TISS Mumbai Admission via CUET 2026
TISS Mumbai — CUET UG Admission 2026
Complete guide to India’s premier social sciences institution — courses, cutoffs, CUET + TISS-specific process & score targets
Table of Contents
About TISS Mumbai
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), established in 1936, is India’s premier institution for social sciences, social work, and public policy. Originally founded as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, TISS was granted Deemed University status in 1964.
TISS is consistently ranked among the top 5 institutions in India for social sciences and management. The institute is known for its rigorous academic standards, progressive faculty, and strong emphasis on fieldwork and social engagement.
With four campuses across India — Mumbai (main), Tuljapur, Hyderabad, and Guwahati — TISS offers a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence with social responsibility. TISS graduates are highly sought after by NGOs, government bodies, corporate CSR departments, UN agencies, and consulting firms.
Courses Offered via CUET 2026
TISS offers select undergraduate programmes through CUET UG. The institute is highly selective — admission to some programmes involves additional assessment beyond CUET scores:
| Programme | Duration | Campus | Seats (Approx) | CUET + Additional Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Social Sciences | 3 Years | Mumbai | 50 | CUET Score + TISS Pre-Interview Test + PI |
| BA Social Work | 3 Years | Mumbai & Tuljapur | 40 + 30 | CUET Score + TISS-BAT + PI |
| BA in Human Resource Management | 3 Years | Mumbai | 35 | CUET Score + Group Discussion + PI |
| BA in Public Policy | 3 Years | Hyderabad | 30 | CUET Score + Written Test + PI |
| BA in Media & Cultural Studies | 3 Years | Mumbai | 30 | CUET Score + Portfolio + PI |
| BA in Development Studies | 3 Years | Guwahati | 25 | CUET Score + PI |
Expected Cutoff Scores 2026
TISS is extremely competitive — it receives 30,000+ applications for approximately 240 UG seats across all campuses. CUET cutoffs for TISS shortlisting (out of 750):
| Programme | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Social Sciences (Mumbai) | 700+ | 660+ | 580+ | 540+ |
| BA Human Resource Management | 690+ | 650+ | 570+ | 530+ |
| BA Social Work (Mumbai) | 680+ | 640+ | 560+ | 520+ |
| BA Media & Cultural Studies | 685+ | 645+ | 565+ | 525+ |
| BA Public Policy (Hyderabad) | 670+ | 630+ | 550+ | 510+ |
| BA Development Studies (Guwahati) | 650+ | 610+ | 530+ | 490+ |
Step-by-Step Admission Process
Register for CUET UG 2026
Complete CUET UG registration at cuetug.ntaonline.in. For TISS, you must appear for the General Test section along with your domain subjects and English.
Apply Separately on TISS Portal
Visit admissions.tiss.edu and complete a separate TISS application. This is mandatory — CUET registration alone does not constitute a TISS application. Pay the TISS application fee (Rs 1,000–1,500).
Appear for CUET UG Exam
Take the CUET UG examination. Score as high as possible — TISS shortlists approximately 3x the number of available seats based on CUET score alone.
TISS-Specific Assessment
If shortlisted, appear for the TISS-specific round which may include: TISS-BAT (Bachelors Admission Test — a written test on social issues, analytical ability, and general awareness), Group Discussion, and/or Personal Interview. The exact format varies by programme.
Final Merit List
TISS publishes the final merit list combining CUET scores (typically 50–60% weightage) and TISS assessment scores (40–50% weightage). Selected candidates receive offer letters via email and the portal.
Acceptance & Enrolment
Accept your offer by paying the admission fee within the deadline. Report to your allotted campus (Mumbai/Tuljapur/Hyderabad/Guwahati) for orientation in July–August 2026.
Score Targets & Preparation Tips
| Target Programme | Safe CUET Score (General) | TISS Assessment Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| BA Social Sciences / HRM (Mumbai) | 720+ / 750 | Read EPW, The Hindu editorials; practice essay writing on social issues |
| BA Social Work / Media | 710+ / 750 | Fieldwork awareness, media literacy, current social movements |
| BA Public Policy / Development Studies | 690+ / 750 | Government schemes (flagship & state-level), SDGs, India policy landscape |
Preparation Strategy: TISS requires a dual preparation approach. First, maximise your CUET score through rigorous mock testing — aim for 95%+ in each section. Second, prepare for the TISS-specific assessment by developing deep awareness of social issues, inequality, gender, caste dynamics, and public policy. Read Economic & Political Weekly (EPW), follow NITI Aayog reports, and practice articulating your views on complex social topics.
TISS Campuses
- Mumbai (Main Campus): Deonar, Mumbai — 18-acre campus, heritage building, proximity to corporate Mumbai. Most programmes offered here.
- Tuljapur Campus: Osmanabad district, Maharashtra — Rural campus focused on rural development and social work. BA Social Work offered.
- Hyderabad Campus: Rajendranagar, Hyderabad — Newer campus focused on public policy, governance, and livelihoods. BA Public Policy offered.
- Guwahati Campus: Jalukbari, Guwahati — Northeast-focused campus offering development studies and social work programmes.
Important Links & Portals
- Official Website: tiss.edu
- Admission Portal: admissions.tiss.edu
- CUET UG Portal: cuetug.ntaonline.in
- TISS-BAT Details: Available on admission portal after notification
- Contact: admissions@tiss.edu | +91-22-2556-3289
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUET score alone sufficient for TISS admission?
No. TISS uses a dual-stage process for most programmes. CUET score is used for shortlisting, but final selection depends on a TISS-specific assessment (BAT/GD/PI). The weightage split is typically 50–60% CUET and 40–50% TISS assessment.
Do I need to apply separately on the TISS portal?
Yes, absolutely. Registering for CUET is not sufficient. You must complete a separate application on admissions.tiss.edu with the TISS application fee. Missing this step means you will not be considered for TISS admission regardless of your CUET score.
What is the TISS-BAT?
TISS-BAT (Bachelors Admission Test) is a written test conducted by TISS for shortlisted CUET candidates. It typically includes sections on analytical ability, social awareness, essay writing, and programme-specific questions. The format varies by programme.
What is the fee structure at TISS?
TISS fees are moderate for a deemed university. Annual tuition ranges from Rs 50,000–1,00,000 depending on the programme. The institute offers generous financial aid — over 40% of students receive fee waivers or scholarships based on family income.
Can I choose my TISS campus?
Yes, you select your preferred campus and programme during the TISS application. However, each campus offers different programmes, so your choice depends on the programme you wish to pursue. Mumbai campus is the most popular and competitive.