Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) opens MBA/MA 2026 registrations; applicants must apply by 10 Dec

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has commenced registrations for its highly-coveted MBA/MA programs for the 2026 academic year. The deadline to apply is strictly December 10, 2025. Aspirants must note that admission to the flagship MA programs, including HRM&LR and ODCL, is now based on a valid CAT 2025 score. This shift from the TISSNET exam makes the CAT crucial for securing a seat at TISS. Learn the application steps, key dates, and eligibility criteria for these high-ROI management courses.

A.  TISS 2026 Application Window and Key Dates

​The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), renowned for its excellence in social sciences and management education, has officially opened its doors for admissions to its prestigious Master of Arts (MA) programs for the 2026-27 session. Aspirants targeting high-ROI, specialized management courses like the MA in Human Resources Management & Labour Relations (HRM&LR) and MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) must apply now.

​The registration process is entirely online and candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical glitches. The application portal for the CAT-PG programs opened on November 3, 2025.

• ​Application Commencement Date: November 3, 2025
• ​Application Deadline: December 10, 2025 (Strictly adhere to this date).
• ​Correction Window: December 11 – 13, 2025
• ​Shortlisted Candidates Announcement: February 13, 2026 (For Online Assessment/PI)
• ​Online Assessment (ERT & PI): March 9 – 27, 2026
• ​Official Application Portal: Interested applicants must visit the official Samarth portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in.

​The online application process involves creating a New Registration, meticulously filling in personal, academic, and professional details, selecting the desired programs, and finally, completing the fee payment. Ensure all uploaded documents, including photographs and signatures, meet the specified size and format requirements.

​B. TISS Admission Process: The CAT 2025 Factor

​A significant and defining change in the TISS admission framework is the integration of the Common Admission Test (CAT) score. For the flagship management-oriented programs at the Mumbai campus—MA HRM&LR, MA ODCL, and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA)—TISS has transitioned from its internal TISSNET exam to accepting CAT 2025 scores. This change significantly impacts the preparation strategy for thousands of MBA/MA aspirants.

• ​TISSNET Replaced by CAT: The TISSNET entrance examination has been scrapped for the three major management-level programs. A valid CAT 2025 score is now mandatory for shortlisting for these courses.
• ​Weightage for Shortlisting (HRM&LR & ODCL): The primary criteria for shortlisting candidates for the Online Assessment (OA) round heavily relies on the CAT score. The weightage is: CAT 2025 Score (95-97%) and Gender Diversity (3-5%).
• ​Final Selection Weightage: The final merit list for HRM&LR and ODCL will be prepared based on a comprehensive evaluation: 
  • ​CAT 2025 Score: 70%
  • ​Online Personal Interview (PI):30%
• ​Minimum Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree of minimum three years' duration (or its equivalent, completing 15 years of formal education) from a UGC-recognised university. Final-year students are provisionally eligible, provided they meet all completion requirements by the specified date (usually July 1, 2026).
• ​Work Experience for ODCL: Applicants for the MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) must have a minimum of 2 years (24 months) of full-time work experience after completing their graduation, as on May 1, 2026.

​C. Programs Offered and Why TISS is High-ROI

​TISS is a unique institution offering specialized Master's programs that often compete directly with top-tier MBA specializations, particularly in Human Resources. The institute's academic rigour, social development focus, and excellent placement record contribute to its stellar reputation, making its programs some of the most sought-after in the country.

• ​Top Management Programs: 
  • ​MA in Human Resources Management & Labour Relations (HRM&LR): One of India's most highly-regarded HR programs, known for its deep curriculum in labour law and industrial relations.
  • ​MA in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL): A specialized program focusing on organizational change management and leadership development.
  • ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): A management program aimed at training professionals for the healthcare administration sector.
• ​Unmatched Return on Investment (ROI): TISS programs are famously known for their low fee structure compared to the high salaries offered during final placements. This makes the MA HRM&LR program one of the best value propositions in management education, attracting top talent and resulting in intense competition.
• ​CAT Cutoff Expectation: Given the high demand and the 95%+ weightage of the CAT score in shortlisting, candidates should aim for a high CAT 2025 percentile (historically above 97 percentile for the HRM&LR program for the General category) to secure an interview call.

​Conclusion

​The opening of TISS 2026 admissions is a crucial development for aspirants focused on specialized management careers, especially in HR. The reliance on the CAT 2025 score underscores the heightened importance of performing well in the common entrance exam. With the application deadline on December 10, 2025, candidates must prioritize submitting their forms accurately and dedicating their final weeks of preparation towards achieving the high CAT percentile necessary to clear the first hurdle.

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