The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is a prestigious multi-campus university established in Mumbai in 1936 with the aim of "Re-imagining Futures." It is one of the oldest institutes in Asia, and in 1956, it was designated as a Deemed University by the Government of India. TISS has four campuses in different parts of the country, including TISS Tuljapur, TISS Hyderabad, TISS Guwahati, and TISS Mumbai.
TISS offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including business management programs. To select candidates who want to pursue a career in management, TISS conducts two entrance exams, TISSNET and TISSMAT, on all of its campuses.
TISSNET vs TISSMAT: Overview
The two entrance exams, TISSNET and TISSMAT, are conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for admission to their various courses. The main distinction between the two exams lies in their focus and purpose. TISSNET is a general entrance test for admission to all Master's programs offered by TISS, covering subjects such as social work, public health, development studies, and management. Conversely, TISSMAT is designed explicitly for admission to the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program offered by TISS.
In terms of format, TISSNET is a computer-based test comprising multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate's proficiency in various sections, including General Awareness, English Proficiency, Mathematical and Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation. Conversely, TISSMAT is a pen-and-paper test that evaluates the candidate's business aptitude, testing their ability to analyse and interpret data, comprehend business concepts, and solve business-related problems.
The two exams also differ in the type of questions asked. While TISSNET features a blend of factual and conceptual questions to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of various subjects, TISSMAT features more analytical questions that require candidates to apply their knowledge of business concepts to solve problems. TISSNET tests the candidate's aptitude and potential to succeed in a Master's program, while TISSMAT evaluates the candidate's ability to excel in a business program.
Description Of TISSMAT:
TISSMAT, or TISS-MAT, is a postgraduate management entrance test introduced by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The exam is conducted in addition to TISSNET and is compulsory for students who wish to enrol in the MA (HRM&LR) and MA (ODCL) courses offered by TISS Mumbai. Students are required to first appear for the TISSNET exam and then take the TISSMAT exam, which will be conducted immediately after TISSNET. However, for all other courses except the MA (HRM&LR) and MA (ODCL) courses, the college also conducts the TISSPAT examination, which is conducted after the TISSNET examination. Therefore, TISSMAT is exclusively for students interested in pursuing management programs at TISS Mumbai and is a critical exam for admission.
Exam Pattern Of TISSMAT:
|
Section |
Total No. Of Question |
Maximum Marks |
|
Comprehension |
10 |
10 |
|
Management Data Intrepetation |
15 |
15 |
|
Business Awareness |
10 |
10 |
|
Descriptive Writing |
01 |
15 |
Description Of TISSNET:
TISSNET, for TISS National Entrance Test, is a nationwide exam conducted by TISS in Mumbai. Its objective is to admit MBA candidates to the university’s postgraduate programs. The exam is held online and consists of three sections, namely English Proficiency (EP), Mathematical Skills and Logical Reasoning (MS&LR), and General Awareness (GA).
Exam Pattern of TISSNET
|
Section |
Total Question |
Maximum Marks |
|
English proficiency |
30 |
30 |
|
Mathematical and Logical Reasoning |
30 |
3 |
|
General Awareness |
40 |
40 |
TISSNET vs TISSMAT: Selection Process
The selection process for TISSMAT and TISSNET involves multiple stages. Firstly, candidates must pass the TISSNET exam to be eligible for the TISSMAT exam. Shortlisting candidates for the TISSMAT exam is done based on their performance in the TISSNET exam and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria. The final selection process includes a pre-interview test and a personal interview. It should be noted that all MBA applicants, irrespective of their program choice, must take the TISSNET exam.
However, the TISSNET score will only be used to shortlist candidates for the second stage of the TISS selection process, and it will not be considered in the final score. For non-management MA programs, the pre-interview test and personal interview scores will be combined in a 70:30 ratio for final selection. Therefore, the selection process for TISSMAT and TISSNET is comprehensive and involves multiple stages to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are selected.
Tips To Ace the TISSNET and TISSMAT Exams
- Know the exam pattern: Before you begin your preparation, being familiar with it is essential. TISSNET consists of three sections: English Proficiency, Mathematical Skills and Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. TISSMAT, on the other hand, has four sections: Reading Comprehension, Business Awareness, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Knowing the exam pattern will help you plan your preparation accordingly.
- Create a study schedule: Once you know the exam pattern, create a schedule that allows you to cover all the topics systematically. Allocate enough time for each section, and focus on the topics that you're weak in.
- Focus on your basics: Both TISSNET and TISSMAT test your basic skills in English, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Therefore, it's essential to have a strong foundation in these subjects. Focus on building your basics and improving your speed and accuracy.
- Practice mock tests: Mock tests are a great way to assess your preparation level and identify improvement areas. Take as many mock tests as possible, and analyse your performance after each test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and fine-tune your preparation accordingly.
- Stay updated with current affairs: General Awareness is a crucial section in TISSNET that tests your knowledge of current affairs. Stay updated with the latest news and events, and read newspapers, magazines, and online portals regularly.
- Read extensively: Reading is a great way to improve your English proficiency and comprehension skills. Read books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles on various topics. This will improve your language skills and help you stay updated with current affairs.
- Solve previous year's question papers: Solving previous year's questions is a great way to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. Analyse the previous year's papers, and identify the frequently asked topics.
- Time management: Time management is crucial in TISSNET and TISSMAT exams. Develop a strategy to manage your time effectively, and practice time-bound mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Stay calm and focused: On exam day, stay calm and focused. Don't panic if you encounter a difficult question, and don't waste too much time on any one question. Move on to the next question, and return to the difficult one if you have time.
- Revision: Revision is key to consolidating your preparation and ensuring you don't forget what you've learned. Make sure you revise all the topics before the exam and focus on the areas in which you're weak.
