BITSAT 2026 Official Exam Dates Confirmed for Two Sessions

As of February 18, 2026, BITS Pilani has officially confirmed the BITSAT 2026 exam dates for both Session 1 and Session 2.The first session is scheduled for April 15–17, 2026, while the second attempt will take place from May 24–26, 2026.Prospective engineering and pharmacy students must complete their initial registration by the March 16 deadline via the official portal. This two-session model offers candidates a second chance to improve their scores for admission to the Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, has officially released the comprehensive examination calendar for the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) 2026. As of today, February 18, 2026, the institute has reaffirmed that the national-level entrance test will be conducted in two separate computer-based sessions to provide maximum flexibility for aspirants. This confirmation comes as the online application window enters its final month of activity for the first session. According to the official BITSAT 2026 brochure, the exam remains the sole gateway for admission to the prestigious Integrated First Degree programs across the Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa, and Hyderabad campuses for the 2026-27 academic year.

1. Detailed Session Timeline and Registration Deadlines

The [suspicious link removed] has structured the 2026 calendar to ensure that students can appear for one or both sessions, with the higher of the two scores being considered for the final merit list.

• Session 1 Dates: The first session of the BITSAT 2026 will be held from April 15 to April 17, 2026.
• Session 2 Dates: The second session is scheduled to follow shortly after the board exams, from May 24 to May 26, 2026.
• Primary Registration Deadline: Candidates wishing to appear for Session 1 or both sessions must complete their enrollment on the official portal by March 16, 2026 (5:00 PM).
• Session 2 Specific Window: For those who choose to apply only for the second session, a separate registration window will open from April 20 to May 2, 2026, as per the updated calendar.

2. Revised Eligibility Criteria and Mandatory Standards

Along with the date confirmation, BITS Pilani has implemented a significant overhaul in the eligibility requirements for the 2026-27 session. Aspirants are urged to review these changes to ensure their enrollment remains valid through the counseling phase.

• First-Time Appearance: Eligibility is now strictly limited to those appearing for their Class 12 exams for the first time in 2025 or 2026.
• Retake Restriction: In a major administrative overhaul, students who have retaken the Class 12 examination for all subjects are no longer eligible for BITSAT 2026 admission.
• Subject Proficiency: A minimum of 60% in each of the core subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology) is required, alongside a 75% aggregate.
• Board Toppers Scheme: The [suspicious link removed] remains active, granting first-rank holders of state and central boards admission irrespective of their BITSAT score.

3. Examination Logistics and Slot Booking Process

The BITSAT 2026 continues to follow a unique student-centric slot booking system, allowing candidates to choose their preferred date and time within the confirmed calendar.

• Slot Booking (Session 1): Registered candidates can reserve their exam slots between March 27 and March 31, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Hall Ticket Release: Admit cards for the first attempt will be available for download from April 5, 2026, until the day of the exam.
• Test Center Infrastructure: The BITSAT will be conducted across 74 centers in India, Nepal, and Dubai, utilizing high-end secure servers for the 130-question overhaul format.
• Immediate Score Display: In line with its transparent admission policy, the system will display the candidate's score on the computer screen immediately upon completion of the test.

Conclusion

As of February 18, 2026, the BITSAT 2026 remains one of the most anticipated events for engineering aspirants in India. The confirmation of the two-session calendar provides a much-needed strategic advantage for students balancing board examinations with competitive prep. With the March 16 enrollment deadline approaching, candidates are encouraged to finalize their applications on the official website to avoid late-session technical issues. This 2026 cycle’s eligibility overhaul underscores BITS Pilani’s commitment to rewarding first-attempt merit and maintaining the highest academic standards. Following the conclusion of the May session, the iteration-based counseling process will commence in June to finalize the batch of 2,000 specialists for the three Indian campuses.

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