A PhD in Human Resource Management is a research doctorate that trains students to manage, counsel, or teach in the field of human resources, with a focus on gaining expertise in the principles, practices, and research methodology of HRM.
To be considered for a PhD in Human Resource Management in India, candidates should hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree in any stream with a minimum of 50-55% marks from a recognized university. Candidates should also be eligible for relevant entrance tests like CUET-PG, GATE, UGC-NET, CAT, and others.
The typical cost of preparation for a PhD in Human Resources in India varies from INR 90,000-5,00,000 based on the chosen university. Some of the best universities are IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Mumbai, IIM Udaipur, XIM University, K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, BITS Pilani, Symbiosis International, Shoolini University, GITAM University, GD Goenka University.
Once a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management is completed, one can become an Assistant Professor-HR, HR Manager, Learning & Development Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Human Resource Representative/Executive, Researcher and more. The average salary ranges from INR 8-16 LPA, based on the experience.
Table of Contents
- PhD in Human Resource Management Course Highlights
- What is PhD in Human Resource Management?
- Why Study PhD in Human Resource Management?
- Who Should Study PhD in Human Resource Management?
- PhD in Human Resource Management Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Human Resource Management Entrance Exams
- PhD in Human Resource Management Colleges and Fees
- PhD in Human Resource Management Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Human Resource Management Syllabus
- PhD HRM VS PhD Operations Management
- PhD in Human Resource Management Jobs and Salary
- PhD in Human Resource Management FAQs
PhD in Human Resource Management Course Highlights
Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in HRM course:
What is PhD in Human Resource Management?
A PhD in HR is the highest academic degree focused on understanding how people work within organizations. This program includes theory and research, and in most cases that enables the student to explore practical problems in the field of human resources by means of research and data analysis.
Individuals who pursue this degree want to either become a teacher, researcher, or advanced advisor. It is perfect for those who motivate individuals in the workplace and know how companies must develop favorable conditions that enable productivity and innovation. The potential career opportunities that one can achieve with a PhD in HRM include occupying a position as a university professor, HR strategist, organizational development consultant, or policy advisor.
Why Study PhD in Human Resource Management?
The benefits of studying a PhD in HRM are:
- Enhance the knowledge of human behavior and workplace relationships and strategic HR practices.
- Open doors to teaching positions, research roles, and publishing opportunities in top universities.
- Inspire new HR policies, labor laws and organizational structures based on the findings of research done.
- Drive innovation in talent management, diversity and inclusion, and performance strategies.
- Offer expert advice to organizations, government bodies, and global HR firms.
- Help businesses thrive by aligning human capital with strategic goals.
- Gain expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, HR analytics, and evidence-based decision-making.
Who Should Study PhD in Human Resource Management?
Mentioned below are the ideal candidates for pursuing this course:
- Individuals who would like to pursue careers as professors or researchers in HRM and organizational behavior.
- Experienced HR managers/gurus who want to further their knowledge and enter strategic functions.
- People who are interested in delivering evidence-based HR consulting or training.
- Individuals with a keenness to enhance company culture, leadership, and employee engagement.
- Anyone interested in using behavioral knowledge in the workplace.
- HR specialists who would like to affect labor laws, employment policies, and HR regulations.
- People who like resolving complex people-related problems in organizations.
- The people dedicated to scholarly research and who are able to do intense theoretic and analytic work.
- Individuals that are keen on engaging research-based processes to drive changes in the HR practices.
PhD in Human Resource Management Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for taking admission into the PhD in HR are as follows:
- MBA in HR or Master's degree in any discipline with 50-55% marks from a recognised university.
- For part-time applicants, a minimum of one year of experience in the related field of study is required.
- Qualification in applicable entrance examinations.
PhD in Human Resource Management Entrance Exams
The entrance exams for enrolling on the PhD in HRM course are listed below:
PhD in Human Resource Management Colleges and Fees
Some of the best institutions in India offering a PhD in Human Resource Management are given below:
PhD in Human Resource Management Admission Process 2025
The admission process for the PhD in HRM at BITS, Pilani has been given below:
Step 1: Interested and eligible candidates should apply through the prescribed application form available online on the institution's website.
Step 2: Candidates will need to register online prior to filling out the application form. A registered mobile number and email ID will be required to generate a username and password essential for filling out the application form.
Step 3: While filling the application form online, candidates are required to give preference of the campus or campuses to which they wish to apply. It is advised that the candidates provide preference after careful thought. The preferences cannot be changed after the submission of the application.
Step 4: The completed application form, along with the prescribed application fee, should be submitted online by the prescribed deadline.
Step 5: A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 2600/- is payable at the time of submission of the online form.
Step 6: A candidate can submit only one application form for PhD admission.
Step 7: The final decision on admitting the candidates to the PhD HRM program will be taken by the Admission Committee of the Institute and will be binding on all.
PhD in Human Resource Management Syllabus
The syllabus for the PhD in HRM is subject to change depending on the institution offering the course. Given below is the year-wise syllabus of the PhD in Human Resource Management at IIM Bangalore, covering coursework, research, and dissertation.
PhD HRM VS PhD Operations Management
Mentioned below is the comparison between PhD in HRM and PhD in Operations Management:
PhD in Human Resource Management Jobs and Salary
Few jobs and their salary for PhD in Human Resource Management have been listed below:
PhD in Human Resource Management FAQs
What is the duration of PhD in Human Resource Management?
The time frame differs with place to place and institution to institution but generally, a PhD in HRM will require approximately 3 to 5 years to finish on average basis depending upon the research speed and requirements of the dissertation.
What are the primary areas of research under PhD in Human Resources?
Common areas of study in most cases are employee motivation and engagement, organisational behaviour, leadership development, talent management, diversity and inclusion, workplace ethics, and the impact of AI and technology on HR practices.
What are some general problems that PhD candidates in HRM face?
General problems include getting a unique and appropriate research question, surviving lengthy literature reviews, dealing with data collection and analysis, and staying motivated during the research process.
Which HR earns the most?
Most of the HR professionals with the highest pay are the HR Directors, Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs), and Senior HR Managers of larger organizations or multinationals, and usually have a vast experience in talent management, compensation and strategic HR.
Which HR field is in demand?
Talent Acquisition and Recruitment, HR Analytics, Learning and Development and Diversity & Inclusion specialists are also the most popular HR sectors as the demand requires the optimization of the workforce and the change of corporate culture.
Is it possible to complete a PhD in Human Resources through online or part-time learning?
There are part-time or online PhDs offered by certain colleges, which is appropriate for working professionals but could involve regular face-to-face interaction or submission of research.
