BITS launches “International Student Admission (ISA) 2026” for foreign nationals

BITS Pilani is set to launch its International Student Admission (ISA) 2026 process, offering a merit-based route for foreign nationals to enroll in its prestigious B.E., B.Pharm., and M.Sc. programs. Registrations open on December 1, 2025, and close on April 6, 2026. Admission is based on SAT scores and strict academic eligibility, including a minimum of 75% aggregate in core subjects. This is an unparalleled opportunity for global aspirants to leverage their SAT performance for a top-tier Indian engineering education. Check the eligibility criteria and key dates to apply.

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, a name synonymous with academic excellence and stellar placements in India, has officially announced the schedule for its International Student Admission (ISA) 2026 scheme. This dedicated admission channel is specifically designed for foreign nationals (those holding passports of countries other than India) seeking entry into BITS’s integrated first-degree programs across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.

​The ISA 2026 scheme represents a significant opportunity for global aspirants to bypass the highly competitive BITSAT exam (meant for domestic students) and utilize their Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores for direct, merit-based admission. With registrations opening on December 1, 2025, prospective students must align their academic credentials and SAT results immediately to meet the stringent eligibility requirements and deadlines of this streamlined process. The window for applications will remain open until April 6, 2026, offering a four-month period for submission.

​ Eligibility & SAT Score Requirements: The ISA Mandate

​The ISA 2026 admission process is rigorously merit-driven, evaluating candidates on both their school-leaving examination results and their performance in the standardized SAT examination. Aspirants must meet all criteria to be considered for admission into the B.E., B.Pharm., and M.Sc. programs offered across BITS campuses.

• ​Nationality: Only candidates holding foreign passports (non-Indian citizens) are eligible to apply under the ISA scheme.
• ​Academic Qualification: Applicants must have passed the 12th grade or an equivalent examination from a recognized international board. They must have studied the required combination of subjects: 
  • ​B.E./M.Sc. Programs: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or an equivalent technical/vocational subject.
  • ​B.Pharm. Programs: Physics, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Biology (PCB/PCM).
• ​Minimum Marks Criteria: Candidates must secure a minimum aggregate of 75% in the required core subjects (PCM/PCB). Additionally, a minimum of 60% marks individually in each of these subjects is mandatory.
• ​Mandatory SAT Score: Admission is based primarily on the candidate's performance in the SAT. 
  • ​Minimum SAT Score: A minimum aggregate score of 1160 out of 1600 (from the combined Reading & Writing and Mathematics sections) is required.
  • ​SAT Date: The SAT score considered must be from an examination taken not earlier than February 1, 2023.

​Meeting these benchmarks is essential for placement in the merit list, where final admission will be determined by the relative SAT scores and the program preferences submitted by the candidate.

​Key Dates and Application Protocol for ISA 2026

​Understanding the timeline is crucial for international applicants who often need to coordinate their application with international board exam results and SAT score reporting schedules. The ISA process includes multiple admission rounds (Iterations) to accommodate varying timelines.

• ​Application Window: 
  • ​Registration Opens: December 1, 2025
  • ​Registration Closes: April 6, 2026
• ​Score Submission Deadline:
  • ​Candidates who have already taken the SAT must ensure their scores are sent directly to BITS Pilani through the College Board platform by April 15, 2026.
  • ​Students awaiting their final 12th-grade results can still apply, but these marks must also be updated by the same April 15 deadline.
• ​Admission Iterations: The provisional admission lists will be released in subsequent iterations starting in late April 2026, based on merit, seat availability, and candidate preferences.
• ​How to Apply: The entire application process is conducted online through the official BITS Admission portal: bitsadmission.com.  
  • ​Applicants must register, fill out the detailed form with personal and academic information, upload required documents (including passport copy, transcripts, etc.), and pay the requisite application fee online.

​ BITS Pilani: A Hub for Global Engineering Excellence

​Securing a seat through ISA is a direct entry into one of India’s most reputable and high-achieving institutions. BITS Pilani consistently ranks among the top universities for its rigorous academic curriculum, flexible educational structure, and exceptional career outcomes.

• ​Robust Placement Record: BITS maintains a strong industry connection, evidenced by its consistent and high placement statistics across all campuses. In recent years, the median salary for 4-year undergraduate programs has consistently been in the ₹17–19 LPA range, attracting global tech giants, finance firms, and core engineering companies.
• ​The Practice School Program: A unique feature of the BITS education is the Practice School (PS) program, which mandates that every student spends seven and a half months working in a relevant industry setting even before graduation. This hands-on, real-world experience is invaluable for career readiness, making BITS graduates highly sought after globally.
• ​Interdisciplinary Programs: BITS offers flexibility in course selection, allowing students to pursue minors and electives in high-demand areas like Data Science, AI/ML, Robotics, and Finance, thereby equipping them with interdisciplinary skills vital for the modern global job market.

​ Conclusion: Strategy for International Aspirants

​The BITS Pilani ISA 2026 scheme is a structured, transparent, and merit-based opportunity for foreign nationals to access a world-class engineering education in India. Given the stiff competition and the reliance on SAT scores, prospective candidates must have already excelled in the exam (scoring \ge 1160) and meticulously meet the high academic percentage criteria (\ge 75\% aggregate in PCM/PCB).

​The next immediate step for all interested applicants is to visit the official website, carefully review the ISA 2026 information brochure, and prepare all necessary documentation for the registration launch on December 1, 2025. Timely application and score submission are key to securing a seat in BITS Pilani, a true investment in a high-growth career path.

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