TISSNET 2026 – Counselling Process

The TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test) is the first step for postgraduate admissions at TISS across programs such as MA, MSc, MPH, and MHA. Once the entrance test results are announced, qualified candidates proceed to the TISSNET 2026 Counselling Process, which includes multiple rounds of online assessment, personal interviews, and merit list releases. The TISSNET 2026 counselling process ensures a transparent seat allotment based on performance, academic credentials, and category-specific reservation norms.

Overview of TISSNET 2026 Counselling Process:

The TISSNET 2026 counselling process will be conducted in several phases, starting from February 2026 and continuing through May 2026. The entire process, including document verification, interviews, and merit list publication, will be managed online through the official portal – admissions.tiss.ac.in.

Step-by-Step TISSNET 2026 Counselling Process:

Step 1 – Result Declaration and Shortlist

After the TISSNET 2026 exam results are released, candidates meeting the General Awareness cut-off are shortlisted for the next stage—the Online Assessment (OA) round. The OA includes an Extempore Reflection Test (ERT) and Personal Interview (PI).

Step 2 – Detailed Application Form (DAF) Submission:

Shortlisted candidates must log in to their TISS account and submit the Detailed Application Form (DAF) within the given window. The DAF includes detailed academic records, work experience (if any), and a Statement of Purpose (SOP), which helps the panel evaluate suitability for the selected program.

Step 3 – Online Assessment Round

The OA stage comprises:

• Extempore Reflection Test (ERT):Candidates present their thoughts verbally on a random topic within a short preparation time.
• Online Personal Interview (PI):Conducted by a TISS panel to assess motivation, domain understanding, and social perspectives.

Step 4 – Merit List and Seat Allocation:

Post evaluation, TISS releases three rounds of merit lists. Each list is prepared based on cumulative scores from TISSNET, ERT, and PI (for CUET and CAT pathways, relevant weightages are applied). Seats are allocated according to merit ranking, category, and availability.

Step 5 – Document Verification and Fee Payment:

Candidates listed in merit rounds must upload required documents on the portal and pay admission fees to confirm their seat. Required documents include:

• TISSNET scorecard
• Academic transcripts
• Photo ID proof
• Caste/Income certificate (if applicable)
• Work experience certificates (if required).
• Failure to upload documents or make payments within the given timeframe may lead to seat forfeiture.

Step 6 – Reporting and Campus Formalities:

After online admission confirmation, candidates must physically report to the allotted campus for final document verification between June 3–5, 2026. The academic session for the new batch will start from June 8, 2026.

Key Points About TISSNET 2026 Counselling Process:

• Counselling is conducted completely online before final campus reporting.
• The selection process varies — programs like HRM & LR and ODCL involve CAT-based assessments, whereas others rely on TISSNET + OA rounds.
• Each merit round includes seat acceptance deadlines, which must be met to retain admission eligibility.
• Category-based reservations (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) apply across all campuses following Government of India norms.

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FAQs:

Q1. When will TISSNET 2026 counselling begin?

Ans. The TISSNET 2026 counselling process is expected to begin in February 2026, following the announcement of shortlisted candidates for the online assessment.

Q2. What are the stages involved in TISSNET 2026 counselling?

Ans. TISSNET counselling consists of DAF submission, Extempore Reflection Test, Personal Interview, merit list publication, and seat confirmation with document verification.

Q3. How many merit lists are released during TISSNET 2026 counselling?

Ans. TISS releases three merit lists sequentially, followed by waitlists depending on seat availability and candidate withdrawals.

Q4. How can candidates confirm their admission after selection?

Ans. Candidates must upload required documents and pay admission fees online by the deadline announced with each merit list to secure their seat.

Q5. When will classes for TISSNET 2026-admitted candidates begin?

Ans. The new academic session is expected to commence on June 8, 2026, across all TISS campuses.