Exam overview Background
Logo

BITSAT

BITSAT 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Registration, Pattern & BITS Admission Guide

Updated on December 14, 2025

Table of Contents

What is BITSAT?

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
  • Pay application fee online (Net Banking / Card / UPI)
  • Submit and download the confirmation page

BITSAT 2026 Application Fees

Fees are non-refundable. Candidates opting for both sessions pay once only.

Category / Session Fee (INR)
Male candidates (Session 1 or Session 2 only) ₹ 3,400
Female candidates (Session 1 or Session 2 only) ₹ 2,900
Male candidates (Both Sessions) ₹ 5,400
Female candidates (Both Sessions) ₹ 4,400
Candidates opting for Dubai as a test centre (any session) ₹ 7,000 (approx. USD 90)

Document Specifications for Upload

Images must strictly follow the prescribed format:

Document Size Format Specific Requirements
Photograph 4 KB – 100 KB JPG/JPEG Recent colour, white background, full face visible
Signature 1 KB – 50 KB JPG/JPEG Black ink on white paper, clear and complete

BITSAT Application Correction Window & Exam Centers

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
  • Mathematics: Coordinate Geometry, Calculus (Limits, Integration, Differential Equations), Vectors & 3D, Probability, Matrices
  • Biology (for BPharm): Genetics, Ecology, Reproduction, Cell Biology
  • English & LR: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Analogies, Syllogism, Series

Best Books for BITSAT 2026 Preparation

Subject Book Title Author / Publisher
Physics Concepts of Physics Vol 1 & 2 H.C. Verma
Physics Arihant BITSAT Prep Guide Arihant Experts
Chemistry Physical Chemistry O.P. Tandon
Chemistry Organic Chemistry Morrison & Boyd / Arihant
Mathematics Objective Mathematics R.D. Sharma
Mathematics Skills in Mathematics Series Arihant (Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate)
English & LR Wren & Martin (English Grammar) P.C. Wren
English & LR Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal
Full Prep BITSAT Explorer / Prep Guide MTG / Arihant
Previous Papers 12 Years BITSAT Solved Papers Disha Publications

Cutoffs vary every year and by campus. Below are the closing scores after the final iteration:

Programme & Campus 2025 Cutoff 2024 Cutoff 2023 Cutoff
BE Computer Science – Pilani 331 338 331
BE Computer Science – Goa 308 315 310
BE Computer Science – Hyderabad 300 308 302
BE Electronics & Communication – Pilani 296 302 294
BE Electrical & Electronics – Pilani 280 288 282
BE Mechanical – Pilani 244 257 250
BPharm – Pilani 203 198 195
MSc Physics/Chemistry/Maths – Pilani 245–260 250–265 248–262

BITS BTech Fees (2026–27 Expected)

Campus BE / BPharm (1st Year) MSc (1st Year)
Pilani / Goa / Hyderabad ₹ 5.5 – 5.8 lakh ₹ 5.5 – 5.8 lakh
Dubai Campus USD 8,000 – 9,000 USD 8,000 – 9,000

Fee increases by 8–10% every year. One-time admission fee: ₹50,900.

How to Download BITSAT 2026 Admit Card

Admit cards are released separately for each session after slot booking.

  • Visit bitsadmission.com → Login with application number & password
  • Complete slot booking (choose date & time from available slots)
  • Download the admit card (hall ticket) in PDF
  • Print in colour and carry with original photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)

BITSAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions

Strict rules are enforced at all centres.

  • Report 60 minutes before exam time
  • Entry closes 30 minutes before start
  • Prohibited items: Mobile, calculator, watch, notes, jewellery
  • Dress code: Light clothes, no jackets, half sleeves preferred
  • Biometric verification (photo + fingerprint) mandatory
  • Rough work only on the provided sheet

BITSAT 2026 Result & Score Card

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

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.
Not sure which course fits you best?

Get personalized guidance from our admission counselors

whatsapp

Chat with us