Masters in Human Resource Development [MHRD]

The Masters in Human Resource Development (MHRD) at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai is a two-year full-time master's degree programme launched in 2019, designed to develop HR leaders who can function as strategic business partners. The programme offers an extensive curriculum covering Talent Attraction, Compensation Administration, Performance Management, Industrial Relations, HR Analytics, AI and Digitization, and Organizational Development. The total course fee is Rs. 7 Lakhs for the two-year programme. The primary qualifying exams accepted are MAH-MBA/MMS CET and CAT. The seat intake is 30 students per batch. The programme is offered in full-time on-campus mode at JBIMS's Churchgate, Mumbai campus and is popular for its strong industry interface, JBIMS brand value, and excellent placement outcomes in the HR domain.

Admissions for the 2026-28 batch are expected to open after the MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 results are declared (tentatively around June 2026). The application form for MHRD is opened for a stipulated period on the JBIMS portal. Candidates must have appeared for MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 or CAT 2025 to be eligible. The admission process involves shortlisting based on CET/CAT scores, followed by an In-Person Assessment (IPA) comprising Group Activity (GA), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). For the 2025-27 batch, the MHRD admission last date was June 28 - July 14, 2025.

Key Points

• One of the few dedicated MHRD programmes in India offered by a top-ranked management institute (JBIMS), with a strong focus on strategic HR and business partnership.
• The programme was launched in 2019 and has quickly established itself as a preferred destination for HR aspirants in India.
• Covers contemporary HR topics including HR Analytics, AI and Digitization in HR, Psychometric Testing, Competency Mapping, and Assessment Centres.
• Students undertake a Field Project in Semester II and a comprehensive dissertation/project in Year 2.
• Located in Churchgate, Mumbai, providing access to India's largest corporate ecosystem for internships and placements.
• The MHRD batch is small (30 students), ensuring personalised mentoring and strong peer learning.
• The programme follows the National Education Policy (NEP) revised curriculum, keeping it aligned with current industry requirements.

JBIMS MHRD Fees

The MHRD programme at JBIMS Mumbai is priced at Rs. 7 Lakhs for the full two-year programme, making it one of the most affordable dedicated HR master's programmes at a top-ranked institution in India. Full fees are to be paid at the time of admission. Hostel accommodation cannot be guaranteed and candidates are advised to verify availability and hostel fees separately.

Fee Breakdown

• Full fees are to be paid at the time of admission as per JBIMS policy.
• Hostel accommodation is not guaranteed. Candidates are advised to personally verify availability and hostel fees with the institute before admission.
• Cancellation of admission is governed by University of Mumbai Ordinance O.3574. Admission can be cancelled within 15 days of commencement of classes (without attending any session) for a refund.
• Reservation seats are allotted only to Maharashtra State Domicile candidates with valid documents.
• There are no seats reserved for NRI, PIO, CIWGC, or Foreign Nationals.

JBIMS MHRD Admission 2026

The MHRD admission at JBIMS is a selective process with only 30 seats. From the list of qualified candidates, a reservation-based merit list of approximately 300 applicants is computed based on MAH CET/CAT scores. Shortlisted candidates undergo In-Person Assessment (IPA) comprising Group Activity (GA), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT). The Total Score is based on IPA performance. For the 2025-27 batch, the MHRD admission window was open from June 28 to July 14, 2025.

JBIMS MHRD Admission Dates

Qualifying Exam Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (any discipline) with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for Reserved category candidates).
• Candidates must have appeared for MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 or CAT 2025.
• Minimum 60% marks in 10th Standard (55% for Reserved category).
• Minimum 60% marks in 12th Standard (55% for Reserved category).
• Expected MAH-MBA/MMS CET cutoff for MHRD: 90-92 percentile (General), 80-85 percentile (Reserved).

Admission Process

• Register and appear for MAH-MBA/MMS CET 2026 or CAT 2025.
• After CET result declaration, apply on the JBIMS portal for MHRD admission within the stipulated period.
• Shortlisting of approximately 300 candidates is done based on MAH CET/CAT scores (reservation-based merit list).
• Shortlisted candidates appear for In-Person Assessment (IPA): Group Activity (GA) - 40 marks, Personal Interview (PI) - 50 marks, Written Ability Test (WAT) - 10 marks (300-word Statement of Purpose essay).
• Final selection of 30 students is done as per MHRD admission norms.
• Seat allotment is done as per Government of Maharashtra and University of Mumbai norms.
• Full fees to be paid at the time of admission.

JBIMS MHRD Scholarships 2026

JBIMS Mumbai offers limited scholarship opportunities. The Smt. Jyoti Dwivedi Memorial Scholarship is available to JBIMS students facing financial difficulties, and MHRD students may be eligible. Students from reserved categories benefit from reduced tuition fees as per Maharashtra government norms. The institute's relatively low fee structure compared to private HR programmes is itself a significant financial advantage.

Scholarship Details

• The Smt. Jyoti Dwivedi Memorial Scholarship is primarily awarded to MMS students but MHRD students are advised to check with the JBIMS administration for current eligibility.
• Maharashtra government scholarships (EBC, OBC, SC/ST) are available to eligible domicile students as per state government norms. Students must apply through the Maharashtra Scholarship Portal.
• Reduced tuition fees are applicable for SC/OBC category students as per University of Mumbai and Government of Maharashtra norms.
• No specific application deadline is publicly listed for institute-level scholarships; candidates are advised to check the JBIMS website announcements section.

JBIMS MHRD Placement 2026

The MHRD programme at JBIMS Mumbai has delivered strong placement outcomes since its launch in 2019. The small batch size of 30 students ensures focused placement support and high-quality recruiter engagement. The 2024-26 batch recorded a highest package of Rs. 34-40 LPA and an average package of over Rs. 20 LPA, with top recruiters including McKinsey, EY, Deloitte, Accenture, and Aditya Birla Group. Roles offered include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning and Development Manager, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, and HR Consultant.

Placement Statistics

As mentioned, JBIMS Mumbai offers admission to MHRD Human Resource Development program based on CAT percentile. JBIMS Mumbai CAT Cutoff 2025 percentile is 96 for the General category. Further, CAT cutoff percentile is 96 for OBC , 96 for SC , 96 for ST and 96 for EWS category. Check JBIMS Mumbai Cutoff

JBIMS Mumbai MHRD Human Resource Development Cutoff Year-wise Trends

The section below shows year-wise trends in JBIMS Mumbai MHRD Human Resource Development Cutoff. According to year-wise trends, admission to the JBIMS Mumbai MHRD Human Resource Development program in 2025 was closed at the 96 percentile , whereas in 2024, the closing percentile was 96 across all categories.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, JBIMS Mumbai ranks 16 out of 372 colleges in India for its MHRD Human Resource Development program.

• 20 out of 275 under India Today Management Ranking 2024.
• 10 out of 150 under The Week Management Ranking 2019.
• 10 out of 25 under Outlook Management Ranking 2026.
• 6 out of 100 under IIRF Management Ranking 2025.
• 10 out of 50 under The Times Of India Management Ranking 2019.

Read more on JBIMS Mumbai Rankings here

JBIMS MHRD FAQs

Ques. What makes JBIMS MHRD different from a regular MBA with HR specialisation?

Ans. The JBIMS MHRD is a dedicated, specialised HR programme with a focused curriculum covering Strategic HRM, HR Analytics, AI and Digitization in HR, Psychometric Testing, Competency Mapping, Industrial Relations, and Organizational Development. Unlike a general MBA with HR electives, MHRD provides deep expertise in the HR domain from Day 1. The small batch size of 30 students ensures personalised mentoring and a tight-knit alumni network. The JBIMS brand, combined with Mumbai's corporate ecosystem, gives MHRD graduates a significant edge in HR careers.

Ques. What is the expected MAH CET percentile required for JBIMS MHRD admission?

Ans. The expected MAH-MBA/MMS CET cutoff for JBIMS MHRD is approximately 90-92 percentile for the General category and 80-85 percentile for Reserved category candidates. This is significantly lower than the MMS cutoff (99.95+ percentile), making MHRD a more accessible route to JBIMS for candidates with strong HR interest. However, the final selection is based on In-Person Assessment (IPA) performance, so a strong PI and Group Activity performance is crucial.

Ques. Is work experience required for JBIMS MHRD admission?

Ans. Work experience is not mandatory for JBIMS MHRD admission. Fresh graduates are eligible to apply. However, work experience is considered as part of the Application Rating Score (ARS) and can strengthen a candidate's profile. Candidates with prior HR internships, corporate exposure, or relevant work experience tend to perform better in the Personal Interview and Group Activity rounds.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after JBIMS MHRD? Which companies hire MHRD graduates?

Ans. JBIMS MHRD graduates are hired across consulting firms, BFSI, FMCG, IT, and manufacturing sectors. Key roles include HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning and Development Manager, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, HR Consultant, and Organizational Development Specialist. The 2024-26 batch saw recruiters like McKinsey, EY, Deloitte, Accenture, and Aditya Birla Group, with an average package of over Rs. 20 LPA and a highest package of Rs. 34-40 LPA.

Ques. Does JBIMS MHRD cover HR technology and analytics? Is it relevant for the current job market?

Ans. Yes, the MHRD curriculum has been updated under the NEP to include HR Analytics, AI and Digitization in HR, and HR Information Systems. These are among the most in-demand skills in the current HR job market. The programme also covers Psychometric Testing and Competency Mapping, which are increasingly used by organisations for talent assessment. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for both traditional HR roles and emerging tech-driven HR functions.

Ques. How does the Group Activity (GA) in JBIMS MHRD IPA differ from a regular GD?

Ans. The Group Activity (GA) at JBIMS MHRD is evaluated for 40 marks and assesses leadership, communication, initiative, interest in the group activity, and logical reasoning/sequencing. It is conducted in groups of 12-15 candidates. Unlike a traditional Group Discussion (GD) which focuses on debate and argumentation, the GA at JBIMS MHRD may involve collaborative tasks, case-based discussions, or role-play scenarios that test behavioural competencies relevant to HR leadership. Candidates are advised to demonstrate empathy, active listening, and structured thinking during the GA.