The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has unveiled its selection criteria for the MA HRM & LR program for the 2025-27 batch. For the first time, TISS is conducting admission through CAT. With a comprehensive approach that emphasizes academic rigor, diversity, and CAT performance, the admission process aims to identify the most promising candidates. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing for the selection process

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TISS HRM & LR Selection Criteria 2025-27: Key Highlights

1. Minimum CAT 2024 Percentile Requirements:
   • General/EWS/KM/AF: 70th percentile overall, with sectional cut-offs at 60.
   • NC-OBC: 63rd percentile overall, with sectional cut-offs at 54.
   • SC/ST: 55th percentile overall, with sectional cut-offs at 45.
2. Gender Diversity Points:
   • Female and transgender candidates receive a 5% weightage in the shortlisting process.
3. Weight Distribution for Shortlisting: CAT scores make up 95% of weightage and rest 5% for gender diversity.
4. Weight Distribution for Final Merit List:
   • CAT Scores: 70%
   • Graduation Marks: 10%
   • Online Interview: 20%

Phase 1: Eligibility Based on CAT 2024 Scores and Academic Background

To qualify for the shortlisting process, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• CAT Cut-offs: The minimum overall and sectional percentiles as specified.
• Graduation Performance: A rating score is assigned based on the percentage marks and the candidate's academic category. Degrees are classified into six categories (AC-1 to AC-6): Medicine, Engineering, Commerce, Arts, and more.

Phase 2: Shortlisting for Online Assessment (OA)

Shortlisted candidates will participate in an Online Assessment based on their performance in CAT and academic records. The weightage for shortlisting is distributed as:

• CAT Score:95%
• Gender Diversity:5% for female and transgender candidates.

Phase 3: Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared after considering the following components:

1. CAT Scores (70% Weightage): A significant emphasis is placed on CAT performance.
2. Graduation Marks (10% Weightage): Assessed based on the academic category and percentage score.
3. Online Interview (20% Weightage): Evaluate candidates’ personality, motivation, and alignment with the HRM & LR program.

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TISS HRM & LR Selection Criteria: Academic Category Classification Graduation degrees are classified into six categories (AC-1 to AC-6) for evaluating academic performance. Each category has a corresponding rating scale for graduation marks. For instance:

• AC-1 (Medical Degrees)
• AC-2 (Selected Professional Degrees like CA, ICWA, FIAI, CS)
• AC-3 (Commerce, Economics, Finance & Management)
• AC-4 (Engineering, Technology, Architecture related areas)
• AC-5 (All Arts/Humanities Related Degrees, Design, Education, Fashion Design/Technology, Law and Rural Studies)
• AC-6 (Any other discipline not mentioned in AC-1 to AC-5)

Rating Score	Percent score in Bachelor’s Degree
	AC-1	AC-2	AC -3	AC-4 & AC-6	AC-5
1	<= 55	<= 50	<= 55	<= 60	<= 50
2	> 55 and <= 60	> 50 and <= 53	> 55 and <= 60	> 60 and <= 65	> 50 and <= 55
3	> 60 and <= 62	>53 and <=55	> 60 and <= 65	> 65 and <= 70	> 55 and <= 60
5	> 62 and <= 65	>55 and <=57	> 65 and <= 70	> 70 and <= 75	> 60 and <= 65
8	> 65 and <= 70	>57 and <=63	> 70 and <= 80	> 75 and <= 85	> 65 and <= 75
10	> 70	>63	> 80	> 85	> 75

 Additional Guidelines

• Dual Degrees: Candidates with dual bachelor's degrees must specify both fields.
• Weightage for interview shortlists: Only CAT percentile and gender diversity will be considered.
• Weightage for final merit list: CAT percentile, graduation marks based on academic category, and interview performance will be considered.
• Reservation Policy: A adheres to the Government of India’s norms for reserved categories.

Conclusion TISS HRM & LR is a prestigious program that values diversity, academic excellence, and a candidate's potential. With clear guidelines for each stage, candidates must focus on excelling in the CAT, maintaining strong academic performance, and preparing for the Interview rounds. This structured approach ensures that the selection process remains transparent and equitable, giving candidates a roadmap to enhance their preparation. With one of the best placement reports in the country’s top management schools (placement report), the flagship program of TISS has always been a highly competitive target school for many aspirants.  Best of luck!