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

A Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (HRM) is a research doctorate degree 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, candidates should hold a Bachelor's and Master's degree in any stream with a minimum 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 Resource Management 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 PhD 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.

PhD in Human Resource Management Course Highlights

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

Why Study PhD in Human Resource Management?

The benefits of studying a PhD in HRM are:

• Offers scope for creating innovative research in human resource management.
• Creates strategic workforce planning and organisational behaviour depth.
• Creates high-level analytical and problem-solving abilities to manage complex HR issues.
• Creates professional career opportunities in academia, consultancy, and executive roles.
• Creates capacity to influence HR policies and practices across the world.
• Creates critical thinking and innovative employee management practices.
• Creates labour laws, diversity, and work ethos, with in-depth knowledge.
• Creates a professional network of scholars and business executives who are capable.
• Creates credibility and visibility as a human resource management specialist.
• Creates research publication opportunities in trend-setting conferences and journals.

PhD in Human Resource Management Eligibility Criteria

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

• 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 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:

• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 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 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