Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) opens registrations for its MBA 2026 programme — deadline yet to be announced

Registration for the highly sought-after MBA-equivalent programs at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, including MA (HRM & LR), is now open. The application window commenced on November 3, 2025, and the final deadline is December 10, 2025. A valid CAT 2025 score is mandatory for admission to these three flagship management programs. Aspirants must complete the two-step application process: first, register for CAT 2025, and second, fill out the TISS specific application form before the deadline. The final selection will be heavily weighted on the CAT score.

The admissions cycle for the academic year 2026-27 at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, has officially entered a crucial phase. The registration process for the highly coveted Master of Arts (MA) programs—which are universally recognized as management programs on par with a top-tier MBA—began on November 3, 2025. Aspirants have until December 10, 2025, to complete their applications on the official TISS admissions website.

​This year marks the continuation of TISS’s pivotal shift in its admissions policy: the mandatory requirement for applicants to have appeared for the CAT 2025 examination. The change, which saw the discontinuation of the institute’s proprietary entrance exam (TISSNET), has significantly streamlined the application process for students, allowing them to leverage a single national-level test score for multiple top B-schools.

​The TISS management programs, particularly the MA in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR), are considered among the best in Asia and consistently boast near-100% placement records with salaries rivaling the IIMs. The application window is short and requires candidates to complete a separate registration on the TISS Samarth portal, distinct from the CAT application. Failing to register on the TISS portal by the December 10 deadline will disqualify candidates, regardless of their performance in the CAT 2025 exam (scheduled for November 30).

​ The Management Programs: Your Pathway to TISS

​While TISS does not technically offer a degree titled "MBA," its three flagship programs through the School of Management and Labour Studies and the School of Health Systems Studies are highly regarded in the corporate sector and are equivalent in scope and career prospects to an MBA.

• ​Master of Arts in Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (MA HRM & LR): 
  • ​This is the institute’s most popular management program, often ranked alongside XLRI Jamshedpur's HRM program.
  • ​It focuses on core HR functions, industrial relations, labor law, and organizational behavior.
• ​Master of Arts in Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (MA ODCL): 
  • ​This specialized, self-financed program is highly valuable for those aiming for roles in management consulting, corporate strategy, and organizational transformation.
  • ​Note: This program typically requires a minimum of 2 years (24 months) of full-time work experience post-graduation (as of May 1, 2026) for eligibility.
• ​Master of Hospital Administration (MHA):
  • ​A unique and specialized program that trains professionals for leadership roles in the fast-growing healthcare and hospital management sector. It combines management principles with healthcare domain knowledge.

​ Selection Criteria and CAT Weightage

​The selection process for the TISS MBA-equivalent programs is heavily reliant on the CAT 2025 score, followed by the institute's specialized assessment rounds. Aspirants should note the significant weightage given to the entrance test, emphasizing the need for a high CAT percentile.

• ​CAT Score as the Primary Filter: Candidates will be shortlisted for the second round—the Online Assessment (OA)—based primarily on their CAT 2025 score. The cut-offs for the MA HRM & LR program are typically very high, often requiring a 97+ percentile for general category applicants.
• ​Final Selection Weightage (Approximate): 
  • ​MA HRM & LR: CAT Score (approx. 97% weightage) + Gender Diversity (approx. 3% weightage). The final stage includes an Online Personal Interview (OPI) after shortlisting.
  • ​MA ODCL: CAT Score (approx. 95% weightage) + Gender Diversity (approx. 5% weightage).
  • ​MHA: CAT Score (approx. 80% weightage) + Online Assessment (Extempore Reflection Test - ERT and OPI - approx. 20% weightage).
• ​Gender Diversity: TISS provides a small, but potentially crucial, advantage in the initial shortlisting stage for female and transgender candidates, recognizing the importance of diverse leadership.
• ​Online Assessment (OA) Process: Shortlisted candidates will undergo an Online Assessment, which includes an Extempore Reflection Test (ERT) and an Online Personal Interview (OPI). The ERT and OPI assess communication, general awareness, domain knowledge, and leadership potential.

​ Key Dates and Application Checklist

​Given the short application window and the rigid deadlines, aspirants must treat the TISS application with the utmost seriousness. Missing the December 10 deadline is non-negotiable.

• ​Registration Window: Commenced on November 3, 2025.
• ​Application Deadline: December 10, 2025.
• ​CAT 2025 Exam Date: November 30, 2025.
• ​Correction Window: A short window is typically provided in mid-December for minor application corrections.
• ​Shortlist Announcement: Expected in February 2026 (e.g., February 13, 2026).
• ​Document Checklist for Application:
  • ​Valid email ID and mobile number.
  • ​Scanned photograph and signature.
  • ​Academic transcripts (Mark sheets/Certificates) for all semesters of graduation cleared so far.
  • ​Proof of Work Experience (Mandatory for MA ODCL, highly recommended for others). This includes appointment letters, relieving letters, and payslips.
  • ​Proof of successful CAT 2025 registration.

​The application must be completed and the requisite application fee paid online via the official TISS admissions portal. Aspirants should choose the appropriate program carefully, especially noting the work experience requirement for the MA ODCL program.

​Conclusion

​The opening of the TISS application window presents a golden opportunity for management aspirants seeking a career in Human Resources, Organizational Consulting, or Healthcare Administration. By linking admissions to the CAT 2025 score, TISS has raised the bar for entry, making a high percentile essential. With the application closing on December 10, 2025, and the CAT exam just around the corner, candidates must focus equally on excelling in the CAT and submitting a flawless TISS application. This two-pronged effort is the key to unlocking a transformative educational and professional journey at one of India's most prestigious institutions.

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