Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) conducts TISSNET exam for admission to M.A. (HR) and other 50+ M.A. programmes offered by TISS Mumbai and its other campuses at low fee. Last year TISSNET was reported a little easier than in earlier years, especially the GK section.
TISSNET is the mandatory entrance test for M.A. Admission in Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). Sharing the details about TISSNET and its importance for TISS Admissions, Dr P K Shajahan, Dean, Academic Affairs, TISS Mumbai said to MBAUniverse.com in an exclusive interview, “TISSNET is a combined test for all programs in the institute. It is aimed at shortlisting candidates for Stage 2 of the admission process. Stage 2 will have various component such as written tests, online personal interviews etc.” and added further, “In order to shortlist the candidates for all the 50 masters programs we conduct this test. In this test we look at the basic mathematical and reasoning abilities, logical abilities and general awareness of developmental issues.”
Read below all about TISSNET 2023, which are the best M.A. programmes to apply for at TISS, Exam Highlights & pattern, Syllabus, How to apply, Registration & Application fee, How to prepare, Components of Selection Process and their weightages for admission to M.A. programmes 2023-25 at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
TISSNET 2023: Table of Contents
- What is TISSNET? Salient Features
- Top TISS M.A. Programmes for Admission 2023: Check Campus-wise Programmes Below
- TISSNET 2023: Key Highlights
- TISSNET 2023 Exam Pattern: Sectional Composition, Type of Questions, Key Topics
- TISSNET 2023 Exam Eligibility Criteria
- TISSNET 2023 Registration & Application Process
- TISS Admission Process after TISSNET 2023
- Final Selection after TISSNET
- TISSNET 2023 Important Dates
- TISSNET 2023: Key Changes in TISS M.A. Admission 2023 Process
- What is TISSMAT after TISSNET?
- TISS MAT 2023: Importance in Admission to MA HRM & LR and MA ODCL
- TISSNET & TISS MAT 2023 Syllabus
- How to Prepare for TISSNET & TISSMAT 2023?
- What is TISSNET? Know this Important Exam
- TISS-NET 2023 is a computer based National Entrance Test for admission to all the Masters (M.A.) programs offered by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) at its Mumbai and other three campuses located at Guwahati, Hyderabad and Tuljapur
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is conducting TISS National Entrance Test (TISS-NET) for admission to 53 Masters’ Degree (M.A.) Programs offered at its Mumbai, Tuljapur, Guwahati and Hyderabad campuses for the 2023-2025 batch. TISS has 21 schools and 45 centres offering variety of programmes.
- Candidates can apply for a maximum of three programmes across any of the two campuses indicating the order of preference. The merit list will be prepared based on the preferences given by the candidate in the TISSNET application form.
- TISSNET consists of objective MCQ type questions and those with a preliminary knowledge of computer can appear in TISSNET exam without difficulty.
- The M.A. programmes of TISS are highly sought after Masters Degree courses like those of MBA offered by Top B-Schools, for the candidates seeking career in management and other branches.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences is conducting TISSNET 2023 as a computer based test of 100 minute duration.
Sharing with MBAUniverse.com the importance and role of TISSNET exam in selecting the right candidate for admission, Dr P K Shajahan said, “We are trying to understand whether the candidate is aware of the socio political developmental issue, whether he has good understanding of basic English language. We basically want to understand their preparedness for undertaking this social science program.”
1.1 TISSNET Exam 2023: Salient features
Computer Based Test: TISSNET is an online entrance exam for the admission to Full-Time (Regular) Post-Graduate Degree Programmes (M.A., M. Sc., M.H.A., M.P.H., MA (HR)) offered at 4 campuses of TISS located at Mumbai, Tuljapur, Guwahati, Hyderabad and other locations
TISSNET Difficulty level: TISSNET exam difficulty varies from Easy to moderate. The preparation done for CAT and other management entrances is sufficient to crack TISSNET.
6 Areas of Test Paper: The TISSNET exam consists of English, Maths & Logical Reasoning – (comprising Quant, DI, LR), General Knowledge & Knowledge on Contemporary Issues. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their TISSNET score. The shortlisted candidates then are called for TISSMAT/TISSPAT before Personal Interview leading to final selection.
GK is the differentiator: With English, Quant and LR/DI being of easy to moderate difficulty, TISSNET places major thrust on GK by allotting highest weightage of 40 marks to GK Section. The purview of GK is vast. In order to score well in TISSNET you need to ace the GK section.
No Negative Marking: TISSNET does not have negative marking for any programme. This allows going for some hit and trial to maximize your score.
2. Top TISS M.A. Programmes to Consider for Admission 2023
With a good score in TISSNET 2023, candidates will be offered the admission opportunity in coveted M.A. courses at Tata Institute of Social Sciences. These TISS Masters degree programmes are at par with various MBA programmes offered by top MBA colleges in India.
The Courses at TISS are offered in multiple disciplines ranging from social sector to policy making. Apart from MA in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations, MA in Social Entrepreneurship, MA in Globalization and Labor, the other best Master Degree courses for which an MBA aspirant should apply are shared below campus wise. These are the important Masters degree programmes offered at different campuses of TISS and are considered equivalent to MBA programmes.
2.1 Top M.A. Programmes at TISS Mumbai Campus
Below are shared the 10 most preferred M.A. programmes offered at TISS Mumbai campus
- Master of Arts (Human Resource Management & Labour Relations)
- Master of Arts (Labour Studies and Practice)
- Master of Arts/Master of Science (Analytics) (Self Financed)
- Master of Arts (Organisation Development, Change and Leadership) (Self Financed)
- Master of Arts (Social Entrepreneurship)
- Master of Arts (Media and Cultural Studies)
- Master of Arts in Social Work (Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship)
- Master of Arts / Master of Science (Disaster Management)
- Master of Arts / Master of Science (Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability Studies)
- Master of Arts / Master of Science (Regulatory Policy and Governance)
2.2 Top M.A. Programmes at TISS Guwahati Campus
Below are shared the most preferred M.A. programmes offered at TISS Guwahati campus
- Master of Arts (Labour Studies and Social Protection)
- Master of Arts in Social Work (Livelihoods and Social Entrepreneurship)
- Master of Arts in Social Work (Community Organisation & Development Practices)
2.3 Top M.A. Programmes at TISS Hyderabad Campus
Below are shared the most preferred M.A. programmes offered at TISS Hyderabad campus
- Master of Arts (Public Policy and Governance)
- Master of Arts (Rural Development and Governance)
- Master of Arts (Natural Resource & Governance)
2.4 Top M.A. Programmes at TISS Tuljapur Campus
Below are shared the most preferred M.A. programmes offered at TISS Tuljapur campus
- Master of Arts (Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
- Master of Arts/Master of Science (Development Policy, Planning and Practice)
- Master of Arts / Master of Science (Sustainable Livelihoods and Natural Resources Governance)
3. TISSNET 2023 Exam: Key Highlights
| TISSNET Exam 2023 Conducting Authority | Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) |
| TISSNET Exam Full Form | Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test |
| TISS Campuses with Admission Opportunity through TISSNET 2023 | TISS Mumbai, Tuljiapur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, BALM Chennai |
| Most Sought After Management programmes at TISS | MA in Human Resource Management and Labor Relations; MA in Social Entrepreneurship; MA in Globalization and Labor |
| TISSNET 2023 Exam Date | January 21, 2023 (Expected) |
| TISSMAT 2023 Exam Date | Conducted before Online Personal Interview round; and after declaration of TISSNET result |
| TISSNET Exam 2023 Application Process | Online |
| TISSNET 2023 Application Fee | Rs.1000 + Bank Charges (Rs.30) |
| TISSNET 2023 Exam Pattern | Computer Based |
| TISSNET 2023 Test Time & Duration | 2 PM to 3.40 PM (100 Minutes) |
| Maximum Marks in TISSNET Exam 2023 | 100 |
| Total Questions in TISSNET | 100 |
| Number of Sections in TISSNET 2023 Exam | 3 (English, Mathematics-LR, General Awareness ) |
| Highest Weightage Section in TISSNET Exam | GK with 40% weightage |
| Type of Questions in TISSNET entrance exam | MCQs |
| Answer Options in TISSNET entrance exam 2023 | 4 |
| Negative Marking in TISSNET 2023 entrance exam | No Negative Marking for Wrong Answer |
| Minimum TISSNET 2023 Cut off Score for Shortlisting | No Sectional cut off but GK section needs minimum 14 marks (35% marks) |
| TISSNET Question paper difficulty level | Moderate |
| TISSNET Cut Off for TISS MA HRM admission | 70 – 74 Marks |
4. TISSNET 2023 Exam Pattern: Sectional Composition, Topics, Type of Questions
- TISSNet 2023 exam pattern consists of three major sections with different number of questions in each section.
- The exam offers admission to various management programmes at different campuses of Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
- It will be an online CBT exam comprising MCQ type questions
4.1 TISSNET 2023 Sectional Composition
| Section Name | Number of questions | Key Sectional Components |
| English Proficiency | 30 | Vocabulary, Fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, Grammar based Error Correction, odd one out, Jumbled paragraphs, Short and long RC Passages |
| Mathematics & Logical Reasoning | 30 | Arithmetic, Number System, P&C, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Direction, Clocks & Calendars, Series, Arrangements, DI sets, graphs, charts, table |
| General Awareness | 40 | Conventional & Static GK, Current Affairs, social and cultural issues, national policies/ campaigns, international events, literature/art/culture, sports, books/authors/ awards, constitution, science, politics, economics, history |
| Total Questions | 100 | GK commands highest weightage in TISSNET exam |
- TISSNET 2023 Exam Eligibility Criteria
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has released the eligibility criteria to apply and appear in TISSNET exam 2023. The basic Eligibility criterion for admission to M.A. programmes at TISS is a bachelor’s degree with minimum 3 years/4 years duration or its equivalent from a recognized university. The candidate applying for TISSNET 2023 must have passed bachelor’s degree with minimum 15 years of total education or should complete it by October 31, 2023. No minimum requirement of percentage of marks in Graduation has been announced to appear in TISSNET 2023.
- TISSNET 2023 Registration & Application Process
The registration and application for TISSNET 2023 can be completed Online only. You need to register for TISS NET 2023 on admission website of TISS. Candidates are required to apply online through the E-application process only and can apply for a maximum of 3 programmes across any two of the TISS Campuses and other Centre locations. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has advised that the candidates should carefully read through the eligibility criteria before filling up the TISSNET application form. Key features are:
- Can apply for maximum three M.A. programmes.
- TISSNET 2023 is Online 100 Minutes Entrance Exam
- Shortlisting is Based on TISSNET for Online Assessment (OA) Round. OA is the PI round for final selection 7. TISS Admission Process after
TISSNET 2023|
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) offers programmes with low fee structure. The final admission to TISS for different programmes happens in two stages and has three components of assessment.
7.1 Stage-1: Shortlisting for Online Assessment (OA)
- Out of the candidates who appear for the National entrance test (TISSNET), the score for TISS-NET will be used to shortlist the candidates to be called in for stage-2.
- TISSNET score will get 50% weightage in final admission process.
- The candidates applying for MA Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM &LR) and MA Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) of Mumbai Campus and are shortlisted for stage-2, earlier had to appear in an additional Management Aptitude Test (TISS-MAT) conducted before Personal Interview round for 50 marks for a duration of 45 mins. The score for TISSMAT was counted with a weightage of 40% in generating final merit list. However, the TISSMAT was replaced by Extempore and PI round in the admission process last year.
7.1.1.TISSNET 2023: Shortlisting Weightage Components
Following are the assessment parameters for shortlisting for final selection
| Assessment Component | Marks Awarded | Percentage of Weightage |
| TISSNET 2023 Exam Score | 100 | 100% |
7.2 Stage-2: Online Assessment (OA)
- Only the short listed candidates are called for the Online Assessment. Key components are
- TISSNET 2023 exam scores. No cut offs but GK has minimum qualifying marks at 35%
- Appear in Extempore Round
- Attend Online Personal Interview (Online Assessment)
8. Final Selection After TISSNET & OA
- Post TISSNET exam performance and PI round, the merit list will be prepared on the basis of merit and the preferences indicated by the candidates at the time of filling up the TISSNET 2023 online application form.
- Based on the merit list for each programme, the list of selected candidates will be put up on the TISS website.
- Each candidate will also receive his/her TISSNET 2023 score card indicating the marks for each component of the examination process.
- The weightage for different components is as follows for the preparation of final merit lists for the candidates
- TISSNET Score, Extempore and PI performance score will be considered along with the Stage 2 of the admission process and thus will be considered only for those who are shortlisted for Stage 2.
- The Extempore and Personal Interview taken together are the components of Online Assessment (OA).
| TISS Final Merit List Weightage Components | Percentage of Weightage awarded in final admission offer |
| TISS-NET 2023 | 50% |
| Extempore Reflection on a given topic | 20% |
| Online Personal Interview (OPI) | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
8.1 Tie Breaker in Final Admission Post TISSNET, & PI Round
- In case of a tie between two candidates, the marks scored in Personal Interview round will be compared. Candidate with more marks in PI will be considered
- In case there is a tie in PI marks also, the TISSMAT/TISSPAT marks will be compared and the one with more marks in TISSMAT/TISSPAT will be considered, provided TISSMAT/TISSPAT is conducted
- In case there is a tie in TISSMAT/TISSPAT marks also, the TISSNET 2022 Entrance test marks will be compared and the one with more marks in entrance test will be considered
- In case there is a tie in Entrance marks too, the candidate higher in age will be offered the seat
Important Note: Last year due to Covid, TISSMAT was not conducted and the selection process was based on TISSNET and Online Assessment round. In case it is not conducted again for admission 2023 the selection process will be based upon TISSNET and OA round
9. TISSNET 2023 Important Dates
| Sr No. | TISSNET 2023 Activity | TISSNET 2023 Important Dates |
| I | TISSNET 2023 Notification Release | November 17, 2022 |
| II | Admission 2023 Application Opens | Novembet 17, 2022 (5 PM onwards) |
| III | Last Date for Online form APPLICATION / REGISTRATION for All Master’s programmes | January 10, 2023 |
| IIIA | Last Date to Complete Application form for already registered candidates | January 11, 2023 till 11.59 PM |
| IV | Online Pre-admission orientation Programme for SC/ST/OBC/Minority and PWD candidates will be held at Mumbai/Tuljapur/Hyderabad and Guwahati Campuses | January 12-13, 2023 |
| V | Issue of TISS-NET Hall Ticket Online (TISSNET 2023 Admit Cards) | January 14, 2023 onwards |
| VI | Last Date to Download TISSNET Hall Ticket 2023 | January 21, 2023 |
| VII | TISSNET 2023 Exam Date | January 21, 2023 (2 PM to 3.40 PM) |
| VIII | Announcement of TISS-NET 2023 Result (Candidates who appeared for the national entrance test will have to visit the TISS website and login to download your score card.) | February 26, 2023 |
| IX | TISSMAT/TISSNET and Online Assessment dates for programmes offered at Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad, Guwahati and BALM, Chennai Campuses. | April to May 2023 |
| X | Announcement of Selection Merit List on TISS website for all the Programmes | To be announced |
10. TISSNET 2023: Key Changes in TISS M.A. Admission 2023 Process
Below is shared the TISSNET 2023 process for admission to M.A. (HRM) & M.A. (ODCL) 2023-25 & Other M.A. Programmes
10.1 Shortlisting Based on TISSNET: Next Stage is OA for MA (HR) and MA (ODCL) Admission
- While applying for TISSNET 2023, you can choose one more MA programme apart from MA (HR) and MA(ODCL)
- After Shortlisting based on TISSNET, it is mandatory to Appear in OA comprising Extempore and Online Personal Interview for MA (HRM) and M.A. (ODCL). (Earlier TISSMAT was also conducted after TISSNET before PI round)
- Last year TISSMAT was not conducted but is expected for admission 2023. TISSMAT is of 45 minute duration exam and is Common Test only for MA (HRM) and MA (ODCL) programmes and need not be taken separately for each of the two programmes
- Personal Interview for TISS admission 2023 will be Online
- Weightage for TISSNET 2023 reduced and for OA is increased as compared to previous years
- Final Admission is based on performance in TISSNET, and Online Assessment (OA)
10.2 Other M.A. Programmes Selection Procvess
- After Shortlisting, earlier it was mandatory to Appear in TISSPAT before Online Assessment Round for each MA programme separately.
- Last year TISSPAT was not conducted. However, it may be conducted for admission 2023. The Time duration for Each TISSPAT is 45 Minutes. For example, if you apply for 2 different MA programmes you will spend 90 minutes to take two TISSPAT exams
- Personal Interview for TISS admission 2022 to be conducted as Online Assessment (OA)
- Weightage for TISSNET 2023 reduced and for OA it is increased
- Final Admission is based on TISSNET, and performance in OA
- What is TISSMAT? Key Highlights
The conduct of TISSMAT 2023 depends upon the key changes in the admission policy of TISS. In case TISS restores TISSMAT for admission 2023, it will have following highlights
| TISSMAT 2023 (Conduct depends upon the revised admission policy of TISS) | Conducted after shortlisting before OA round. If not shortlisted, not eligible for TISSMAT or TISSPAT |
| Maximum Marks in TISSMAT Exam 2023 | 50 |
| Total Questions in TISSMAT 2023 | 50 |
| TISS MAT 2023 Time duration | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Sections in TISSMAT 2023 Exam | 3 (Comprehension, Management Data Interpretation, Business Awareness |
| Type of Questions in TISSMAT | MCQs |
| Answer Options in TISSMAT entrance exam 2023 | 4 |
| Negative Marking in TISSMAT 2023 entrance exam | 0.25 Mark for each Wrong Answer |
| TISS MAT Weightage for MA HRM final selection | 40% |
11.1 TISS MAT 2023 Exam Pattern
In case TISSMAT is conducted after the TISSNET 2023 exam, the TISS Management Aptitude Test (TISSMAT) will be conducted after the shortlisting based on TISS-NET exam score and before online personal interview. Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be called for TISSMAT/TISSPAT as per the courses they have applied for.
TISSMAT has negative marking of 0.25 mark for each wrong answer and each correct answer will fetch 1 mark. In all there will be 50 questions which are equally divided into 3 sections:
TISS-MAT Score (If conducted) is considered along with the final selection process and thus will be considered only for those who are shortlisted for Stage 2. TISS-MAT Score will be aggregated with the score of TISSNET and OPI to arrive at the final score for selection.
11.2 TISS MAT 2023: Expected Sectional Composition
| Section Name | Number of questions | Topics Covered in the Section |
| Comprehension | 15 | Reading a write-up on a management related subject and answering questions related to the passage |
| Management Data Interpretation | 15 | Interpreting graphs, charts, and data across multiple sources. Performing basic operations with data collected from multiple sources |
| Business Awareness | 20 | Knowledge of contemporary events, news, related to the economy, business, human resource management, and labour studies |
| Total Questions | 50 | Maximum Time: 45 Minutes; Maximum Marks: 50 |
- TISS MAT 2023: Importance in Admission to MA HRM & LR and MA ODCL
If you are applying for (i) MA Human Resource Management & Labour Relations (HRM & LR) and (ii) MA Organisation Development, Change and Leadership (ODCL) of Mumbai Campus, earlier you needed to appear in TISS MAT along with TISSNET. If it is conducted for TISS Admission 2023, it will have following Key features:
- TISS MAT full form: Management Aptitude Test (TISS-MAT)
- When is TISS MAT conducted?: The TISS Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is conducted after shortlisting and before Online Personal Interview round.
- TISSMAT duration: 45 Minutes
- Maximum Marks in TISSMAT: 50 marks
- TISS MAT Exam Pattern & Other Details: As shared above
- TISSMAT Score Application: The score for TISS MAT is awarded due weightage while preparing the final merit list or the selection.
- TISSNET & TISS MAT 2023 Syllabus
The syllabus for TISS-NET 2023 and TISS MAT 2023 (If conducted), the entrance exams of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, is more or less similar to other major MBA entrance examinations. The format of questions in TISSNET is slightly different but the major topics covered in TISSNET & TISSMAT Syllabus are almost similar to other leading entrance exams.
- How to Prepare for TISSNET & TISSMAT 2023?
TISSNET & TISSMAT preparation can be done with a result oriented strategy. It should be remembered that TISSNET & TISSMAT are the institution based All India entrance tests. For a different exam, you need to devise slightly different preparation strategy. A good preparation schedule of 2-3 months can help you crack the exams with good score. While the TISSNET & TISSMAT preparation leading to admission in Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) must be done in accordance with the exam pattern and the syllabus for the exams.
While synchronising TISSNET exam preparation with other MBA entrance exams, it should be remembered that TISSNET preparation strategy is a little different from other exams like CAT, NMAT as it focuses more on Analytical Ability and General Knowledge. Quantitative aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning are the subsections in the Mathematics section.
