Sidra Fathima
Sidra Fathima

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is one of India's most respected educational institutions, and it is particularly known for its thorough selection process. However, for the 2025 academic year, the institute is making a notable shift in its admission criteria. In a significant departure from the past, TISS will now be using the Common Admission Test (CAT) scores for admissions to three of its most popular programs: the Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and Labour Relations (MA HRM & LR), Master of Arts in Organization Development, Change and Leadership (MA ODCL), and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA).

TISS Cutoff 2025

The introduction of CAT scores is expected to make the process smoother and attract more competition, which will bring innovation to the institute. This change aligns TISS with other top-tier institutes in the country that use the CAT for admissions to their MBA and related programs. This article will show the TISS cutoff for 2025, how to prepare for the new admission process, and more.

Why the Shift from TISS-NET to CAT?

In recent years, TISS conducted its entrance exam, the TISS-NET, for admissions to most of its postgraduate programs. While TISS-NET was unique and was designed especially for TISS’s academic needs, the decision to adopt CAT was based on several factors. The main reason is to align TISS with other famous institutions in India, like the IIMs, which use CAT scores as a standard for admissions to their management programs.

 

The change was also influenced by feedback from recruiters. Several companies and organizations prefer graduates who have taken the CAT, as it is widely recognized and tests the students' ability before taking on a program. By using CAT, TISS is now in a position to offer students the best of both worlds, a world-class education with the added benefit of CAT, passed with excellent students who scored well on the exam, which will improve the employment of the graduates in the coming years.

TISS Cutoff 2025: Program-Wise and Category-Wise Breakdown

With the new admissions procedure in place, the TISS cutoff for 2025 will be based on the CAT score as well as other factors like academic diversity, gender diversity, and online assessments. Below is a detailed breakdown of the cutoff for each of the programs that will use CAT scores.

1. MA HRM & LR and MA ODCL

Shortlisting for Online Assessment (OA):

  • CAT Score: 95%
  • Gender Diversity: 5% (Additional marks are awarded to female and transgender candidates)

Minimum CAT Percentile Cut-offs:

Below is a table showing different cutoffs.

Category

VARC

DILR

AQ

Overall

General/KM/AF/EWS

60

60

60

70

NC-OBC

54

54

54

63

SC/ST

45

45

45

55

Final Selection Weightage:

  • CAT Score: 70%
  • Graduation Marks: 10%
  • Online Interview: 20%

This weighted system means that while a strong CAT score is essential, performance in the interview and academic history will also play an important role in the final selection.

2. Master of Hospital Administration (MHA)

Shortlisting for Online Assessment (OA):

  • CAT Score: 90%
  • Gender Diversity: 5%
  • Academic Diversity: 5%

Minimum CAT Percentile Cut-offs:

The minimum cutoff for CAT is given below.

Category

VARC

DILR

QA

Overall

General/KM/AF/EWS

60

60

60

65

NC-OBC

54

54

54

59

SC/ST

43

43

43

48

Final Selection Weightage:

  • CAT Score: 80%
  • Online Assessment: 20% (This includes essay writing and the online personal interview)

The process for the MHA program has a slightly different focus, placing more emphasis on the CAT score and the online assessment. The program requires students to have strong management and analytical skills.

Preparing for the TISS Cutoff 2025

Students must now focus on scoring well on CAT 2025, as it is one of the toughest exams in India. The shift from the institute's entrance exam to a national-level entrance exam is going to make a lot of changes. Here are some preparation tips. Students who want admission should not back off just because of CAT 2025. Prepare well, as hard work can beat any obstacle.

1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern

 

This is the first step; do not panic without knowing the basics of the exam paper. The CAT exam consists of three sections:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Every section has the same weightage, but students should focus on the areas where they are weak, so that they pass the cutoff range.

2. Focus on Time Management

The CAT has a time limit, and time management is crucial. Taking mock tests can help a lot, especially the time-based ones. Helps them understand which section takes less time.

3. Take Advantage of CAT Coaching

There is no shame in taking coaching, they help you strengthen your weak areas. They provide study materials and tips.

4. Stay Consistent with Your Studies

Be consistent, and don't leave any topic for last-minute learning. Your focus a few days before the exam should be on revision, not learning new concepts.

What Does This Mean for Aspirants?

The CAT exam in the institute now means a higher competition level, and more opportunities for better placements, excellent faculty, campus, and real-world learning opportunities.

Graduates from TISS can now work in famous and well-known organizations in both the public and private sectors.

By following a structured approach to CAT preparation, staying updated on any official announcements from TISS, and focusing on both the written test and the subsequent interview rounds, aspirants can increase their chances of success in this new admission landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected CAT cutoff for General category candidates for TISS 2025?

For the General category, the expected overall CAT cutoff is around 70 percentile for MA HRM & LR/ODCL and 65 percentile for MHA.

Is work experience mandatory for TISS admissions via CAT?

No, work experience is not mandatory, but it can add value during the personal interview stage.

Will there be a personal interview round after the CAT for TISS admissions?

Yes, shortlisted candidates will go through an online interview and assessment round after CAT

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