BITSAT: An entrance exam for science and engineering aspirants
Every year, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) conducts a national level admission test popularly known as BITSAT for aspiring engineering and science graduates. The undergraduate courses offered are integrated degree programmes like B.E. and B. Pharm. BITS has three campuses, at Pilani, Hyderabad and Goa. The entrance exam is usually conducted by the Pilani campus. On an average, more than 3 lakh students sit for this exam every year. This year the exam was conducted in the month of August across 61 centres in the country. In 2021, BITS offered vacant seats of 2000 in total for admission in their 3 campuses as well as the NIIT University. Here is everything candidates need to know about this admission test.
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates must be Indian nationals with valid identity proofs.
- Candidates must have passed their class XII finals from a recognised Indian school education board in the current academic year or the year before.
- Candidates must have secured 75% or above in their class XII board exams with science stream (either PCB or PCM) with minimum 60% in each science subject.
- Candidates should have also studied English as compulsory part of their 10+2 curriculum.
- There’s no age limit for BITSAT.
- 1st rank holders in any recognised Indian school board exam (class XII) will get direct admission to BITS without appearing for BITSAT.
- Overseas candidates with SAT Level 2 scores (in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) are also eligible to sit for BITSAT.
Exam pattern
BITSAT question paper has 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper will be divided into four sections, namely: Physics (40 questions), Chemistry (40 questions), English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning (15+10 = 25 questions), and Mathematics/Biology (45 questions each). B.E. candidates will do the Mathematics part, while B. Pharm candidates will attempt the Biology part. The syllabus is based on 10+2 curriculum of all Indian school boards.
Marking scheme
BITSAT exam comprises of a total of 450 marks. Each correct answer will be awarded with 1 mark and every incorrect answer will be penalized with 1 mark deduction. Questions not attempted won’t be penalized. Physics and Chemistry sections have 120 marks each, while the English and Logical Reasoning section has 75 marks (45+30) and finally Mathematics or Biology section has 135 marks, making it a total of 450.
Candidates who will be able to finish answering 150 MCQs before the completion of the allotted time may choose to answer 12 additional questions from Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology (4 from each). The marking scheme is same for this extra part. However, examinees need to finish the additional questions during the original allotted time only, as no extra time will be given. Candidates who appear for this part and secures maximum correct answers will be given preference in the merit list.
Mode and duration
BITSAT is an online or computer-based entrance exam. Candidates can answer their papers only in English. The total time allotted is 3 hours.