Most PSU and Bank HR exams never officially publish a complete syllabus,and even when they do, real exam questions often go beyond it. This article gives you a Universal HR Syllabus, covering both Professional Knowledge (HRM, HRD, OB, IR, Labour Laws) and the Aptitude / General Paper, so nothing catches you off guard on exam day.
The HR Preparation Universal HR Syllabus is built by consolidating syllabi from multiple universities, institutions, standard books and past HR exams, so candidates preparing for PSU HR exams, IBPS SO HR, Bank SO HR and other HR competitive exams can prepare with a single, comprehensive reference.
What is the HR Exam Syllabus?
For those who are preparing for HR exams, it is essential to understand the syllabus for these exams. Any PSU exam consists of two papers, one is called professional knowledge or subject knowledge, and the second is a general paper or aptitude paper. Very few PSUs declare and publish a syllabus for their exams, and the rest may not, but no worries, in this article you will understand the universal syllabus.
Just like PSU HR exams, there are other HR exams too, such as IBPS SO HR, Bank HR exams and other HR competitive exams. In most cases, syllabi are not notified in the official notification or on the organisation's website.
This article provides an overview of the HR syllabus, including its two parts, professional knowledge and aptitude.
Why the Syllabus Plays an Important Role in Final Selection
If you are preparing for any HR competitive exam, you need to be aware of its syllabus. The HR syllabus for competitive exams plays a crucial role in qualifying for HR exams. If you know the syllabus for your PSU exam, your preparation stays on the right track, if you are not aware of it, you will be in a dilemma about what to prepare and how to prepare.
As mentioned above, any PSU exam consists of two parts, so you need to understand the syllabus for the HRM paper (professional knowledge) as well as the syllabus for the aptitude part.
Many PSUs do not declare the syllabus for their exam, but in the recruitment notification they mention the exam pattern, meaning how many questions come from each part, such as how many from subject-related/domain knowledge and how many from aptitude/general paper. In such cases, aspirants often worry about not knowing the exact syllabus.
So here, we are providing a common syllabus for all kinds of HR competitive exams, what we call the Universal Syllabus.
What is the Universal HR Syllabus for Competitive Exams?
A Universal Syllabus for HR exams is nothing but one common syllabus we have designed by combining topics from various sources, syllabi from different universities, institutions, standard books, and the syllabi of various HR exams. The reason behind building a universal syllabus for PSU HR exams, IBPS SO HR and other HR exams is to create a 360-degree syllabus that leaves nothing out.
Many PSUs or banks do not provide or notify their syllabus, and a few that do still ask real-time exam questions from outside that syllabus. Because of this practical problem, we built a common syllabus that goes beyond the official syllabus, so no question is missed in the exam.
Our research team keeps working on it, adding new topics and updating existing content from time to time. If a PSU/organisation has notified its syllabus, we first ensure 100% coverage of that official syllabus, and additionally provide the universal syllabus portion as part of the course, since a few questions may still come from outside the notified syllabus. If a PSU/organisation has not notified its syllabus, the universal syllabus itself forms the basis of our paid course.
In our paid course, we cover the syllabus for the Human Resource Management paper (domain knowledge) with all sections and topics, and the aptitude/general paper with all sections and topics. This syllabus is practical and approachable, paired with a preparation strategy for any kind of HR written test.
Does the HRM Syllabus for PSU Exams Vary From One Exam to Another?
Yes. India has many PSUs, and a few conduct their own written test while others consider the NTA UGC NET HRM score. If a PSU chooses to conduct a written test as part of its selection process, it notifies the exam pattern and syllabus, and even when notified, the syllabus may not be common across different PSUs because of their differing exam patterns and systems.
Sometimes there is little connection between the notified syllabus and the real-time questions asked in the exam, most of the time, questions are asked from outside the syllabus, which is exactly where our universal syllabus helps. In addition to the official syllabus, we add out-of-syllabus topics too in our paid course, for better scores in the written exam.
Just like the PSU HR syllabus, the aptitude/general paper for PSUs also varies from one exam to another. In this article, the aptitude syllabus for PSU exams is also given, broken down into different sections or units.
What Are the Other Sections in the HRM Syllabus for PSU Exams?
For your convenience and easy understanding, the entire content has been organised into different units or sections under Professional Knowledge/Subject Knowledge, Management, HRM, HRD, OB, IR, Labour Legislations, Labour Welfare & Market, Labour Laws, and Labour Codes. Each unit/section is further divided into different topics, as shown below.
Instead of reading a whole unit spanning many pages, reading limited pages topic-wise makes it much easier to understand each concept. In our paid course, every topic comes with dedicated study material and a test series, making the whole syllabus far more convenient to work through.
A few exams like IBPS SO HR and BOM SO HR have only a professional knowledge paper, so the professional knowledge syllabus below is sufficient for them. Most other PSUs have both a professional knowledge paper and a general/aptitude paper, so you'll find the general paper syllabus further down in this article too.
Professional Knowledge / Subject Knowledge Syllabus
As mentioned, we consolidated syllabi from various universities, institutions and colleges into a well-organised structure of units/sections with topics, as given below.
1. General Management
- Principles and Theories
- Functions of Management
- Strategic Management
- Business Statistics & Research Methodology
- Business Ethics
- Personnel Management & Public Personnel Administration
- Business Environment
2. Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Foundations of HRM
- Human Resource Planning
- Job Analysis and Design
- Recruitment and Selection
- Placement, Induction and Separation
- Compensation Management and Other Benefits
- Strategic HRM
- HR Audits and Accounting
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and Recent Trends
- International Human Resources Management (IHRM)
3. Human Resource Development (HRD)
- Fundamentals of HRD
- Performance Appraisal
- Training and Development
- Talent Management
- Organizational Development (OD) and Managing Change
4. Organisational Behaviour (OB)
- Fundamentals of OB
- Individual Behaviour
- Group and Team Behaviour
- Motivational Theories
- Leadership Theories
- Communication
- Industrial Psychology
- Knowledge Management
5. Industrial Relations (IR)
- Foundations of IR
- Industrial Disputes
- Trade Unionism
- Industrial Conflict and Code of Conduct
- Collective Bargaining
- Grievance and Discipline
- Workers' Participation in Management and Employers' Organizations
6. Labour Legislation
- Principles of Labour Legislation
- Constitutional Provisions
- International Labour Organisation (ILO)
- Wage Theories
- Transparency in Governance
7. Labour Welfare and Market
- Foundations of Labour Welfare
- Social Security
- Industrial Health and Safety
- Labour Administration and Market
8. Labour Laws
| # | Act |
|---|
| 1 | Employee State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948 |
| 2 | Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 |
| 3 | Employee's Compensation Act, 1923 |
| 4 | Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 |
| 5 | Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 |
| 6 | Trade Unions Act, 1926 |
| 7 | Minimum Wages Act, 1948 |
| 8 | Maternity Benefits Act, 1961 |
| 9 | Payment of Wages Act, 1936 |
| 10 | Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 |
| 11 | Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Act, 1952 |
| 12 | Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 |
| 13 | Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 |
| 14 | Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946 |
| 15 | Factories Act, 1948 |
| 16 | POSH Act, 2013 |
| 17 | Apprentices Act, 1961 |
| 18 | Employment Exchange Act, 1959 |
| 19 | RTI Act, 2005 |
9. Labour Codes
- Code on Wages, 2019
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Industrial Relations Code, 2020
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
Cover the Complete Professional Knowledge Syllabus With Confidence
You've just seen how wide the Professional Knowledge syllabus is Management, HRM, HRD, OB, IR, Labour Laws and Labour Codes. Prepare all of it systematically with structured study material and topic-wise test series from HR Preparation.
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Aptitude Part / General Paper
The aptitude part or general paper is typically a combination of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General English, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Computer Knowledge. Some exams cover all five sections, others cover only the first four, or a mix of the sections below. Exams like IBPS SO or BOM SO have only a professional knowledge paper, but most PSUs consist of both a professional knowledge paper and an aptitude paper.
1. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Simplification
- Averages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Work and Time
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Partnership
- Ages
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation (DI)
2. Reasoning
- Series Completion
- Analogy
- Coding and Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Directions
- Syllogism
- Seating Arrangement
- Statements and Arguments
- Assertion and Reason
3. English
- Reading Comprehension
- Common Errors
- Jumbled Sentences
- Cloze Test
- Phrase Replacement
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-word Substitutions
4. General Knowledge (GK) / General Awareness (GA)
- Ancient History
- Medieval Indian History
- Modern Indian History
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Indian Geography
- Current Affairs - National and International Events, Sports, Awards, Medals and Socio-political Events
5. Computer Knowledge
- History of Computers
- Hardware & Software
- Computer Networking
- Internet
- MS Office
- Database
- Abbreviations
- Shortcut Keys
This article has provided an overview of the HR syllabus for all kinds of HR exams along with the aptitude part, and discussed how it can help aspiring candidates prepare effectively. With the syllabus given above, you can start preparing for your exam right away. If you're wondering where to get study material and test series covering all these topics, you're at the right place, our paid course brings everything together in one place.
Exams Covered Under This Universal Syllabus
The Universal HR Syllabus applies across a wide range of PSU and Bank HR exams. Here are a few HR Preparation resources aligned to specific exams:
PSU HR Exams
Structured courses covering Professional Knowledge and Aptitude for PSU HR/Personnel Officer recruitment.
Explore PSU HR Exams ?
Bank SO HR / IBPS SO HR
Focused preparation for Bank Specialist Officer (HR/Personnel) exams, including IBPS SO HR and BOM SO HR.
Explore Bank SO HR Exams ?
IBPS SO HR (Specialist Officer)
Professional Knowledge-focused course aligned to the IBPS SO HR exam pattern.
View IBPS SO HR Course ?
UGC NET HRM (Code 55)
For candidates targeting NTA UGC NET HRM, considered by several PSUs in place of a written test.
View UGC NET HRM Course ?
Conclusion: Prepare With the Universal HR Syllabus
Understanding the syllabus is the first and most important step in preparing for any HR competitive exam. Since most PSUs and banks either do not notify a syllabus, or ask questions beyond what is notified, the Universal HR Syllabus gives candidates a single, comprehensive reference covering both Professional Knowledge and the Aptitude/General Paper.
Instead of collecting scattered notes from multiple sources, candidates can follow this syllabus topic by topic, and pair it with structured study material and test series from HR Preparation to prepare with confidence for PSU HR exams, IBPS SO HR, Bank SO HR and other HR competitive exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of the HR exam syllabus?
Understanding the HR exam syllabus is crucial for effective preparation and qualifying for HR exams. It helps candidates focus their study efforts and avoid confusion regarding what to prepare for the exam.
What does the universal HR syllabus cover?
The universal HR syllabus encompasses various topics from different sources, providing a comprehensive syllabus for HR competitive exams, including PSU HR exams, IBPS SO HR, and others.
Does the HRM syllabus for PSU exams differ from one exam to another?
Yes, the HRM syllabus for PSU exams may vary depending on the specific PSU's exam pattern and requirements. However, the universal syllabus serves as a comprehensive guide beyond the official syllabus.
What sections are included in the HR management syllabus for PSU exams?
The HR management syllabus for PSU exams covers units or sections related to management, HRM, HRD, OB, IR, labour legislations, labour welfare and market, and labour laws.
How can candidates best utilize the universal syllabus?
Candidates can utilize the universal syllabus by studying the topics systematically, focusing on understanding each topic thoroughly. Additionally, considering a paid course that offers study materials and test series can further enhance preparation.
What is the detailed syllabus for the HR Executive Trainee HR position?
The detailed syllabus for the HR Executive Trainee HR position encompasses a wide range of topics relevant to human resources, all of which are already covered in the universal syllabus above. Candidates preparing for the HR Executive Trainee HR position should focus on these topics to gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities and knowledge required for the role. By mastering these areas, candidates can enhance their chances of success in the selection process.
What is the syllabus for IBPS SO HR?
The syllabus for IBPS SO HR (Specialist Officer – Human Resources) covers various important topics in the field of human resources, which are covered in the Universal Syllabus. Aspirants preparing for the IBPS SO HR exam should focus on these topics to build a strong foundation in HR knowledge. Understanding the syllabus thoroughly and preparing accordingly will enhance their chances of scoring well and securing a Specialist Officer position in the HR domain through IBPS.
What does the HR examination syllabus entail?
The HR examination syllabus comprises a comprehensive range of topics essential for HR professionals. It covers areas such as HR management, organizational behavior, labour laws, recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, industrial relations, HR analytics, strategic HRM, and emerging trends in HR. Mastering these subjects is crucial for individuals preparing for HR exams, as it equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their HR careers.
Preparing for a Bank SO HR or IBPS SO HR Exam?
Exams like IBPS SO HR and BOM SO HR focus heavily on the Professional Knowledge paper. Build a strong foundation across HRM, HRD, OB, IR and Labour Laws with a structured Study - Practice - Test - Revise approach from HR Preparation.
Explore Bank SO HR Exam Courses