TISS Starts Accepting 2026 MBA Applications on Samarth Portal Using CAT Scores

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, has commenced its application process for the prestigious 2026 MBA-equivalent programs, including the highly sought-after MA in HRM & LR. Aspirants must note the strict deadline: December 10, 2025. Admission is now based exclusively on the CAT 2025 score, replacing TISSNET. Apply online through the official Samarth portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in. A high CAT percentile is crucial for shortlisting, which contributes significantly to the final merit list. Secure your chance for a top-tier management education at TISS.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, one of India's premier institutes for social sciences and human resource management, has officially announced the commencement of its application process for the 2026 MBA-equivalent postgraduate programs. This year marks a significant procedural shift: admissions to the institute's flagship management courses, previously conducted through the TISS National Entrance Test (TISSNET), are now based exclusively on the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 scores.

​The online application window opened on November 3, 2025, and is set to close sharply on December 10, 2025. Aspirants targeting TISS must ensure they have already registered for the CAT 2025 examination, which is a mandatory prerequisite for eligibility. This change puts TISS management programs directly in competition with the top IIMs and other leading B-schools, raising the stakes for a high CAT percentile. Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before the deadline on the designated Samarth portal to avoid last-minute technical glitches.

​ The Application Mandate: Key Dates, Programs, and Online Process

​The application process for TISS’s management programs is streamlined but requires meticulous attention to deadlines and program details. The institution is utilizing the national Samarth eGov platform for its admissions.

• ​Mandatory Requirements and Key Dates:
  • ​Application Start Date: November 3, 2025
  • ​Application Deadline (Strict):December 10, 2025
  • ​Application Portal: Official Samarth Admission Portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in
  • ​Prerequisite: Candidates must have registered for and appeared in the CAT 2025 examination.
  • ​Correction Window (Tentative): A brief window for corrections is usually provided around December 11–13, 2025.
• ​Programs Admitting via CAT 2025 Score: TISS’s CAT-based admission is for its highly prestigious management programs offered at the Mumbai campus. These programs are widely considered equivalent to top-tier MBAs in their respective fields: 
  • ​Master of Arts (MA) in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR): TISS’s most sought-after HR program, with a stellar placement record.
  • ​Master of Arts (MA) in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL): A specialized program focusing on organizational consulting and change management (often a self-financed course).
  • ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): A respected program for those seeking leadership roles in the healthcare sector.
• ​Step-by-Step Application Guide: 

1. ​Visit the official Samarth portal: tissadmission.samarth.edu.in.
2. ​Click on 'New Registration' and fill in the required personal details.
3. ​Log in using the generated credentials.
4. ​Fill out the detailed application form, ensuring all academic and personal information is accurate.
5. ​Select the desired management programs (MA HRM & LR, MA ODCL, MHA).
6. ​Enter your CAT 2025 registration details.
7. ​Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates).
8. ​Pay the requisite application fee online to submit the form successfully.

​ Selection Process & Expected CAT 2025 Cutoffs

​Admission to TISS management programs is fiercely competitive, and the switch to CAT has further emphasized the need for an exceptionally high percentile, especially for the MA HRM & LR program. The selection process is two-tiered: shortlisting followed by an Online Assessment (OA).

• ​Shortlisting Criteria (Based Primarily on CAT 2025 Score): 
  • ​Candidates are primarily shortlisted based on their overall CAT 2025 percentile and sectional cut-offs.
  • ​The shortlisting weightage heavily favors the CAT score, with minor weightage also given to Gender Diversity (extra marks for female and transgender candidates) and Academic Diversity for certain programs.
  • ​Expected Minimum CAT Overall Cutoffs (General Category): 
    • ​MA HRM & LR / MA ODCL: Historically, the composite score required a CAT equivalent of 97-98+ percentile (Overall).
    • ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA): Likely to require a CAT equivalent of 90-95+ percentile (Overall).
• ​Sectional and Final Merit Weightage: A unique aspect of the TISS selection process is the inclusion of sectional cut-offs in CAT and the high weightage given to the final assessment round. 
  • ​Sectional Cut-offs (Indicative): General category candidates often need a minimum of 60 percentile in each of the three CAT sections (VARC, DILR, QA).
  • ​Final Merit Weightage (Post-Shortlisting):
    • ​CAT 2025 Score: Approximately 70% (for MA HRM & LR, MA ODCL) and 80% (for MHA).
    • ​Online Assessment (OA): Approximately 20-30%. The OA includes components like the Online Personal Interview (OPI) and an Extempore Reflection Test (ERT).
• ​Timeline to Shortlist: 
  • ​The announcement of candidates shortlisted for the Online Assessment (OA) is typically expected in February 2026. This gives shortlisted candidates approximately one month to prepare for the final selection rounds.

​ The TISS Advantage: Why Apply Now

​TISS is a unique institution that combines rigorous academic training with a strong focus on social sensitivity and real-world application, making its management graduates highly valued by top corporates. The MA HRM & LR program, in particular, is consistently ranked among the top HR programs in the country.

• ​Unmatched HR Legacy: The MA HRM & LR program is recognized for producing thought leaders and highly skilled HR professionals, often competing directly with the best IIMs.
• ​Unique Programs: Specialized courses like MA ODCL and MHA cater to niche but growing sectors, offering distinct career advantages.
• ​Social & Sectoral Immersion: TISS provides unparalleled exposure to diverse sectors and fieldwork, critical for holistic management learning.

​Conclusion: Don't Miss the December 10 Deadline

​The opening of the TISS 2026 application window is a critical moment for aspirants who have appeared for CAT 2025. With the deadline looming on December 10, 2025, time is of the essence. Secure your application on the Samarth portal now. Given the heavy reliance on the CAT score, a high percentile is non-negotiable. Success will depend on a strong CAT performance combined with a flawless application and preparation for the subsequent Online Assessment rounds.

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