BITSAT 2021, scheduled to be conducted tentatively from the 3rd to 4th week of May 2021. BITSAT is an all India computer based entrance exam conducted by BITS for admission into the Integrated First Degree Programs. Admission into either one of the three campuses (Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai) for various engineering and science programs will be based on BITSAT score. With around 3 lakh students appearing for this test every year, it is one of the hardest Indian exams to crack. 

Students who have appeared for their 10+2 board exam in or before the year 2019 are not eligible for BITSAT 2020. The result of this exam is valid for a year after announcement of the results. No upper age limit exists for taking the exam. Students must have an aggregate of 75% marks in their 10+2 level along with adequate knowledge of the English language to be eligible. 

• Total duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). Students are to answer 150 questions within this time frame, making it quite challenging for candidates to attempt all.

• Candidates who have successfully completed the paper (attempted all 150 questions) will be given an option to answer another set of 12 questions if time is left. 

• BITSAT (BITS Admission Test) seeks to evaluate a candidate's depth of knowledge, analytical, and reasoning abilities in subjects like logical reasoning, english, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. 

• The marking pattern is similar to that of the CAT exam. For each correct answer, +3 marks will be awarded and for each incorrect answer, -1 marks will be deducted.

• The paper will be divided into 4 sections, each dedicated to physics, chemistry, biology/ mathematics, and english. Unlike the CAT exam, no sectional time limit is allotted for BITSAT.

• The syllabus for engineering programs and pharmacy programs differs. Covering the NCERT syllabus of 11th and 12th grades is adequate. All papers however are of 450 marks in total. 

• Registration fee is INR 3300 for male candidates and INR 2800 for female candidates. This fee structure is applicable for all students irrespective of their category.

BITSAT 2021 Exam at a Glance

Most important features related to syllabus and the exam are tabulated below:

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BITSAT 2021 Detailed Syllabus

All major topics in BITSAT are from the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) syllabus of 11th and 12 standard. Candidates are advised to refer to the NCERT textbooks. The syllabus for engineering subjects and pharmacy subjects are not the same. Like every other competitive exam, it is crucial to understand the syllabus before preparing for the same. 

BITSAT 2021 Physics Syllabus

40 questions out of 150 will be from Physics, making it an important topic. The syllabus can be broadly divided into 18 main topics as tabulated below. Total marks allotted is 120 (40 x 3). 

Recommended books for Physics:

• Optics & Modern Physics – By Arihant (ISBN-10: 9313190591)
• Concepts of Physics I – By HC Verma (ISBN 13: 9788177091878)
• Concepts of Physics II – By HC Verma (ISBN-10: 8177092324;)
• Physics MCQ – D Mukherji (ISBN-10: 8177098578)

BITSAT 2021 Mathematics Syllabus

There will be 45 questions in total from Mathematics in BITSAT. Marks allotted for this section is 135 (45 x 3). 12 topics which are covered are given below:

Important books for BITSAT Mathematics:

• New Pattern Mathematics – By Arihant (ISBN-10: 9313191377)
• 10 Mock Tests & Solved Papers VIT Engineering (ISBN-10: 8183486800)
• Objective Mathematics – By RD Sharma (ISBN-10: 8193647998)

BITSAT 2021 Chemistry Syllabus 

This section has 40 questions in total which broadly covers 15 different topics. Marks allotted is 120 (40 x 3). The topics are listed below:

Books recommended for BITSAT Chemistry

• Essential Organic Chemistry – By Arihant (ISBN-10: 9313192101)
• A Textbook of Inorganic Chemistry – By Dr OP Tandon (ISBN-10: 9388599063)

BITSAT 2021 Biology Syllabus

Biology has 10 main topics which must be covered and will have 45 questions from this topic. Marks allotted to Biology is 135 (45 x 3). Topics are listed below:

Recommended books for BITSAT Biology:

• Botany – By AC Dutta (ISBN-10: 0195637488)
• A Text Book of Biology – By PS Dhami, G Chopra, Srivastava (ISBN-10: 9386008831)

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BITSAT 2021 English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning Syllabus

This section consists of 25 questions in total (15 from English Proficiency + 10 from Logical Reasoning). A total of 75 marks (25 x 3) are allotted to this part. 

English Proficiency: 

This section is meant to test a candidate’s general proficiency in the English language as a means of expressing themselves and use it as an assessment for their daily life situations. Areas like basic grammar, vocabulary, reading and comprehension ability along with their ability to write effectively are put to test. English Proficiency has four main topics with several subtopics under it.

Logical Reasoning:

This section is meant to be a test of the candidate’s reasoning abilities both verbally and nonverbally. In order to score well in this section, students must be able to think logically which enables them to perceive data correctly, have a good understanding of relationships, ability to figure out missing words or numbers, and logically apply rules to different situations. 

Parameters such as detection of missing links, following directions, establishing sequences, classification of words, and completion of analogies are taken into account as an indicator to measure performance. 

Recommended books for BITSAT English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning:

• A Complete Guide to BITSAT – By Pearson (ISBN-10: 8131763447)
• English Grammar and Composition – By Wren and Martin (ISBN-10: 9352530144)
• BITSAT LR & English Proficiency (ISBN-10: 9389418089)

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BITSAT 2021 Exam Pattern

The BITSAT question paper has MCQ type questions only. 150 questions, each carrying 3 marks has to be answered by candidates. The paper is out of 450 marks and candidates who are able to complete all 150 questions before the time is over will be given an option to attempt an additional 12 questions. Candidates who have chosen to attempt the extra questions will not be allowed to correct their previous answers.

Each question will have four options from which candidates are to choose only one option. It is advisable not to attempt any questions by mere guesswork as a wrong answer means -1 will be deducted from the total. Choosing the correct answer will fetch you +3 marks while not attempting a question makes no difference. 

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Section Wise Breakup of Subjects 

The paper is divided into 4 parts. Unlike CAT, there is no sectional time limit for each and candidates are to divide the time according to their convenience. These part are:

Part 1 (Physics)

Part 2 (Chemistry)

Part 3 (Mathematics or Biology)

Part 4 (English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning)

Note: If the candidate has chosen to attempt the extra paper, there will be no questions from part 4; English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning

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Sectional Breakup of Marks

Number of questions from each paper and the total marks for each is given below:

The extra paper (if chosen by candidate) will have 4 questions each from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. 

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Topic Wise Importance of Each Part

From the previous year question paper, we can find out which topics are given more importance.

Physics Topics Wise Marks Allotment 

Important topics with marks has been given below:

Chemistry Topic Wise Marks Allotment

Important topics with marks has been given below:

English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning Topic Wise Marks Allotment

Important topics with marks has been given below:

Mathematics Topic Wise Marks Allotment

Important topics with marks has been given below:

Biology Topic Wise Marks Allotment

Important topics with marks has been given below:

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BITSAT 2021 Preparation Tips

As the syllabus for BITSAT is from class 11 and 12 books, cracking this exam should not be that hard. Dedication and implementation of the right strategy can do wonders. Apart from studying the recommended books, here are some you can take to do well.

1. Manage your time effectively - True for all exams, this will be helpful especially for students taking the BITSAT exam as the paper is especially lengthy. Since there will be no sectional time limit set by the exam, practice solving the papers as if you are really giving the exam.
2. Keep the marking scheme in mind - As you are already familiar with the marking pattern, it is advisable not to attempt any questions based on mere guesswork as you are going to lose marks. While preparing, dedicate enough time to the sections you are not strong in. in the exam hall, start with the questions you find easiest and leave the harder ones for later. 
3. Revise accordingly - Keep at least 2 months in hand to revise. Keep this time for the mock tests and go for the easier ones before gradually working your way to the harder test series. 
4. Prepare in a manner that lets you attempt the extra questions - According to BITSAT officials, the question paper is modelled in a way that a good student will be able to answer all questions within the given time frame. So while preparing, do so while keeping these target set of questions in mind.