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PhD in Human Resource Management: Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Fees, Colleges, Admission 2025, Jobs and Salary

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Updated on May 11, 2025

Shibam Kumar

A PhD in Human Resource Management (HRM) is a doctoral-level research-intensive degree that educates students to manage, advise, or educate in the discipline of human resources, with an emphasis on acquiring competency in HRM principles, practices, and research methodology. 


To be eligible for a PhD in Human Resource Management, applicants must have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in any discipline with 50-55% minimum marks from a recognised university. They must also qualify for applicable entrance examinations such as CUET-PG, GATE, UGC-NET, CAT and others.


The average fee for studying for a PhD in Human Resource Management in India ranges between INR 90,000-5,00,000 depending on the university selected. Some of the top institutions 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.


After completing a  PhD in Human Resource Management, one can work as an Assistant Professor-HR, HR Manager, Learning & Development Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Human Resource Representative/Executive, Researcher and others. The average salary can range between INR 8-16 LPA, depending on the experience level.


PhD in Human Resource Management Course Highlights

Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the PhD in HRM course:

ParticularsDetails
Course Name Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (PhD HRM)
Level of Study Doctorate
Duration 3 years (can be extended up to 6 years)
Eligibility Criteria Master's degree in any discipline with 50-55% minimum marks from a recognised university
Qualify for applicable entrance examinations
Entrance Exams UGC-NET, CUET PG, CAT, GATE, X-RAT
Admission Process Entrance-Based
Course Fee INR 90,000-5,00,000
Colleges/Universities IIM Bangalore, 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
Average Salary INR 8-15 LPA
Job Roles Assistant Professor-HR, HR Manager, Learning & Development Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Human Resource Representative/Executive

Why Study PhD in Human Resource Management?

The benefits of studying PhD in HRM are:

  • Offers a chance to contribute original research to the domain of human resource management.  
  • Deepens knowledge in strategic workforce planning and organizational behavior.  
  • Cultivates advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities for intricate HR issues.  
  • Broadens career prospects in academia, consulting, and executive roles.  
  • Enhances the capacity to impact HR policies and practices on a global scale.  
  • Promotes critical thinking and creativity in strategies for managing employees.  
  • Encourages a thorough comprehension of labor laws, diversity, and workplace ethics.  
  • Establishes a robust professional network with academics and industry leaders.  
  • Boosts credibility and acknowledgment as a specialist in human resource management.  
  • Creates opportunities to publish research in leading journals and at conferences.  


PhD in Human Resource Management: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for taking admission into PhD in HRM are as follows:

  • Master degree in any discipline with 50-55% marks from a recognised university.
  • For part-time applicants, a minimum of one year 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 PhD HRM course are listed below:

ExamLevel Registration DateExam DateApplication Fee
UGC-NET 2025 National Mar-Apr 2025
(Tentative)
June 2025
(Tentative)
INR 1150 (Gen)
INR 600 (OBC/EWS)
INR 325 (SC/ST/PwD/TG)
CAT 2025 National Aug 2025 30 Nov 2025 INR 1,250 (SC/ST/PWD)
INR 2,500 (others)
GATE 2025 National 28 Aug–11 Oct 2024 1, 2, 15, 16 Feb 2025 INR 1800 (UR)
INR 900 (SC/ST/PwD)
CUET-PG 2025 National 2 Jan-8 Feb 2025 13 Mar-1 Apr 2025 INR 1400 (Gen)
INR 1200 (OBC/EWS)
INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG/PwD)
X-RAT 2025 University 15 Jul-10 Dec 2024 5 Jan 2025 INR 2200

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:

InstitutionsNIRF Ranking Course Fee
IIM Bangalore 2 (Management) -
IIM Calcutta 5 (Management) -
IIM Mumbai 6 (Management) INR 4,50,000
IIM Udaipur 22 (Management) -
XIM University, Bhubaneshwar 43 (Management) INR 3,00,000
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai 63 (Management) INR 1,50,000
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani 19 (University) INR 2,50,000
Symbiosis International, Pune 31 (University) INR 1,80,000
Shoolini University, Bajhol 70 (University) INR 4,77,000
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat - INR 4000 (Male)
INR 10,500 (Female)
GITAM University, Visakhapatnam - INR 90,000
Allana Institute of Management Science, Pune - INR 5,00,000
GD Goenka University, Sohna - INR 1,70,000

PhD in Human Resource Management Admission Process 2025

The admission process for PhD in HRM at BITS, Pilani has been given below:

  • Interested and eligible candidates should apply through the prescribed application form available online on the institution's website. 
  • Candidates will need to register online prior to filling the application form. A registered mobile number and email ID will be required to generate a username and password essential for filling the application form. 
  • While filling the application form online, candidates are required to give preference of the campus or campuses to which they wish to apply for. It is advised that the candidates provide preference after careful thought. The preferences cannot be changed after submission of application. 
  • The completed application form along with the prescribed application fee should be submitted online by the prescribed deadline. 
  • A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 2600/- is payable at the time of submission of the online form. 
  • A candidate can submit only one application form for PhD admission. 
  • The final decision on admitting the candidates to the PhD HRMprogram 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 PhD in HRM is subject to change depending upon the institution offering the course. However, the core subjects remain the same in all. The common core subjects covered during the course are as follows:

  • Research Methodology
  • Research and Publication Ethics
  • Organizational Change and Development
  • Performance Management
  • Organization Behavior
  • Human Resource Development
  • Training and Development


PhD in Human Resource Management Jobs and Salary

Few jobs and their salary for PhD in Human Resource Management have been listed below:

Job RoleRecruitersExperience LevelAverage Salary
Assistant Professor-HR Reva University/Ahmedabad University/Shraddha University/JK Business School 1-2 years INR 8-10 LPA
Human Resource Representative/Executive NextGrowth Labs/Dinero Solutions/Aycom Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. 2-3 years INR 8-10 LPA
Human Resource Manager Azelis/IG International/Sprink/TelSpiel Communications/Mahindra & Mahindra/Atul Paper Private Limited 2-3 years INR 12-15 LPA
Learning & Development Manager Aliqan Technologies/L&T/Maruti Suzuki India Ltd./Techknomatic Services 3-4 years INR 10-12 LPA
Labour Relations Manager Continental/Eaton/Diageo/L&T/OpenText 3-4 years INR 12-15 LPA

PhD in Human Resource Management FAQs

PhD in Human Resource Management is for how many years?

The time frame differs by region and institution, but on average, a PhD in HRM generally takes between 3 to 5 years to finish, depending on the progress of research and the requirements for the dissertation.

Which major research topics are explored in a PhD in HRM?

Key research topics often include employee motivation and engagement, organizational behavior, leadership development, talent management, diversity and inclusion, workplace ethics, and the effects of AI and technology on HR practices.

Is publishing research papers a requirement during a PhD in HRM?

Most academic institutions either mandate or highly encourage the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals, as it improves academic stature and contributes to the discipline.

What typical challenges do PhD candidates in HRM encounter?

Common challenges include identifying a distinctive and meaningful research topic, managing comprehensive literature reviews, navigating data collection and analysis, and sustaining motivation throughout the research experience.

Is it possible to pursue a PhD in HRM part-time or through online means?

Some educational institutions provide part-time or online PhD options, offering flexibility for working professionals, though these programs may necessitate occasional in-person meetings or research presentations.


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