An MBA in HR is a great way to prepare for a successful career in human resource management. India is also one of the best management education destinations, where you can find many of the world's best management institutes. India's best MBA HR colleges provide specialized training, and you will gain knowledge and skills in various fields such as employment and recruitment, employee relations, training and development, organizational behavior, and strategic HR management.
Best MBA HR Colleges in India with Ranking
According to esteemed bodies such as NIRF and other benchmarks and rankings for 2024-2025, India has world-class MBA HR colleges, including:
College Name | Location | Key Highlights |
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Premier institute offering integrated HR & strategic management programs |
XLRI Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur | Oldest and most reputed HR-focused B-school with excellent placements |
Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University | Delhi | Affordable fees, outstanding ROI, top recruiters |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | Mumbai | Specializes in HR and social development with strong industry ties |
IIM Indore | Indore | Strong HR specialization with industry-relevant curriculum |
IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | Growing HR programs with high placements |
MDI Gurgaon | Gurgaon | Known for HR and general management excellence |
Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) | Pune | Focused HR programs recognized nationally |
SP Jain Institute of Management and Research | Mumbai | Globally accredited with strong HR curriculum |
International Management Institute (IMI) | Delhi | Well-structured HR specialization, good placement support |
Top 10 MBA HR Colleges in India
India has some of the best institutes in India offering specialized MBA programs in Human Resource Management. The table noted below is based on overall rankings at the national level, placement performances, and student preferences, and lists the top 10 MBA HR colleges in India that offer an excellent level of academic rigor, a strong industry linkage, and great opportunities for career development.
Rank | MBA HR College Name | Location | Highlights |
1 | XLRI Jamshedpur | Jamshedpur | Premier HR specialization, strong industry reputation |
2 | IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Top-ranked program, strategic HR focus |
3 | FMS Delhi | Delhi | Affordable fees, high ROI, excellent placements |
4 | Bangalore | Comprehensive management with HR specialization | |
5 | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | Mumbai | Social sector emphasis, leading HR research |
6 | SIBM Pune | Pune | Practical learning, industry-connected HR curriculum |
7 | SP Jain Institute, Mumbai | Mumbai | Global exposure, strong recruitment network |
8 | IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | Rigorous management education with HR electives |
9 | MDI Gurgaon | Gurgaon | Focus on leadership and HR analytics |
10 | Chennai | Growing reputation, emerging strong HR faculty |
Best MBA HR Colleges in India: Admission and Eligibility Process 2025:
For admission to the MBA HR Colleges in India, candidates are usually required to have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with minimum aggregate marks (usually 50%- sometimes relaxed for reserved categories) or equivalent. Candidates have to take a national-level entrance exam (such as CAT, XAT, CMAT, or GMAT) first and mention it on the application for the MBA HR program.
Applications will be received by MBA HR institutes with group discussions and personal interviews for shortlisted candidates. The group discussions and personal interviews are used to look for certain desired characteristics in several qualities: managerial qualities, communicative qualities, and HR Knowledge qualities.
Best MBA HR Colleges in India: Top MBA Entrance Exams
Mostly, the leading MBA HR Colleges in India will accept the following major entrance exams:
Major Entrance Exam | Full Form | Description | Accepted By (Top Colleges) |
CAT | Common Admission Test | National-level MBA entrance for IIMs and leading B-schools | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, IIM Lucknow, XLRI |
XAT | Xavier Aptitude Test | Conducted by XLRI Jamshedpur for admission in XLRI and partner colleges | XLRI Jamshedpur, XIM Bhubaneswar, SIBM Pune |
CMAT | Common Management Admission Test | AICTE-approved entrance exam for management programs | NMIMS Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, many AICTE-approved institutes |
MAT | Management Aptitude Test | National level exam for admissions in MBA and PGDM courses | Symbiosis Pune, JIMS Delhi, various private and govt colleges |
GMAT | Graduate Management Admission Test | International MBA entrance accepted globally | ISB Hyderabad, NMIMS Mumbai, many international programs |
It is important to prepare for these entrance exams very well, especially the CAT Exam for MBA, if you want to get into one of the top colleges.
Top MBA HR Colleges Accepting CAT Scores in India
Top institutes accepting CAT scores for their MBA HR courses include:
Rank | College Name | Location | Key Highlights | CAT Cutoff Percentile Range | Average Salary (INR LPA) |
1 | IIM Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | Premier institute with integrated HR programs | 98-99 | 34 |
2 | XLRI Jamshedpur | Jamshedpur | Oldest HR-focused B-school, top recruiter network | 95+ (via XAT, CAT for other programs) | 29-33 |
3 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | Delhi | Affordable fees, excellent placements | 98-99 | 34 |
4 | IIM Lucknow | Lucknow | Strong HR specialization and industry ties | 94-96 | 28-32 |
5 | SP Jain Institute of Management (SPJIMR) | Mumbai | Globally accredited, strong corporate connect | 92-95 | 28-32 |
Top Private MBA HR Colleges in India: Fees, Admissions, and Ranking
There has been a rise in private MBA HR colleges in India that provide great infrastructure and industry linkages. The top private colleges include:
Rank | College Name | Location | Approximate Fees (INR) | Key Highlights | Ranking Source(s) |
1 | Pune | ₹24-27 Lakhs | Strong corporate connect, customized HR programs | NIRF, Outlook, Shiksha | |
2 | SP Jain Institute of Management | Mumbai | ₹20-24 Lakhs | Globally accredited, industry-relevant curriculum | NIRF, Outlook |
3 | Chennai | ₹8-10 Lakhs | Emerging leader, analytics-driven HR curriculum | NIRF, Private Rankings | |
4 | Noida | ₹4-6 Lakhs | Flexible learning, UGC approved, industry-focused | Private Rankings | |
5 | Mumbai | ₹22-25 Lakhs | Diverse HR specializations, strong placement record | NIRF, Outlook | |
6 | International Management Institute (IMI) | Delhi | ₹18-20 Lakhs | Focused on strategic HR management, good corporate network | NIRF, Private Rankings |
7 | Hyderabad | ₹4-6 Lakhs | Affordable, reputed for HR and Business Management | Private Rankings | |
8 | Manipal | ₹16-18 Lakhs | Well-rounded HR programs with experiential learning | NIRF | |
9 | Mumbai | ₹12-13 Lakhs | Blend of academics and corporate interface | Private Rankings | |
10 | Hyderabad | ₹6-8 Lakhs | Affordable with focus on HR analytics and strategy | Private Rankings |
These colleges typically take entrance examination scores and academic merit into consideration for admission. The fees for these private institutions run from INR 8 to 25 lakhs, depending on their ranking and reputation.
Top Government MBA HR Colleges in India: Admission, Fees, and Rankings
Government MBA institutions generally provide good quality education and training to students at lower fees. Some of the top government MBA HR colleges are:
Rank | College Name | Location | Approximate Fees (INR) | Key Highlights | Ranking Source(s) |
1 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | ₹23-25 Lakhs | Top-ranked MBA with integrated HR specialization, excellent ROI | NIRF 2024, IIRF, Outlook |
2 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi | Delhi | ₹2.3 Lakhs | Affordable fees, outstanding placements, strong industry ties | NIRF 2024, IIRF |
3 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta | Kolkata | ₹26-28 Lakhs | Premier institute known for business analytics & HR management | NIRF 2024 |
4 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore | Bengaluru | ₹24 Lakhs | Comprehensive HR curriculum with global exposure | NIRF 2024 |
5 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow | Lucknow | ₹20-22 Lakhs | Strong alumni network and HR specialization | NIRF 2024 |
6 | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | Mumbai | ₹1.8-2.5 Lakhs | Known for excellence in HR and social development studies | NIRF, Outlook |
7 | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) | Mumbai | ₹14-16 Lakhs | Renowned government-aided institute with top HR placements | NIRF, IIRF |
8 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore | Indore | ₹19-21 Lakhs | Rapidly growing HR program with excellent placement records | NIRF |
9 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode | Kozhikode | ₹20-22 Lakhs | Focused HR curriculum, tech-integrated management education | NIRF |
10 | Department of Management Studies, IIT Roorkee | Roorkee | ₹9-10 Lakhs | IIT-based management program with emerging HR specialization | NIRF |
Top Distance MBA HR Colleges in India: Admission and Fees
Distance MBA programs are developed and designed for working individuals or potential learners, having the flexibility for students to be engaged in their professional work while still pursuing educational opportunities. While options are plentiful, the more popular providers of a Distance MBA program will include:
Rank | College Name | Location | Approximate Fees (INR) | Admission Process | Key Highlights |
1 | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) | Delhi | ₹62,000 (Full Program) | Based on OPENMAT exam, Online application | Oldest open university, flexible learning, strong print & digital resources |
2 | Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) | Pune | ₹50,000-₹62,000 | Online application, graduation eligibility | UGC-DEB approved, merit-based, reputed for HR distance MBA |
3 | Amity University Online | Noida | ₹1,99,000 | Online application, graduates from recognized universities | UGC-DEB approved, flexible learning mode, industry-oriented curriculum |
4 | NMIMS Global Access (Distance) | Multiple Cities | ₹2,10,000 | Online application, graduation eligibility | UGC-DEB, AICTE approved, good placement support |
5 | Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | ₹65,000 approx. | Online application, graduation eligibility | NAAC A+ accredited, recognized by UGC-DEB |
6 | ICFAI University Distance MBA | Hyderabad | ₹2,00,000 | Online/offline application, graduate degree | NAAC A++, AICTE, UGC certified, flexible self-study programs |
7 | Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | ₹58,000 (full) | Online application | UGC recognized, modern curriculum, extensive digital resources |
8 | Institute of Management Technology (IMT) CDL | Ghaziabad | ₹1,60,000 | Online application, graduation eligibility | Recognized by UGC-DEB, flexible study patterns |
9 | Annamalai University Distance MBA | Tamil Nadu | ₹40,000 approx. | Online application | UGC-DEB approved, affordable and flexible |
10 | University of Madras Distance MBA | Chennai | ₹44,690 approx. | Online/offline application | Affordable and recognized university |
The fee structure for Distance MBA HR programs can expect an expense of anywhere from INR 30,000 to INR 2 lakhs. Admission to the programs is based mostly on merit and/or through an online application.
Top MBA HR Colleges in India: Fees vs Salary
By studying an MBA in HR from good B-schools, with some top institutes reporting average placement salaries of more than INR 20 lakh per annum.
College Type | Average Fees (INR) | Average Salary Package (INR LPA) | Key Highlights |
Top IIMs | 15–25 Lakhs | 20–35+ LPA | Premier institutes with world-class placements and brand value |
Private Colleges | 8–25 Lakhs | 6–15 LPA | Growing private B-schools with strong industry connect |
Government Colleges | 2–6 Lakhs | 10–25 LPA | Affordable fees with excellent ROI and reputed alumni |
Distance MBA | 0.3–2 Lakhs | 4–8 LPA | Flexible learning for working professionals |
XLRI Jamshedpur | ₹22–25 Lakhs | ₹22–29 LPA | Top HR-specialized B-school with premium placements |
TISS Mumbai | ₹1.8–2.5 Lakhs | ₹18–24 LPA | Specialized in social development and HR |
FMS Delhi | ₹2.3 Lakhs | ₹28–35 LPA | Government institute with high ROI |
SP Jain Mumbai | ₹20–24 Lakhs | ₹20–30 LPA | Globally accredited, growing HR programs |
SCMHRD Pune | ₹22–24 Lakhs | ₹14–18 LPA | Strong HR curriculum with corporate tie-ups |
NMIMS Mumbai | ₹18–25 Lakhs | ₹15–20 LPA | Renowned private B-school with excellent placements |
Top MBA HR Colleges in India: Placement and Recruitment
Multinational companies and other industry giants are some of the top recruiters of MBA HR students, like:
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- IBM
- HCL Technologies
- Wipro
These companies appreciate MBA HR graduates for their employee management skills, leadership capabilities, and understanding of strategic HRM.
Top-Ranked Low MBA HR Colleges – India
For aspirants of low-fee MBA HR degrees in management education, several government colleges and private institutions offer affordable MBA HR courses, including:
Rank | College Name | Location | Approximate Fees (INR) | Average Salary (INR LPA) | Key Highlights | Ranking Source(s) |
1 | Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) | Delhi | ₹2.3 Lakhs | 28-35 LPA | Affordable fees, top government B-school, excellent ROI | NIRF, IIRF, Outlook |
2 | Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | ₹1.2 Lakhs | 7-8 LPA | Affordable, growing reputation, good placements | Private Rankings |
3 | Pondicherry University | Pondicherry | ₹60,000 - ₹80,000 | 5-6 LPA | Government university, low fees | NAAC accredited |
4 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | ₹50,000 - ₹70,000 | 4-5 LPA | Cost-effective, decent placement record | UGC recognized |
5 | University Business School (UBS) | Chandigarh | ₹42,700 | 12.4 LPA | High ROI, limited seats, focused HR training | Private Rankings |
6 | XISS Ranchi | Ranchi | ₹8.2 Lakhs | 13.1 LPA | Dedicated HR programs, reputed for industrial relations | Private Rankings |
7 | University of Madras | Chennai | ₹44,690 | 5-7 LPA | Affordable, well-recognized for distance MBA programs | UGC accredited |
8 | ICFAI Business School | Hyderabad | ₹6-8 Lakhs | 6-8 LPA | Affordable private institute with growing reputation | Private Rankings |
9 | Ambedkar University | Delhi | ₹3.5 Lakhs | 7.5 LPA | Government aided, focus on inclusive growth | NAAC accredited |
10 | DAVV Indore | Indore | ₹70,000 | 6-7 LPA | Affordable and reputed university | UGC recognized |
Top MBA HR Colleges in India: Top Specializations
The following are specializations available under MBA HR:
Rank | Specialization | Key Focus Areas | Popular Career Roles | Top Colleges Offering Specialization |
1 | Talent Acquisition | Recruitment strategies, employer branding, staffing | Talent Acquisition Specialist, Recruitment Manager | XLRI Jamshedpur, FMS Delhi, NMIMS Mumbai |
2 | Training & Development | Employee training, skill development, learning programs | Training Manager, Learning & Development Head | TISS Mumbai, SP Jain, IIM Bangalore |
3 | Industrial Relations | Labor laws, union negotiations, employee relations | Industrial Relations Manager, Labor Welfare Officer | IIM Lucknow, XLRI, MDI Gurgaon |
4 | Organizational Behaviour | Workplace culture, employee motivation, leadership | HR Manager, Organizational Development Manager | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, XLRI |
5 | HR Analytics | Data analysis, workforce metrics, predictive modeling | HR Analyst, Workforce Planning Analyst | ISB Hyderabad, Great Lakes Chennai, NMIMS Mumbai |
6 | Compensation & Benefits | Salary structuring, benefits management, payroll | Compensation Manager, Benefits Coordinator | XLRI, SP Jain, MDI Gurgaon |
7 | Strategic HRM | HR planning aligned with business strategy | HR Business Partner, Strategic HR Manager | IIM Bangalore, IIM Indore, TISS Mumbai |
8 | Diversity & Inclusion | Workplace equality, affirmative action policies | Diversity Manager, Inclusion Officer | TISS Mumbai, XLRI, NMIMS Mumbai |
9 | Employee Engagement | Retention strategies, employee satisfaction | Engagement Manager, Employee Relations Specialist | FMS Delhi, SP Jain, IIM Ranchi |
10 | Labour Welfare & Social Security | Employee welfare schemes, compliance with labor laws | Welfare Officer, Compliance Manager | Jamia Millia Islamia, TISS Mumbai |
Each of these specializations will allow students to customize their HR education towards their career goals.
Top MBA HR Colleges in India: Cost-wise
Determining which MBA HR college to apply to is usually based on price as well as education and placement quality. The following classification of MBA HR colleges in India was developed by fee brackets to allow MBA HR aspirants to match costs with career aspirations and expected returns.
Cost Category | Institutes Included | Approximate Fees (INR) | Key Highlights |
High-Cost Institutes | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI Jamshedpur | ₹20 Lakhs and above | Premier B-schools with global recognition, top placements |
Mid-Range Institutes | Symbiosis SIBM Pune, SP Jain Institute, Great Lakes Institute | ₹8–15 Lakhs | Strong industry ties, evolving curricula, good ROI |
Affordable Institutes | FMS Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, Distance MBA Colleges | ₹2 Lakhs or less | Government-backed, great ROI, suitable for budget-conscious students |
In conclusion, choosing the best MBA HR College in India is the first step of many in creating a career in human resource management. Whether you choose to attend the top-rated IIMs, a highly regarded private institution, or a distance MBA program, students should consider the quality of the curriculum, MBA in HR admissions, placement success, tuition fee, and entrance examination. The best MBA in HR programs in India offer industry-centric pedagogy (with specializations), and great placement opportunities for success in the field of human resource management as a future leader.