The Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF) of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Deonar area of Chembur in Mumbai, has started a poll of students who were accepted into the institution in 2024 in an effort to draw attention to the challenges faced by applicants. The goal of the student collective is to gather and examine input from individuals who were just admitted, then offer the results and possible fixes to the TISS administration.
PSF stated in a statement that it has encountered a number of applicants who had difficulty with various aspects of the TISS 2024 admissions procedure. The group believes that these difficulties need more research. In order to achieve this, they have created a brief, anonymous survey to collect first-hand recollections of applicants' experiences with registration, online and offline document verification, and any communications they may have had with the TISS helpdesk or technical support. PSF members think the results will help them push for changes in the admissions process and guarantee improved student welfare in the future. The poll is only available to individuals who enrolled at TISS in 2024.
The PSF sent a letter to TISS in December 2024, highlighting a number of important concerns that affect applicants for three master's programs offered through the Common Admission Test (CAT), including Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The letter, which was sent to the Liaison Officer (PwD), the Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Dean of Student Affairs, emphasised what the PSF described as "serious concerns" over the existing admissions procedure and the short registration window.
The students' collective highlighted four primary issues in their letter: unclear PwD cut-offs, unclear registration fee information, insufficient registration time, and no provision for fresh registrations.
Students had previously expressed dissatisfaction with an honour code that was implemented as part of the admissions process in September 2024. According to the code, students must accept that TISS retains the right to cancel their enrolment if they violate any of the school's rules. In contrast to past years, the undertaking notably contained a pledge to abstain from political, anti-establishment, or unpatriotic discourse, as well as from taking part in protests, dharnas, or other activities that would disturb the educational setting.
This was perceived by some TISS students as an effort by the government to quell democratic voice and opposition. After a study and protests, the administration removed the controversial clause.
"We encourage anyone who joined TISS in 2024 to spend just five minutes filling out the survey," a PSF spokesperson said in reference to their survey.
Many issues pertaining to the admission process are coming to light, which is why we decided to collect firsthand information from students in the form of this survey, the official continued, stressing that participation will remain anonymous. This will give us the information we need to solve the challenges faced by incoming students and suggest realistic adjustments to the administration.
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