Dreaming of earning an international degree while starting your academic journey at one of India’s top engineering institutes? The BITS 2+2 Program offers a unique opportunity to study for two years at BITS Pilani and complete the final two years at a prestigious partner university abroad — Iowa State University (USA), University at Buffalo (USA), or RMIT University (Australia).
This dual degree program allows you to graduate with two degrees — a B.E. from BITS Pilani and a B.S. or B.Eng. (Honours) from the partner university — equipping you with global academic exposure, advanced research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
If you envision a future filled with international career prospects, cutting-edge technology, and global networking, the BITS 2+2 Program is your gateway to turning those dreams into reality.
What is the BITS 2+2 Program?
The BITS 2+2 Program is an international dual degree program offered by BITS Pilani in collaboration with three globally recognized universities — Iowa State University (USA), University at Buffalo (USA), and RMIT University (Australia). This program allows students to study for two years at one of BITS Pilani’s campuses in India and then transfer to a partner university abroad to complete the remaining two years of their degree. By the end of the four years, students receive two degrees — one from BITS Pilani and the other from the respective international university.
This program is designed for students pursuing engineering and technology degrees, providing a unique blend of academic excellence from both Indian and international educational systems. The first two years at BITS Pilani focus on building a strong foundation in core subjects like mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering principles, along with practical lab sessions and project work. After this phase, students transition to a partner university, where they gain global exposure, advanced coursework, and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
The BITS 2+2 Program is structured to offer students flexibility in choosing their degree combinations. For instance, students in the Computer Science program at BITS can transfer to partner universities for degrees like Computer Engineering or Software Engineering. Similarly, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Electronics & Communication students can pursue specialized engineering degrees at international institutions.
One of the key highlights of this program is the dual degree advantage. Students earn a B.E. degree from BITS Pilani and a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from the partner university. This enhances their career prospects by opening doors to both Indian and international job markets, as well as opportunities for higher studies or research.
Partner Universities and Available Courses in BITS 2+2 Program
BITS Pilani has partnered with leading universities to offer this program. These universities provide advanced academic and research facilities.
1) RMIT University, Australia
RMIT University, based in Melbourne, is known for its strong focus on research and industry connections. The BITS-RMIT partnership provides students with practical training and modern infrastructure.
Available Disciplines at RMIT:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Computer Science (CS)
2) University at Buffalo (UB), USA
The BITS-UB partnership provides students with access to a top-tier research university in the USA. The program is designed to give students exposure to advanced academic methods and cutting-edge technology.
Available Disciplines at UB:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Computer Science (CS)
3) Iowa State University, USA
Iowa State University is known for its engineering programs. The collaboration provides students with research-driven learning and a focus on innovation.
Available Disciplines at Iowa State:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
- Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Computer Science (CS)
Eligibility Criteria for the BITS 2+2 Dual Degree Program
The BITS 2+2 Dual Degree Program has specific eligibility requirements set by BITS Pilani and its partner universities — Iowa State University (USA), University at Buffalo (USA), and RMIT University (Australia). These criteria ensure that students are academically prepared for both their initial two years at BITS Pilani and their transition to an international university for the remaining two years. Let’s break down the eligibility criteria in detail.
General Eligibility
BITS Pilani requires applicants to have passed the Class 12 examination under the 10+2 system from a recognized Central or State board or an equivalent qualification. The Class 12 examination must include Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects.
A minimum aggregate of 75% marks in PCM is required, along with at least 60% in each individual subject — Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Proficiency in English is also necessary, as courses at BITS and partner universities are conducted in English.
Applicants must appear for the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT-2025) and achieve a score equal to or above the cutoff set by BITS for that year.
Each partner university also has its own additional requirements, which students must fulfill before transitioning in their third year.
Partner University-Specific Requirements
1) Iowa State University (ISU), USA
To be eligible for the BITS-Iowa State University 2+2 Program, students must secure admission to BITS Pilani through BITSAT and enroll in one of the eligible integrated first-degree programs at BITS. The combinations offered include B.E. Electronics and Communication (Pilani Campus) with B.S. Electrical Engineering (ISU), B.E. Electrical and Electronics (Goa Campus) with B.S. Electrical Engineering (ISU), B.E. Mechanical (Goa Campus) with B.S. Mechanical Engineering (ISU), and B.E. Computer Science (Hyderabad Campus) with B.S. Computer Engineering (ISU). Students need to maintain a CGPA of at least 5.75 by the end of their second year at BITS.
For English language proficiency, students must meet any one of the following test requirements:
- TOEFL (iBT): 99 or above
- IELTS: 7.5 or above
- Duolingo: 130 or above
- PTE: 72 or above
- SAT Reading/Writing: 600 or above
- ACT English: 26 or above
Additionally, students must secure a US F-1 student visa, with guidance provided by Iowa State University’s International Student and Scholar’s Office (ISSO).
2) University at Buffalo (UB), USA
For students interested in the BITS-UB 2+2 Program, they must first secure admission through BITSAT and enroll in a relevant dual-degree program. Options include B.E. Computer Science (Pilani Campus) with B.S. Computer Science/Engineering (UB), B.E. Electrical and Electronics (Pilani Campus) with B.S. Electrical Engineering (UB), B.E. Electronics and Communication (Goa Campus) with B.S. Electrical Engineering (UB), and B.E. Mechanical (Hyderabad Campus) with B.S. Mechanical Engineering (UB).
Students must meet one of the following secondary qualification criteria:
- All India Senior School Certificate (AISSC) 10+2 with a minimum average of 65%
- Indian School Certificate (ISC) with a minimum average of 65%
- State Board HSC with a minimum average of 70%
A minimum of 60% in Class 12 Mathematics is required. For English language proficiency, students must achieve one of the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL (iBT): 70 or above
- TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
- IELTS: 6.0 or above
- PTE Academic: 50 or above
- SAT ERWS: 500 or above
- ACT (English and Reading): 18 or above
- Duolingo English Test: 105 or above
To study in the US, students must secure an F-1 visa. University at Buffalo will provide an I-20 visa document after confirming financial support. If a student’s subsection scores in TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo are below certain levels, they will be required to take an English Language Institute (ELI) 105 course at UB. The thresholds are:
- Reading: TOEFL 21, IELTS 6.5
- Listening: TOEFL 21, IELTS 6.5
- Speaking: TOEFL 23, IELTS 6.5
- Writing: TOEFL 24, IELTS 6.5
3) RMIT University, Australia
For students opting for the BITS-RMIT 2+2 Program, eligibility requirements start with admission to BITS Pilani through BITSAT, followed by enrollment in one of the eligible programs. The available combinations include B.E. Civil (Pilani Campus) with Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) at RMIT, B.E. Mechanical (Pilani Campus) with Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT, B.E. Computer Science (Goa Campus) with Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT, B.E. Electronics and Communication (Hyderabad Campus) with Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT, and B.E. Electrical and Electronics (Hyderabad Campus) with Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT.
Students must meet one of the following criteria for secondary education qualifications:
- AISSC 10+2 with a minimum average of 65%
- ISC with a minimum average of 65%
- State Board HSC with a minimum average of 70%
A minimum of 60% in Class 12 Mathematics is required. English language proficiency must align with RMIT’s requirements, which can be verified on their official website. RMIT will reimburse 50% of the English proficiency test cost, up to INR 8500, for candidates successfully enrolling in the 2024 intake. Students must also apply for an Australian student visa after receiving an admission offer from RMIT.
Admission Process
Students need to apply through BITSAT and select the 2+2 program.
Step-by-Step Admission Guide:
- Appear for BITSAT-2025
- Apply for BITS 2+2 program via the official website
- Submit required academic documents
- Receive acceptance and transition to the partner university after two years
- Important Deadlines for BITS 2+2 Program 2025 Admissions
- BITSAT exam dates: Announced on the BITS Pilani website
- Application submission deadlines: Check the official admission portal
- Partner university confirmation dates: Students will receive confirmation after document verification
International Students Admission (ISA) Scheme for BITS 2+2 Program
The International Students Admission (ISA) Scheme at BITS Pilani offers a unique pathway for foreign nationals to gain admission to the prestigious BITS 2+2 Program. This scheme is designed to attract talented students from around the world by providing them with the opportunity to study at BITS Pilani for the first two years and then transfer to an international partner university for the remaining two years, ultimately earning dual degrees. Let’s break down the key details of the ISA scheme, including eligibility, application process, and admission criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students Admission (ISA) Scheme
To apply for the BITS 2+2 Program through the ISA scheme, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Nationality: Only foreign nationals holding a valid passport from a country other than India are eligible. Indian citizens, including those holding Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards, cannot apply through this route.
Academic Qualifications: Candidates must have passed the 12th-grade examination under the 10+2 system from a recognized board or an equivalent qualification. Proficiency in English is mandatory.
Subject Requirements: For admission to B.E. and M.Sc. programs: Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of the following: Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or a Technical Vocational subject. For admission to B.Pharm. and B.S. (PCB input) programs: Candidates must have Physics and Biology/Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a Technical Vocational subject.
Minimum Marks:
- For B.E. and M.Sc. programs: Candidates must score at least 75% aggregate marks in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subjects, with a minimum of 60% in each subject.
- For B.Pharm. and B.S. (PCB input) programs: Candidates need a minimum aggregate of 75% in Physics, Biology/Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subjects, with at least 60% marks in each.
Chemistry Bridge Course: Candidates who did not study Chemistry in their 10+2 curriculum will need to complete a bridge course in Chemistry during their first semester at BITS Pilani.
SAT Scores: Applicants must have a minimum aggregate score of 1160 out of 1600 in the new SAT format (covering Reading & Writing and Mathematics tests). Scores from the old SAT format will be mapped using CollegeBoard concordance tables.
Timing of SAT Exam: The SAT should have been taken on or after February 1, 2023.
Academic Year Requirements: Only candidates appearing for their 12th-grade examination in 2025 or those who passed it in 2024 are eligible.
Special Provisions for Reattempts: Students who retake their 12th-grade exams can still apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Candidates reappearing for improvement exams in specific subjects must submit results by the deadline.
- Those retaking the full set of 12th-grade subjects are eligible as long as results are submitted on time.
Important Deadlines
Candidates should note the following key dates:
| Event | Deadline |
| Application Submission | April 7, 2025 |
| SAT Score Submission | April 15, 2025 |
| Grade 12 Result Submission | April 15, 2025 |
| First Admission List Release | April 23, 2025 |
For candidates taking the May/June 2025 SAT, or those who miss the first application window, a second application period will run from June 3 to June 20, 2025. However, these applicants will only be considered for programs with remaining seats, and the second round of admission offers will be announced on July 1, 2025.
Application Process
Applying to the BITS 2+2 Program under the International Students Admission (ISA) scheme involves a series of steps that must be followed carefully to ensure a smooth application process. Below is a detailed guide to help prospective students complete their application successfully.
Step 1: Appear for the 12th-grade qualifying examination and SAT
Candidates must first complete their 12th-grade examination from a recognized board or its equivalent. For most programs, this requires Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or Technical Vocational subjects. For B.Pharm. and B.S. (PCB input) programs, Physics and Biology or Mathematics are mandatory, along with an additional subject from the approved list.
Alongside the 12th-grade examination, students must take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), which includes Reading & Writing and Mathematics tests. The SAT score is a crucial part of the admission criteria, with a minimum aggregate score of 1160 (out of 1600) required. The test must have been taken no earlier than February 1, 2023.
Step 2: Request CollegeBoard to send SAT scores to BITS Pilani
After completing the SAT, candidates must request CollegeBoard to send their official SAT scores directly to BITS Pilani. The Designated Institution (DI) code for BITS Pilani is 7759. It is essential to ensure that the scores reach BITS by April 15, 2025, for the first round of admission offers.
Step 3: Complete the online application form
The next step is to fill out the online application form, which will be available on the official BITS Pilani admissions portal. The deadline for submitting this form is April 7, 2025. Applicants must ensure that all information provided is accurate and matches their official documents, as any discrepancies may affect their admission.
Step 4: Upload the required documents
Once the application form is filled, candidates need to upload the necessary supporting documents. These include:
- Grade 12 marks sheets: If the final results are not yet available, students can submit their predicted scores or relevant transcripts. However, final results must be uploaded by April 15, 2025.
- Recent passport-size photograph: Ensure the photograph meets the specifications mentioned in the application portal.
- Copy of passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of joining BITS Pilani.
For students from the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) board, A Level subjects must align with the program’s requirements. Similarly, International Baccalaureate (IB) students must have completed the necessary subjects at the Higher Level (HL).
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Applicants must pay an application fee of INR 6900 online. The payment must be made through the portal using the available payment methods. It is advised to keep a record of the transaction details for future reference.
Step 6: Acknowledgment of application submission
After completing the form and making the payment, candidates will receive an acknowledgment confirming their application submission. This acknowledgment should be saved, as it contains the application number — an essential reference for any future correspondence with BITS Pilani regarding admission.
Admission Criteria and Merit List Preparation
The merit list for admission will be prepared based on SAT scores, which include Reading & Writing and Mathematics tests. In the event of a tie, the following criteria will be used in order to break the tie:
- Number of years/months of education completed in a foreign country
- Higher Mathematics score in SAT
- Total marks in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Biology/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subjects in 10+2 exams
- Mathematics/Biology marks in the 12th-grade exam (for B.Pharm. applicants)
- Physics marks in the 12th-grade exam
- Chemistry/Biotechnology/Biology/Technical Vocational subject marks in the 12th-grade exam
- Female candidates will be given preference if the tie persists
In some cases, BITS Pilani may introduce additional criteria such as interviews, online tests, or evaluations of extracurricular activities and exceptional talents.
Admission Offers
- The first list of admission offers for those who submit their SAT scores by April 15, 2025 will be published on April 23, 2025.
- Selected candidates will have 5-10 days to accept the offer by paying the required fee.
- Candidates needing visas will receive an official admission letter once the fee is paid.
- A provisional admission may be granted to those awaiting their 12th-grade results, which will be confirmed once the results are submitted and meet the eligibility criteria.
Key Considerations for CAIE and IB Board Students
- CAIE board: Students must have completed the required subjects at A Level.
- IB board: Students must have taken the required subjects at Higher Level (HL).
Conclusion
The BITS 2+2 Program is more than just an academic pathway — it’s a launchpad for global careers. By combining the strong foundation of BITS Pilani with the advanced resources of international universities, this program empowers students with dual degrees, cross-cultural experiences, and industry exposure.
For students aiming to build a career that transcends borders, the BITS 2+2 Program provides the perfect blend of academic excellence and global opportunities. It’s a step toward not only earning two prestigious degrees but also shaping a future filled with innovation, research, and international collaboration.
