The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) held its 86th convocation ceremony, awarding degrees to 1,376 students across its four campuses. The event marked a significant milestone as TISS also shared its annual report for the academic year 2025-26, highlighting new academic programs, global collaborations, and its strategic vision for contributing to India’s development by 2047, known as 'Viksit Bharat'.
Dr. C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, was the chief guest at the ceremony, which brought together TISS leadership, faculty, students, and their families to celebrate the achievements of graduates from undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, dual-degree, and doctoral programs.
TISS’s Growth and Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
As TISS enters its 90th year, referred to as “Navati,” the institute is positioning itself as a key player in shaping India’s future through education and research. The convocation featured remarks from TISS Chancellor D P Singh, who acknowledged the hard work of students and the support of their families and faculty. He emphasized the collective effort behind each graduate’s success.
The institute’s vision, Viksit Bharat 2047, aims to foster a developed and inclusive India by the country’s 100th year of independence. To support this, TISS has launched the 'Viksit Bharat Vichar Kendra,' a think tank designed to promote evidence-based policy research and interdisciplinary scholarship. This initiative will serve as a national platform for dialogue and innovation aligned with the vision.
New Academic Programs and Global Partnerships
The convocation celebrated the first graduating batch of undergraduate students in Analytics and Sustainability Studies, reflecting TISS’s commitment to emerging fields. The institute also announced a collaboration with IIT Bombay to establish a Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Society under the newly created Ratan Tata School of Analytics.
- TISS Global, launched earlier in 2026, connects local knowledge with international scholarship.
- Expanded partnerships now include universities in Nepal, Zambia, the US, Brazil, and the UK, with ongoing talks in Australia, France, and Germany.
- Five Study in India programs brought 83 international participants, while 51 full-time international students enrolled at TISS.
- Exchange programs supported 28 TISS students studying abroad in eight countries.
- One-year master’s courses were introduced, aligning with the National Education Policy, alongside enhancements to four-year undergraduate programs.
Student Enrollment, Scholarships, and Faculty Updates
During the 2025-26 academic year, TISS received over 17,000 applications for 57 programs, admitting 1,520 students from across 33 states and union territories. The institute continues to prioritize inclusivity by providing scholarships to students from SC, ST, OBC, and EWS backgrounds.
Notable student and alumni achievements were recognized, including prestigious scholarships and awards such as the BAICE Presidential Bursary, Chevening Scholarship, Mahatma Award, and international innovation honors.
Enrollment across TISS campuses now exceeds 12,000 students, including those in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and skill education programs. The Women and Gender Development Cell remains active in promoting campus safety and gender equity through training and support initiatives.
Faculty strength includes 133 filled teaching positions out of 189 sanctioned posts, with 20 faculty members promoted under the Career Advancement Scheme. The institute also saw retirements and voluntary departures among staff during the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many students graduated at TISS’s 86th convocation?
A: A total of 1,376 students received degrees, including 35 doctoral scholars and graduates from various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Q: What new academic programs did TISS introduce recently?
A: TISS launched undergraduate courses in Analytics and Sustainability Studies and introduced one-year master’s programs aligned with the National Education Policy.
Q: What is the Viksit Bharat Vichar Kendra?
A: It is a new think tank established by TISS to promote interdisciplinary research and policy dialogue supporting India’s development vision for 2047.
