Overview
BITSAT (BITS Admission Test) is the entrance exam run directly by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, not by NTA or any state body. It is the sole route into first-degree programmes — B.E., B.Pharm and integrated M.Sc. courses — at the BITS Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses, and admission is purely merit-based on the BITSAT score together with Class 12 marks.
Who can apply
Candidates must have passed Class 12 in 2025 or be appearing in 2026, with a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or Biology, for B.Pharm), and at least 60% marks in each of these individual subjects. The Class 12 course must include five subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, a language, and one additional subject. Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2025 are not eligible.
Exam pattern
BITSAT 2026 is a computer-based test of 3 hours, covering four sections: English Proficiency & Logical Reasoning, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or Biology (depending on the programme applied for). Marks are awarded for correct answers, with marks deducted for wrong answers; unattempted questions are not penalised.
Syllabus
The Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology sections are based on the Class 11–12 syllabus. The English Proficiency & Logical Reasoning section tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and reasoning ability rather than a fixed academic syllabus.
Important dates
BITSAT 2026 is held in two sessions. Registration opened on 15 December 2025 and closed on 16 March 2026 for both sessions. Session 1 was held in mid-April 2026, and Session 2 in the last week of May 2026 (24–26 May 2026), with a separate registration window for Session 2 opening after Session 1.
Fees
For 2026, the application fee for Indian and Nepali candidates was ₹3,600 for male candidates and ₹3,100 for female and transgender candidates for a single session, and higher for registering for both sessions. Candidates opting for an exam centre outside India paid a higher fee. The fee is non-refundable.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the BITS Pilani admissions portal (admissions.bits-pilani.ac.in, also reachable via bitsadmission.com). Candidates fill in personal and academic details, choose up to three preferred exam centres, and pay the fee to complete registration.
After the exam
There is no separate JoSAA- or state-style counselling process for BITSAT. BITS Pilani itself releases admission lists directly based on the BITSAT score (with Class 12 marks used as a tiebreaker), and candidates who appear in more than one session get their best score considered. Admission offers and campus/branch allocation are managed entirely by BITS through its own admissions portal in one or more iterations.
Preparation tips
Because BITSAT covers the full Class 11–12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology syllabus in a single 3-hour, four-section paper, timed practice across all sections — including the English Proficiency & Logical Reasoning section that other engineering entrance exams don't test — is important. Working through past years' BITSAT papers and mock tests helps with pacing, since the paper mixes science sections with English and reasoning in one sitting.
Is BITSAT conducted by NTA?
No. BITSAT is conducted directly by BITS Pilani for admission to its own campuses (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad); it is not run by NTA or any state authority.
Can I appear for BITSAT in both sessions?
Yes. Candidates who register and pay for both sessions can attempt BITSAT twice, and the better of the two scores is considered for admission.
Does BITSAT have negative marking?
Yes, wrong answers cost marks, while unattempted questions are not penalised. Check the current information bulletin for the exact marking scheme for a given year.
Is there a separate counselling process after BITSAT?
No. BITS Pilani directly releases admission/iteration lists based on the BITSAT score; there is no external counselling body like JoSAA or a state CET cell involved.