The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is a computer-based online entrance examination conducted annually by BITS Pilani for admissions to its integrated first-degree programs, including BE, BPharm, and MSc at its campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai. Established in 1989, BITSAT assesses candidates' aptitude in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English Proficiency, and Logical Reasoning. It is one of India's most competitive private engineering entrance exams, attracting over 3 lakh applicants annually for around 2,000 seats. Unlike JEE Main, BITSAT emphasises speed and accuracy with 130 questions in 3 hours, and it includes unique sections on English and Reasoning. The exam is held in two sessions, allowing candidates to improve their scores, and direct admission is offered to Class 12 state toppers without requiring them to appear for the test.
BITSAT 2026 Highlights
BITSAT 2026 key features include dual sessions for flexibility and a focus on comprehensive skills beyond core sciences.
Particular
Details
Exam Name
Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT)
Conducting Body
BITS Pilani
Exam Level
University Level
Exam Frequency
Twice a year (two sessions)
Mode of Exam
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Seats (Approx.)
2,000+ across BE/BPharm/MSc
Duration
3 hours
Total Questions
130 MCQs (+12 bonus if time permits)
Total Marks
390 (+48 bonus)
Marking Scheme
+3 for correct, –1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
Language
English only
Official Website
bitsadmission.com
BITSAT 2026 Important Dates
BITS Pilani is expected to release the official notification in January 2026. The tentative schedule, based on 2025 trends, is outlined below:
Event
Tentative Date
Notification Release
January 2026
Online Registration Starts (Session 1 & Both)
3rd week of January 2026
Last Date for Session 1 & Both Sessions
4th week of April 2026
Application Correction Window
1st week of May 2026
Slot Booking (Session 1)
May 2026
Admit Card Download (Session 1)
May 2026
BITSAT Session 1 Exam
May 2026
Session 2 Registration (Session 2 Only)
May 2026
BITSAT Session 2 Exam
June 2026
Result Declaration
June 2026
Counselling/Admission
June 2026 onwards
BITSAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet BITS Pilani's strict eligibility norms, verified during admission. Non-fulfilment leads to disqualification.
Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs are eligible.
Educational Qualification (BE): Passed Class 12 in 2025 or appearing in 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM), and English.
Educational Qualification (BPharm): Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and English.
Minimum Marks: Aggregate 75% in PCM/PCB (65% for IB/International boards); at least 60% in each subject individually.
Age Limit: No upper age limit; must have passed Class 12 in the current or previous year.
Attempts: Maximum two attempts (current and one previous year).
Direct Admission: Class 12 toppers from each board get direct admission without exam.
BITSAT 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide
The entire registration process is online at bitsadmission.com. Candidates can apply for Session 1, Session 2, or both in a single form.
Visit bitsadmission.com → Click “Apply Here” for BITSAT-2026
Register with name, mobile, email → Generate application number & password
Log in and fill personal, academic (Class 12 details), and campus preference details
Choose test session(s): Session 1 only / Session 2 only / Both
Upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature
BITS Pilani provides a short correction window after registration closes.
Correction Window: Usually 4–5 days in May 2026; candidates can edit most fields except name, email, mobile, and selected session(s).
Test Centres: 60+ cities in India + Dubai. Candidates choose 3 preferred cities during registration. Slot booking (date & time) is done 10–12 days before each session.
Dubai Centre: Only available in Session 1; a separate higher fee applies.
BITSAT 2026 Exam Pattern
BITSAT is a 3-hour online test with 130 compulsory questions. If a candidate finishes all 130 questions before 3 hours, 12 bonus questions (4 each from Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology) are unlocked for extra marks.
Section
Subject
No. of Questions
Marks
Part I
Physics
30
90
Part II
Chemistry
30
90
Part III
(a) English Proficiency
(b) Logical Reasoning
10
20
30
60
Part IV
Mathematics OR Biology
(for BPharm only)
40
120
Total (Compulsory)
130
390
Bonus Questions (if time left)
12
36
Marking: +3 for correct, –1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
No sectional time limit
Bonus questions appear only after completing all 130
BITSAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus
Syllabus is strictly NCERT Class 11 & 12. Key weightage areas:
Physics: Heat & Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effect, Modern Physics, Mechanics
Chemistry: Chemical Bonding, Organic Chemistry (reactions & mechanisms), Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, p-block elements
The result is declared within 2–3 days after each session. Final admission is based on the best of two attempts (if you appeared in both).
Scorecard shows total correct/incorrect answers and final marks
Immediate score display after exam (except bonus questions)
Iteration-wise admission and waitlist released from June onwards
Score valid only for the 2026–27 academic year
BITSAT 2026 Counselling & Admission Process
BITS follows an iteration-based admission system (no traditional counselling rounds).
Candidates submit an admission application with Class 12 marks (by June 2026)
Multiple iterations (usually 6–8) from June to August
Each iteration releases the admit list and waitlist
Selected candidates pay admission fee (₹50,900) + first semester fee to confirm seat
Documents required: BITSAT scorecard, Class 10 & 12 marksheets, ID proof, passport-size photos
Direct admission for Class 12 board toppers (1st rank in PCM/PCB)
BITSAT vs JEE Main vs VITEEE: Quick Comparison
BITSAT, JEE Main, and VITEEE are popular engineering entrances, but differ in scope, difficulty, and focus. JEE Main is a national-level exam for IITs/NITs, while BITSAT and VITEEE target specific private institutes. BITSAT is speed-oriented with extra sections, JEE Main conceptual, and VITEEE is moderate with no negatives.
Parameter
BITSAT
JEE Main
VITEEE
Conducting Body
BITS Pilani
NTA
VIT Vellore
Level
University
National
University
Sessions
2 (May & June)
2 (Jan & Apr)
1 (Apr-May)
Questions/Marks
130/390
75/300
125/125
Duration
3 hours
3 hours
2.5 hours
Subjects
PCM + English + LR
PCM
PCM + English + Aptitude
Negative Marking
Yes (-1)
Yes (-1)
No
Difficulty
Moderate-High (speed-focused)
High (conceptual)
Moderate
Competition
3 lakh for 2,000 seats
12 lakh for 50,000 seats
2 lakh for 5,000 seats
Colleges
BITS Pilani/Goa/Hyderabad
IITs/NITs/IIITs
VIT Vellore/Chennai
BITSAT 2026 FAQs
READ MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
No, BITSAT is not conceptually tougher than JEE Main, but it is faster and has more questions in the same time. JEE Main focuses deeply on PCM concepts, while BITSAT tests speed, accuracy, English, and Logical Reasoning. Most students find BITSAT easier in difficulty but harder in time management.
Yes, if you are a state or central board topper (1st rank in PCM/PCB stream) in Class 12, you get direct admission to any program except BPharm for PCB toppers, irrespective of your BITSAT score.
You can appear twice — once in Session 1 and once in Session 2. If you appear in both sessions, the higher score is considered for admission.
No. BITS Pilani does not follow any caste-based or state quota reservation. Admission is purely merit-based on BITSAT score and Class 12 marks.
To secure BE Computer Science at the Pilani campus, a score of around 320–340+ marks is typically required. In recent years, cutoffs have ranged between 331 and 338.
No physical or on-screen calculator is allowed in BITSAT. All calculations must be done manually.
Yes, NCERT is sufficient for Physics and Chemistry. For Mathematics, additional practice from books like Arihant or RD Sharma is recommended due to the higher number of questions.
If you attempt all 130 questions and still have time remaining, 12 bonus questions appear (4 each from Physics, Chemistry, and Maths/Biology). Each carries +3 marks, but incorrect answers attract negative marking.
No. BITS Pilani does not accept JEE Main, JEE Advanced, VITEEE, or any other entrance exam score. Only BITSAT score or the board topper scheme is valid.
It is advisable to apply for both sessions to get a second chance to improve your score. Session 1 is held in May and Session 2 in June. You pay the higher combined fee only once.
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks.
Candidates must score at least 75% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, with a minimum of 60% marks in each subject.
Approximate seat intake is Pilani: 1,100 seats, Goa: 600 seats, and Hyderabad: 900 seats, including all BE, BPharm, and MSc programs.
Yes, staying in the hostel is mandatory for all undergraduate students. Hostel and mess charges are approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh per semester.
Yes, NRI and international students can appear for BITSAT or apply through the International Student Admission (ISA) route using SAT scores and Class 12 marks.
Typically, there are 6–8 admission iterations from June to August or September until all seats are filled. Cutoffs generally decrease in later rounds.
No, BPharm is offered only at the Pilani and Hyderabad campuses. It is not available at the Goa campus.
For the 2026–27 academic year, the first-year tuition fee is expected to be around ₹5.5–5.8 lakh per semester, along with a one-time admission fee of ₹50,900. The total first-year cost, including hostel and mess, is approximately ₹12–13 lakh.
Yes, candidates can edit their campus and branch preferences until the last date of Class 12 marks submission, usually towards the end of June.
No, BITS Pilani does not have a management quota. All seats are filled strictly on merit through BITSAT scores or the board topper scheme.
Your candidature will be cancelled even if you have a high BITSAT score. Submitting Class 12 marks by the deadline is mandatory.
No, the English section is generally easy to moderate. It includes grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Scoring 25–30 out of 30 is common.
Pilani is the oldest and most reputed campus, followed by Goa and Hyderabad. Placement opportunities are almost identical across all three campuses, especially for CSE and ECE branches.
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