Are you a working professional looking to take your Human Resources (HR) career to the next level? An Executive MBA in HR might be the perfect path for you! This type of education is aimed at business people who practice in their workplace and decide to become better, study more, and receive a high position in their companies.
In this blog, we will explain an Executive MBA in HR, who is eligible for it, which entrance exam to take, specialisations under an Executive MBA, the names of the best colleges in India that offer an Executive MBA, what kind of jobs one can expect with the degree, and possible salary offers. Let’s dive in!
What is an Executive MBA in HR?
An Executive MBA is a specialised Master of Business Administration program focused on Human Resources. It is intended for working professionals and concentrates mainly on HR or related professions. Some courses that could be covered in the program are organisational behaviour, talent management, job laws, employee relations, and strategic human resource management.
Executive MBA aims to equip professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to handle complex HR issues, lead departments, and contribute to their organisation’s strategic goals. This program is usually taken part-time or via weekend classes, thus affording working individuals a chance to manage work and studies.
Key Features of an Executive MBA :
- Target Audience: Working professionals with significant work experience.
- Program Duration: Usually 1-2 years.
- Study Format: Part-time or weekend classes.
- Focus Areas: Advanced HR management, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Executive MBA: Eligibility
Executive MBA in HR is popular among working managers and professionals who seek to enhance their business careers. Thus, the admission process has specific prerequisites for the candidates. Here are the standard requirements:
- Work Experience: Most programs require candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of professional experience.
- Educational Qualification: To land a position in this career, one must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from a recognised university.
- Entrance Exam: In some cases, candidates may also be expected to write an entrance examination, such as the GMAT, GRE, or any examination prescribed by the intended university.
- Personal Interview: After clearing the entrance exam, candidates may have to go through a personal interview to assess their suitability for the program.
Executive MBA: Entrance Exam
Entrance exams are a vital component of the admission process for an Executive MBA in HR. Here are some of the standard entrance exams you might need to take:
Common Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | Description | Accepted By |
| GMAT | The Graduate Management Admission Test evaluates analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. | Many top business schools worldwide |
| GRE | The Graduate Record Examination assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. | Widely accepted by business schools globally |
| CAT | The Common Admission Test is used by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools in India. | Primarily Indian B-schools |
| University-Specific Tests | Some universities conduct their entrance exams. | Specific to the respective universities |
Tips for Preparing for MBA Entrance Exams
- Understand the Exam Format: You should have some essential tips, such as acquainting yourself with the structure, sections, and kinds of questions.
- Practice Regularly: For practice purposes, it is recommended that you read and review papers from previous years.
- Time Management: Introduce timetabling measures you will implement while answering those exams.
- Join a Coaching Centre: If the preparation for the examination is still a problem, you might need to join a coaching centre to help you prepare better.
Executive MBA Specialisations
An Executive MBA often offers various specialisations that allow you to focus on specific areas of HR. Here are some popular specialisations:
Popular Specialisations
| Specialisation | Description |
| Talent Management | It focuses on recruiting, developing the company, and retaining top talent. |
| Organisational Development | Deals with improving organisational effectiveness through planned change. |
| Employee Relations | Covers conflict resolution, labour laws, and employee engagement. |
| Strategic HRM | Involves aligning HR strategies with business goals to drive organisational success. |
| Compensation and Benefits | Specialise in designing and managing employee compensation and benefits programs. |
Choosing the Right Specialisation
When selecting a specialisation, consider your career goals, interests, and the demand for specific skills in the job market. For example, if you are passionate about improving workplace culture and resolving conflicts, Employee Relations might be the right fit.
Best Colleges in India for Executive MBA in HR with Full Course Fees
India has premier B-schools that provide an Executive MBA in the HR stream. Here are some of the top colleges, along with their annual fees:
| College Name | Location | Full Course Fees (Average INR) |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad, Mohali | 37,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | 32,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore | Bangalore | 30,50,000 |
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur | 29,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta | Kolkata | 31,00,000 |
Note – Fees may be subject to change over time. These colleges are renowned for their quality educational institutions, backed by faculty staff, course reputation, and excellent student placements. The business world has many opportunities for those who invest in an Executive MBA from these colleges.
Choosing the Right College
When selecting a college, consider the program’s reputation, faculty expertise, alumni network, and overall return on investment. Visiting campuses, attending information sessions, and talking to alums can provide valuable insights.
Best Job Roles in Executive MBA
Executive MBA enables professionals to have access to numerous well-paid positions. Here are some of the top positions you can aim for:
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
| HR Director | Leads the HR department, develops policies, and oversees HR strategies. | 10 LPA |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | Manages the recruitment process to attract and retain top talent. | 15 LPA |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | Designs and implements compensation structures and benefit programs. | 18 LPA |
| Employee Relations Manager | Handles employee grievances, conflict resolution, and job market relations. | 25 LPA |
| Organizational Development Consultant | Works on improving organisational effectiveness through strategic planning and change management. | 15 LPA |
Note – Salary may change depending on time, company, experience and location.
Conclusion
An Executive MBA in HR benefits individuals seeking careers in Human Resources. It ensures customers receive the appropriate skills and know-how to undertake directorial responsibilities and engage in strategic planning for resultative organisational performance. It’s easy to get a job and work simultaneously in high-ranking jobs with high remuneration, making this degree a worthy investment.
It opens a window of opportunity to learn HRM at a Postgraduate level, either in a specialised field of talent management, employee relations, or general EMBA in HRM. Many colleges in India offer well-recognized courses and are thus the best destinations to pursue the degree of Executive MBA.
Therefore, if you are willing to take the next step in your career, you should start an Executive MBA and become your best today.
Difference Between Executive MBA and Distance MBA: FAQs
Q1. What is the duration of an Executive MBA in HR?
An Executive MBA in HR typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the program structure and institution
Q2.Can I pursue an Executive MBA while working?
Yes, most Executive MBA programs referred to in HR programs are structured to accommodate working executives and, therefore, lack fixed class times, which might have been daily compared to traditional MBA programs.
Q3. What is the average cost of an Executive MBA in HR in India?
The cost estimate of an Executive MBA in India would vary from INR 15,00,000 to INR 35,00,000, depending on the college or university.
Q4. Do I need to take an entrance exam for an Executive MBA in HR?
In many institutions, students are often expected to take and pass entrance examinations, such as the GMAT, GRE, or CAT. Some universities also have tests that admit students.
Q5. What are the career prospects after completing an Executive MBA in HR?
Job placements are good, with chances for one to attain more elevated positions like being an HR Director, Talent Acquisition Manager and Organizational Development Consultant with good pay.
