BITSAT session 1 exam dates are 15–17 April 2026 .
BITSAT formulas for PCM
You get 180 minutes to answer 130 MCQs in BITSAT, so every second counts. This guide collects the high-priority BITSAT formulas for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths), gives printable tables, worked examples, and a daily 15–20 minute plan to cement recall before both sessions in 2026.
Why memorise BITSAT formulas for PCM?
BITSAT is a speed-based test: 180 minutes for 130 multiple-choice questions . You must move fast without losing accuracy. Memorised formulas cut writing time, reduce algebra, and let you focus on logic.
Physics in BITSAT leans on numerical problems. Mathematics is calculation oriented and often asks for quick manipulations. Chemistry mixes physical formulas with reaction facts. Knowing the core formulas across these three subjects improves accuracy and lowers time per question.
BITSAT 2026 exam snapshot and session dates
BITS Pilani is conducting BITSAT 2026 in two sessions. Candidates can appear in one or both sessions and admissions use the best score across attempts.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam duration | 180 minutes |
| Total questions per paper | 130 MCQs |
| Session 1 exam dates | 15–17 April 2026 |
| Session 2 exam dates | 24–26 May 2026 |
| Registration began | 15 December 2025 |
| Session 1 hall ticket issued | 10 April 2026 |
Note: These dates are published in BITS Pilani notifications. You can appear in one or both sessions and the institute considers your best score for admission.
High-priority formula list — printable PCM formula sheet (consolidated)
Use this condensed sheet on A4 or A5. Keep a clean printed copy for last-week revision and a reduced one-line cheatsheet for the exam day.
| Physics — core formulas | Chemistry — core formulas | Mathematics — core formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Newton’s 2nd law: F = m a | Ideal gas: PV = nRT | Quadratic roots: x = [-b ± √(b²-4ac)]/2a |
| Kinematic set: v = u + at; s = ut + (1/2)at²; v² = u² + 2as | Boyle’s law: P1V1 = P2V2 | Permutations: nPr = n!/(n-r)! |
| Work: W = F s cosθ; Power = W/t | Molarity: M = moles solute / L solution | Combinations: nCr = n!/[r!(n-r)!] |
| Ohm’s law: V = IR; Resistances series/parallel | Graham’s law: r1/r2 = √(M2/M1) | Probability: P(A) = favourable/total |
| Coulomb: F = k q1 q2 / r² | Arrhenius: k = A e^{-Ea/RT} (use ln k vs 1/T for slopes) | Integration: ∫a^b f(x) dx = area under curve |
| Lens: 1/f = 1/v + 1/u | Nernst (at 298K): E = E° - (0.0592/n) log Q | Common identities: (a±b)², sin²+cos²=1 |
| Magnetic force: F = q v B sinθ; EMF Faraday basics | Stoichiometry: n = mass/MW; concentration conversions | Series-sum formulas, binomial expansions |
How to use the sheet: cover the right column when practicing, try to reproduce formulas from memory, and mark formulas that cost you time.
Physics: essential BITSAT Physics formulas and quick applications
Start with mechanics and electricity — these topics appear most often and are calculation heavy. Keep the kinematic set, Newton’s laws, work-energy relations, Coulomb and Ohm formulas at your fingertips.
Worked example (quick steps):
Problem: A car accelerates from u = 10 m/s to v = 30 m/s in 5 s. Find distance covered.
Step 1: Pick formula s = ut + (1/2)at². Step 2: Get a from v = u + at → a = (v-u)/t = (30-10)/5 = 4 m/s². Step 3: s = 10×5 + 0.5×4×25 = 50 + 50 = 100 m.
Time-saving steps: pick the smallest formula set that fits. Compute acceleration first if missing. Avoid expanding algebra — use numbers early.
Common quick checks
- Unit check: if force in N, mass in kg and acceleration in m/s² — units must match. A unit mismatch signals an algebra slip.
- For optics use lens formula 1/f = 1/v + 1/u and sign convention; plug magnitudes and watch signs.
- For circuits, use V = IR and then power P = VI or P = I²R to avoid extra steps.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not mix up v and u or forget the 1/2 in s = ut + (1/2)at². In collisions and energy questions, check whether energy is conserved or not before applying formulas.
Chemistry: must-know formulas for physical, inorganic and organic problems
Physical chemistry formulas are high yield. Keep the ideal gas law, Boyle’s law, molarity, Graham’s law, Arrhenius relation and Nernst equation visible on your sheet.
Worked example (physical chemistry):
Problem: 2 g of H2 (M = 2 g/mol) at STP occupies how many litres? (Use ideal gas idea that 1 mole gas ≈ 22.4 L at STP)
Step 1: Moles = mass/MW = 2 g / 2 g/mol = 1 mol. Step 2: Volume ≈ 22.4 L. Done.
Shortcuts and mnemonics
- For concentration conversions, keep these handy: % w/v, % w/w, ppm, and conversions to molarity using mol = mass/MW.
- For diffusion/effusion problems, compare rates using Graham’s law; squaring trick speeds ratio calculations.
- For kinetics, plot ln k vs 1/T (Arrhenius) to get activation energy; for numeric values use natural logs if needed.
Inorganic and organic recall tips
- Group important ions and common oxidation states on one mini-card. For transition elements, memorise common colours and coordination numbers.
- For organic reactions, remember reaction patterns and reagents rather than long mechanisms during last-week revision.
Mathematics: formula essentials, shortcuts and problem templates
Math in BITSAT is calculation heavy — standard identities, quadratic formula, permutations and combinations, probability, and integration basics are frequent.
Template approach
- Recognise the question type: algebra, sequence, geometry, probability.
- Pull the small formula set that solves it.
- Use smart substitutions or symmetry to reduce algebra.
Worked example (quick):
Problem: If x + 1/x = 5, find x² + 1/x².
Step 1: Square both sides: (x + 1/x)² = x² + 1/x² + 2 → 25 = x² + 1/x² + 2. Step 2: x² + 1/x² = 23.
Speed hacks
- For quadratic-type problems, use discriminant checks first to decide root nature.
- In permutations/combinations, reduce factorials early (cancel common terms) instead of expanding fully.
- For integration/area questions, check symmetry; many integrals simplify by substitution.
Common identities to memorise
(a ± b)², (a ± b)³, sin(A ± B), cos(A ± B), sum-to-product and product-to-sum formulas, binomial expansion and standard integrals like ∫x^n dx.
Make your own formula sheet: daily 15–20 minute plan
Day-to-day plan:
- Day 1–7 (build): Spend 15–20 minutes writing formulas for one block: Physics block on day 1, Chemistry day 2, Maths day 3, then revise all three on days 4–7.
- Week 2 (compress): Convert the full sheet to a one-line-per-topic cheatsheet.
- Week 3 (iron): Practice reproducing the one-line sheet from memory before each mock.
Integration with mocks
Use your formula sheet during untimed revision. In timed mock tests fold the sheet away but mark each question where recalling a formula took extra time. Update the sheet to include only those formulas you frequently forget.
Version control
Keep three versions: Full (detailed), Mid (one-line per topic), Micro (single A5 page with critical formulas). Move from Full to Micro as the exam approaches.
Time-saving calculation tricks and approximations for BITSAT
Mental math shortcuts
- Round and check options: If options are far apart, approximate to eliminate unlikely ones.
- Use factors: Replace decimal-heavy numbers with fractions for quicker cancellation.
- Square/cube small integers quickly — memorise squares up to 30 and cubes to 12 for fast checks.
When approximations are safe
Approximations work when options differ significantly or when question allows near values. Avoid approximations when options are tightly clustered, as guessing wrong can hurt.
Negative marking caution
BITSAT penalises wrong answers (refer to official marking-scheme notice). So do not guess wildly. Use elimination with approximations to make safer choices.
Mock tests, strategy and using sessions smartly (one or both attempts)
Use mock tests to time your formula recall. In each mock mark the time taken per question and list which formulas you had to look up. That tells you what to add to the Micro sheet.
Session strategy
- If you feel confident on all topics, attempt both sessions; BITS Pilani considers your best score.
- If your mocks show inconsistency, use the first session as a dry run focused on time management, and the second to aim for score improvement.
Admit card & slot-booking checklist
Bring a printed and digital copy of your admit card, government ID, and a passport photo as per the admit card instructions. Check your test city and slot well before the exam — session 1 hall tickets were issued on 10 April 2026 .
Printable PDF and downloadable resources (what to include)
Your downloadable pack should contain:
- Consolidated formula sheet (A4 and A5 versions).
- 10 worked examples (3 Physics, 3 Chemistry, 4 Maths) with stepwise time-saving notes.
- Quick tricks page: mental math, unit checks, sign conventions.
- Mini mock (30 questions) to practise the Micro sheet.
Suggested filenames for easy mobile download: bitsat_pcm_formulas_A4.pdf, bitsat_pcm_micro_A5.pdf, bitsat_pcm_examples.pdf. Keep each file under 5 MB for faster mobile access.
7-day revision checklist before BITSAT and final exam-day tips
7-day micro-plan
- Day -7: Full formula revision for Physics + 20-question physics mock.
- Day -6: Full Chemistry sheet + physical chemistry practice.
- Day -5: Maths formula and permutations/probability drills.
- Day -4: Mixed mock (50 ques) using Mid sheet.
- Day -3: One-page Micro sheet revision only.
- Day -2: Light mock, review mistakes.
- Day -1: Rest, quick glance at Micro sheet.
Exam-day routine
- Carry printed admit card and ID.
- Use the first 5 minutes to read instructions, plan subject order, and set a time target per section.
- Try to solve the first 10–15 questions you are sure about to build momentum.
Appendix: two quick tables for print
Table 1 — Consolidated subject-wise formula summary (print this A4)
| Subject | Top 8 formulas (printable quick list) |
|---|---|
| Physics | Newton’s 2nd law; v = u + at; s = ut + 1/2 at²; v² = u² + 2as; W = F s cosθ; V = IR; F_coulomb = k q1 q2/r²; 1/f = 1/v + 1/u |
| Chemistry | PV = nRT; P1V1 = P2V2; M = moles/L; Graham’s: r1/r2 = √(M2/M1); k = A e^{-Ea/RT}; Nernst (E = E° - (0.0592/n) log Q); Stoichiometry n = mass/MW; % ↔ molarity conversions |
| Mathematics | Quadratic formula; nPr, nCr; P(A) = favourable/total; ∫x^n dx; (a±b)²; sin²+cos²=1; binomial expansion; standard sum formulas |
Table 2 — BITSAT 2026 session stats & key milestones
| Item | Date / Note |
|---|---|
| Registration start | 15 Dec 2025 |
| Session 1 hall ticket | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Session 1 exams | 15–17 Apr 2026 |
| Session 2 exams | 24–26 May 2026 |
| Exam length | 180 minutes , 130 MCQs |
Common FAQs on BITSAT formulas for PCM
Q1: Why are BITSAT formulas important?
Because BITSAT tests speed and accuracy. Quick recall of formulas saves calculation time and reduces errors in numerical physics, calculation-heavy maths and physical chemistry.
Q2: How should I record essential formulas?
Make three sheets: Full (detailed), Mid (one-line per topic) and Micro (one A5 cheat). Rewrite the Micro daily for 15–20 minutes and use it in last-week revision.
Q3: Which Physics formulas matter most for BITSAT?
Kinematic equations, Newton’s laws, Ohm’s law, Coulomb’s law, work-energy relations, lens formula and basic magnetic force expressions are highest priority.
Q4: Which Chemistry formulas are essential?
Ideal gas equation, Boyle’s law, Graham’s law, Arrhenius relation, Nernst equation, molarity and stoichiometry shortcuts are the core physical chemistry tools.
Q5: What Maths formulas should I never forget?
Quadratic formula, permutations & combinations, probability basics, standard integrals, and algebraic identities like (a ± b)² and binomial expansions.
Q6: What are BITSAT 2026 session-wise dates?
Session 1: 15–17 April 2026 . Session 2: 24–26 May 2026 . You can appear in one or both sessions; admissions use your best score.
Q7: How to use mocks to improve formula recall?
In each timed mock record which formula you searched for or forgot. Add those to the Micro sheet. Repeat until you reproduce the Micro sheet under pressure.
Q8: Can I rely on approximations in BITSAT?
Yes, when options are widely spaced. Avoid approximations when options are close because of scoring risks. Use elimination plus rough checks.
Meta: This guide focuses on quick recall, printable sheets, worked examples and session-wise strategy so you can use BITSAT formulas for PCM with confidence during both 2026 attempts.