TISSNET MA-MSc Preparation 2024: Tips, Strategy & Guide

Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test 2024 ( TISSNET )

Shruti Garg

Shruti GargAssistant Manager- Editorial

Updated on Oct 9, 2023 14:43 IST

TISSNET is one of the most popular entrance exams for admission to postgraduate management programmes in India. It is expected that candidates will consider all the key aspects of the exam while devising a preparation plan. To score well in TISSNET 2024, candidates should ideally start their preparations at least six months in advance. Candidates should sketch out a well-thought TISSNET preparation plan, including a daily timetable, topic-wise distribution of hours, dedicated time for solving sample questions, and getting conceptual clarity. The TISSNET question paper comprises three sections — English Proficiency, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning and General Awareness. In this article, we will share key tips and insights on TISSNET preparation.

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How to Prepare for TISSNET 2024

  • Check the TISSNET Syllabus thoroughly and understand the TISSNET Exam Pattern and marking scheme well
  • Choose TISSNET preparation books and study material
  • Set a timeline for completing TISSNET syllabus
  • Practice TISSNET mocks and sample papers
  • Prepare for the exam day

Also Read:

Q:   What is the difficulty level of the TISSNET?

A:
The overall difficulty level is moderate, as per the previous year's TISSNET question paper analysis. 1. The general awareness section is usually easy to moderate with a 40-mark weight. 2. The English section is also easy-to-moderate in difficulty, with a total score weight of 30 marks. 3. In comparison to other exams, the math and logical reasoning sections are usually on the easier side in the TISSNET exam, with a total weight of 30 marks. You can find a year-by-year analysis of TISSNET question papers at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/tissnet-exam-analysis.
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Q:   Which is tougher to crack: TISSNET or ATMA?

A:
There is nothing such thing called tougher to crack or easy to crack. This view depends upon the preparation of the exam you are giving. There are number of exams conducted in India for the MBA type courses. Exams like TISSNET, ATMA, CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, IBSAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc. have some minor tweaking and variations apart from the main sections. Each of these exams has quantitative aptitude, Verbal reasoning, Logical reasoning and data interpretation, apart from GK or essay writing section in some of the exams. So, you have to prepare accordingly for these exams either by taking coaching classes or correspondence course or by self-preparation or by following recommended books. After you have prepared for the most difficult level questions, you may try to get some question banks for the specific exam you are targeting either offline mode i.e. books on exams or online mode i.e. free question banks websites or paid question banks for practice.
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Section-wise TISSNET Preparation Plan 2024

Preparation for English Proficiency

To perform well in this section, aspirants should strengthen the basics of grammar and build their vocabulary. They should also practice at least two reading comprehension passages daily. A regular reading habit will go a long way in honing candidate's comprehension skill. Aspirants should take up writing tasks regularly and assess their performance to improve grammar. The key areas in this section are:

  • Word Analogies
  • Vocabulary, with questions on the appropriate pairing of words and antonyms
  • Rearranging sentences
  • Reading Comprehension

 Preparation for Mathematics Skills

This section, in particular, is concept-driven and it is suggested that candidates should brush up the fundamentals to develop the required competence. Aspirants should make it a habit to practice quant and reasoning questions for at least three hours a day and ensure that they cover every single topic under this section. This will help them discover tricks and shortcuts for solving different types of questions. They should memorise all the important formulas and theorems, which will help them get quick solutions. The key areas in this section are:

  • Basic Geometry
  • Basic Set Concepts
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Basic Algebra
  • Simultaneous Equations

 Preparation for GK Section

This section comprises 40 per cent of the total weightage of TISSNET exam. Reading the newspaper daily and tracking all the current affairs will help strengthen your general knowledge and thus help you crack this section easily. Be updated with the daily news and note down the important dates and events happening around the world. It is equally important to understand the past priority areas, which would help develop a more convergent approach. The important topics to be covered in this section are:

  • Current Events
  • Significant Political Events or Political Information
  • History
  • Geography and General Geology
  • Sociological Awareness
  • Economic Processes
  • Literature
  • Famous Personalities
  • Fine Arts & Music (Worldwide)

Best Books for TISSNET Preparation

Studying from a huge pile of study material won’t help clear TISSNET 2021. A candidate needs to get composite study material and find out the best books for TISSNET exam. Here is a list of books to help a candidate prepare for the exam.

Book Name

Author/Publisher

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R S Aggarwal

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

High School Grammar

Wren & Martin

Manorama Year Book

Manorama Publication

General Knowledge by Lucent

Lucent Publication

Logical and Analytical Reasoning

AK Gupta

Compendium General English

BB Jain

A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

R S Aggarwal

Q:   If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for TISSNET?

A:
The preparation part for TISSNET is very much similar to CAT. As I say this, CAT can be assumed as a super set of TISSNET as far as preparation is concerned. Now, to simply put the answer is 'No'. You need not prepare separately for both exams. Preparing for CAT will ensure you have prepared 90% for TISSNET as well. Apart for regular CAT study the other thing must to cover TISSNET is practicing mock papers and past year papers of TISSNET. This will ensure that you know the format of the exam and are well prepared for it. Keep in mind the only key to hack the exams is hard work mixed with smart work.
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Take TISSNET Mock Test

TISSNET mock test is an important element in exam preparation. TISSNET exam is time-based and has to be completed within the given time. So, practising mocks and TISSNET sample paper goes a long way in building candidate’s confidence and helping them score well in the exam. It is advised that candidates should start practising mocks at least three months before the exam. They should target at least four mocks in a week and also spare time for self-evaluation. Following are the benefits of solving mocks and previous year questions:

  • Better time management
  • Develops candidate's ability to handle exam pressure
  • Improvement in speed and accuracy
  • Develops candidate's ability to pick the right set of questions

Exam Day Preparation

Candidates need to stay calm and composed on the examination day. Being nervous will only add to the anxiety and may affect a candidate’s performance in the exam. While appearing for TISSNET 2021, candidates should keep the following in mind:

  • Revise all the formulas and theorems
  • Reach the examination venue one hour before the examination starts
  • Carry all the necessary documents such as your admit card and id proof
  • Read instructions carefully before starting the exam
  • Stay calm and focused. Read each question calmly before attempting it.

Also Read :

Q:   How to avoid common mistakes in TISSNET?

A:
Tips to avoid common mistakes in TISSNET: - Last minute preparation: To give your best. Do not learn new tricks at the very last moment. This increases chances of confusion especially in case of mathematics problems - Don't get stuck: If you feel the problem is taking time, then leave and move to next. There is no point in wasting time in something which you don't know or which is taking time. It’s better to attempt 2 simpler questions than to crack a difficult one. - Don’t feel pressure: Getting under stress is the biggest mistake that we make just before the exam and prepare ourselves ready to lose the race. Make sure you are positive, remain cool and calm throughout the exam. - Enter with open mind: Our suggestion is not to get biased or limit yourself in attempting the number of questions. You may or may not attempt all the questions in all the sections, given the time constraint or for fear of getting penalty for wrong answer.
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Q:   What kind of questions are asked in TISSNET Personal Interview rounds?

A:
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) National Entrance Test (NET) is a competitive examination for admission to various postgraduate programs offered by the TISS. The Personal Interview PI round is a crucial part of the selection process for these programs, and the questions asked during the PI are typically designed to assess the candidate's motivation, aptitude, and potential for the programme they have applied to. In general, the PI panel may ask questions on a wide range of topics, including: Your academic and professional background Your reasons for applying to the programme Your interests and goals Your understanding of the programme and its curriculum Your views on current social and economic issues Your experiences, skills, and strengths relevant to the programme Your suitability for the programme and the field you have chosen The panel may also ask questions to probe your analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as your communication and interpersonal skills. It is important to be well-prepared for the PI and to be able to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.
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FAQs Related to TISSNET Preparation

Check the frequently asked questions on TISSNET preparation:

Q:   How should I prepare for the TISSNET verbal ability section?

A:
The verbal ability section of TISSNET has 30 questions. You can prepare for this section by using these tips: 1. Analyze the previous year's question set to understand the nature of the questions in this section. 2. Refer to some good books like "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay. 3. For the reading comprehension part, develop the habit of reading passages in newspaper editorials. 4. For the non-RC section, first understand the concept from the book before practicing it topically. 5. Give around 8 to 10 mock tests to improve your accuracy in this section.
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Q:   How should I prepare for the TISSNET quant section?

A:
The TISSNET's "quant, " or mathematical ability section, is heavily concept-driven. Using these professional tips, you can get ready for this section: 1. Examine the question set from the previous year to comprehend the type of questions in this section. 2. Consult quality publications like R. S. Aggarwal's "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations. " 3. Review the foundational material from NCERT for each and every topic listed in this section. 4. Before beginning practice, fully comprehend the concepts from the book. Then, practice it according to the topics covered. 5. Conduct 15 to 20 practice exams to increase your accuracy in this section.
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Q:   How can I crack TISSNET in 1 year?

A:
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai is popularly known as TISS offers a range of Masters' programs at various campuses. You are required to have a strong knowledge of it. A habit of regular newspaper reading and magazine reading will be a great advantage. Reading good books of GK such as GK yearbooks will provide good information. Due to its vastness, this section can be little challenging. Student are required to stay in touch with all the topics and shouldn’t leave any of it. This is because the candidates should broaden their knowledge horizon. Candidates need to polish their concept skills in every area, especially the ones mentioned above. And for this, one can refer to NCERT books of 10th class. Practicing across the similar questions for this section will cement all the concepts of the candidates. Candidates can refer to question banks of different topics. Practicing mock tests is a great way of preparation. TISSNET mock tests will surely help the candidates in building up the required test skills which includes striking the perfect synchronization between speed and accuracy, tie management and prioritization of sections. Solving as many questions a day as you can, will not only improve your mathematical skills, but it will also develop your accuracy and speed. Practicing TISSNET sample papers and mock tests of TISSNET will strengthen your preparation. Practicing calculations and short cuts are a great move to save time during exam. You should practice the questions based on puzzles, alphabet series, logical connectivity, number series etc. Revising the formula will help in calculations.
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Q:   How can I crack TISSNET in 6 months?

A:
Six months are good enough to prepare for TISSNET if you prepare well and spend quality time during your preparation. First step is to go through the syllabus of the exam. Which is posted in the colleges website or you can go through useful links at Shiksha.com as well. Practice mock CAT question to cover the English, Mathematics and Logical Reasoning. Time your answers as time management is one of the necessary aspects of the test you should be practicing. Prepare well for the exam and set a time limit for each mock you take. Understand the exam pattern, format and syllabus. Work on the areas in which you are weak and enhance your abilities in which you are confident. General Knowledge section is the most important of all in TISSNET. Focus on General Knowledge and Current affairs happened in past one year. Stay focused!
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Q:   How can I crack TISSNET in 3 months?

A:
TISSNET exam is conducted in last week of February. Therefore, candidates planning to crack TISSNET in three months must begin their preparation in November. To crack the TISSNET exam in three months, here are key tips and tricks for preparation: Strengthen key concepts: It is a crucial step to TISSNET preparation. Basics are an integral part of solving questions. When preparing for Mathematics, candidates must know the formulas and theorems to solve the questions. While preparing for English candidates must focus on reading newspapers and improving their grammar. Candidates preparing for other MBA entrance exams will be able to cover the syllabus in three months. Device preparation strategy: Candidates must devise an effective preparation strategy as per the days left for the examination. Candidates must decide upon the time to be devoted to each section. Study material: Books are the best source for exam preparation. Candidates studying from a bunch of books is not the right decision. Candidates must choose the right study material as per the TISSNET syllabus and the best author. Practice: candidates must ensure to take an ample number of mock tests to analyse the strong and weak areas. With the help of mock tests and sample papers, candidates can improve their speed and accuracy also. Stay calm and focused: Above all, candidates must ensure to stay calm and stay hydrated while preparing for TISSNET exam. Candidates must ensure to follow their hobbies amid preparing for TISSNET exam.
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Q:   From where can I get the reference books or study material for TISS entrance exam for Masters in social work?

A:
Hi, You can refer to these books: 1. The comprehensive guide to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude is How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma. 2. The best book you can buy for logical reasoning is A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwal 3. Another small book for practicing Data Interpretation is An Advanced Approach to Data Interpretation by RS Aggarwal. 4. For practice of Reading Comprehension the best book you can buy and read is Proficiency in Reading Comprehension Simplifying the Passage for you by Ajay Singh. 5. Objective English for Competitive Examination by Hari Mohan Prasad.
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Q:   Which are the best books to refer for TISSNET exam preparation?

A:
Preparation material for TISSNET: 1. Analytical and Numerical Ability -How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma -Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal - How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma - An Advanced Approach to Data Interpretation by RS Aggarwal 2. Language Ability - For practice of Reading Comprehension the best book you can buy is Proficiency in Reading Comprehension Simplifying the Passage for you by Ajay Singh - Objective English for competitive examinations by Hari Mohan Prasad - Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 3. General and Social Issues - For History, Geography and Science read NCERT from 8th to 12th standard. - For Economics Pratiyogita Darpan Special Economics Issue - For Indian Polity refer Indian Polity by M Laxmikanth. - Newspapers These listed books in an exhaustive list and a candidate should focus on the areas in which he/she feels is weak at.

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