MBA in HR

An MBA in Human Resources (HR) provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage an organisation's most valuable asset, its people. You'll learn to navigate the complexities of workforce dynamics, develop strategies for talent management, and foster a positive organisational culture. Below are the subjects mentioned : 

  • Organisational Behaviour: Examines how individuals and groups behave within organisations, focusing on motivation, teamwork, and culture.
  • Human Resource Management: Covers fundamental HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and policy development.
  • Talent Acquisition and Recruitment: Delves into strategies for attracting, selecting, and onboarding the right talent for an organisation.
  • Performance Management: Focuses on assessing and enhancing employee performance through feedback, evaluations, and development plans.
  • Compensation and Benefits: Explores designing effective compensation structures and benefit programs to attract and retain talent.
  • Labor Relations and Employment Law: Discusses legal aspects of employment, including labour laws, contracts, and dispute resolution.
  • Training and Development: Looks at methods for employee skill enhancement, career development, and organisational learning.
  • Strategic HRM: Aligns HR strategies with business goals, emphasising the strategic role of HR in organisational success.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Examines best practices for fostering a diverse workplace and promoting inclusive cultures.
  • HR Analytics: Introduces data-driven decision-making in HR, focusing on metrics and analytics to improve HR practices.

Entrance Exams for Pursuing MBA in HR in India vs Abroad

Admission to MBA programs in Human Resource Management often requires entrance exams that evaluate you to be prepared for advanced business studies. 

Below is a brief overview of common entrance exams for pursuing an MBA in HR, both in India and abroad.

Entrance Exam

India

Abroad

GMAT

Recognized by numerous leading B-schools in India.

Highly valued by a majority of international business schools.

GRE

Sometimes accepted as a GMAT alternative by certain institutions.

Often accepted in place of the GMAT at many global universities.

CAT

Main exam for admission into most Indian MBA programs.

Not applicable for international programs.

Institution-Specific Tests

Some universities require their entrance exams.

Some schools may have unique assessments or additional requirements.

Skills Developed During MBA in HR

In the ever-evolving field of Human Resources, a multidisciplinary skill set is crucial for MBA graduates to excel in talent management, organisational development, and employee relations. Here’s a table outlining all the skills required :

  • Strategic Thinking: You align HR strategies with business objectives.
  • Communication Skills: You’re skilled in both verbal and written communication.
  • Interpersonal Skills: You build relationships and manage teams effectively.
  • Negotiation Skills: You handle employment terms and conditions with ease.
  • Analytical Skills: You analyse data and metrics for sound decision-making.
  • Conflict Resolution: You manage and resolve workplace disputes smoothly.
  • Change Management: You lead and guide organisational change initiatives.
  • Project Management: You plan and execute HR projects efficiently.
  • Cultural Competency: You respect and understand diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Training and Development Skills: You design and implement impactful training programs.

Jobs and Salary after an MBA in HR

An MBA in HR opens up a range of high-paying roles. You can expect to earn an average salary of USD 80,000 (INR 67 lakhs) in top companies. You can work in people management, organisational development, and talent acquisition.

Here’s an overview of potential job roles and their average salaries after completing an MBA in HR:

Job Roles

Average Salary (USD)

Average Salary (INR)

HR Manager

$80,000 - $120,000

8 lakhs to 15 lakhs

Talent Acquisition Specialist

$60,000 - $90,000

5 lakhs to 10 lakhs

Organisational Development Consultant

$90,000 - $150,000

10 lakhs to 20 lakhs

Compensation and Benefits Manager

$90,000 - $130,000

10 lakhs to 18 lakhs

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

$150,000 - $300,000

25 lakhs to 50 lakhs

From the Desk of Yocket

As you look into an MBA in Human Resource Management, you'll find that this degree teaches you important skills in managing people and understanding workplace dynamics. Programs at well-known schools like Ivey Business School and London Business School provide practical knowledge that can help you succeed in various jobs.

To make the best choices for your MBA journey, consider scheduling a call with Yocket experts. They can give you personalised advice, help you through the application process, and connect you with the right program for your goals. Start your path to success with support from Yocket today!

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in HR

What are the key differences between pursuing an MBA in HR in India and abroad?

What is the typical duration of an MBA in HR program in India and abroad?

What are the admission requirements for an MBA in HR abroad?

What are the career opportunities after completing an MBA in HR?

How much does it cost to pursue an MBA in HR in India compared to abroad?

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