TISS begins PG admissions for 2026–27; candidates have until 10 December 2025 to apply

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has opened postgraduate admissions for the 2026-27 academic session, presenting a pivotal opportunity for management and social science aspirants. The window is closing fast, with the strict application deadline set for December 10, 2025. This year, TISS has implemented a significant shift, relying on the CAT 2025 score for shortlisting candidates for its flagship management programs, including MA HRM&LR, MA ODCL, and MHA. Ensure you meet the rigorous eligibility criteria and submit your application on the official Samarth portal immediately to secure your chance at a prestigious TISS degree.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), a premier institution renowned for its contribution to social science, management, and development studies, has officially commenced its postgraduate (PG) admissions for the 2026-27 academic cycle. This announcement is a crucial signal for thousands of aspirants targeting a career in Human Resources, Organisational Development, Public Health, or diverse fields of Social Work and Development Studies. With its rigorous curriculum, emphasis on fieldwork, and high-impact social research, TISS consistently ranks among the top choices for specialized management and social science education in India. The application window, however, is closing rapidly, and candidates must complete their online registration and submission by the critical deadline of December 10, 2025. Given the institute's stature, this final push before the deadline is a decisive moment for prospective students.

Navigating the New Admission Gateway: CAT 2025 Score

A major paradigm shift in the TISS admission process this year is the reliance on the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 score for shortlisting candidates for the highly sought-after management-oriented programs at the Mumbai campus. Aspirants targeting the flagship Master of Arts in Human Resources Management & Labour Relations (MA HRM&LR), the Master of Arts in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (MA ODCL), and the Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) must ensure they have appeared for the CAT 2025 examination.

• CAT Score Weightage: For MA HRM&LR and MA ODCL, the CAT 2025 score will carry a 70% weightage in the initial shortlisting process, making performance in this national-level exam paramount.
• Final Selection Components: The final merit list for these programs will be determined by a composite score, including the CAT score and a significant component from the subsequent Online Personal Interview (OPI), which holds a 30% weightage. For MHA, the final selection criteria also includes an Online Assessment (OA) comprising an Extempore Reflection Test (ERT) and an Online Personal Interview (OPI).
• Other Programs: For the majority of other MA/M.Sc. programs across TISS campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, admission criteria may still involve the TISS National Entrance Test (TISSNET) or other specified assessments, details of which are available on the official admissions portal. Applicants are strongly advised to check the specific requirements for their chosen course.

Essential Eligibility and Application Requirements

To successfully apply to the TISS PG programs for the 2026-27 batch, candidates must meet clearly defined academic and application prerequisites. Adhering strictly to these requirements is key to avoiding disqualification in the competitive application process.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree of a minimum of three or four years duration (or equivalent), fulfilling the mandatory requirement of 15 years of formal education from a UGC-recognized university.
• Provisional Eligibility: Students currently in the final year of their degree program are eligible to apply provisionally, provided they successfully complete all requirements and submit their final documents by the date specified by TISS (typically by July 1, 2026).
• Work Experience for ODCL: A specialized requirement for the MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) is a minimum of 2 years (24 months) of full-time work experience post-graduation, calculated as on May 1, 2026. Applicants for this program must have relevant documentation ready.
• Online Application Process: The application must be completed exclusively through the official TISS Samarth admission portal. The process involves new registration, meticulous filling of personal, academic, and professional details, selecting a maximum of three preferred programs, and payment of the non-refundable application fee. Ensure all scanned documents, including photographs and signatures, conform to the specified size and format.

Critical Dates and Next Steps for Aspirants

The current timeline is extremely compressed, and meeting the upcoming deadlines is paramount for all applicants. Missing the final application cut-off will eliminate a candidate from the 2026-27 admission cycle.

• Final Application Deadline: December 10, 2025 is the last date for submitting the online application form and fee payment for the CAT-PG programs.
• Correction Window: A short window for correcting minor details in the application form will be provided from December 11 to December 13, 2025. Candidates should aim to submit a flawless application to minimize the need for corrections.
• Shortlisted Candidates Announcement: The list of candidates shortlisted for the Online Assessment/Personal Interview (OA/PI) is scheduled to be announced around February 13, 2026.
• Online Assessment/PI: The Personal Interview rounds are provisionally slated to be held from March 9 to March 27, 2026. This is a crucial stage that assesses a candidate's communication skills, subject knowledge, and fit for the TISS ethos.
• Preparation Strategy: Aspirants must now focus intensely on revising for the CAT, especially for the quantitative and verbal sections, while also dedicating time to current affairs and socio-political knowledge, which are key to excelling in the General Awareness component of past TISS assessments and the final interview round.

Conclusion

TISS offers an unparalleled learning experience, blending academic rigor with hands-on exposure to real-world social and management challenges. The institution's commitment to creating change agents makes its degrees highly valuable in the corporate, non-profit, and public sectors. The shift to the CAT for its core management programs streamlines the initial selection process but intensifies the competition, demanding excellent performance. If you aspire to be a part of this prestigious legacy, ensure your complete application is submitted on the official TISS portal well before the December 10, 2025 deadline 

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