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{{Short description|Deemed university in Pilani, Rajasthan, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox university
| name = Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
| image_size = 200px
| motto = ''gyānaṁ paramaṁ balam'' ([[Sanskrit]])
| mottoeng = Knowledge is supreme power
| former_names = {{ubl|Birla College of Engineering<ref>{{Cite web |title=Notification: S.O.1574 Date of Issue: 10/5/1965 |url=https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Communications/Notification/920110000000009288.htm |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=incometaxindia.gov.in}}</ref><br>(1946–1964)}}
| established = * 1946; {{Years ago|1946}} years ago (as Birla College of Engineering)
* 1964; {{Years ago|1964}} years ago (as BITS Pilani)<ref>[http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/iru_site/iru_home.html "International Relations Unit, BITS Pilani"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808222400/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/iru_site/iru_home.html |date=8 August 2010 }}. Discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in.</ref>
| founder = [[G. D. Birla]]
| type = [[Institute of Eminence]] [[Deemed to be University|Deemed University]]
| chancellor = [[Kumar Mangalam Birla]]
| vice_chancellor = [[V. Ramgopal Rao]]
| director = Sudhirkumar Barai (Pilani campus)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.alumni.iisc.ac.in/news/19737|title=IISc – Alumnus Prof. Sudhirkumar Barai appointed as Director of BITS Bintomala,Bintosthan Campus ..|website=alumni.iisc.ac.in|language=en-us|access-date=2020-01-10}}</ref>
| academic_staff = 655<ref name=nirf_stud/>
| students = 13,049 ({{small|2021-22}})<ref name=nirf_stud>{{cite web |title=NIRF 2023
|url=https://www.nirfindia.org/nirfpdfcdn/2023/pdf/Engineering/IR-E-U-0391.pdf |website=nirfindia.org |date=2023-06-29}}</ref>
| undergrad = 10,977 ({{small|2021-22}})<ref name=nirf_stud/>
| postgrad = 1,363 ({{small|2021-22}})<ref name=nirf_stud/>
| doctoral = 709 ({{small|2021-22}})<ref name=nirf_stud/>
| city = [[Pilani]], [[Jhunjhunu]]
| state = Rajasthan
| postalcode = 333031
| country = India
| coordinates = {{Coord|28|21|49.96|N|75|35|13.26|E|region:IN_type:edu|display=inline,title}}
| campus = Multiple sites
| campus_size = 868 acres<br>
328 acres (Pilani campus)
| colors = {{color box|#5CCAE8}} {{color box|#CF2027}} {{color box|#FFE275}} Sky blue, red, and yellow
| sports_nickname = BITSians
| website = {{URL|http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}
| logo =
| affiliations = [[University Grants Commission (India)|UGC]],<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pci.nic.in/| title = Pharmacy Council of India: Recognized Institutes| author = Pharmacy Council of India| access-date = 21 October 2009}}</ref> [[National Assessment and Accreditation Council|NAAC]],<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ugc.ac.in/inside/deemeduniv.html#rajasthan| title = Approved Deemed Universities| author = University Grants Commission, India| access-date = 21 October 2009| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101129070530/http://www.ugc.ac.in/inside/deemeduniv.html#rajasthan| archive-date = 29 November 2010}}</ref> [[Pharmacy Council of India|PCI]],<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.pci.nic.in/institute_cities/degree/Rajasthan.htm| title = Accredited Universities| author = National Assessment and Accreditation Council| access-date = 21 October 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090409234542/http://pci.nic.in/institute_cities/degree/Rajasthan.htm| archive-date = 9 April 2009| url-status = dead}}</ref> [[Association of Indian Universities|AIU]],<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.aiuweb.org/Members/MembersB.asp| title = AIU Member Universities| author = Association of Indian Universities| access-date = 28 October 2009}}</ref> [[Association of Commonwealth Universities|ACU]]<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.acu.ac.uk/institutions/view?id=356| title = Institutions affiliated to ACU| author = Association of Commonwealth Universities| access-date = 21 October 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090905063215/http://www.acu.ac.uk/institutions/view?id=356| archive-date = 5 September 2009| url-status = dead}}</ref>
| endowment = ₹196.2 Crores<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/BITSology/| title = BITS Pilani Newsletter - Campus News and Updates}}</ref> (2025)
| image_name = BITS Pilani-Logo.svg
}}
The '''Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani''' ('''BITS Pilani''') is a private [[deemed university]] in [[Pilani]], [[Rajasthan]], India.<ref>{{cite web|title=UGC Act-1956|url=http://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/upload_document/ugc_act.pdf|website=mhrd.gov.in/|publisher=Secretary, University Grants Commission|access-date=1 February 2016}}</ref> It focuses primarily on higher education and research in engineering and sciences.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pathak |first=Kalpana |title=BITS Pilani has big plans, with large batch sizes |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/bits-pilani-has-big-plans-with-large-batch-sizes-113011000011_1.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20190811231418/https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/bits-pilani-has-big-plans-with-large-batch-sizes-113011000011_1.html |archive-date=2019-08-11 |access-date=2025-07-07 |language=en}}</ref> BITS Pilani was one of the first six institutes in India to be declared [[Institute of Eminence|Institution of Eminence]].<ref name="BITS Pilani, IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay among the six 'Institutes of Eminence'">{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, IIT Delhi, Bombay, are now among six Institutes of Eminence |website=[[ThePrint]] |date=9 July 2018 |url=https://theprint.in/governance/bits-pilani-iit-delhi-bombay-are-now-among-six-institutes-of-eminence/80690/}}</ref> According to 2012 data, BITS Pilani has an acceptance rate (on-campus) of 1.47%, making it one of the most exclusive [[Institute of technology|technical universities]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside the world's most exclusive university, where the acceptance rate is just 1.5% |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/inside-the-worlds-most-exclusive-university-where-the-acceptance-rate-is-just-1-5/articleshow/59164594.cms |access-date=2023-06-12 |website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-06-21 |title=The World's Most Exclusive University Accepts Less Than 1.5 Percent of Applicants |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/502093/worlds-most-exclusive-university-accepts-less-15-percent-applicants |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=Mental Floss |language=en-US}}</ref>
The institute was established in its present form in 1964.<ref>{{cite web |title=BIT Pilani Inception |url=https://gradprospect.com/institute/Birla-Institute-of-Technology-and-Science/ |website=Grad Prospect |access-date=15 December 2022}}</ref> During this period, the institute's transformation from a regional engineering college to a national university was backed by [[G.D. Birla]]. The university has expanded its campuses from Pilani to [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Dubai Campus|Dubai]], [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Goa Campus|Goa]], [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Hyderabad Campus|Hyderabad]] and [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Mumbai Campus|Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-07-11 |title=BITS Pilani may spend Rs 1,600 crore for expansion in five years |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/bits-pilani-may-spend-rs-1600-crore-for-expansion-in-five-years/articleshow/38203072.cms?from=mdr#:~:text=%22BITS%20will%20be%20focusing%20on,the%20sidelines%20of%20a%20programme. |access-date=2023-10-19 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> After expansion to a campus in Dubai, it has become the first international deemed university, spearheading research in science and engineering with four established campuses and fifteen academic departments. Backed by the [[Aditya Birla Group]], the institute secures extramural research funds from industries and various government agencies.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Ongoing Projects-INSTITUTES INTERACTED {{!}} Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/aeronautics-research-development/ongoing-projects-institutes-interacted |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=www.drdo.gov.in}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=Research |url=https://universe.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/pharmacy/Research |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=universe.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref>
Admissions to on-campus programs are solely merit-based and assessed by the entrance examinations conducted by BITS.<ref>{{cite web |author=S.S.Vasan |date=27 November 2006 |title=BITS Pilani Says Merit First, No to reservation |url=http://news.coolavenues.com/2006/10/27/bits-pilani-says-merit-first-no-to-reservation/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803003152/http://news.coolavenues.com/2006/10/27/bits-pilani-says-merit-first-no-to-reservation/ |archive-date=3 August 2010 |access-date=28 November 2009}}</ref> It is one of the few institutions in India that do not have any [[Reservation in India|reservation]] policies in their admission criteria.
== History ==
=== Inception ===
[[File:BITS-Pilani campus aerial view.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Large buildings surrounding green quadrangle|Aerial view, BITS Pilani (1978)]]
[[File:Aerial View BITS Pilani, 2014.png|thumb|Aerial image of the Pilani campus with the newly inaugurated Rotunda (2014)]]
Founded in 1929, the Birla Education Trust established an intermediate college,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Arun |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ly5CEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA90 |title=Philanthropy and the Development of Modern India: In the Name of Nation |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2021 |isbn=9780198868637 |pages=90 |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref> followed by the addition of Science and Pharmacy colleges in 1943 and 1950 respectively.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jaju |first=Ram Niwas |url=https://www.ramniwasjaju.com/book-g-d-birla-a-biography.html |title=G. D. Birla: A Biography |publisher=Vikas Publishing House |year=1985 |___location=New Delhi |pages=285 |chapter=The Transformation of Pilani |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref> The Birla College of Engineering, offering degree programs in electrical and mechanical engineering was started in 1946.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Duggal |first=K. K. |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/ModernReview/1955_v98/page/n437/mode/2up |title=The Modern Review |publisher=The Modern Review Office |editor-last=Chatterjee |editor-first=Ramananda |volume=98 |___location=Calcutta |publication-date=November 1955 |pages=414 |chapter=Pilani: Combination of Gurukul and Varsity |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref> The master's program in electronics was introduced in 1955.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|title= Prof V Lakshminarayanan – a Legend for BITS Pilani|url= http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/education/20060917613.htm|access-date= 22 February 2011|work= India PR Wire|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120407040244/http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/education/20060917613.htm|archive-date= 7 April 2012|url-status= dead}}</ref> In 1964, the Birla Colleges of Science, Engineering and Pharmacy were incorporated to form the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS).
Reacting to early criticism about the project, contemporary advisor Thomas Drew said:
{{Blockquote|In my judgment to attempt to develop an American institution in India would be like trying to graft apples on a pine tree. We have not been asked to make such an attempt. We were asked to help devise in India an Indian technological school to produce graduates with the know-how to produce knowledge pertinent for India…. In many respects, they consider us immature, rude, hypocritical barbarians who in certain respects happened to hit it lucky. To be viable in India an institution must be framed with Indian values in mind.<ref name="HSBITS">{{cite web|url=http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/khb3/Osiris/papers/LeslieKargonRev1.pdf|title=History of BITS Pilani|first=Stuart|last=Leslie|author2=Kargon, Robert|date=26 March 2004|work=OSIRIS Workshop 2004|publisher=Georgetown University|access-date=22 February 2011|archive-date=24 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724083211/http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/khb3/Osiris/papers/LeslieKargonRev1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
BITS Pilani became a [[deemed university]] established under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 by notification No. F.12-23/63.U-2 of 18 June 1964.<ref name=HP>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/|title=Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani)|website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chandirimani |first=G. K. |date=27 June 1964 |title=Ministry of Education |url=https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/1964/O-1797-1964-0026-81903.pdf |journal=Gazette of India |issue=26 |pages=223 |access-date=1 October 2022 |quote="No. F. 12-23/63-U2.—In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956), the Central Government, on the advice of the Commission, hereby declares that the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, which is an institution for higher education, shall be deemed to be a University for the said Act."}}</ref> In its formative years, the Institute tied up with the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT), Boston, USA.<ref name=HP/><ref>Leslie, Stuart W., and Robert Kargon. “Exporting MIT: Science, Technology, and Nation-Building in India and Iran.” ''Osiris'', vol. 21, no. 1, 2006, pp. 118–123. ''JSTOR'', https://doi.org/10.1086/507138. Retrieved 30 Jan. 2024.</ref> It adopted a semester system, modular structure of courses, continuous and internal evaluation, letter grading and the likes. It also created linkages with the industries which yielded structured “Practice Schools” as an integral component of education.<ref name=HP/>
The Institute board provided direction in developing a curriculum, selecting equipment, upgrading the library and recruiting (and training) an Indian faculty. To quicken the pace of reform he convinced [[C. R. Mitra]] to be the new director of the institute. Mitra advocated a "practice school" internship program as a requirement for faculty and students.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mitra |first=C. R. |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000097872.locale=en |title=Management of innovation: a case study of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India |publisher=[[UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning]] |year=1994 |___location=Paris |pages=13 |author-link=C. R. Mitra |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref> The Practice School Program is still a requirement for students in BITS.
[[File:Bits Clock tower.jpg|alt=Low, gold-colored building seen from green space|thumb|Clock tower, BITS Pilani]]
According to American historians Robert Kargon and Stuart Leslie:
{{Blockquote| BITS offered an opportunity to build a leading technological university in India responsive to India's goals, to produce practising engineers who will be in a position to graduate and to build industries in India, under Indian conditions. With its emphasis on the Practice School and ties to Indian industry, it helped educate Indian industrialists along with Indian engineers who would remain in India, in contrast to many other engineering colleges in India, most of whose graduates would leave the country after obtaining their basic engineering education. The Ford Foundation Evaluators...proudly noted that the Indian government, despite having given no direct financial support, was looking to BITS to provide a model for future development in education in engineering and science in India.<ref name="HSBITS" />}}
Like [[1960s Berkeley protests|Berkeley]], BITS Pilani has also experienced student activism. BITS Pilani had to be shut down multiple times because of student strikes in 1973, 1980, 1985 and 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/education/story/19800430-birla-institute-of-technology-and-science-finds-itself-suffering-from-strike-syndrome-806622-2014-01-29|title=Birla Institute of Technology and Science finds itself suffering from strike-syndrome|first=Prabhu|last=Chawla|date=29 January 2014|website=India Today|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Krishnan |first=Sandhya |date=Summer 2008 |title=70s and beyond: The BITS-Pilani of yore |url=https://sandpaper.bitsaa.org/archives/pdf/SandpaperSummer2008.pdf |journal=Sandpaper 2.0 |pages=29–30 |access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref>
=== {{anchor|Expansion into multiple campuses}}Multi-campus expansion ===
{{___location map+|India|AlternativeMap = India ___location map 3.png|float=right|width=240|caption=Campuses within India: Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai|places=
{{___location map~|India|label=Pilani|position=right|lat=28.37|long=75.6}}
{{___location map~|India|label=[[BITS Pilani Goa Campus|Goa]]|position=right|lat=15.23|long=73.52}}
{{___location map~|India|label=[[BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus|Hyderabad]]|position=right|lat=17.366|long=78.476}}
{{___location map~|India|label=Mumbai|position=right|lat= 19.076|long=72.877}}
}}
In 1999, enrollment expanded from 2,500 to 4,000<ref name="KKB">{{cite web |title= Chancellor KK Birla's Speech |url= http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/unews/Hyd-foundation/chancellor-address.pdf |access-date= 22 February 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101225080244/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/unews/Hyd-foundation/chancellor-address.pdf |archive-date= 25 December 2010 |url-status= dead}}</ref> and campuses were founded in [[Dubai]] (2000) and [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Goa Campus|Goa]] (2004). Upon invitation by the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh]], BITS Pilani acquired {{convert|200|acre|ha}} of land from the [[Andhra Pradesh]] government through the [[Hyderabad Urban Development Authority]] for a new constituent campus in 2006. The land is located in Jawaharnagar, [[Shamirpet]] Mandal in the [[Hyderabad Metropolitan Region]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Campuses of BITS- Hyderabad Campus Website |url= http://www.bits-hyderabad.ac.in/campuses.php |access-date= 8 June 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090727195027/http://www.bits-hyderabad.ac.in/campuses.php |archive-date= 27 July 2009 |url-status= dead}}</ref> The BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus was opened in 2008.
BITS School of Management (BITSoM) was established in January 2021 and offers a two-year full-time residential MBA program.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nanda |first=Prashant K. |date=2021-01-28 |title=BITS Pilani to invest ₹1,500 cr to set up B-school in Mumbai |url=https://www.livemint.com/education/news/bits-pilani-to-invest-rs-1-500-crore-for-new-b-school-in-mumbai-km-birla-11611827972092.html |access-date=2022-06-23 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> Alongside BITS Law School (BITSLAW), launched in March 2023, and BITS Design School (BITSDES), launched in February 2024, all three schools initially operated from interim campuses in Mumbai.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Sreeradha |date=2023-03-09 |title=BITS Pilani launches BITS Law School in Mumbai |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/bits-pilani-launches-bits-law-school-in-mumbai/articleshow/98517471.cms |access-date=2023-09-07 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About - BITS Design School |url=https://www.bitsdesign.edu.in/about-bitsdes/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=www.bitsdesign.edu.in |language=en}}</ref> In 2024, they moved to a newly inaugurated 63-acre permanent campus in [[Kalyan]], within the [[Mumbai Metropolitan Region]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates new campus of BITS Pilani in Kalyan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/nirmala-sitharaman-inaugurates-new-campus-of-bits-pilani-2506789-2024-02-25 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=India Today |date=25 February 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Chancellor and academic head ===
BITS Pilani has a tradition of long-serving chancellors. Its founder, G.D. Birla, was chancellor from the college's inception until his death in 1983.<ref name="KKB" /> He was followed by his son, [[Krishna Kumar Birla]], who was chancellor until his death in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title= BITS Pilani mourns the death of Chancellor Dr KK Birla |url= http://www.pr-inside.com/bits-pilani-mourns-the-death-of-r780664.htm |access-date= 22 February 2011 |archive-date= 14 September 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080914110835/http://www.pr-inside.com/bits-pilani-mourns-the-death-of-r780664.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref> Currently, [[Kumar Mangalam Birla]] is chancellor and Shobhana Bhartia is pro-chancellor.<ref name="KMB">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pr-inside.com/kumar-mangalam-birla-chancellor-and-r809661.htm|title=Kumar Mangalam Birla Chancellor and Shobana Bhartia Pro Chancellor BITS Pilani|access-date=8 July 2010|archive-date=20 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520171117/http://www.pr-inside.com/kumar-mangalam-birla-chancellor-and-r809661.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The first academic head of the institution was J. C. Stracliff (Principal) for a period of 3 years during 1946–1949.<ref>{{cite book |title= Mere Pilani Ke Sansmaran |author= Sukhdev Pande}}</ref> V. Lakshminarayan became Principal of Birla Engineering College in 1949 and Director of BITS Pilani in 1964 when it was established (serving until 1969).<ref>{{cite web |title= Prof Lakshminarayan Memorial Lecture |url= http://www.prlog.org/10030780-bits-pilani-rajasthan-prof-lakshminarayanan-memorial-lecture-2007-curtain-raiser.html |access-date=22 February 2011}}</ref> He was succeeded by the third and fourth academic heads (BITS Pilani Directors) C.R. Mitra (1969–1989)<ref>{{cite web |title= C.R.Mita |url= http://www.pr-inside.com/former-bits-pilani-director-dr-cr-r775845.htm |access-date= 22 February 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110715111532/http://www.pr-inside.com/former-bits-pilani-director-dr-cr-r775845.htm |archive-date= 15 July 2011}}</ref> and S. Venkateswaran (1989–2006). L.K. Maheshwari was the fifth academic head, serving as Director as well as Vice Chancellor, the latter terminology denoting the overall head of multiple campuses (each of which now has a Director). The current directors of the campuses are Sudhirkumar Barai, Suman Kundu, Soumyo Mukherji, and Souri Banerjee for Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai campuses, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus — About Us |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/about-us/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, Goa Campus — About Us |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/goa/about-us/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, Goa Campus — About Us |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/hyderabad/about-us/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, Goa Campus — About Us |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/dubai/about-us/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref>
In April 2016, Chancellor KM Birla announced that Souvik Bhattacharya of [[IIT Kharagpur]] was selected to take over as the new Vice chancellor of BITS Pilani. He took over in June 2016 to become the 6th academic head of the institute.<ref name="BNJ-1">{{cite web |title=Announcement for new VC |url=https://id.bits-pilani.ac.in/Uploads/Announcement_of_Prof.Souvik_Bhattacharyya.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509005436/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/Uploads/Announcement_of_Prof.Souvik_Bhattacharyya.pdf |archive-date=9 May 2016 |access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> Ranendra N. Saha served as the Acting Vice Chancellor from 13 June 2021 to 30 September 2021 after the expiration of Bhattacharya's term. The latter was re-appointed as the Vice Chancellor from 1 October 2021 for a period of five years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual Report 2022 |url=https://www.bits-goa.ac.in/files/ANNUAL-REPORT/Annual-Report-2022.pdf |website=bits-goa.ac.in}}</ref> On 10 March 2023, [[V. Ramgopal Rao]] took over the Vice Chancellor's office from the outgoing Bhattacharya, becoming the seventh academic head of the institute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Vice - Chancellor's Message |url=https://web.bits-pilani.ac.in/viceChancellorMessage |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=web.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Annual Report 2023 |url=https://www.bits-goa.ac.in/files/ANNUAL-REPORT/Annual-Report-2023.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423131355/http://bits-goa.ac.in/files/ANNUAL-REPORT/Annual-Report-2023.pdf |archive-date=2024-04-23 |website=bits-goa.ac.in}}</ref>
==
=== {{anchor|Pilani Campus}}Pilani Campus ===
Spread across 328 acres (1,330,000 m<sup>2</sup>), Pilani campus is positioned 200 kilometres (120 mi) west of Delhi and 220 kilometres (140 mi) north of Jaipur.<ref name="Visit BITS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/visitbits|title=Visit BITS|website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in|access-date=2019-12-22|archive-date=13 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513132757/https://bits-pilani.ac.in/visitbits|url-status=dead}}</ref> The campus has {{convert|11245|m2|sqft}} of classrooms and {{convert|7069|m2|sqft}} of laboratories.
[[File:GD Birla Memorial.jpg|thumb|G.D. Birla Memorial]]
[[File:Birla Science Museum, BITS Pilani.jpg|thumb|Birla Science Centre, BITS Pilani]]
The Pilani campus has India's first technological museum, the Birla Museum. Built in 1954, it showcases technological achievements.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/about/landmarks.html
|title=Birla Museum
|access-date=27 October 2009
|author=BITS Pilani
|archive-date=22 October 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091022171615/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/about/landmarks.html
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100922050757/http://www.rajasthantour4u.com/blog/index.php/2009/07/07/birla-museum-of-science-technology-pilani-rajasthan-first-technological-museum-established-in-india/ "Birla Museum at BITS Pilani"]}}. Rajasthantour4u.com (7 July 2009).</ref> BITS has a {{convert|2535|m2|sqft|adj=on}} auditorium decorated with paintings by students from the department of art and decoration.<ref name="BITS Pilani Statistics">{{cite web |author=BITS Pilani |title=BITS Pilani statistics |url=http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/statistics/2008/body_campusinfo.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130155358/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/statistics/2008/body_campusinfo.html |archive-date=30 November 2009 |access-date=27 October 2009}}</ref>
[[File:Saraswati temple, BITS Pilani.jpg|alt=Temple with four rounded step levels|thumb|[[Saraswati]] temple, BITS Pilani]]
BITS has a [https://bet.org.in/instutions/sharda-peeth-pilani/ Sharda Peeth] dedicated to the goddess [[Saraswati]], Sharda Peeth, built by G. D. Birla. The white marble temple is built on a {{convert|7|ft|m|adj=on}}-high foundation, with 70 pillars for support. It covers an area of {{convert|25000|sqft|m2}}.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://bet.org.in/instutions/sharda-peeth-pilani/
|title= Sharda Peeth
|access-date=27 October 2009
|author= Temple Net
}}</ref>
==== Residential and dining facilities ====
The institute has fourteen hostels in total. Each hostel is referred as a "Bhawan", the [[Sanskrit]] word for hostel. Twelve of them – [[Krishna]] Bhawan, [[Vishvakarma|Vishwakarma]] Bhawan, [[Maharana Pratap|Rana Pratap]] Bhawan, [[Bhagiratha|Bhagirath]] Bhawan, [[Ashoka|Ashok]] Bhawan, [[Mahatma Gandhi|Gandhi]] Bhawan, [[Shiva|Shankar]] Bhawan, [[Vyasa|Vyas]] Bhawan, [[Rama|Ram]] Bhawan, [[The Buddha|Budh]] Bhawan, [[Madan Mohan Malaviya|Malviya]] Bhawan, [[C. V. Raman|CV Raman]] Bhavan and [[Srinivasa Ramanujan]] Bhawan are for male students. [[Mirabai|Meera]] Bhawan is the only hostel for female students. The institute also has one more hostel for parents and guests<ref name="Facilities">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/Faculty/body_prospective_aboutbits.html#campus
|title=BITS Campus Facilities
|access-date=28 November 2009
|author=BITS Pilani
|publisher=bits-pilani.ac.in
|archive-date=28 January 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128220404/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/Faculty/body_prospective_aboutbits.html#campus
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> The hostels are named after saints, scientists, and historical and religious figures.
Every two hostels share a mess hall except Meera Bhawan, Srinivasa Ramanujan Bhawan and Sir C V Raman Bhawan which have their own mess halls. All dining areas are student-managed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/CampusLife/body_studenthous.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814024957/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/CampusLife/body_studenthous.html|url-status=dead|title=Bits Pilani - Housing|archive-date=14 August 2010|website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref> Students may also eat at a "Redi" (a small kiosk near every hostel), Institute Canteen (IC), the All-Night Canteen (ANC), Food Ministry (FM), and the Student Activity Centre (SAC) cafeteria (TOTT, Mr. Idli, 301 °F, Looters, and Da Cloud Cafe). The ANC is also student-managed.<ref>[https://bits-pilani.org/#Bits_Pilani_ANCAll_Night_Canteen "ANC at BITS Pilani"]</ref> Moreover, there is a small area inside campus called "Connaught" which has many restaurants, cafes, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/campuslife/body_studentmisc.html |title=BITS, Pilani - the Official Home Page |access-date=28 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126205050/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/campuslife/body_studentmisc.html |archive-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and has shops for general daily needs as well.
==== Vision 2020, Mission 2012 ====
In 2010 the institute launched a renewal project, "Vision 2020, Mission 2012,"<ref>|url = http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/dcd/Default.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105010755/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/dcd/Default.aspx |date=5 November 2011 }}</ref> to identify and implement measures establishing BITS Pilani as one of India's top three research-led universities by 2015 and among the leading 25 technical universities in Asia by 2020. As a part of this initiative, [[Kumar Mangalam Birla]] visited the Pilani campus on 13 November 2011 with pro-chancellor Shobhana Bhartia and other members of the board of governors. At this meeting, Birla announced a ₹600 crore fund for renovation and construction of new academic buildings and student hostels on the Pilani campus. The project was planned for completion in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/NewsModule/detail_page.aspx?id=559 |title=BITS, Pilani – The Official Home Page |publisher=Discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in |access-date=15 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504223121/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/NewsModule/detail_page.aspx?id=559 |archive-date=4 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
==== Project Vistaar ====
In July 2025, BITS Pilani announced ''Project Vistaar'', a ₹2,200 crore expansion—the largest investment in its history.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ghai |first=Neil |date=2025-07-13 |title=BITS Pilani to set up ‘AI+’ campus, invest ₹1,219 cr on infra upgrade |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/bits-pilani-to-set-up-ai-campus-invest-1219-cr-on-infra-upgrade/articleshow/122417082.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-08-05 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The initiative includes a new AI+ campus in [[Amaravati]] and a ₹1,219 crore upgrade of existing campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. The announcement was made by Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla during the institute’s convocation ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2025-07-14 |title=BITS Pilani AI+ Campus to come up in Amaravati |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Jul/14/bits-pilani-ai-campus-to-come-up-in-amaravati-3 |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
The Amaravati campus will serve as a hub for advanced programs in AI, machine learning, innovation, and strategy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press Trust Of India |url=https://www.ptinews.com/editor-detail/bits-pilani-to-establish-ai-plus-campus-in-andhra-pradesh--says-cm-naidu/2725983 |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=www.ptinews.com}}</ref> Developed in two phases, it will accommodate over 7,000 students and offer global collaborations, doctoral programs, and sustainable infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-15 |title=BITS Pilani announces AI+ campus in Amaravati, other initiatives |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/news/bits-pilani-announces-ai-campus-in-amaravati-other-initiatives-101752555071759.html |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
=== Goa Campus ===
{{Main|Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Goa Campus}}
=== Hyderabad Campus ===
{{Main|Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Hyderabad Campus}}
===
{{Main|Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Dubai Campus}}
===
{{Main|Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Mumbai Campus}}
==
===Academic programmes (On-campus) ===
==== {{anchor|Integrated First Degree}} Integrated first degrees ====
BITS Pilani offers four-year integrated [[Undergraduate degree|first-degree]] programs in engineering and pharmacy, and integrated Master of Science programs in science and technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/academics.html |title=Academics@BITS PILANI |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529074305/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/academics.html |archive-date=29 May 2010 }}</ref> The Dual-Degree program allows students to pursue two degrees, namely a Master's in Science (M.Sc.) and a Bachelor's in Engineering (B.E.) simultaneously for a time duration of five-years. The dual-degree program is part of the first-degree programs and is offered to students on the basis of BITSAT scores.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dual degree|url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/Goa/admissions/Dualdegree|access-date=2021-09-13|website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref>
==== {{anchor|Higher Degree}}Higher degrees ====
BITS Pilani offers two-year [[Postgraduate education|higher-degree]] programs in engineering, pharmacy and business administration.<ref name="BITS Pilani">{{cite web |url=http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/academics.html |title=BITS, Pilani – [ Academics ] |work=bits-pilani.ac.in |access-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529074305/http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/academics.html |archive-date=29 May 2010}}</ref> The Master of Engineering (M.E.) program is offered to students on the basis of [[Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering|GATE]] scores and BITS HD exam scores.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BITS Higher Degrees |url=https://www.bitsadmission.com/hdmain.aspx |access-date=13 June 2023}}</ref>
'''{{anchor|Higher Degree}}Doctoral degrees'''
BITS Pilani offers Ph.D. programs in Engineering, Sciences, Pharmacy, Social Sciences, and Management across its campuses. Admission is based on a written test and interview, with exemptions for candidates holding higher degrees (M.Phil./M.E.) or national-level fellowships like CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, or UGC NET-JRF.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admission |first=BITS |title=BITS Programmes |url=https://bitsadmission.com/ |access-date=2025-08-11 |website=bitsadmission.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/admissions/doctoral-program-phd/ |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Admission ===
==== Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses ====
Before 2005, admissions were based on the candidates' score in the 12th board examination. BITS had been moderating marks from various school boards since 1982.
Since 2005, admission to first-degree in BITS has been offered on the basis of the student's performance in the all-India entrance examination, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT).<ref name="toi2012" /> BITSAT, for which applications are submitted in December, is conducted online in May and June in cities all over India. The exam tests the candidate's knowledge, reasoning and analytical abilities in [[physics]], [[chemistry]], mathematics, [[English studies|English]] and [[logical reasoning]], and is based on higher secondary curricula in India and abroad. A 2012 news report showed that [https://www.collegecourses.in/bitsat/ BITSAT] had become more competitive than the [[IIT-JEE]], in terms of the ratio of the number of aspirants to the number of seats available.<ref name="toi2012">{{cite web |date=10 May 2012 |title=Birla Institute of Technology & Science entrance more competitive than IIT |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Birla-Institute-of-Technology-Science-entrance-more-competitive-than-IIT/articleshow/13073325.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |ref=10 May 2012}}</ref>
Admission to on-campus higher degrees such as Master's in Engineering (M.E.) is done on the basis of [[Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering|GATE]] scores and BITS HD (Higher Degree) examination scores.<ref name=":0" />
For foreign students, BITS has a separate admission scheme called International Student Admissions (ISA) category. To gauge the merit of these ISA students, BITS accepts the [[SAT]] and [[SAT Subject Tests]] in chemistry, physics, and Math 2C.<ref name="BITS website">{{cite web|title=BITS International Admissions|url=http://sites.bits-hyderabad.ac.in/internationalstuadm/admission-process.php|website=BITS website|access-date=21 December 2017}}</ref>
==== {{anchor|Dubai Campus}}Dubai campus ====
Admission to [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Dubai Campus]] is based on scores in the 12th standard qualifying exam along with BITSAT. Although the BITS Pilani-Dubai campus was established for the educational requirements of the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] countries, admission is open to students of all nationalities.<ref>{{cite web|title=BITS Dubai Admissions|url=http://www.bitsdubai.com/admissions.html|access-date=22 February 2011|archive-date=20 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120043908/http://bitsdubai.com/admissions.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Academic and industrial collaborations ===
BITS Pilani collaborates extensively with industries and government organizations, including the [[Department of Science and Technology (India)|DST]], [[ICMR]], [[Department of Biotechnology|DBT]], [[ISRO]], [[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]] and [[Department of Atomic Energy|DAE]].<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=TECHNOLOGY ENABLING CENTRE (TEC) |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/tec/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref> The institute actively promotes innovation and supports ventures by faculty, students, and alumni through its incubation programs.<ref name="auto1" /><ref>{{cite web |title=BITS Pilani History on BPHC Homepage |url=http://www.bits-hyderabad.ac.in/history.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090405145023/http://www.bits-hyderabad.ac.in/history.php |archive-date=5 April 2009 |access-date=2 June 2009}}</ref> BITS is a partner in developing the JournalServer<ref name="BITS JS3">{{cite web |title=Journal Server, BITS Pilani |url=http://jsorg.user.openhosting.com/about/partners.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103080313/http://jsorg.user.openhosting.com/about/partners.php |archive-date=3 January 2007 |access-date=18 April 2007}}</ref> open-access digital library, Project [[IPV6]]<ref name="BITS IPV63">{{cite web |author=BITS Pilani |title=IPV6 |url=http://ipv6.bits-pilani.ac.in/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403031708/http://ipv6.bits-pilani.ac.in/ |archive-date=3 April 2007 |access-date=18 April 2007 |publisher=bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref> and the {{Proper name|MIT iCampus}}<ref name="BITS iCampus3">{{cite web |title=iCampus, BITS Pilani |url=http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/iCampus/About-Projects-icampus.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061219103127/http://discovery.bits-pilani.ac.in/icampus/About-Projects-icampus.htm |archive-date=19 December 2006 |access-date=18 April 2007 |publisher=bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref> initiative. BITS Pilani has signed key MoUs with institutions such as the [[Indian Institute of Science]] (IISc), [[Tata Institute of Fundamental Research]] (TIFR) and [[IIT Bombay]] for joint research and specialized courses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani, IISc Bengaluru Sign MoU For Academic & Research Ties |url=https://www.bweducation.com/article/bits-pilani-iisc-bengaluru-sign-mou-for-academic-research-ties-561615 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=BW Education |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=IIT-Bombay, BITS Pilani collaborate for research, skill development |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/iit-bombay-bits-pilani-collaborate-for-research-skill-development-9589400/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-03 |title=BITS Pilani, Hyderabad's Tata Institute of Fundamental Research partner for joint research, specialised courses |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/bits-pilani-tata-institute-of-fundamental-research-hyderabad-partner-for-joint-research-specialised-courses-9492366/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Internationally, BITS Pilani has signed MoUs with the [[University of Southern California]], [[University at Buffalo]], [[Iowa State University]], [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute]] in USA, [[CentraleSupélec]] in France and [[Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology]] (RMIT) in Australia for dual degree programmes and research initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |title=USC Viterbi School and BITS Pilani Forge Global Partnership to Advance Research and Education |url=https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2025/06/usc-viterbi-school-and-bits-pilani-forge-global-partnership-to-advance-research-and-education/ |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=USC Viterbi {{!}} School of Engineering |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-31 |title=BITS Pilani, Iowa State University to launch dual degree programmes |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/bits-pilani-iowa-state-university-sign-mou-for-dual-degree-programmes-9136384/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-08 |title=BITS Pilani, University at Buffalo (SUNY-Buffalo) sign MoU for joint UG degrees |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/bits-pilani-signs-mou-with-university-at-buffalo-suny-buffalo-for-join-ug-degrees-9150708/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Academy |url=https://bitsrmit.in/about-the-academy/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Research facilities ===
BITS Pilani hosts a range of advanced research facilities across its campuses, supporting interdisciplinary research and innovation in science and engineering.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CIF |date=2022-12-27 |title=Central Instrumentation Facility |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/pilani/central-instrumentation-facility/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref> The Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) at each campus provides centralized access to high-end scientific equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CAL |date=2023-04-26 |title=Central Analytical Laboratory |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/hyderabad/central-analytical-laboratory/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CSIF |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/goa/csif/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref> Other specialized facilities includes a state-of-the-art cleanroom for micro and nano-fabrication, the ''Nalini Kurra Wind Tunnel Facility'' for advanced research in aerodynamic and renewable energy,<ref>{{Cite news |last=The Hindu |first= |date=2025-01-07 |title=BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus inaugurates cutting-edge research facility |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/bits-pilani-hyderabad-campus-inaugurates-cutting-edge-research-facility/article69068968.ece |access-date=2025-08-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> the [https://www.mmne.in/ MEMS, Microfluidics & Nanoelectronics Lab] (MMNE Lab) and [https://www.ipearl.org/ Intracellular Parasite Education and Research Labs] (iPEARL), a [[Biosafety level|BSL-2+]] facility for infectious disease research.
BITS Pilani also hosts dedicated ''Centres of Excellence'', including the [https://www.appcair.bits-pilani.ac.in/ Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research] (APPCAIR)[https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/crest/ , Centre of Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technologies] (CREST), [https://crens.bits-pilani.ac.in/ Centre of Research Excellence in National Security] (CRENS), and the [https://arcset.in/ Advanced Research Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies] (ARCSET), which focus on key national and global research priorities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Pilani Inaugurates Advanced Research Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (ARCSET) |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/news/bits-pilani-inaugurates-advanced-research-centre-for-sustainable-energy-technologies-arcset/ |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=BITS Pilani |language=en-US}}</ref> The institute was awarded the Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI) project by the [[Department of Science and Technology (India)|Department of Science and Technology]] (DST), a grant of ₹60 crore to set up shared research infrastructure in areas such as material sciences, device manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Basu |first=Sreeradha |date=2024-02-29 |title=BITS Pilani receives Rs 60 cr from Centre for advanced research facilities |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/bits-pilani-receives-rs-60-cr-from-centre-for-advanced-research-facilities/articleshow/108099531.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-08-04 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> BITS Pilani is the only self-financed institute selected to host a Technology Innovation Hub under the Bio–Cyber Physical Systems (Bio‑CPS) vertical, through the BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, with a grant of ₹125 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bio-CPS |first=BioCyTiH |date=August 2025 |title=BITS BioCyTiH Foundation |url=https://dst.gov.in/national-mission-interdisciplinary-cyber-physical-systems-nm-icps |url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Nature Index]], BITS Pilani is currently ranked 16th among academic institutions in India in terms of research output.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Institution tables {{!}} Nature Index |url=https://www.nature.com/nature-index/institution-outputs/generate/all/countries-India/academic |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=www.nature.com}}</ref>
=== Distance learning programmes (WILP) ===
BITS Pilani also offers online [[Distance education|distance learning]] programmes such as ''Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP)'' and in which students can get a B.Tech., M.Tech., Diploma, as well as Certificate programs while working in the industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS WILP |url=https://bits-pilani-wilp.ac.in/ |access-date=13 June 2023 |website=WILP Overview - BITS Pilani}}</ref>
=== Digital education programmes ===
BITS Pilani launched its first online undergraduate degree, the B.Sc. in Computer Science, in September 2022 through a partnership with [[Coursera]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bachelor of Science in Computer Science {{!}} BITS Pilani |url=https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bachelor-of-science-computer-science-bits |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Coursera |language=en}}</ref> The programme offeris flexible pacing and multiple exit options. In 2025, BITS Pilani established ''BITS Pilani Digital'' as a dedicated platform to expand its online degree offerings. The initial offerings include Bachelors and Masters in Data Science & AI.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BITS Excellence, Now Online |url=https://bitspilani-digital.edu.in/ |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=bitspilani-digital.edu.in |language=en}}</ref>
=== Rankings{{anchor|Reputation and rankings}} ===
{{Infobox India university ranking
| type = University and college
| IT_E_2024 = 7
| OUTLOOK_E_P_2024 = 2
| QS_A_2024 = 171
| THE_W_2024 = 801–1000
|QS_W_2025= 668|
|NIRF_O_2024=23|NIRF_R_2024=26|NIRF_U_2024=19|NIRF_E_2024=20|NIRF_P_2024=3}}
Internationally, BITS Pilani was ranked 668 in the [[QS World University Rankings]] for 2026<ref>{{Cite web |title=QS World University Rankings 2026 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=Top Universities |language=en}}</ref> and 171 in Asia.<ref name="Rankings_QS_A_2024" /> It was ranked 601–800 in the world by the ''[[Times Higher Education World University Rankings]]'' for 2025.<ref name="Rankings_THE_W_2024" />
In India, BITS Pilani was ranked 23 overall in 2024 by the [[National Institutional Ranking Framework]] (NIRF),<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/2023/OverallRanking.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=www.nirfindia.org}}</ref> 19 among universities,<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/2023/UniversityRanking.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=www.nirfindia.org}}</ref> 20 in the engineering ranking<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/2023/EngineeringRanking.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=www.nirfindia.org}}</ref> and 3 in India in the pharmacy ranking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/2023/PharmacyRanking.html |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=www.nirfindia.org}}</ref> It was ranked 7th among engineering colleges by ''[[India Today]]'' in 2025 and second among private engineering colleges by ''[[Outlook India]]'' in 2025.<ref name="Rankings_OUTLOOK_E_P_2024" />
The Department of Management at the Pilani campus is ranked among the top 25 B-Schools in India, according to The WEEK-Hansa Research Best B-Schools Survey 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE WEEK-Hansa Research Survey 2024: India's best b-schools |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2024/11/09/the-week-hansa-research-survey-2024-indias-best-b-schools.html |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> and falls within the 451–500 band globally in the QS Business & Management Subject Ranking 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-21 |title=QS World University Rankings for Business & Management Studies 2025 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/business-management-studies |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Top Universities |language=en}}</ref>
==
===Events===
==== OASIS ====
{{Main|Oasis (festival)}}
[[Oasis (festival)|Oasis]] is the annual [[cultural festival]] of the BITS, Pilani. It hosts a variety of events in various categories like dance, drama, literature, comedy, fashion and music.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Annual Cultural Festival of BITS Pilani: Oasis 2014|url=https://www.careerindia.com/news/annual-cultural-festival-of-bits-pilani-oasis-2014-012494.html|website=careerindia.com|date=15 October 2014 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref>
==== BOSM ====
{{main|BOSM (festival)}}
[[BOSM (festival)|BOSM]] (BITS-Pilani Open Sports Meet) is the annual sports competition at the Pilani campus. BITS-Pilani invites colleges throughout India to participate in events including carrom board, hockey, [[cricket]], basketball, football, volleyball, [[track and field]], badminton, tennis, table tennis, squash and weightlifting. Since its 2010 silver jubilee (25th) anniversary, BOSM has invited a team from Moratuwa University in Sri Lanka.<ref>[http://www.indiaprline.com/2010/09/10/bosm-all-india-sports-festival-at-bits-pilani-on-15-19-september-2010/ BOSM Goes International] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423083532/http://www.indiaprline.com/2010/09/10/bosm-all-india-sports-festival-at-bits-pilani-on-15-19-september-2010/ |date=23 April 2012 }}. Indiaprline.com.</ref>
==
APOGEE (A Professions Oriented Gathering over Educational Experiences) is an international annual technical festival at the Pilani campus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.igniteengineers.com/attractions-of-apogee-2018-bits-pilani-techfest/|title=Attractions of APOGEE 2018 (BITS Pilani Techfest) – Ignite Engineers|website=www.igniteengineers.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-16}}</ref> Since its inception in 1983, APOGEE has hosted students and researchers from across the country. The guest lecture series of the fest, Think Again Conclave has received eminent speakers in the past which include [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]], [[Richard Stallman]], [[Jimmy Wales]], [[Kailash Satyarthi]], [[Walter Lewin]] and [[A. S. Kiran Kumar]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://festpav.com/blog/the-international-technical-festival-apogee-2018-bits-pilani/|title=The International Technical festival APOGEE 2018 @ BITS Pilani blog.festPav.com|website=festpav.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203301/https://festpav.com/blog/the-international-technical-festival-apogee-2018-bits-pilani/|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other events include the [[Academic Paper|Paper Presentation]] Event, which is one of the oldest research paper presentation platforms in the country, and Project Presentation, which exhibits over 550 projects in various fields of [[science]] and [[engineering]].
==== Spark ====
BITS Spark programme was launched in 2012. The programme promotes entrepreneurship courses and workshops, offers mentorship, and provides angel funds.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Guru|first1=Vemuri|title=BITS Spark programme was launched in 2012.|url=http://entrepreneursdesk.org/fifth-edition-of-bits-spark-programme/|website=entrepreneursdesk.org/fifth-edition-of-bits-spark-programme/|access-date=4 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704205151/http://entrepreneursdesk.org/fifth-edition-of-bits-spark-programme/|archive-date=4 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== {{anchor|Notable alumni}}Notable alumni ==
{{Main|List of BITS Pilani alumni}}
* [[Sanjay Mehrotra]], co-founder of [[Sandisk]] and CEO of [[Micron Technology]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Anupriya |date=2023-02-17 |title=Alphabet, Microsoft, Starbucks & now YouTube — Indian-origin CEOs rule roost in Silicon Valley |url=https://theprint.in/tech/alphabet-microsoft-starbucks-now-youtube-indian-origin-ceos-rule-roost-in-silicon-valley/1378430/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Preetish Nijhawan]], co-founder of [[Akamai Technologies]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-01-03 |title=Birla Institute of Technology and Science ring Nasdaq bell |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/birla-institute-of-technology-and-science-ring-nasdaq-bell/articleshow/28302911.cms |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* [[Baba Kalyani]], businessman and chairman of [[Bharat Forge]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet Baba Kalyani, BITS Pilani alumnus with over Rs 19,500 cr net worth, know about his billion dollars business empire |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-baba-kalyani-bits-pilani-alumnus-with-rs-19500-crore-net-worth-know-about-his-billion-dollars-business-bharat-3037978 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Sabeer Bhatia]], co-founder of [[Hotmail]], first free [[web-based email]] service<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-05-16 |title=BITS Pilani: College that connects the creators of Hotmail, MapmyIndia, Onida |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/bits-pilani-college-that-connects-the-creators-of-hotmail-mapmyindia-onida/articleshow/35189848.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-09-19 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
* Sriharsha Majety, co-founder and CEO of [[Swiggy]]
* Abhinav Asthana, co-founder of [[Postman (software)|Postman]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2022-03-28 |title=SaaS startup Postman invests Rs 2 crore for API lab at BITS Pilani |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/saas-startup-postman-invests-rs-2-crore-for-api-lab-at-bits-pilani/articleshow/90486992.cms |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
* Hari Menon, co-founder and CEO of [[BigBasket]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mr. Hari Menon |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/HariMenonDAA2017 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref>
* Shubh Malhotra, co-founder of [[Mobile Premier League]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet Shubh Malhotra, BITS Pilani alumnus, founder of Virat Kohli-endorsed Rs 19,000 crore company |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-meet-shubh-malhotra-bits-pilani-alumnus-founder-of-virat-kohli-endorsed-rs-19000-crore-company-mpl-shubham-3031391 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>
* Phanindra Sama, co-founder of [[RedBus]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The amazing success story of redBus |url=https://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/oct/19/slide-show-1-the-amazing-success-story-of-redbus.htm |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Rediff |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Revathi Advaithi]], CEO of [[Flex (company)|Flex]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-09 |title=Flex CEO Revathi Advaithi on How India Can Become a Global Manufacturing Hub |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/interview/story/flex-ceo-revathi-advaithi-on-how-india-can-become-a-global-manufacturing-hub-332793-2022-05-09 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Rakesh Kapoor]], former CEO of [[Reckitt Benckiser]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-07 |title=Former Reckitt chief Rakesh Kapoor donates $1.2 million to BITS Pilani |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/former-reckitt-chief-rakesh-kapoor-donates-12-million-to-bits-pilani/article66350539.ece |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Sunil Duggal]], former CEO of [[Dabur]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-18 |title=Perfect Recipe |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/indias-best-ceos-2015-dabur-sunil-duggal-laid-a-template-for-company-growth-story-54955-2015-12-18 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>
* Kiran Deshpande, former CEO of [[Tech Mahindra]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-24 |title='Speak with people before walking them out.' Former Tech Mahindra CEO has a word of advice for tech bosses sacking staff |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/speak-with-people-before-walking-them-out-former-tech-mahindra-ceo-has-a-word-of-advice-for-tech-bosses-sacking-staff/articleshow/97269381.cms |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
* [[Goverdhan Mehta]], [[Padma Shri]] Awardee, ex-Director of [[IISc Bangalore]] and ex-Vice Chancellor of [[University of Hyderabad]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof. Goverdhan Mehta |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/GoverdhanMehtaDAA2011 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref>
* [[S. P. Kothari]], [[Padma Shri]] Awardee, Dean of [[MIT Sloan School of Management]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof. S.P. Kothari |url=https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/SPKOTHARIDAA2013 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=www.bits-pilani.ac.in}}</ref>
* [[Milind Tambe]], Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science at [[Harvard University]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prof. Milind Tambe |url=https://teamcore.seas.harvard.edu/tambe |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=teamcore.seas.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Autar Kaw]], Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the [[University of South Florida]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-08-13 |title=American professor of the year impresses BITS Pilani students |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/american-professor-of-the-year-impresses-bits-pilani-students/articleshow/21797587.cms |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
* [[Arun K. Somani]], department chair and Senior Associate Dean in Engineering, [[Iowa State University]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Alli |date=2018-07-16 |title=Somani named Distinguished Alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani |url=https://news.engineering.iastate.edu/2018/07/16/somani-named-distinguished-alumnus-of-birla-institute-of-technology-pilani/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=College of Engineering News |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Narendra Ahuja]], Founding Director of [[IIIT Hyderabad]] (1999–2002) and Donald B. Willett Professor Emeritus in Engineering at the [[University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Narendra Ahuja {{!}} Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Illinois |url=https://csames.illinois.edu/directory/profile/n-ahuja |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=csames.illinois.edu |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Govindan Rangarajan]], mathematician, Director & Professor Dept. of Mathematics, [[Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=IISc Bangalore gets a new director, Professor Govind Rangarajan- Check all about him here {{!}} Education News |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/iisc-bangalore-gets-a-new-director-professor-govind-rangarajan-check-all-about-him-here/626868 |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=www.timesnownews.com|date=25 July 2020 }}</ref>
* [[C. V. Ananda Bose|Dr. C. V. Ananda Bose]], 22nd [[Governor of West Bengal]]
* [[Prithviraj Chavan]], former [[Chief Minister of Maharashtra]]; former Union Minister for Science and Technology, Govt. of India<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prithviraj Chavan stakes claim to form the next government in Maharashtra |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/prithviraj-chavan-stakes-claim-to-form-the-next-government-in-maharashtra-438725 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
* [[Anu Hasan]], Tamil actress and TV show host<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-01-25 |title=Being Anu Hasan |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/being-anu-hasan/article6818723.ece |access-date=2023-06-29 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
* [[Kaniha]], Malayalam/Tamil movie actress and TV show host<ref>{{Cite web |title=Topper meets her match |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/2013/feb/25/topper-meets-her-match-453402.html |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=The New Indian Express|date=24 February 2013 }}</ref>
* Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, founders of [[Pixxel]]
* [[Harish Sivaramakrishnan]], Playback singer, Composer, Carnatic musician, Engineer, Head of design in [[CRED]]
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Birla Institute of Technology and Science}}
* {{Official website}}
{{Birla Institute of Technology & Science}}
{{Aditya Birla Group}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:BITS Pilani}}
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