BITSAT 2026 Session 1 begins April 15: pattern, shifts, admit card, rules, scholarship and key dates

BITSAT 2026 Session 1 started on April 15 with morning and afternoon shifts. The CBT runs three hours, 130 MCQs, +3/-1 marking. Admit cards out April 10; top 500 get full tuition waiver.

Edited by Prashant Kulkarni

Updated April 15, 2026 11:04 AM

    BITSAT 2026 Session 1 began on April 15, 2026

    BITSAT 2026 Session 1 started on April 15, 2026 , across centres in India and abroad. Exams ran in two daily shifts — 9 AM–12 PM and 2 PM–5 PM — on April 15 and 16, 2026 . Admit cards were released on April 10, 2026 .

    BITSAT 2026 Session 1 — Exam pattern & marking scheme

    The test is a computer-based test (CBT) of 3 hours . There are 130 MCQs worth 390 marks in total. Each correct answer gives +3 and each incorrect answer carries a -1 penalty.

    Section Questions
    Physics 30
    Chemistry 30
    English & Logical Reasoning 30
    Mathematics or Biology 40

    Candidates first attempt the core 130 questions. After finishing these, there is an option to attempt additional bonus questions (rules vary as per official bulletin).

    BITSAT 2026 Session 1 — Exam day rules, verification and scholarship

    You must carry your admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport etc.) . Biometric verification (fingerprint and photograph) is mandatory at entry. Rough sheets are issued for calculations and must be returned at the end.

    Electronic devices including phones, smartwatches, calculators and log tables are prohibited. Re-entry after a washroom break triggers fresh security checks. Malpractice can lead to exam cancellation, fee forfeiture and possible legal action.

    BITS Pilani has announced a scholarship for the top performers: the Top 500 rank holders will receive a 100% tuition fee waiver for four years .

    Key dates and numbers

    Event Date / Number
    Session 1 exam April 15–16, 2026
    Admit card release April 10, 2026
    Session 2 (tentative) May 24–26, 2026
    Result (expected, not official) Late April or early May 2026
    Questions / Total marks 130 / 390
    Expected registrants 1.5–3+ lakh
    Seats contested (estimate) 2,970–4,000

    Previous-year cutoffs (2025) for reference showed CSE cutoffs around 304 (Pilani) , 274 (Goa) and 270 (Hyderabad) for competitive benchmarking.

    Shift 1 reports and section weightage

    Initial student reactions for the April 15 morning shift described the paper as broadly moderate. Reported weightages: Physics ~ 45% class 11 / 55% class 12; Chemistry ~ 43% class 11 / 57% class 12 (organic chemistry ~ 30% of the section); Mathematics ~ 40% class 11 / 60% class 12.

    FAQs

    What is the BITSAT 2026 Session 1 exam mode? A: Computer Based Test (CBT), three hours per shift.
    How many questions and marks in BITSAT 2026? A: 130 MCQs , 390 marks ; +3 for correct and -1 for wrong.
    When were admit cards released? A: Admit cards for Session 1 were released on April 10, 2026 .
    What ID and checks are required at the centre? A: Carry a valid photo ID; biometric fingerprint and photograph verification is mandatory.
    Who gets the scholarship? A: Top 500 rank holders receive a full tuition waiver for four years.
    When will results be out? A: No official date yet; results are expected in late April or early May 2026 (not official).
    Are rough sheets allowed? A: Yes, rough sheets are provided and must be returned after the exam.
    What items are not allowed inside the exam hall? A: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, electronic gadgets, bags and written material are prohibited.

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