A Major Update for Aspirants TISS Admissions for 2026-27 Through CAT 2025

Admissions to TISS's prestigious MBA programs will be based on CAT 2025 scores. This guide is for every management aspirant and covers the updated TISS admission criteria, selection process, and key dates for a successful MBA admission.

In a significant and anticipated development for management aspirants, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has confirmed that admissions to its three major management programs will be conducted through CAT 2025 scores. This includes the highly sought-after MA in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR), MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL), and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA). This decision streamlines the application process for students, eliminating the need to take a separate TISSNET exam. For students targeting TISS, a strong CAT 2025 score is now the primary gateway to these prestigious programs and a successful MBA admission. For regular updates on all management entrance exams, follow Only Education News.

New Selection Process and Key Dates

The TISS admission process for the 2026-27 academic session will now be a two-stage process. The first stage involves shortlisting candidates based on their CAT score, followed by an Online Assessment (OA) which includes an Online Interview (OPI) and for some courses, an Extempore/Case-let Discussion (ERT).

Important Dates for TISS Admission 2026-27:

• CAT 2025 Registration Window: August 2, 2025, to September 21, 2025
• TISS Online Application: The TISS application portal will open for these specific programs after the CAT registration closes. A plausible window for the TISS application will be in November or December 2025.
• CAT 2025 Exam Date: November 30, 2025
• Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates for OA: Expected in February 2026
• Online Assessment (OA) Dates: February to March 2026
• Final Merit List Announcement: Expected in May 2026

It is important to note that the TISS admission criteria for other PG programs will be based on the CUET PG 2025 scores, so aspirants must be aware of the specific requirements for their chosen program. A well-rounded preparation strategy for the CAT is now key to unlocking a seat at TISS.

CAT Score Weightage and Shortlisting Criteria

For the MA in HRM & LR and MA in ODCL programs, the initial shortlisting for the Online Assessment will have a 95% weightage for the CAT score, with the remaining 5% for Gender Diversity. This makes a high CAT percentile an absolute necessity.

For the Master of Hospital Administration (MHA), the weightage for shortlisting is 90% for the CAT score, 5% for Gender Diversity, and 5% for Academic Diversity.

Final Selection Criteria:

• For MA (HRM & LR) and MA (ODCL): CAT Score (70%), Online Interview (20%), and Graduation Marks (10%).
• For MHA: CAT Score (80%) and Online Assessment (20%), which includes the Online Interview.

This updated selection procedure emphasizes a strong performance in the CAT as the first major hurdle. Every TISS aspirant must now focus on achieving a high CAT 2025 score to get shortlisted for the crucial interview and assessment rounds.

Key Programs at TISS

The TISS Mumbai campus is particularly famous for its management-related programs. Some of the most sought-after TISS courses are:

• MA in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR): Considered one of the best HR programs in the country, it attracts a large number of management aspirants.
• Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): A unique and highly specialized management course for those interested in the healthcare sector.
• MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL): A niche program for working professionals with a minimum of two years of work experience.

The shift to a common entrance exam like the CAT simplifies the admission process for students who are already preparing for multiple management entrance exams. However, it also means increased competition, as more high-scoring candidates from the CAT pool will now be applying to TISS. This is a major update for every MBA aspirant.