The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced a significant academic expansion across its Mumbai, Hyderabad, Tuljapur, and Guwahati campuses. The initiative, named ‘Navati’, aims to strengthen the institute’s national and global presence in social sciences. TISS plans to introduce new undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and PhD courses, officially launching the program on November 20, 2026 , TISS Foundation Day.
Navati Initiative Targets Global Leadership
Vice-Chancellor Badri Narayan Tiwari stated the ‘Navati’ initiative, meaning ’90’ and ‘newness’ in Sanskrit and Malayalam, sets both local and global objectives for TISS. The program coincides with the institute’s 90-year celebrations. This overhaul positions TISS to address identified gaps in social science support systems globally.
TISS Bharat: Expanding National Reach
TISS Bharat focuses on improving regional and social representation across all campuses. The program will target underrepresented areas including Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and India’s northeastern states. Faculty teams will visit these regions to engage with teachers, students, and local communities. This engagement seeks to raise awareness about TISS and its educational offerings.
The initiative aligns with TISS’ historical commitment to social justice education. It will specifically focus on tribal and marginalized groups. TISS Bharat also expands its existing skill education network. This network, currently active in 67 global locations, connects backward communities with employment opportunities. This outreach aims to foster inclusive education and skill development nationwide.
TISS Global Initiative: Fostering International Collaboration
The TISS Global Initiative aims to establish the institute as a key international anchor for social sciences. Vice-Chancellor Tiwari highlighted a need for stronger social science support systems as India’s global role expands. TISS currently collaborates with 59 international universities. This global engagement seeks to position India at the forefront of social science discourse.
Plans include scaling this international network. TISS will organize two major international colloquiums. The first colloquium will take place in India, with a second planned abroad in collaboration with international partners. The Tuljapur campus will host the Global Network of Rural Innovators, connecting local knowledge to global platforms. The Guwahati campus will lead cross-border social science research.
New Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs
Sunil Shantha, Dean of Academic Affairs for the School of Management and Labour Studies, detailed upcoming academic reforms. TISS is considering a new major in management studies at the undergraduate level. An applied psychology minor is also under consideration. Mumbai and Hyderabad campuses plan to jointly offer a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB) program.
Reforms will also expand options for social service programs. Students, currently limited to a single track, will gain access to additional pathways. Public health is one such proposed pathway. All new academic programs require approval from the TISS Academic Council before implementation.
Executive PhD Program Introduced
Dean of Research Anil Sutar announced a new executive PhD program. This program targets working professionals seeking advanced qualifications. TISS currently offers 106 seats for its regular full-time PhD program. The institute noted a gradual increase in intake as more scholars successfully complete their dissertations.
The eligibility criteria for the executive PhD admissions will be less stringent than traditional routes. The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC NET) will not be mandatory for executive PhD candidates. Instead, applicants will take a local entrance test conducted by TISS. Sutar confirmed that academic quality standards will be maintained for all enrolled students.