When should I apply for BITSAT 2026

When Should You Apply for BITSAT 2026? Full Timeline & Preparation Blueprint

Here is your complete guide to BITSAT 2026!

What is BITSAT?

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is an entrance exam administered by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at its three campuses located in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. Candidates are admitted to B.E., B.Pharm, and M.Sc programmes every year after qualifying for the entrance exam.

Approximately 3 lakh candidates appear for this exam every year, making it one of the most competitive engineering and science entrance exams in India. It is widely regarded as one of the best alternatives to IITs and NITs for students aspiring to study engineering at a world-class private institution.

BITSAT 2026 KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Feature Details Conducting Body BITS Pilani Mode of Exam Online (Computer-Based Test) Duration3 Hours Total Questions130 MCQs Total Marks390Correct Answer+3 Marks Wrong Answer: -1 Mark Language: English Only Number of Sessions: Two (Session 1 & Session 2)

BITSAT 2026 Important Dates

Session 1 is scheduled from April 15 to 17, 2026, and Session 2 will be held from May 24 to 26, 2026.

Event Date Registration Opens January 2026 Session 1 Registration Closes March 16, 2026 Application Correction Window March 18–20, 2026 Session 1 Exam April 15–17, 2026 Session 2 Registration April 20 – May 2, 2026 Session 2 Exam May 24–26, 2026 Admission Application (12th Marks) June 1–28, 2026

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR BITSAT 2026

Academic Qualification

Must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) for B.E. PCB students are eligible only for B.Pharm. Minimum 75% aggregate in PCM/PCB and minimum 60% in each subject individually.

Year of Passing

Only students appearing in Class 12 for the first time in 2025 or 2026 are eligible for BITSAT 2026. The authority has removed the clause that previously allowed candidates who were retaking Class 12 to apply.

Attempts

Candidates can appear for both sessions. If a candidate appears in both, the higher score will be considered for admission.

Other Restrictions

Students who are currently studying at any BITS campus are not eligible to appear in BITSAT.

No Age Limit

There is no specific age limit for BITSAT 2026. You can apply for the exam as long as you meet the educational eligibility criteria.

BITSAT 2026 EXAM PATTERN

The exam will have 4 different sections: Chemistry, English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning, Physics, and Mathematics or Biology. The type of questions will be objective type (multiple choice questions). There is no time limit for individual sections, and candidates can navigate back and forth to change their answers.

Section-Wise Question Distribution

The BITSAT exam has sections with a specific number of questions and marks.
Physics has 30 questions and 90 marks.
Chemistry also has 30 questions and 90 marks.
Mathematics or Biology has 40 questions and 120 marks.
English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning has 30 questions and 90 marks.
The total number of questions is 130. The total marks are 390.

Bonus Questions

If a student finishes all 130 questions early, they can get 12 questions.
These bonus questions are for students who finish the exam quickly.
They can help students get marks and do better marks than others.

Subject Weightage

The importance of each subject in the exam is different.
Mathematics is 40 percent.
Physics is 30 percent.
Chemistry is 25 percent.
English and Logical Reasoning together are 10 percent.

2026 SYLLABUS

The BITSAT syllabus is based on what students’ study in Class 11 and 12.
Most of the questions are from Class 12, 65 percent.
35 Percent of the questions are from Class 11.

Physics

The Physics section has questions about Mechanics, Electrostatics, and Magnetism.
It also has questions about Current Electricity, Optics, Waves, and Modern Physics.
This section tests how well students understand the concepts and can solve problems.

Chemistry

The Chemistry section has questions about Physical Chemistry, like Thermodynamics and Equilibrium.
It also has questions about Organic Chemistry, like Hydrocarbons and Carbonyls.
Inorganic Chemistry is also part of this section, including the Periodic Table and Coordination Compounds.

Mathematics

The Mathematics section has questions about Kinematics, Algebra, and Calculus.
It includes all the topics from Class 11 and 12 Mathematics.

Biology (B.Pharm Applicants)

The BITSAT Biology syllabus covers a lot of topics from Class 11 and 12.
It includes biological concepts and more advanced topics.

English Proficiency & Logical Reasoning

The English Proficiency section tests how well students understand and use English.
It includes questions about vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
The Logical Reasoning section tests how well students can think critically and draw conclusions.

Application Fee

The fee for applying to BITSAT 2026 is different for boys and girls.
It also depends on how many sessions students want to take.
Students can pay the fee using Net Banking, Credit Card, or other methods.
The application fee is about ₹3,500.
This fee is not refundable even if students do not take the exam.

The Admission Process for BITSAT

The admission process for BITSAT 2026 is done online. Students fill in their courses and campuses. Admissions are based on how students perform in the exam and the number of available seats. The admission process has rounds.

Board Topper Direct Admission Scheme

Students who are rank 1 holders in their boards, such as the State Board, CBSE, or ICSE, are eligible for admission without having to appear in the BITSAT exam. To be eligible, students must have a 75 percent aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and 60 percent in each subject. There are seats under the Board Topper Scheme, and the application process is separate from BITSAT. The application process opens after the board results are announced.

Target Score and Cut-Offs

Students who want to get admission should aim for 330 plus marks in BITSAT. They should practice tests, build fundamentals, and focus on speed and accuracy. The cut-off varies by campus and program. BITS Pilani is the most competitive, followed by BITS Goa and BITS Hyderabad.

Scholarships at BITS

30 percent of students receive assistance or scholarships before admission. For first-degree students, scholarships range from 15 percent to 100 percent of the tuition fee. Under the merit award scheme, the top 1 percent of students receive a 100 percent tuition fee waiver, while the next top 2 percent receive a 40 percent waiver. Under the merit-cum-need awards scheme the top 3 percent receive an 80 percent waiver, and the next top 6 percent receive a 40 percent waiver.

Mock Tests and Preparation

An official mock test is available to candidates appearing for BITSAT. Candidates can take the test to familiarize themselves with the format of the computer-based test and the interface. The mock test can be accessed at the BITSAT Official Mock Test portal. Masterclass Space mock test are very good for preparation in 2026.

TOP PREPARATION TIPS FOR 2026

Master NCERT first. Since the entire BITSAT syllabus is based on NCERT, an understanding of Class 11 and 12 textbooks is essential.
Speed and accuracy are important. BITSAT is known for its time pressure. You have 3 hours for 130 questions, which means 80 seconds per question. Daily timed practice is crucial.
Focus on Mathematics. Mathematics carries 40 percent of the paper, so give it the preparation time.
Attempt both sessions. Since the higher score of both sessions is considered, taking both sessions significantly improves your chances.

WHY CHOOSE BITS?

BITS Pilani is one of India's engineering universities. It offers policies, including dual degree programs, research opportunities, and the famous Practice School internship program. In this program, students work at companies as part of their curriculum. Its alumni network spans tech giants, research institutions, and entrepreneurial ventures worldwide.

WHAT IS THE BEST PREPARATION STRATEGY FOR THE EXAM IN 2026?

The exam is competitive in India. It attracts several applicants, which is why appearing for the exam without a solid preparation plan is not a good idea. Here is a comprehensive strategy-by-strategy breakdown to help you crack BITSAT 2026.

Strategy 1: Really Get to Know the Exam

Don’t just glance at the BITSAT 2026 pattern—dive in. Know how many questions you’ll face, how long you get, and how the marking works. Here’s something most people miss: JEE is all about deep learning. BITSAT? It’s a race. You need speed and accuracy more than anything else.

Strategy 2: Make NCERT Your Bible

If you want to crack BITSAT 2026, start with your NCERT books—Physics, Chemistry, and Math. Read the theory carefully. Nail the basics. After that, work through plenty of problems. Go over formulas regularly. Everything in the BITSAT syllabus comes straight from Class 11 and 12 NCERT, so no other book can replace this. Get your foundation solid here.

Strategy 3: Build a Realistic Study Plan

First, know what you’re up against—read through the full syllabus. Then sketch out a study plan that actually fits your life. Spend extra time on your weak spots. Start taking mock tests early, not just at the end.

Here’s a quick six-month roadmap:

Phase 1 (Month 1-2): Cover all the core NCERT concepts for every subject.
Phase 2 (Month 3-4): Use reference books and tackle chapter-wise practice problems.
Phase 3 (Month 5): Start taking full-length mock tests and work on any weak areas.
Phase 4 (Month 6): Go hard—daily mock tests and constant formula revision.

And don’t forget: set aside 2-3 hours a day for BITSAT-specific topics like English and Logical Reasoning, right alongside your JEE prep. That balance makes a difference. Increase this to 4-5 hours in the two months.

Strategy 4: Subject-Wise Preparation Tips

Physics

Focus on understanding the concepts rather than rote memorization. Use NCERT textbooks and reference books to build a foundation. Regularly solve problems and practice types of questions. Key topics to prioritize are Mechanics, Electrostatics, Optics, and Modern Physics. The BITSAT exam has a lot of questions from these topics. So it is very important to prepare for these topics for the BITSAT exam. The BITSAT exam is very competitive. So you should prepare well for the BITSAT exam.

Chemistry

Focus on NCERT Books thoroughly for Class 11 and 12, as they cover the basics and most of the concepts that are frequently tested in BITSAT. Ensure you have a clear understanding of fundamental concepts in Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

Mathematics

Understand the types of questions asked and focus on key topics like Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, and Coordinate Geometry. Develop the ability to solve problems quickly by practicing with a timer. Work on managing time effectively during mock tests to complete the Mathematics section within the allotted time.

English Proficiency & Logical Reasoning

Since the English and Logical Reasoning components of BITSAT 2026 cannot be passed using the same strategies as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics sections, students must spend at least two hours per day reading newspapers. Focus on English and Logical Reasoning, as it can help get good marks — many students neglect this section, but it can significantly boost your overall score.

Strategy 5 — Best Books for BITSAT 2026

Subjet	Recommended Books
Physics	HC Verma – Concepts of Physics, NCERT textbooks
Chemistry	NCERT Textbooks, Morrison Boyd- Organic Chemistry
Mathematics	RD Sharma or ML Khanna, NCERT Textbook
English and Reasoning	Arihant’s English and Logical Reasoning for BITSAT

These sample papers are an excellent resource to understand the BITSAT format and identify important chapters.

Strategy 6 — Speed and Accuracy Above Everything

Focus on mastering fundamentals across all subjects and regularly practice a variety of questions. Creating shortcuts and solving strategies can help improve speed and accuracy. Since time management is mandatory during the exam, practice answering questions within the given time limit.

With 130 questions in 180 minutes, you have roughly 83 seconds per question. Keep track of how much time you take to solve each question. Do not waste time on one question — if any answer is unknown, skip it and advance to the next.

Strategy 7 — Smart Negative Marking Strategy

Candidates should be aware that incorrect answers may result in a deduction from their final score and that attempting to answer questions solely by guessing will probably not give them any benefit. The rule is simple: attempt questions you are at least 70–80% confident about. For doubtful questions, use elimination techniques to narrow down choices before attempting.

Strategy 8 — Attempt Both Sessions

Plan for at least 2 attempts to maximize chances. Multiple attempts are allowed, and the higher of the two scores is considered for admission. This is a unique advantage that BITSAT offers over many other exams — use it strategically.

To get ready for the exam, one of the things you can do is take BITSAT Mock Tests 2026. These tests help you get used to the exam environment. Improve your accuracy, time management, and confidence.

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Benefit 1. Real Exam Simulation and Reduced Anxiety

BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 give you a feel of what the real exam is like, which helps you overcome nervousness and anxiety. Many students feel overwhelmed when they walk into the exam hall. If you have practiced in similar situations, the real thing does not seem as scary. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 are very helpful in this case.

Benefit 2. Mastering Time Management

Time is very important during the BITSAT exam. You have three hours to solve 130 questions. So you need a plan. Taking length mock exams helps you practice managing your time. This helps you figure out how to spend on each question, when to skip, and when to try harder. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 help you with this. You should allocate time effectively for each section. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Biology. Each of these sections requires 35 minutes.

Benefit 3. Identifying Weak Areas

BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 also help you identify your areas. They show you where you need to focus. Let's say you are good at Physics but not so good at Mathematics. This is not a coincidence. It's a pattern. It tells you where you need to focus. With this information, you can change your study schedule to focus on your areas. You can give time to the subjects you are not good at without ignoring the subjects you are good at. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 are very helpful in identifying your areas.

Benefit 4. Improving Accuracy and Reducing Mistakes

Taking BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 regularly helps you reduce mistakes and improve your decision-making. After each test, it's very important to analyze your mistakes. Understanding why you got a question wrong is more important than the score itself. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 help you with this analysis.

Benefit 5. Unlocking the Bonus Questions

If you finish the exam before time, you can try 12 questions. These questions can help you get a score. Many students do not realize how important BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 are. These tests are very important for success in the exam. Only students who have taken mock tests can finish the exam quickly and try the bonus questions. Let’s be real—BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 aren’t just another practice tool. They’re your secret weapon for building the kind of mental stamina you need to handle the real exam. When you sit down with these tests, you get used to the pressure, and you start finding your rhythm. You see where you’re fast, where you’re slow, and how accurate you really are. That feedback isn’t just numbers—it tells you exactly what to fix so you can walk into the exam confident and ready.

So, how many BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 should you take? Aim for at least 15 to 20 full-length tests before exam day. In the last three weeks or so, try to take one every day. And here’s the thing: spend twice as long reviewing each test as you did taking it. That’s where the real growth happens.

Here’s a simple four-week timeline to keep you on track:

Week 1: Take one mock test every 2-3 days. Start spotting patterns in your mistakes and figure out your weak spots.
Week 2: Take one test a day. Focus on picking up speed and cutting down on errors.
Week 3: Go for one or two tests daily, zeroing in on your weakest subjects.
Week 4: Take a full-length test every single day. This is where you hit your peak and boost your confidence.

If you bomb a test, don’t just move on—do it again later and see how much you’ve grown. This plan keeps you improving without burning out.

Now, everyone slips up sometimes. Don’t waste precious minutes on impossible questions. Don’t skip sections like English or Logical Reasoning. Watch out for negative marking, and always analyze your results after each test. Dodge these common mistakes, and you’ve already got an edge.

Wondering what score you need? Here’s a rough breakdown:

350+: You’re looking at the top branches at any BITS campus, even BITS Pilani.
310-349: Good shot at branches in BITS Goa or Hyderabad.
270-309: You’re in the range for MSc programs or branches with lower cutoffs.
Below 270: Honestly, it’s tough to get into BITS with this score.

Looking for free BITSAT Mock Tests 2026? Start at bitsadmission.com for the official mock test, or try Masterclass Space for online options. These tests don’t just give you scores—they show you exactly where you’re going wrong so that you can fix it.

Bottom line: If you want to crush BITSAT 2026, it’s not just about studying hard. It’s about knowing the exam, practicing smart, and managing your time like a pro. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 aren’t just practice—they’re your ticket to turning all that prep into real results under pressure. Start early, analyze deeply, and stay consistent. BITSAT Mock Tests 2026 are very helpful in this case. If you have any doubt about when to apply for BITSAT 2026, then visit www.masterclassspace.com.