Online MBA in HRM in India 2026 – Fees, Eligibility, Career Scope

An online MBA in HRM is a 2-year flexible management degree that prepares you to handle hiring, training, performance, and people strategy for modern, tech-driven workplaces. Online MBA suits working professionals and fresh graduates who want a people-focused leadership role without pausing their career.

Quick overview: Online MBA in HRM 2026

Duration: Usually 2 years (4 semesters), with many universities allowing up to 4–5 years to finish.
Mode: Fully online with LMS access, recorded/live classes, discussion forums, and online exams.
Eligibility: Online MBA eligibility generally include bachelor’s degree in any stream from a UGC-recognised university, typically with 45–50% minimum marks; some ask for entrance tests or interviews.
Typical fee range: Around ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakh for the full course in most Indian universities, with EMI/loan options.
Key subjects: Organisational behaviour, HRM, labour laws, performance management, training & development, recruitment, compensation, HR analytics, strategic HR.
Who it suits: Working professionals in HR/admin, fresh graduates aiming for people-management careers, and career switchers from operations, sales, or IT.

India’s MBA education market itself is projected to reach about USD 12.9 billion by 2032, showing strong long-term demand for management degrees, including HRM.

Why HRM is a strong bet for 2026?

In 2025, MBA graduates are among India’s most employable, with reports showing employability rising to around 78%, up sharply from below 50% just a few years ago. This reflects growing demand for managers who can handle people, data, and change together.

HR roles are evolving beyond “hiring and firing” to:

Building inclusive, diverse workplaces.
Using HR analytics for better hiring and retention decisions.
Managing remote/hybrid teams, well-being, and mental health.
Aligning people strategy with business goals and compliance.

For students, this means HR roles in 2026 are likely to be more strategic, tech-enabled, and visible at leadership tables, especially in IT, e‑commerce, BFSI, healthcare, startups, and global capability centres.

Read: Building Your Professional Network While Studying Online MBA

Key features of an online MBA in HRM

Most good online MBA HRM programs in India share some common design:

2-year structure with core business subjects in year 1 and HR specialisation in year 2.
Credits-based curriculum (often 80–100+ credits) with continuous evaluation through quizzes, assignments, projects, and proctored exams.
Online learning support: LMS, e-content, recorded/live lectures, discussion boards, doubt-clearing sessions, and student support teams.
Focus on practical exposure via case studies, projects, simulations, and sometimes optional campus immersion or placement support.

In 2026, you may also see more:

HR analytics, AI in recruitment, and data-driven decision-making within the curriculum.
Emphasis on employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability as core HR themes.

Typical eligibility and admission process

For online MBA admission, colleges typically require:

A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognised university.
Minimum 45–50% marks; some may have relaxations for reserved categories.
Some universities accept applications based on merit, while others may consider entrance exams (CAT, MAT, XAT, or their own tests) or short interviews/SOPs, especially for competitive online programs.

General admission steps:

Check UGC/AICTE/UGC‑DEB approvals and NAAC/NIRF status of the university.
Fill online application form and upload documents (marksheets, ID, photos).
Pay registration fee and, if applicable, appear for entrance/interview.
On selection, pay semester fee or start EMI and get LMS access.

Fees and affordability in 2026

Many online MBA HRM programs in India cost between ₹50,000 and ₹2.5 lakh for the full course.
Some large online universities list per-semester fees in the range of ₹40,000–₹50,000, with grants and EMI options.
Public/open universities may offer HR-related MBAs at even lower fees (sometimes around ₹60,000–₹70,000 total).

Most universities also give:

No-cost EMI options for working professionals.
Early-bird scholarships or corporate tie-ups to reduce cost.

When deciding, it helps to compare:

Total program cost (including exam, registration, and digital fees).
Brand value and accreditation.
Flexibility and student support.

What you will study: core HR topics

Core subjects you usually encounter:

Principles of management, managerial economics, accounting, and marketing.
Organisational behaviour and organisational development.
Human resource management fundamentals.
Recruitment and selection.
Training and development.
Performance management and appraisal systems.
Compensation and benefits management.
Labour laws and industrial relations.
Strategic HRM and leadership.

Emerging subjects becoming common by 2026:

HR analytics and people data dashboards.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Remote workforce management and employee experience design.
HR tech, AI tools for hiring, and digital HR platforms.

Career scope and salary trends

Reports on India’s skills landscape show MBA graduates leading employability across all streams in 2025, with strong demand in management and HR roles. As India’s online education and MBA markets grow at over 20% and around 6% CAGR respectively, the number of HR roles in tech-enabled and service sectors is also expanding.

After an online MBA in HRM, career options may include:

HR generalist or HR executive.
Talent acquisition specialist or technical recruiter.
Training and development manager.
HR analyst or HR operations specialist.
Employee relations or industrial relations officer.
Compensation and benefits executive.
HR business partner (with experience).

Salary varies widely based on skills, city, company, and experience, but many sources suggest:

Entry-level HR roles for MBA HR grads may start around ₹3–6 LPA in many Indian cities.
With experience, mid-level roles such as HR manager, T&D manager, or HRBP can grow into higher single-digit or low double-digit LPA ranges, depending on performance and sector.

Remember, these are indicative ranges; actual packages vary based on your profile, negotiation, and market conditions.

Online vs Regular MBA in HRM

Both online and regular MBAs in HRM can be recognised if they are from UGC/AICTE-approved institutions following current distance/online regulations. The key differences between online and regular MBA lie in delivery and flexibility.

Online MBA HRM vs Regular MBA HRM

Aspect	Online MBA in HRM	Regular MBA in HRM
Mode	Fully online with LMS, recorded/live classes.	On-campus, full-time classroom learning.
Flexibility	High; suitable for working professionals and those outside metro cities.	Limited; generally needs full-time commitment.
Networking	Online communities, virtual events; depends on your effort.	Strong campus networks, clubs, and peer interaction.
Cost	Often more affordable overall (₹50k–₹2.5L in many cases).	Can be higher, especially in private or tier‑1 institutes.
Learning style	Self-paced with scheduled live sessions and online assessments.	Fixed schedule, frequent in-person sessions and activities.

For many working professionals, the online route is chosen because it allows them to continue earning while upgrading their qualification and skills.

How to decide if an online MBA in HRM is right for you?

This program works best if:

You enjoy working with people, solving workplace issues, and designing policies.
You are comfortable with data, reports, and HR tech tools.
You want flexibility to study alongside a job or personal responsibilities.
You aim for roles that blend empathy with business thinking.

Before enrolling, check:

Accreditation: UGC/AICTE/UGC‑DEB approvals, NAAC grade, and NIRF position wherever available.
Curriculum: Presence of HR analytics, labour laws, performance management, and strategic HR.
Support: Placement or career services, mentoring, and industry exposure.
Reviews: Feedback from current students or alumni on teaching quality and responsiveness.

Read: Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in an Online MBA

Top Colleges Offering Online MBA in HRM for 2026

Many UGC-approved universities now deliver online MBA in HRM programs that match regular degrees in validity and quality. These focus on working professionals with flexible schedules, strong LMS platforms, and practical HR training. Always verify current UGC-DEB approval on the official site before applying, as lists update yearly.

University	NIRF/NAAC Status	Approx. Total Fees (₹)	Key Highlights
NMIMS Global Access	NAAC A+	1.5–2 lakh	HR analytics focus, strong industry ties, 2-year program with live sessions
Lovely Professional University (LPU) Online	NIRF #38 (Univ), NAAC A++	1.4–1.5 lakh	Placement support, multiple HR electives, Punjab-based with global reach
Amity University Online	NAAC A+	1.5–2 lakh	Comprehensive LMS, career services, DEI and tech HR modules
Symbiosis (SSODL)	NAAC A++	1–1.5 lakh	Business stats, crisis management in HR, flexible exams up to 4 years
D.Y. Patil University Online	NIRF #44 (Mgmt), NAAC A++	1–1.6 lakh	Operations-linked HR, EMI options, Pune location advantage
Manav Rachna Online	NAAC A+	1.1–1.5 lakh	Employee management, learning & development focus, good for North India students
IGNOU	Top Open Univ NIRF	60k–70k	Affordable, wide reach, HR fundamentals with labour laws emphasis
Jain (Deemed-to-be) University Online	NIRF #77 (Mgmt), NAAC A++	1–1.5 lakh	Organizational development, business laws, Karnataka-based credibility

Short FAQ

Q1. What is the duration of an online MBA in HRM in India?
A. The minimum duration is usually 2 years, and some universities allow up to 4–5 years to complete all exams and credits.

Q2. What is the average fee for an online MBA in HRM?
A. Many Indian universities charge between ₹50,000 and ₹2.5 lakh for the complete program, excluding exam and registration charges; some premium options may cost more.

Q3. What are the main subjects in an online MBA HRM?
A. Key subjects typically include HRM, organisational behaviour, labour laws, performance management, recruitment, training and development, compensation, and HR analytics.

Q4. Is work experience compulsory?
A. Work experience is not compulsory everywhere; several universities accept fresh graduates, though some prefer or prioritise working professionals for online modes.

Q5. What kind of jobs can I get after this course?
A. Career options may include HR generalist, recruiter, HR analyst, training and development manager, employee relations specialist, and HR business partner over time, depending on your skills and experience.

Online MBA in HRM: Complete Guide for 2026