Getting admission to a top engineering college is a big goal for many students. If you have taken the BITSAT exam, the next important step is the counselling process. This process decides which campus and branch you will get based on your score and preferences. Many students lose opportunities because they do not understand the process well or miss deadlines.
BITSAT counselling involves registration, choice filling, and multiple seat allotment rounds. The process is completely merit-based, so students with higher scores have better chances of getting their preferred branch. Knowing how to fill choices smartly and when to take action can help you secure admission to BITS Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad.
This guide explains the entire counselling process in simple steps. If you want to make the most of your BITSAT score, read carefully and follow the given tips. A small mistake can cost you a seat, so preparation is key.
What is BITSAT Counselling?
BITSAT Counselling is a centralized process conducted by BITS Pilani for admission to its campuses. Candidates who qualify for the BITSAT exam must participate in the counselling rounds to secure a seat. The process is based on merit and ensures that deserving candidates get admission.
The main purpose of BITSAT counselling is to allocate seats fairly based on students’ BITSAT scores and preferences. It helps students get admission to programs that match their interests and ranks.
BITS follows a transparent counselling system where admissions are strictly based on BITSAT scores. There are no reservations, and seats are allotted to candidates with higher merit. This ensures a fair and competitive selection process.
BITSAT Counselling Eligibility
To participate in BITSAT counselling, candidates must meet certain requirements.
Minimum BITSAT Score: Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in BITSAT to be eligible for counselling. The cutoff varies each year and depends on factors like the difficulty of the exam and the number of applicants.
Other Academic Requirements: Apart from the BITSAT score, candidates must have passed the Class 12 board exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. They must have at least 75% aggregate in these subjects and at least 60% in each subject individually. English proficiency is also necessary.
BITSAT Counselling Dates
The BITSAT counselling process spans several months and involves multiple events and deadlines. Here are the key tentative dates for BITSAT counselling 2025:
| Events | Tentative Dates |
| Apply for admission with 12th marks and Preferences | June 2025 |
| Revision/Editing the online application form (preferences and marks updation) | July 2025 |
| Admit list and Wait list announcement after Iteration I (Revised) | July 2025 |
| Last date for payment of fee/advance fees | July 2025 |
| Announcement of admission assignment after Iteration II. | July 2025 |
| Last date for payment of balance fees by candidates selected for admission from the waiting list in the second iteration. | July 2025 |
| Last date for candidates who wish to withdraw the admission is to submit a withdrawal request online using online credentials. | July 2025 |
| Announcement of admission assignment after Iteration III. | July 2025 |
| In the third iteration, the last date for payment of balance fees by candidates selected for admission from the waiting list. | July 2025 |
| Last date for candidates who wish to withdraw their admission to submit a withdrawal request online using the required credentials. | July 2025 |
| Reporting of candidates selected for admission in Iterations I, II, and III at their respective campuses (other than the BITS-RMIT Academy students) and their Document verification and completion of other Admission formalities. | July 2025 |
| Fresh-students Orientation Programme who have reported and completed their Admission formalities at respective Campuses. Detailed information will be provided by the respective Campus. | July 2025 |
| Fresh-students Orientation at the respective Campuses | July 2025 |
| First Semester begins | August 2025 |
| Registration for all students at the respective Campuses | August 2025 |
| Class-work begins at the respective Campuses | August 2025 |
| Announcement of admission assignment after Iteration IV. | August 2025 |
| Last date for payment of balance fees by candidates selected for admission from the waiting list in Iteration IV. | August 2025 |
| Reporting of candidates selected for admission in Iterations IV at their respective campuses (other than the BITS-RMIT Academy, BITS-ISU and BITS-UB students) and their Document verification and completion of other Admission formalities. | August 2025 |
| Announcement of admission assignment after Iteration V. | August 2025 |
| Last date for payment of balance fees by candidates selected for admission from the waiting list in Iteration V. | August 2025 |
| Reporting of candidates selected for admission in Iterations V at their respective campuses (other than the BITS-RMIT Academy, BITS-ISU and BITS-UB students) and their Document verification and completion of other Admission formalities. | August 2025 |
| Announcement of admission assignment after Iteration VI (if required). | August 2025 |
| Last date for payment of balance fees by candidates selected for admission from the waiting list in Iteration VI. | August 2025 |
| Reporting of candidates selected for admission in Iterations VI (if required) at their respective campuses (other than the BITS-RMIT Academy, BITS-ISU and BITS-UB students) and their Document verification and completion of other Admission formalities. | August 2025 |
BITSAT Counselling Process
BITSAT counselling is a structured process that determines admission to BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. It consists of several steps, and each step plays a crucial role in securing a seat. Candidates must complete all formalities within the given deadlines to avoid losing their admission chances.
Registration
The first step in the counselling process is registration. Only students who qualify for BITSAT can register for counselling. Candidates must visit the official BITS Pilani website and complete the registration process online.
Steps to Register:
- Visit the official BITS Pilani admission portal.
- Click on the counselling registration link.
- Enter personal details, BITSAT score, and academic information.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the counselling registration fee online.
- Submit the application and save a copy for future reference.
Required Documents for Registration:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- BITSAT scorecard
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Photo ID proof (Aadhar card, passport, or any other government-approved ID)
Candidates must ensure all details are accurate before submitting the form. Any incorrect information can lead to disqualification from the counselling process.
BITSAT Choice Filling
After registration, candidates must select their preferred courses and campuses. Choice filling is one of the most important steps because it directly affects seat allotment. Students must carefully list their preferences based on their interests, score, and previous years’ cutoffs.
Prioritizing Campuses and Programs:
- Students can choose from three campuses: Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.
- Each campus offers multiple engineering branches.
- Candidates should rank their preferences based on their BITSAT score and branch interest.
Tips for Maximizing Chances:
- Fill as many choices as possible to increase the chances of getting a seat.
- Place high-cutoff branches at the top but include backup options as well.
- Check previous years’ cutoffs to get an idea of the required score for each program.
- Be flexible with campus selection if the preferred branch is available at another campus.
Once choices are submitted, candidates can modify them before the deadline. After the deadline, no changes are allowed.
Allotment of Seats
BITS follows an iterative process for seat allotment. The system assigns seats based on BITSAT scores and the choices filled by students.
Process of Seat Allocation:
- In each round, seats are assigned to candidates based on merit and availability.
- Higher-ranked candidates get their top choices first.
- If a candidate does not get the first choice, they may receive a lower-preference seat.
Iterative Improvement in Allotments:
- After each round, some students may withdraw, and new seats become available.
- If a candidate is not satisfied with their allotted seat, they can wait for the next iteration.
- In later rounds, students may get upgraded to their higher-preference choices if seats open up.
Candidates who receive a seat must confirm their admission by paying the required fee within the given deadline. Those who do not complete the payment lose their seat, and it is offered to other candidates in the next round.
Understanding the BITSAT counselling process helps students make better choices and increases their chances of securing admission. Careful planning, timely action, and smart choice filling play a key role in getting the desired seat.
BITSAT Counselling Fee Structure
The BITSAT counselling fee structure includes several components, each serving a specific purpose in the admission process. Understanding these fees is crucial for candidates to plan their finances effectively. Let’s explore the detailed breakdown of these fees.
BITSAT Counselling Application Fee
Amount Required for Application
The application fee for BITSAT counselling is an initial amount that all candidates need to pay to proceed with the counselling process. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and organizing the counselling sessions. The application fee for counselling is INR 1000 for both male and female candidates.
This fee is non-refundable and must be paid during the online application process. Candidates can make the payment using various online modes such as net banking, UPI, and credit/debit cards.
BITS Admission Fee
Candidates offered admission (or provisional admission) to any program at BITS Pilani must pay the required admission fee within the deadline mentioned in the offer letter. This fee includes several components and is essential for confirming the provisional admission. Let’s break down these fees in detail:
1) Admission Fee: INR 57,100
The admission fee is a one-time payment that candidates must pay to secure their provisional admission. This fee is mandatory and covers the initial administrative costs associated with the enrollment process.
2) First Semester Fee: INR 2,59,500
The first semester fee includes tuition fees and other academic charges for the first semester. It ensures that candidates are enrolled in their respective programs and have access to all academic facilities and resources provided by BITS Pilani.
The admission fee structure ensures that students commit to their seats and covers the initial costs associated with their enrollment. Candidates need to pay these fees promptly to confirm their provisional admission.
Additional Fees on Reporting Day
In addition to the above fees, candidates will be required to pay additional fees on the day of reporting at the Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad campuses. These additional fees cover various expenses and are detailed in the admission brochure provided by BITS Pilani. Let’s look at these fees:
1) Institute Caution Deposit: INR 3,000
The institute caution deposit is a refundable deposit that covers any damages or dues that may arise during the student’s tenure at BITS Pilani. This deposit is returned to the students upon completion of their program, provided there are no outstanding dues.
2) Mess & Electricity Advance: INR 10,000
This is an advance payment towards mess and electricity charges. It covers the cost of meals provided in the hostel mess and the electricity consumption in the hostel rooms. Any adjustments or balances are settled at the end of the semester.
3) Hostel Fees: INR 20,650
The hostel fees cover the cost of accommodation in the hostel for one semester. This fee ensures that students have access to safe and comfortable living arrangements on campus.
4) Students’ Union Fee: INR 450
The students’ union fee supports the activities and initiatives of the students’ union, which include cultural events, sports activities, and other student-driven programs. This fee helps in fostering a vibrant campus life.
These fees vary depending on the campus and are clearly detailed in the admission brochure. Candidates should be prepared to pay these additional fees on the reporting day to complete their enrollment process.
Balance Payment
The admission fee paid by candidates at the time of provisional admission is deducted from the total tuition fees for the first year. The balance payment, which includes the remaining tuition fees and other charges, must be settled by the deadline specified in the admission offer letter. This ensures that candidates pay the full tuition fees and other associated costs in a timely manner.
Example Calculation:
For clarity, let’s consider an example calculation of the total fees for the first semester:
Initial Payment:
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Admission Fee | 57,100 |
| First Semester Fee | 2,59,500 |
| Total Initial Payment | INR 3,26,600 |
Total Initial Payment: INR 3,26,600
Additional Fees on Reporting Day:
| Fee Category | Amount (INR) |
| Institute Caution Deposit | 3,000 |
| Mess & Electricity Advance | 10,000 |
| Hostel Fees | 20,650 |
| Students’ Union Fee | 450 |
| Total Additional Fees | 34,100 |
Total Additional Fees: INR 34,100
Overall Total for the First Semester: INR 3,60,700
Candidates must ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover these fees and make the payments within the specified deadlines.
The BITSAT counselling fee structure is comprehensive and includes various components that candidates must be aware of. The registration fee, admission fee, and balance payment are essential for securing admission to BITS Pilani. Additionally, candidates must be prepared to pay the additional fees on the reporting day to complete their enrollment process.
BITSAT Cutoff Scores
BITSAT 2024 score cut-offs
| Program | Pilani Campus | Goa Campus | Hyderabad Campus |
| B.E. Computer Science | 327 | 301 | 298 |
| B.E. Mathematics and Computing | 318 | 295 | 293 |
| B.E. Electronics & Communication | 314 | 287 | 284 |
| B.E. Electrical & Electronics | 292 | 278 | 275 |
| B.E. Electronics & Instrumentation | 282 | 270 | 270 |
| B.E. Mechanical | 266 | 254 | 251 |
| B.E. Chemical | 247 | 239 | 238 |
| B.E. Manufacturing | 243 | – | – |
| B.E. Civil | 238 | – | 235 |
| B. Pharm | 165 | – | 161 |
| M.Sc. Economics | 271 | 263 | 261 |
| M.Sc. Mathematics | 256 | 249 | 247 |
| M.Sc. Physics | 254 | 248 | 245 |
| M.Sc. Chemistry | 241 | 236 | 235 |
| M.Sc. Biological Sciences | 236 | 234 | 234 |
BITSAT 2023 score cut-offs
| Program | Pilani Campus | Goa Campus | Hyderabad Campus |
| B.E. Computer Science | 331 | 295 | 284 |
| B.E. Electronics & Communication | 296 | 267 | 265 |
| B.E. Electrical & Electronics | 272 | 252 | 251 |
| B.E. Electronics & Instrumentation | 266 | 244 | 244 |
| B.E. Mechanical | 244 | 223 | 218 |
| B.E. Chemical | 224 | 209 | 207 |
| B.E. Civil | 213 | – | 204 |
| B.E. Manufacturing | 220 | – | – |
| B. Pharm | 153 | – | 135 |
| M.Sc. Economics | 257 | 239 | 236 |
| M.Sc. Mathematics | 236 | 221 | 219 |
| M.Sc. Physics | 235 | 222 | 219 |
| M.Sc. Chemistry | 213 | 205 | 205 |
| M.Sc. Biological Sciences | 212 | 204 | 204 |
BITSAT 2022 score cut-offs
| Program | Pilani Campus | Goa Campus | Hyderabad Campus |
| B.E. Computer Science | 320 | 286 | 279 |
| B.E. Electronics & Communication | 279 | 256 | 252 |
| B.E. Electrical & Electronics | 258 | 237 | 230 |
| B.E. Electronics & Instrumentation | 249 | 224 | 222 |
| B.E. Mechanical | 223 | 191 | 182 |
| B.E. Chemical | 191 | 165 | 162 |
| B.E. Manufacturing | 184 | – | – |
| B.E. Civil | 167 | – | 158 |
| B. Pharm | 125 | – | 109 |
| M.Sc. Economics | 247 | 230 | 220 |
| M.Sc. Mathematics | 214 | 187 | 177 |
| M.Sc. Physics | 214 | 188 | 173 |
| M.Sc. Biological Sciences | 171 | 164 | 158 |
| M.Sc. Chemistry | 168 | 163 | 160 |
BITSAT 2021 score cut-offs
| Program | Pilani Campus | Goa Campus | Hyderabad Campus |
| B.E. Computer Science | 364 | 328 | 319 |
| B.E. Electronics & Communication | 322 | 293 | 285 |
| B.E. Electrical & Electronics | 304 | 273 | 262 |
| B.E. Electronics & Instrumentation | 294 | 252 | 248 |
| B.E. Mechanical | 262 | 221 | 192 |
| B.E. Chemical | 223 | 145 | 146 |
| B.E. Manufacturing | 190 | – | – |
| B.E. Civil | 169 | – | 148 |
| B. Pharm | 189 | – | 143 |
| M.Sc. Economics | 291 | 267 | 249 |
| M.Sc. Mathematics | 256 | 228 | 198 |
| M.Sc. Physics | 252 | 228 | 173 |
| M.Sc. Biological Sciences | 226 | 167 | 157 |
| M.Sc. Chemistry | 214 | 158 | 149 |
BITSAT 2020 score cut-offs
| Program | Pilani Campus | Goa Campus | Hyderabad Campus |
| B.E. Computer Science | 372 | 347 | 336 |
| B.E. Electrical & Electronics | 333 | 306 | 300 |
| B.E. Electronics & Instrumentation | 323 | 293 | 290 |
| B.E. Electronics & Communication | – | 320 | 314 |
| B.E. Mechanical | 298 | 269 | 260 |
| B.E. Chemical | 270 | 248 | 240 |
| B.E. Civil | 254 | – | 240 |
| B.E. Manufacturing | 253 | – | – |
| B. Pharm | 203 | – | 161 |
| M.Sc. Economics | 304 | 290 | 281 |
| M.Sc. Mathematics | 286 | 265 | 257 |
| M.Sc. Physics | 283 | 271 | 256 |
| M.Sc. Biological Sciences | 261 | 246 | 240 |
| M.Sc. Chemistry | 258 | 249 | 240 |
Conclusion
BITSAT counselling is the final step in securing admission to BITS Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad. Understanding the process helps students make the right choices and avoid mistakes. Registration, choice filling, and seat allotment must be done carefully to maximize admission chances. Students should prioritize their choices wisely, stay updated with deadlines, and take quick action during iteration rounds.
Cutoff scores vary each year, so candidates should have a flexible approach while selecting branches and campuses. After seat allotment, completing document verification and fee payment on time is essential. Missing deadlines can result in losing a seat.
A well-planned approach, backed by research and timely decisions, increases the chances of getting a preferred seat. Candidates should stay prepared, act responsibly, and follow the official updates. With the right strategy, they can secure a seat at one of India’s top private engineering institutes.
