The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Patna
M.A. in Development Practice
An Institute of Excellence
A flagship programme from TISS, Mumbai, offered at the Patna Centre, focusing on critical development theory and hands-on practice.
About the Institute
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was established in 1936 as India's first graduate school of social work. In 1964, it was declared a Deemed University and is renowned for its excellence in higher education, responding to changing social realities to create a people-centred, ecologically sustainable, and just society.
The Centre for Development Practice and Research in Patna is an independent centre of TISS, Mumbai, established on March 6, 2016. It actively pursues research in priority areas like migration, labour studies, and justice, alongside offering its flagship M.A. programme.
Key Highlights
- ✔ Institute (TISS): Established 1936
- ✔ Patna Centre: Established 2016
- ✔ Type: Deemed University (NAAC A+ Grade)
- ✔ Location: Patna, Bihar
- ✔ Admissions: CUET (PG) 2025 Score
- ✔ Programme: M.A. in Development Practice (Self-Financed)
Why Choose This Programme?
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Prestigious Institution
Study under the banner of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), a pioneer in social sciences and development studies in India.
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Practice-Oriented Curriculum
The programme blends rigorous academic theory with extensive hands-on fieldwork, internships, and a dissertation, preparing you for real-world challenges.
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Focus on Social Justice
Engage with a curriculum rooted in values of equity, social justice, and sustainability, designed to create people-centred development practitioners.
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Expert Faculty & Research
Learn from leading researchers and practitioners in fields like migration, labour studies, and public policy at the Patna research centre.
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Strong Development Sector Network
Gain access to TISS's extensive network of alumni and partnerships with top NGOs, policy think tanks, CSR foundations, and government bodies.
Admission Process & Documents
How to Get In?
- Appear for CUET (PG) 2025: Secure a valid score in the Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate) 2025.
- Apply to TISS: Register and fill out the TISS common application form on the official admissions portal (`admissions.tiss.edu`).
- Selection Process: TISS will shortlist candidates based on CUET scores and the details in the TISS application.
- Seat Allotment: Based on the final merit list, seats are allocated to the Patna Centre.
- Reporting: Report to the Patna Centre for document verification and fee payment to confirm your admission.
Required Documents
- CUET (PG) 2025 Admit Card and Score Card
- TISS Application Confirmation Form
- Class 10th & 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates
- Bachelor's Degree Mark Sheets (all semesters)
- Bachelor's Degree Certificate (or Provisional)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable
- PwD Certificate, if applicable
- Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Passport-size Photographs
- Migration and Character Certificate
Eligibility, Intake & Courses
Eligibility & Intake
Eligibility Criteria
- A Bachelor's Degree (3 or 4 years) or a Master's Degree in any discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of education (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 or 10+2+3+2).
- Candidates in their final year of a Bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply.
- No age limit.
Programme Intake
25
Total Seats
Key Courses Offered (Curriculum)
The 2-year M.A. programme covers a wide range of topics central to development practice. Key courses include:
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Development Theory and Practice
Explores foundational and contemporary theories of development, critically examining concepts like modernization, dependency, post-development, and sustainable development.
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Research Methods (Qualitative & Quantitative)
Provides hands-on training in designing research, collecting data (surveys, interviews, ethnography), and analysis for both quantitative and qualitative paradigms.
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Economics for Development
Focuses on economic principles as they apply to development, including poverty, inequality, labour markets, and the role of globalization and economic policy.
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Social Policy and Development
Analyzes the design, implementation, and impact of social policies in sectors like health, education, social security, and sanitation.
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Understanding Indian Society
Delves into the social structures of India, including caste, class, gender, and religion, and their complex relationship with development outcomes.
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Law, Governance, and Development
Examines the role of legal frameworks, public institutions, decentralization (like Panchayati Raj), and rights-based approaches in shaping development.
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Project Management & Implementation
Teaches practical skills for the development project lifecycle, including planning, budgeting, execution, and reporting using tools like the Logical Framework Analysis.
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Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)
Covers the creation of frameworks to track project progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability and learning in development interventions.
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Fieldwork & Dissertation
Includes immersive fieldwork or internships with development organizations and culminates in an independent research dissertation on a chosen topic.
TISS Undergraduate Programmes 2025
Admissions to the Bachelor’s Programme offered by TISS for the academic year 2025-26 will be through CUET (UG) -2025 conducted by NTA. Candidates are required to apply online at: https://admissions.tiss.ac.in/
B.A./B.S. Programme Details
| Degree | Programme, Campus & Intake | CUET (UG) Test Mapping | Eligibility |
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| BSW | Bachelor of Social Work (Tuljapur Campus) Intake: 40 |
Section I A : English (Compulsory) Section III : General Test |
Basic eligibility for all UG programmes:
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| BSW | Bachelor of Social Work (Mumbai Campus) Intake: 30 |
Section I A : English (Compulsory) Section III : General Test |
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| BASS | BA in Social Sciences (Tuljapur Campus) Intake: 40 |
Section I A : English (Compulsory) Section III : General Test |
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| BASS | BA in Social Sciences (Guwahati Campus) Intake: 50 |
Section I A : English (Compulsory) Section III : General Test |
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| BS | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Analytics And Sustainability Studies (Mumbai Campus) Intake: 30 |
Section I A : English (Compulsory) Section III : General Test |
About the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BASS)
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) started its liberal arts undergraduate program from its Guwahati, Hyderabad and Tuljapur campuses in 2012. The BASS programme focused on the humanistic aspects of Social Sciences with a strong foundation in socio-cultural, economic, political, and historical theories, with the aim of instilling rigorous critical thought.
From 2022, TISS, Guwahati and Tuljapur Off campuses are offering 4-year undergraduate programmes in compliance with New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Characteristics (4-Year BASS Programme):
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The new NEP compliant 4-year undergraduate programme has 162 credits.
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Offers UGC mandated common courses, social sciences, humanities, and vocational studies baskets, plus interdisciplinary courses with options for major/minor areas.
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Enables graduation with a research degree after 4 years with one disciplinary major and two minors.
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At Guwahati Campus, choices include: Political Science (Major/Minor), Psychology (Major/Minor), Economics (Major/Minor), History (Minor), Public Policy (Minor), and Health Studies (Minor).
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Different exit options are built in, with credits stored in an academic credit bank.
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Research work and dissertation extend over two semesters in the fourth year.
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Includes skill, value, and ability enhancement courses.
Programme & Fee Structure
The M.A. in Development Practice is a 2-year (4-semester) self-financed programme. The fee structure varies by category.
Fee Structure (Per Semester)
| Category | Semester 1 Fees | Semester 2 Fees | Semester 3 Fees | Semester 4 Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹73,000 | ₹59,000 | ₹59,000 | ₹59,000 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹21,000 | ₹7,000 | ₹7,000 | ₹7,000 |
Fee Waivers & Scholarships
- SC/ST/PwD: SC/ST candidates with an annual family income of ₹2.5 lakh or less, and PwD candidates (irrespective of income), will receive a fee waiver from Semester 2 onwards after verification.
- OBC (NC): OBC (NC) candidates with an annual family income of ₹1.0 lakh or less are eligible for the Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship (GOI-PMS).
Total Programme Cost
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹2,40,000
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹42,000
Important Note
The Patna Centre does not provide hostel or dining facilities. Students must arrange for their own accommodation and food.
Ready to Apply?
Admissions for all TISS M.A. programmes are handled centrally via the TISS portal, based on CUET (PG) 2025 scores. Ensure you have registered for both.
Visit TISS Admissions PortalPlacement Highlights
TISS has a dedicated central placement cell and a strong alumni network. Graduates from the M.A. in Development Practice are highly sought after by leading national and international organizations for roles in project management, research, policy analysis, and CSR.
Potential Recruiters & Sectors
Graduates typically work in:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Policy Think Tanks and Research Institutions
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Foundations
- Government Development Programmes & PSUs
- International Agencies (e.g., UN bodies, World Bank)
Top organizations that recruit from TISS include:
Contact & Location
Get in Touch
For specific queries related to the M.A. Development Practice programme or the Patna Centre:
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Address:
TISS Patna Centre, Delhi Public School (Senior Wing), Village-Chandmari, P.S-Shahpur, Danapur-Khagaul Road, Patna – 801503, Bihar. -
Email:
patna-centre@tiss.edu