Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) opens MBA/MA-PG registrations for 2026-27 batch

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has officially begun the registration process for its highly sought-after MBA-equivalent MA-PG programmes for the 2026-27 academic session. A critical change for aspirants is the mandatory use of the CAT 2025 score for shortlisting, replacing the previous TISSNET exam for management courses. The application deadline is strictly December 10, 2025. This article details the crucial deadlines, the simplified application process, and the specific programs requiring the CAT score, including the prestigious MA in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM&LR). Secure your application before the deadline!

The annual application cycle for one of India's most prestigious institutions, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), has officially commenced. TISS has opened its online registration for the 2026-27 batch of its Master of Arts (MA) and management-focused Post-Graduate (PG) programmes. This announcement is particularly significant for MBA aspirants aiming for the MA in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM&LR), a programme widely regarded as equivalent to a top-tier MBA in HR.

​The institution has confirmed a crucial update: for the management-focused courses, the shortlisting process will now solely rely on the CAT 2025 score. Candidates must ensure they have registered for and will appear for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, which is scheduled for November 30, 2025. The deadline to complete the TISS application is December 10, 2025, marking a critical juncture in the 2026-27 admission season.

​ TISS 2026-27 Application: Key Dates and Registration Process

​Aspirants must adhere strictly to the published timeline to ensure their candidature is considered for the 2026-27 academic year. The entire process is conducted online via the official TISS admissions portal.

• ​Application Commencement: Registration for the TISS MA/PG programmes began on November 3, 2025.
• ​Final Application Deadline: The last date to submit the online application form and pay the requisite fee is December 10, 2025. Candidates are strongly advised to apply several days in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues on the Samarth portal.
• ​Application Correction Window: A short window for correcting any application errors or rectifying uploaded documents will be available from December 11 to December 13, 2025. This is the only chance to modify submitted data.
• ​Mandatory CAT 2025 Requirement:
  • ​Applicants for the management-focused programmes (HRM&LR, ODCL, and MHA) must have mandatorily registered for and appeared for the CAT 2025 exam (scheduled for November 30, 2025).
  • ​The CAT 2025 registration number is a mandatory field to be entered in the TISS application form.
• ​Shortlisting Announcement: TISS is expected to announce the list of candidates shortlisted for the Online Assessment (OA) round based on their CAT 2025 scores tentatively on February 13, 2026.

​TISS Programmes Using CAT 2025 Score for Admission

​This year’s admission cycle solidifies the shift from the dedicated TISSNET exam to the CAT score for the prestigious management-level offerings at the Mumbai campus. Candidates must be aware of the specific programs where the CAT score is now the sole gateway to the subsequent selection stages.

• ​Master of Arts in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM&LR): 
  • ​Often hailed as the top HR MBA equivalent in India, the two-year HRM&LR programme at TISS Mumbai is now based entirely on a valid CAT 2025 score for the initial shortlisting stage.
  • ​The program boasts high placement statistics, with the average salary being among the highest for non-IIM/XLRI B-schools, making it a dream destination for HR professionals.
• ​Master of Arts in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL): 
  • ​This program, which requires a minimum of two years of post-graduation full-time work experience, also uses the CAT 2025 score for shortlisting.
  • ​It focuses on developing leaders and consultants in organisational change and development.
• ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA):
  • ​The MHA program at TISS Mumbai, crucial for leadership roles in the healthcare management sector, is another course that now mandates the CAT 2025 score for preliminary shortlisting.

​The final selection criteria for these courses are weighted heavily on the CAT 2025 score (up to 70%), followed by the performance in the Online Personal Interview (PI) round.

​ Eligibility and Steps for a Flawless Application

​Ensuring that your application meets the fundamental eligibility criteria and is submitted correctly is the final step before focusing entirely on the CAT exam.

• ​Basic Eligibility Criteria:
  • ​Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree of a minimum of three years duration (or its equivalent, completing 15 years of formal education) from a UGC-recognised university.
  • ​Final year degree students are provisionally eligible, provided they submit proof of passing all subjects up to the specified semester before the final date.
• ​Step-by-Step Application Guide: 
  • ​Go to the official TISS admissions Samarth portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in.
  • ​Complete the initial registration by providing a valid email ID and mobile number.
  • ​Log in and carefully fill in the Detailed Application Form (DAF), ensuring all academic, personal, and CAT registration details are accurate.
  • ​Upload the required documents, including photograph, signature, and academic certificates, as per the specifications.
  • ​Pay the application fee for the selected programmes online to complete the submission. Note: An application is considered incomplete until the fee payment is confirmed.

​Conclusion: Do Not Miss the December 10 Deadline

​The opening of the TISS 2026-27 registration window, with the new mandatory CAT 2025 requirement for key management programs, has placed TISS firmly within the ambit of top B-schools like the IIMs. Aspirants targeting the prestigious HRM&LR program must not only secure a high percentile in CAT 2025 (scheduled for November 30) but also ensure their TISS application is submitted well before the December 10, 2025, deadline. Timeliness is essential—secure your application now to move one step closer to your dream management education.

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