MA in HRM is a specialized 2-year Postgraduate degree which equips students with knowledge and ideas for leading and innovating in HR. It provides skills to recruit, hire, manage, motivate and improve performance of employees within an organization.
To be eligible one must have completed a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks. There are also certain entrance exams which need to be taken for applying at various colleges such as CUET PG, MAT, XAT, SNAP and few others.
The course fee in India ranges between INR 15,000-2,00,000 depending on college whether it is government or private. Some of the colleges offering MA in Human Resource Management courses are Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia, Andhra University, ASBM university and many others.
The HRM graduates can earn up to INR 4-8 LPA in various job positions such as Human Resource Manager, Compensation Manager, HR Generalist, Training & Development Manager and Employee Relations Manager. Top recruiters of M.A HRM graduates are TCS, L&T, Emami, Hyatt, Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group and many others.
Table of Contents
MA HRM Highlights Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Level of study | Masters (P.G.) |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | Completed Bachelor’s from recognised university with 50% marks Qualified in applicable entrance exams (CUET PG, MAT, XAT, SNAP) |
| Admission Process | Merit-based Entrance & Interview |
| Course Fees | INR 15,000-2,00,000 |
| Examination type | Semester |
| Average Salary | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Job profiles | Human Resource Executive, Recruiter, Compensation Manager, HR Generalist, Training & Development Manager and Employee Relations Manager |
| Recruiting companies | TCS, L&T, Emami, Hyatt, Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Group |
What is MA HRM?
The Master of Arts in Human Resource Management is a field of study that focuses on the strategic and operational management of people within organizations. It is a 2 year post graduate program for those who have completed bachelor's degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics related to managing human capital effectively, including recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, labour laws, employment relations, organizational behavior, performance management, strategic HR planning, diversity and inclusion, and HR analytics. Apart from theoretical studies, the programme is augmented with research, fieldwork, and a summer internship, resulting in a diverse work profile and in-depth learning.
Also read about PG Diploma in HRM
Why Study MA HRM?
Here are come of the reasons to pursue Master of Arts in Human Resource Management course:
- The course will help in landing jobs in senior HR positions such as Talent Acquisition Specialsit, Employee Relations Specialsit, HR Generalist.
- The HRM professionals are having high demand across various industries, thus it has got job security and potential for career growth. Even in times of economic downturn, companies need HR professionals to manage employees.
- It provides opportunities to connect with professionals all over the world and expand networks.
- The HRM graduates can work in any industry such as healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, IT and others.
- As an HR professional one can create a positive impact on people’s life. All it provides opportunities to recruit employees and help them in developing and growing their roles. HR professionals act as the first point of contact with any company.
MA HRM Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria for taking admission into M.A in Human Resource Management program are as follows:
- Completed graduation from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks.
- Qualify national/state/university level entrance exams.
- Some colleges also conduct personal interviews before admission which need to be qualified.
- There is no age limit for admission.
MA HRM Course Types
- Full-time/Regular- Majority of colleges or universities offer full-time courses only, where students need to attend regular classes. Such courses have scheduled classes and offer more enhanced interaction between students and professors. Few colleges offering full-time courses are Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia and St.Xavier’s College.
- Distance Learning/online- Recently, colleges have started providing distance learning courses in MA in Human Resource Management for working professionals who have to balance their jobs with studies. It allows students to study remotely by digital course materials and completing online assignments. The Andhra University and Acharya Nagarjuna University are offering distance learning courses in the same.
MA HRM Entrance Exams
The entrance exams to get admission into Master of Arts in HRM course are mentioned below:
| Exam Name | Level | Registration Date | Exam Date | Registration Fee |
| CUET PG 2026 | National | 2 January-1 February, 2026 (Tentative) | 13-31 March, 2026 (Tentative) | INR 1,400 (Gen) INR 1,200 (OBS/EWS) INR 1,100 (SC/ST/TG) INR 1,000 (PwD) |
| MAT 2026 | National | Dec 2025 - Mar 2026 | March 2026 | INR 2,100 (PBT/CBT) INR 3,600 (PBT & CBT) |
| XAT 2026 | University | 15 July-10 December, 2025 (Tentative) | 5 January, 2026 (Tentative) | INR 2,200 |
| SNAP 2025 | University | 5 August-22 November, 2025 | 2,9,15 December, 2025 | INR 2,250 |
| JMI EE 2026 | University | February-March, 2026 | April-May, 2026 | INR 750 |
MA HRM Admission Process 2025
The admission process for enrolling into Master of Arts in Human Resource Management have been listed below:
- Fill the online application form available on the college website by providing the relevant details and information.
- Many colleges and universities take admission on the basis of national-level entrance examination or their own institution-specific tests for assessing candidate’s aptitude in the program.
- Register for the entrance examination by filling out the required details and pay the applicable fee. Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview.
- If the entrance exam is qualified, attend the personal interview and demonstrate your suitability for the program and understanding of HR concepts.
- The final selection is based on the combination of factors including entrance exam score, academic results, work experience and performance in the personal interview.
- Selected candidates will receive final confirmation from college end.
- After receiving the confirmation, pay the admission fee to book your seat and start a new academic journey when the session begins.
MA HRM Syllabus
The syllabus in each semester for MA in Human Resource Management according to Tata Institute of Social Sciences have been mentioned below.
| 1st YEAR | |
| Semester-1 | Semester-2 |
| Bridge Course | Financial Management |
| Foundation Course | Labour Economics |
| Quantitative Research | Organisational Behaviour |
| Qualitative Research | Performance Management & Development |
| Management of Human Resources | Learning and Development |
| Industrial Relations & Trade Unions | Reward Management |
| Labour Law 1 | Employee Resourcing and Selection |
| Organisational Behaviour: Individual in the Organisation | Operations Management |
| Organisation theory and Design | Fieldwork |
| Managerial Communication | Elective Foundation Course |
| Fieldwork | Open Elective Course |
| Interaction with HR Heads | Development Center |
| Round table discussion on fieldwork followed by Industrial Visits | - |
| Understanding self and facilitating relationships | - |
| Rural Immersion | - |
| 2nd YEAR | |
| Semester-3 | Semester-4 |
| Marketing and Sales Management | Corporate Governance and Business Ethics |
| Change Management | Organisation Development |
| Labour Law 2 | Organisation Economics |
| Decent Work and Sustainability | Dissertation Stage 2 |
| Moral Leadership | Fieldwork |
| Digital Human Resource Management & HR Analytics | NGO Block Field Work |
| Assessment Center | Conflict Management and Negotiations |
| Dissertation Stage 1 | HRM and IR in Service Organisation |
| Fieldwork | Comparative Industrial Relations |
| Labour Administration | Talent Management |
| Employer Branding | Executive Compensation and Taxation |
| Human Resource Management in international settings | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness |
| Mental Health and Well-being at work | Artificial Intelligence and Organisation |
Top MA HRM Colleges in India & Fee
The top colleges in India offering MA in Human Resources Management course have been listed below:
| College Name | NIRF Ranking | Average Course Fee |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 13 | INR 25,000-30,000 |
| Kerala University | 38 | INR 10,560 |
| Andhra University | 41 | INR 34,100 |
| Bharathidasan University | 55 | INR 10,360 |
| Mahatma Gandhi University | 67 | INR 84,000-90,000 |
| Rajagiri Business School | 93 | INR 1,84,000 |
| Acharya Nagarjuna University | 97 | INR 20,000-22,000 |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences | 98 | INR 1,85,000 |
| Periyar University | 100 | INR 5,700 |
MA HRM Jobs & Salary
MA in HRM graduates can work in any field wherever it is needed to manage employees such as business firms, NGOs, government agencies and any other small or big company. Some of the best jobs available for MA in Human Resource Management graduates have been listed below:
| Job Title | Job Description | Recuiter | Average Salary |
| Functional Consultant-HRMS | Stakeholder Management, Team Management, Business Analysis | Anlight Consulting | INR 4-7 LPA |
| Career Counselor | Help students in deciding their career. Recruit, induct, train, mentor part-timer career counselors. | TCS | INR 5-7 LPA |
| Talent Acquisition Specialist | Strategic Talent Acquisition, Candidate sourcing & engagement, Recruitment, Candidate evaluation & selection | Parspec | INR 4-6 LPA |
| HR Generalist | Onboarding new employees and induction, manage entire employee life cycle, performance management, maintenance of employee files & records | Larsen & Toubro | INR 5-7 LPA |
| Recruiter | Responsible for managing end-to-end recruitment for various roles across domestic & international markets | Emami | INR 6 LPA |
| Assistant Manager- Human Resources | Assists in smooth and efficient running of the Personnel Department in the HR division. Assist the Director of HR in implementation of Hyatt’s philosophy throughout the hotel. | Hyatt | INR 6-8 LPA |
| Human Resource Executive | Right hiring, headcount control, budget controls and compliances around contractual workforce. Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development. | Tata Consumer Products | INR 4-6 LPA |
Course Comparison: MA HRM vs MBA HRM
The course comparison between MA in HRM and MBA in HRM has been discussed below:
| Particulars | MA in HRM | MBA in HRM |
| Level | Masters (P.G.) | Masters (P.G.) |
| Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Focus Area | HR-specific careers | Management roles in HR |
| Colleges | Jamia Millia Islamia, Kerala University, Andhra University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences. | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, XLRI-Xavier School of Management, Management Development Institute. |
| Job Roles | Talent Acquisition Specialist, HR Generalist, Training and Development Coordinator, Employee Relations Manager. | HR Business Partner, Human Resource Director, Change Management Leaders, Vice President of Human Resources. |
| Average Salary | INR 4-8 LPA | INR 5-12 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | L&T, Emami, Hyatt, Parspec, TCS | Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, TCS |
MA HRM FAQs
What is the eligibility for MA HRM at TISS?
For admission into MA in Human Resource Management at TISS, the candidates must have a bachelor's degree of 3 or 4 years. The admissions are based on CAT scores followed by an online assessment conducted by TISS.
Can I pursue MA in HRM from IGNOU?
No, IGNOU does not offer an MA in HRM. However, it offers a Post Graduate Diploma in HRM and an MBA in HRM through distance learning.
Is work experience needed for doing MA in HRM?
No, most colleges and universities only require bachelor’s degrees for MA in HRM program; however, having work experience as HR can be beneficial at the time of admission.
What are other higher studies options available after MA in Human Resource Management?
After completing MA in Human Resource Management, one can pursue higher studies like PhD in Management with focus on HRM, labour law, public relations management, etc.
Are scholarships or financial aids available for MA in HRM students?
Yes, few colleges offer scholarships for doing MA in Human Resource Management, depending on the marks scored in entrance exams. Few colleges also connect students with banks for easy student loan facilities which can be repaid in small installments after the completion of course
What skills will I develop during the MA in Human Resource Management course?
The Master's in Human Resource Management graduates will be able to develop a range of skills like HR planning, employee relations, recruitment and talent management, organisational behaviour analysis, employment law, and effective communication and leadership.
What career opportunities are available after completing the MA HRM program?
After completing the MA in Human Resource Management, the graduates can apply for job roles like HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Training and Development Manager, Employee Relations Advisor, or HR Business Partner. The graduates can also choose a path to senior leadership and consultancy roles.
