In a surprising turn of events, the Tata Institutes of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced a shift in its postgraduate admission process for the 2024-25 academic year. The Common University Entrance Test Postgraduate (CUET PG 2024) will be the key determinant for most postgraduate courses, excluding only two programs relying on the Common Admission Test (CAT). This move has sparked concerns among aspiring students, leading to condemnations and demands for reinstating the TISS National Entrance Test (TISSNET).
TISS Ditches TISSNET for CUET PG, Creating Student Discontent
TISS’s decision to abandon the TISSNET examination for postgraduate admissions has left students in a state of uncertainty. The institute’s reliance on CUET PG for the majority of its postgraduate courses has drawn criticism, particularly due to the short notice given to candidates, many of whom were gearing up for the TISSNET scheduled in December. Approximately 40,000 candidates participate in the TISS entrance exam annually.
PSF-TISS Condemns Move and Advocates for TISSNET Reinstatement
The TISS Progressive Students Forum (PSF) expressed strong opposition to the abrupt scrapping of TISSNET, denouncing it as an “attack on TISS identity and campus culture.” The forum’s social media post highlighted the challenges faced by students who missed the CAT application deadline, leaving them at risk of a gap year. PSF-TISS called for clarity on the admission procedure, emphasizing the need for an alternative application process for affected students.
Administration’s Move Criticized as Ill-Advised by PSF-TISS
The PSF-TISS characterized the administration’s decision as “ill-advised,” posing a threat to the institute’s unique character. The adoption of CUET was seen as a deviation from TISS’s vision of being an inclusive social sciences university. The forum raised concerns about the accessibility of CUET, suggesting it might favor privileged students with the financial capacity for extensive coaching fees. The demand for the reinstatement of TISSNET and pre-admission orientation for marginalized students was put forth by PSF-TISS.
TISS Administration to Address Student Concerns
In response to the growing concerns, Professor Bino Paul, the pro-vice chancellor of TISS, acknowledged the students’ apprehensions over entrance exams. He assured that further clarification would be provided in due course, signaling a potential reevaluation of the decision in response to student feedback.
