Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Admissions 2025

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS], Hyderabad, is a deemed university campus located in Turkayamjal, Nagarjuna Sagar Road, Hyderabad, Telangana. Established in 2011 (operational from 2012), TISS Hyderabad operates as an off-campus extension of the main TISS Mumbai institution, which was founded in 1936 and declared a Deemed University under the UGC Act in 1964. The Hyderabad campus is governed by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and has emerged as a significant hub for social sciences education in South India. TISS Hyderabad offers 6 postgraduate programs and 2 PhD programs aligned with NEP 2020, focusing on public policy, development studies, and social work domains. The campus currently operates from a temporary location while a 100-acre permanent campus is under construction in Kothur, Mahabubnagar. The institute is part of TISS's pan-India network that serves approximately 4,500 students across all campuses, with the Hyderabad campus contributing significantly to postgraduate and doctoral enrollment in social sciences disciplines.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Hyderabad Admission Deadlines

TISS Hyderabad follows a centralized admission calendar managed by the main TISS Mumbai administration for postgraduate and doctoral programs. For the 2025-26 academic session, the application window typically opens in December-January and closes in February-March. The TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test) for postgraduate programs is generally conducted in February, while PhD entrance examinations are held separately in March-April. Results and shortlisting for group discussions and personal interviews are announced by April-May, with final admissions concluding by June-July before the academic session begins in July-August. Candidates must monitor the official TISS admission portal regularly as dates may vary slightly each year based on administrative decisions.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Hyderabad UG Admission

TISS Hyderabad does not currently offer undergraduate programs at the Hyderabad campus. The institute's Hyderabad off-campus is specifically designed for postgraduate and doctoral education in social sciences, public policy, and development studies. Undergraduate programs, including the 4-year BA programs, are available only at the main TISS Mumbai campus. Students seeking undergraduate admission to TISS must apply to the Mumbai campus through the TISS undergraduate entrance examination conducted separately from TISSNET. The Hyderabad campus focuses its academic offerings on advanced master's level programs and research-oriented PhD courses that require prior completion of undergraduate degrees. Aspiring students interested in social sciences education at the undergraduate level should explore the Mumbai campus or consider other institutions for their bachelor's degrees before applying to TISS Hyderabad for postgraduate studies.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Hyderabad PG Admission

TISS Hyderabad offers 6 postgraduate programs with admission primarily through TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test), conducted annually in February. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university. The total intake across all postgraduate programs at the Hyderabad campus ranges between 120-180 seats, distributed across programs in social work, development studies, public policy, and related disciplines. The tuition fee for most MA/MSW programs is approximately INR 2.5-3.5 Lakh for the entire two-year program, with additional charges for hostel, mess, and other facilities. The application fee for TISSNET is typically INR 1,000-1,200 for General/OBC candidates and INR 500-600 for SC/ST/PwD applicants. Selection involves TISSNET scores, followed by Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) for shortlisted candidates, with final merit lists published by May-June.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Hyderabad PhD Admission

TISS Hyderabad offers 2 PhD programs in specialized areas of social sciences, development studies, and public policy research. Admission to PhD programs requires a master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university. Applicants with NET/JRF/GATE/SLET or equivalent qualifications receive exemption from the written entrance test and proceed directly to the interview stage. The PhD entrance examination is typically conducted in March-April, followed by interviews in April-May for shortlisted candidates. The annual fee for PhD programs ranges from INR 40,000-60,000, significantly lower than postgraduate programs, with additional fellowships available through UGC-NET JRF (INR 35,000-40,000 per month) and institute-specific scholarships. The application fee is approximately INR 800-1,000 for General/OBC and INR 400-500 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. PhD scholars are expected to complete coursework in the first year, followed by comprehensive examinations and dissertation research spanning 3-5 years.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences - [TISS] Hyderabad Application Process

TISS Hyderabad follows a fully online application process for all postgraduate and PhD programs, managed through the official TISS admission portal. The application process has been digitized since 2012-13, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Candidates must register on the portal during the notification period (typically December-February for PG and January-March for PhD), fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents (photograph, signature, mark sheets, certificates), and pay the application fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. After submission, applicants receive a unique registration number and can download their admit cards 7-10 days before the entrance examination. Results are declared within 15-20 days of the examination, and shortlisted candidates are notified via email and SMS for subsequent rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Final merit lists are published on the official website by May-June, and selected candidates must complete document verification and fee payment within the stipulated deadline to confirm admission.

• Visit the official TISS admission portal and register with a valid email ID and mobile number

• Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact information

• Upload scanned copies of recent photograph, signature, Class 10/12 mark sheets, bachelor's/master's degree certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and PwD certificate (if applicable)

• Pay the application fee online (INR 1,000-1,200 for General/OBC; INR 500-600 for SC/ST/PwD for PG programs)

• Submit the application and save/print the confirmation page with registration number

• Download the admit card 7-10 days before the entrance exam from the admission portal

• Appear for TISSNET (PG) or TISS PhD Entrance (PhD) on the scheduled date at the designated center

• Check results online and attend Group Discussion/Personal Interview if shortlisted

• Complete document verification and pay admission fees upon final selection