TISS opens 2026 MBA applications via CAT on its Samarth portal, with the last date set for 10 December

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has opened its application portal for the highly sought-after MBA-equivalent programs for the 2026-27 academic session. The crucial deadline to apply online via the Samarth portal is December 10, 2025. A valid CAT 2025 score is now mandatory for admission to flagship courses like MA HRM & LR. Aspiring candidates must ensure they register on both the CAT portal and the TISS admissions site. Don't miss this final window to apply for a premier management education focused on social impact and leadership.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), renowned for its excellence in social science research and its highly prestigious Master of Arts in Human Resources Management & Labour Relations (MA HRM & LR) program, has officially opened its online application window for the 2026-27 postgraduate management programs. This move is significant as TISS has transitioned its admission process, making the CAT 2025 score the primary gateway for its key management courses.

​Dated November 22, 2025, this news serves as a critical reminder to all MBA aspirants: the application window, accessible through the official TISS Samarth portal at tissadmission.samarth.edu.in, will close strictly on December 10, 2025. This short window requires swift and accurate action. Candidates must ensure they have registered for the CAT 2025 exam (scheduled for November 30, 2025) and must submit the separate TISS application form to be considered for shortlisting. This is your chance to pursue a career in high-impact management fields like HR and Organizational Change.

​ Flagship TISS Management Programs Requiring CAT 2025 Score

​TISS offers specialized Master of Arts (MA) programs that are widely recognized by the industry as equivalent to, or surpassing, an MBA in their respective domains, particularly the highly coveted Human Resources Management degree. Admission to these flagship programs for the 2026-27 batch is solely through the CAT 2025 score.

• ​Master of Arts in Human Resources Management & Labour Relations (MA HRM & LR): Offered by the School of Management and Labour Studies, TISS Mumbai. This program is arguably the most prestigious HR management course in India, with placements rivalling top-tier IIMs.
• ​Master of Arts in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (MA ODCL): This program is designed for professionals (often requiring work experience) focusing on organizational change management, leadership, and consulting. It is ideal for those seeking advanced roles in corporate strategy and transformation.
• ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): Offered by the School of Health Systems Studies, this program is recognized as a leading course for management careers in the healthcare sector, focusing on hospital and health systems administration.

​Crucial Eligibility Note:

• ​A valid CAT 2025 score is mandatory for all three programs.
• ​Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's Degree of a minimum of three years duration.
• ​For the MA ODCL, a minimum of 2 years (24 months) of full-time work experience after graduation (as of May 1, 2026) is mandatory.

​Mandatory Two-Step Application Process on Samarth Portal

​The application process for TISS management programs is a two-fold mandatory requirement. Candidates must ensure both steps are completed successfully by the December 10 deadline to be eligible for the subsequent selection rounds.

• ​Step 1: CAT 2025 Registration and Appearance: Applicants must have successfully registered for the CAT 2025 exam and must appear for the test on the scheduled date. Only candidates with valid CAT 2025 scores will be considered for the TISS application review.
• ​Step 2: TISS Samarth Portal Registration: This is the TISS-specific application, which must be completed by December 10, 2025. The process involves: 
  • ​New Registration: Creating an account on the official TISS Samarth portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in.
  • ​Form Filling: Accurately submitting personal, academic (including scores up to the last cleared semester), and work experience details.
  • ​Program Selection: Clearly indicating the TISS program(s) you are applying for (HRM & LR, ODCL, MHA).
  • ​Fee Payment: Paying the required application fee online. The submission is incomplete without a successful fee transaction.
• ​Correction Window: A brief correction window is tentatively scheduled from December 11 to December 13, 2025, for minor edits to the submitted form. Candidates are still strongly advised to ensure accuracy during the initial submission.

​ Selection Criteria: CAT Score and Online Assessment Weightage

​TISS employs a rigorous, multi-stage selection process that uses the CAT score as the primary filter before moving to an intensive Online Assessment (OA) round. This unique methodology ensures that candidates possess both quantitative skills and the critical thinking ability TISS values.

• ​Initial Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for the Online Assessment (OA) primarily based on their CAT 2025 percentile. 
  • ​For MA HRM & LR and MA ODCL, the CAT score holds a dominant weightage (historically around 95 % - 97 % ) in the initial shortlisting, with a small weightage for gender diversity. The overall CAT percentile cutoff for the General category is typically 70 or higher, with high sectional cutoffs.
• ​Online Assessment (OA): Shortlisted candidates will participate in the OA (tentatively scheduled for March 2026), which consists of: 
  • ​Extempore Reflection Test (ERT): Assessing spontaneous communication and critical reflection skills.
  • ​Online Personal Interview (OPI): Evaluating a candidate's profile, motivation, and fit for the program's vision.
• ​Final Merit List Weightage: The final selection is based on a combined score: 
  • ​CAT Score: High Weightage (approx. 70 % - 80 % for the final score, depending on the program).
  • ​Online Assessment (ERT + OPI): Significant Weightage (approx. 20 % - 30 % ).

​Conclusion

​The TISS 2026 application deadline of December 10, 2025, is fast approaching. For aspirants aiming for a transformative and socially conscious management career, particularly in HR, TISS offers an unparalleled opportunity. Success hinges on both a high CAT 2025 score and a timely, accurate application via the Samarth portal. Ensure all documents and details are ready, pay the application fee, and secure your chance to be part of the prestigious TISS legacy.

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