BITS Pilani Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Application Process & Fees

BITS Pilani offers a wide range of scholarships, including merit-based, merit-cum-need, alumni-funded, and government schemes. The Merit-Cum-Need (MCN) Scholarship at BITS Pilani provides crucial financial assistance by offering substantial fee waivers to students from households earning below INR 8 lakhs annually. The institute distributes multiple endowment-funded awards, such as the Aditya Birla Group Scholarship and the Reliance Foundation grants, each with distinct eligibility thresholds and documentation requirements.

BITS Pilani Scholarship for First Degree Programs

BITS Pilani provides institute-funded scholarships primarily based on BITSAT scores for first-degree (FD) programs like B.E., B.Pharm, and M.Sc. These are divided into merit awards and merit-cum-need awards. Scholarships are awarded for one semester initially and continued based on academic performance, conduct, and financial need.

Eligibility: Based on BITSAT-2026 scores and family income details submitted during admission. No separate application is required; awards are determined post-admission.

Note: Admission fees are not waived.

Scholarships for Higher Degrees and Ph.D. Programs

For Master's and Ph.D. students, BITS Pilani recommends candidates for external fellowships and offers internal stipends.

• Institute’s Own Stipend for Full-Time Ph.D. Students: Monthly stipend up to Rs. 31,000 in the form of assistantship (8-10 hours/week of work). Eligibility: Full-time Ph.D. students without other aid; about 50% qualify based on institute procedures.
• UGC GATE/GPAT Scholarships: For higher-degree students qualified in GATE/GPAT. Amount as per UGC norms; applications forwarded by the institute. It should be noted that the decision regarding award of the GATE / GPAT scholarship to admitted students is made by UGC as per its existing norms and the Institute cannot guarantee such awards.
• Fellowships from UGC, CSIR, DST, DBT, ICMR: Recommended for higher-degree and Ph.D. students. Amounts vary by authority.

Eligibility: Admission to the program and qualifying national exams where required. No guarantee of award; operated per external rules.

BITS Pilani Scholarships for Girl Students: 100x100 Campaign

To promote gender equity in STEM, BITS Pilani runs the 100x100 Scholarship Campaign, focusing on meritorious female students from low-income backgrounds.

Purpose: Enable 100 girls to join BITS campuses with full tuition coverage, improving female representation in engineering programs.

Benefits: 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire program duration (4-5 years).

Eligibility: Top BITSAT rankers who are girls, maintaining CGPA and conduct standards. Prioritizes financial need.

How to Apply: Selection based on BITSAT ranks; no separate application mentioned. Contact alumnirelations@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in for inquiries.

BITS Pilani Alumni-Funded and Special Scholarships

BITS Pilani's alumni community actively supports students through endowments and initiatives.

Udaan Scholarships

Purpose: Support participation in academic competitions, conferences, internships, and events outside campus to foster overall development.

Eligibility: Current BITS students; events include start-up finals, international internships, reputed conferences/contests. Proof of event reputation required.

Benefits: Financial aid for participation costs, as deemed viable by the governing team.

How to Apply: Submit details to the Udaan governing team (1993-98 alumni initiative); specific process not detailed—email giving@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in.

Golden 76 Scholarship Endowment Fund

Purpose: Perpetual fund to provide full scholarships to merit-cum-need students at Pilani campus.

Benefits: Covers full tuition and on-campus expenses for 4 years (undergraduate program).

Eligibility: BITSAT score, CGPA ≥8.0, family income < Rs. 12 lakhs/year. Gender-neutral, but prefers females if ratio <40%.

Funding: $125,000 endowment from '76 batch alumni.

How to Apply: Administered by BITS; selected during admission. Donors email donations@bitsaa.org for contributions.

Other Alumni-Supported Scholarships

Alumni establish funds for meritorious students in need, ensuring access to education. Specific types vary, but they play a key role in attracting talent

BITS Pilani Government and National Scholarships

BITS Pilani students can avail various external scholarships:

How to Apply for BITS Pilani Scholarships?

Most institute scholarships are awarded automatically based on BITSAT scores and admission data—no separate form needed. For external ones, apply via national portals (e.g., scholarships.gov.in). Always check the official BITS Pilani admissions portal for updates.

Follow this systematic roadmap to ensure your BITS Pilani scholarship application meets all institutional requirements for the 2026 academic cycle.

1. Portal Registration and Login Creation: Visit the official BITS Pilani portal and create your credentials using your admission reference number and registered email ID to access the scholarship dashboard.
2. Profile Completion and Data Entry: Fill in your personal, academic, and financial details accurately, ensuring your contact information matches your admission records exactly to avoid verification delays or rejection due to data mismatches.
3. Academic Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, BITSAT 2026 scorecard, and first-year semester transcripts (for continuing students) in PDF format under 2MB each with clear resolution.
4. Income Certificate Submission: Provide a current financial year income certificate issued by a Tehsildar or Revenue Officer, showing annual family income below the threshold of ₹8 lakhs for need-based considerations, along with ITR returns if applicable.
5. Category and Identity Verification: Submit your Aadhaar card, caste certificate (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC-NCL categories as per Government of India norms), and disability certificate (for PwD applicants) issued by competent medical authorities.
6. Scholarship-Specific Documentation: Attach additional documents like sports certificates for talent-based awards, defense service proofs for wards of armed forces personnel, or recommendation letters from faculty for alumni-sponsored scholarships.
7. Statement of Purpose Composition: Draft a compelling 500-word essay highlighting your academic achievements, leadership roles in school or college clubs, community service participation, and specific career aspirations in your chosen engineering or science discipline.
8. Application Review and Verification: Cross-check all entered data against original documents, verify mobile numbers and email IDs through OTP confirmation, and ensure file names follow the prescribed format (ApplicationNumber, DocumentType) before final submission.
9. Final Submission and Fee Payment: Submit the completed application and pay the non-refundable processing fee of ₹500 through the integrated payment gateway using UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card options to generate the final acknowledgment receipt.
10. Interview Preparation and Attendance: Shortlisted candidates for prestigious scholarships like Aditya Birla Group or OPJEMS must attend panel interviews conducted on campus or via video conferencing between August 15-30, 2026, carrying original documents for physical verification.
11. Application Tracking and Follow-up: Monitor your application status through the student dashboard regularly, respond promptly to deficiency emails within 72 hours, and contact the Scholarship Cell at scholarship@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in for technical queries or status updates.
12. Deadline Compliance: Submit Merit-Cum-Need applications by July 31, 2026, and merit-based scholarship forms by August 15, 2026, noting that late submissions are strictly not entertained regardless of technical glitches or connectivity issues.

Tips for Securing a BITS Pilani Scholarship 2026

Securing a scholarship at BITS Pilani requires strategic preparation and a compelling narrative beyond academic transcripts. With thousands of applicants vying for limited financial aid, merely meeting eligibility criteria proves insufficient. You must demonstrate exceptional merit alongside genuine financial need. The scholarship committee seeks well-rounded individuals who exhibit leadership potential and community engagement. Understanding specific evaluation parameters allows you to tailor your application effectively. Presenting a cohesive story that connects your past achievements with future aspirations significantly enhances your candidacy for both merit-based awards and the Merit-Cum-Need (MCN) scholarship, setting you apart from equally qualified peers. Implement these targeted strategies to strengthen your scholarship application and distinguish yourself from other candidates.

• Maintain Academic Excellence: Target a GPA above 8.5 in qualifying examinations, as BITS Pilani prioritizes consistent academic performance across all semesters.
• Craft a Persuasive Personal Statement: Articulate specific career goals and financial circumstances, avoiding generic templates that fail to convey your unique journey.
• Secure Strong Recommendations: Request detailed endorsement letters from professors who can attest to your intellectual curiosity with concrete examples.
• Document Financial Need Authentically: Prepare verified income certificates showing family earnings below INR 8 lakhs with accurate tax returns.
• Showcase Extracurricular Impact: Highlight leadership roles in student councils or national-level sports achievements demonstrating time management skills.
• Demonstrate Community Service: Include verifiable records of volunteer work with NGOs or rural development projects reflecting societal commitment.
• Adhere Strictly to Deadlines: Submit applications one week before cutoff dates to avoid technical glitches and demonstrate organizational skills.
• Prepare for Scholarship Interviews: Research common questions about your field and practice articulating alignment with BITS Pilani's innovation values.
• Highlight Unique Circumstances: Mention being a first-generation learner or ward of defense personnel to access specific reserved scholarships.
• Verify Document Accuracy: Double-check that transcripts and certificates match exactly across all forms to prevent technical disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What scholarships does BITS Pilani offer for first-degree programs (B.E., B.Pharm, M.Sc.) in 2026?

BITS Pilani provides two main types of institute-funded scholarships for students admitted through BITSAT-2026:

• Merit Award Scheme — Purely based on BITSAT rank (no income consideration).
• Merit-Cum-Need Award Scheme — Combines BITSAT performance with demonstrated financial need.

Approximately 25-30% of admitted first-degree students receive some form of tuition fee waiver every year. These are semester-based and do not cover admission fees.

Q2. What are the tuition fee waiver percentages under the Merit Award Scheme for BITSAT 2026?

Under the institute's own merit award scheme (based solely on BITSAT rank):

• Top 2% of students: 100% tuition fee waiver.
• Next top 1% of students: 50% tuition fee waiver.

These awards recognize exceptional performance in BITSAT and are continued based on maintaining good scholastic standing and conduct.

Q3. How are BITS Pilani scholarships awarded and continued each semester?

Scholarships are initially awarded for one semester based on BITSAT 2026 ranks and (for merit-cum-need) submitted financial details during admission. No separate application is typically required, awards are determined automatically post-admission.

For continuation in subsequent semesters:

• Students must maintain good scholastic standing (satisfactory CGPA).
• They must exhibit good conduct.
• For merit-cum-need awards, financial need may be reassessed.

Failure to meet these conditions can result in reduction or discontinuation of the scholarship.

Q4. Is there a special scholarship for girl students at BITS Pilani?

Yes, BITS Pilani promotes gender equity through initiatives like the 100x100 Scholarship Campaign (also referred to as 100² Scholarships). This provides 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire program duration (4-5 years) to selected high-achieving female students, especially top BITSAT rankers from low-income families.

Q5. What scholarships are available for higher degree (M.E., M.Pharm) and Ph.D. students at BITS Pilani?

Higher degree students can access UGC scholarships (e.g., Rs. 12,400–13,400 per month) for those admitted via GATE/GPAT scores. Institute teaching assistantships/stipends for full-time Ph.D. students (up to Rs. 31,000/month, involving limited weekly work). Recommendations for external fellowships from UGC, CSIR, DST, DBT, ICMR, etc.