Table of Content:

BITSAT English Preparation Books: In-depth Guide (2025)

By:
Dhruva Angle
Date:
17 Jul 2025
BITSAT English Preparation Books: In-depth Guide (2025)
Table of Content:

BITSAT is one of the most important entrance exams for engineering students in India. It tests your skills in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and Logical Reasoning. Most students focus only on science subjects and ignore English. But the English Proficiency section can make a big difference in your final score. This section has 10 questions out of the 130 total. That is about 7.7% of the exam. Scoring well in English can help you get a better rank than others with similar marks in science.

The English section is not too hard, but it needs proper preparation. It checks your grammar, vocabulary, reading skills, and sentence understanding. This article will help you prepare for the English part of BITSAT 2025. You will learn about the syllabus, question types, useful books, online courses, mock tests, and daily practice plans. If you follow the tips given here, you can improve your accuracy and speed in this section.

Understanding the BITSAT English Proficiency Section

The BITSAT English Proficiency section is a part of the English and Logical Reasoning section. This combined section contains 25 questions. Out of these, 10 questions focus on English Proficiency. Each question carries 3 marks, so the English part gives you up to 30 marks.

The total number of questions in BITSAT is 130, and the full score is 390. This means the English Proficiency section makes up around 7.7% of the total score. While that may sound small, it can play a key role in your final rank. Many students score similarly in Physics, Chemistry, and Math. The English section can be the tie-breaker.

This section tests your understanding of the English language. It checks how well you know grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, and reading skills. If you prepare this section well, you can score quickly and easily, as most questions are direct. Here is a table showing the structure and weightage of the English Proficiency section:

FeatureDetails
Total Questions in English10 questions
Total Marks30 marks (3 marks per question)
Negative Marking-1 for every wrong answer
Total Questions in BITSAT130 questions
Total Marks in BITSAT390 marks
Weightage of English~7.7% of the total marks
Time Suggested15–20 minutes (shared with Logical Reasoning)

Question Types: The BITSAT English section has multiple-choice questions (MCQs). You must choose the correct option from four given choices. The questions come from a fixed set of topics:

1) Grammar-Based Questions

  • You are given sentences with errors.
  • You must find the error or select the corrected sentence.
  • Topics include tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.

2) Vocabulary-Based Questions

  • You may be asked to find synonyms or antonyms.
  • One-word substitutions are also common.
  • Some questions test your knowledge of idioms and phrases.

3) Sentence Completion

  • You are given a sentence with one or more blanks.
  • You must choose the best word(s) to complete it meaningfully.

4) Sentence Rearrangement

  • You get a jumbled sentence or a group of phrases.
  • You must reorder them to form a correct sentence or paragraph.

5) Reading Comprehension

  • A short passage is given.
  • You must answer questions based on the passage.
  • Questions test your understanding of the main idea, specific facts, tone, and vocabulary.

The English section is fast to attempt. You do not need to solve calculations like in Math or Physics. If you have practiced well, you can finish this section in 15–20 minutes. Also, English can help improve your overall score. Many top scorers gain an edge by getting full marks in this section. Students who ignore English often regret it after the exam. So, treat this section seriously. Regular reading and practice will help you score well here. In the next section, we’ll look at the detailed syllabus and how to prepare for each topic effectively.

Key Topics in BITSAT English Syllabus

The English Proficiency section in BITSAT checks your understanding of the English language. This includes grammar, vocabulary, sentence construction, and comprehension skills. The questions are based on topics you have studied in school, mainly from Classes 9 to 12. But in BITSAT, the level is slightly higher. You need to be quick and accurate to score well. Below is a table that shows the main topics in the English syllabus and what each topic covers:

TopicSubtopics
GrammarTenses, prepositions, articles, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, conjunctions, error spotting, sentence correction
VocabularySynonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms and phrases, word usage in context
Reading ComprehensionPassage-based questions, main idea, tone, inference, vocabulary in context
Sentence CompletionFill in the blanks with correct word(s), contextual understanding
Sentence RearrangementArrange jumbled words or sentences to form correct and meaningful sentences

Let us now look at each of these topics in more detail.

1) Grammar: Grammar is one of the most important parts of the English section. You must be familiar with:

  • Sentence structure: Understand the order of subject, verb, and object.
  • Tenses: Know the correct use of past, present, and future tenses.
  • Prepositions: Use words like in, on, at, by, or correctly in different situations.
  • Articles: Know when to use a, an, and the.
  • Subject-verb agreement: The verb must match the subject in number (singular/plural).
  • Conjunctions: Use connecting words like and, but, although properly.
  • Error detection: Identify grammar mistakes in sentences.
  • Sentence correction: Choose the correct version of a sentence.

2) Vocabulary: This section tests how well you understand and use words. Important parts of vocabulary include:

  • Synonyms: Words with similar meanings. Example: happy – joyful.
  • Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings. Example: brave – cowardly.
  • One-word substitution: Replace a long phrase with a single word. Example: a person who writes poems – poet.
  • Idioms and phrases: Common expressions like a piece of cake (easy).
  • Word usage in context: Choose the right word that fits the meaning of the sentence.

3) Reading Comprehension: In this part, you read a short passage and answer questions. You must:

  • Identify the main idea of the passage.
  • Understand the tone (e.g., serious, humorous, formal).
  • Make inferences from given information.
  • Understand the meaning of words from the context.

This section checks your reading speed and how well you understand what you read.

4) Sentence Completion: You are given a sentence with a blank. You must pick the best word or phrase to complete it. This tests your grammar and vocabulary together. You must understand the meaning of the sentence to choose the correct option.

5) Sentence Rearrangement: In this section, words or parts of a sentence are given in jumbled order. You need to arrange them correctly. This tests your understanding of sentence structure and logic.

Recommended Books for BITSAT English Preparation

To prepare well for the BITSAT English Proficiency section, you need the right study material. Good books will help you understand grammar rules, build vocabulary, and improve reading and comprehension skills. Choosing the right books can save time and give you better results.

Many books are available in the market. However, only a few match the level and needs of the BITSAT exam.  Here is a table that gives an overview of the top recommended books for English preparation:

Book TitleBest ForKey Features
High School English Grammar by Wren & MartinGrammarRules, examples, and exercises
Word Power Made Easy by Norman LewisVocabulary buildingRoot-based learning and quizzes
30 Days to a More Powerful VocabularyFast vocabulary revision30-day plan and exam-targeted words
Barron’s 1100 Words You Need to KnowVocabulary and comprehensionHigh-frequency words with usage examples
Cambridge Grammar & Writing GuidesGrammar and writing practiceExercises on sentence formation and logic
English & LR for BITSAT by Disha PublicationsExam-specific practicePast year papers, mock tests, and explanations

Let us now understand each book in detail and how to use them effectively.

1) High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin

This is one of the oldest and most trusted grammar books. It covers all the basic and advanced grammar topics. It explains rules clearly and provides lots of practice questions.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Builds a strong grammar foundation
  • Useful for error spotting, sentence correction, and sentence completion

How to use:

  • Focus on key chapters like tenses, prepositions, articles, sentence structure, and subject-verb agreement.
  • Do 4–5 exercises daily from each chapter.
  • Revise mistakes and correct them immediately.

2) Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

This book helps you build a powerful vocabulary using word roots. It has interesting word-building techniques that make learning easy and fun.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Perfect for learning synonyms, antonyms, and word usage
  • Helps with one-word substitution and contextual meanings

How to use:

  • Study one session (chapter) every day.
  • Focus on root words and how different words are formed.
  • Revise weekly using practice quizzes in the book.
  • Use new words in sentences to understand their usage.

3) 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis

This book is for students who have less time. It provides a 30-day plan to improve your vocabulary with quick and focused lessons.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Good for last-minute preparation
  • Includes words often asked in entrance exams

How to use:

  • Follow the day-by-day plan exactly as written.
  • Complete daily lessons and do the exercises without skipping.
  • At the end of each week, revise all words and test yourself.

4) Barron’s 1100 Words You Need to Know

This book contains advanced vocabulary that often appears in competitive exams. It includes daily lessons, short readings, and sample sentence exercises.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Helps in understanding tough words used in comprehension passages
  • Improves vocabulary needed for sentence completion and MCQs

How to use:

  • Learn 10–15 words daily.
  • Read the example sentences to understand usage.
  • Write your own sentence for each new word to retain it better.
  • Use the weekly review exercises to test yourself.

5) Cambridge English Grammar and Writing Guides

This set of books helps you improve sentence formation, paragraph writing, and logical reasoning in English. It also builds comprehension skills.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Strengthens your sentence logic and structure
  • Boosts comprehension and reading ability

How to use:

  • Focus on exercises that ask you to complete or correct sentences.
  • Practice passage-based questions and logical writing.
  • Check your answers with the explanations and note errors.

6) English & Logical Reasoning for BITSAT by Disha Publications

This is one of the few books created especially for BITSAT English and Logical Reasoning. It includes the complete syllabus, past year solved questions, and mock tests.

Why it’s recommended:

  • Directly relevant to the BITSAT exam
  • Contains actual BITSAT-style questions

Key Features:

  • Past 7 years’ solved papers (2013–2019)
  • 10 mock tests (5 in-book and 5 online)
  • Logical reasoning section also included

How to use:

  • Solve one full mock test every week.
  • Practice English topic-wise using the chapters inside.
  • After solving each test, check answers and review mistakes.

Supplementary Reading Resources

Besides these books, you should use additional tools to improve your reading skills and vocabulary.

ResourceUse ForHow to Use
The Hindu, Indian ExpressReading comprehension and vocabularyRead 1 article daily. Note difficult words. Summarize the article in 3 points.
Vocabulary.comQuick vocabulary practicePractice flashcards. Learn words by topic.
Quizlet/Grammarly AppGrammar and word usageRevise with quizzes. Improve grammar with tips.

Additional Resources Beyond Books For BITSAT English

Books give you a strong base, yet you still need regular timed practice and quick feedback. Online tools, newspapers, past papers, and mobile apps fill this gap. They help you read faster, fix weak areas, and stay confident on exam day. Below is a list of useful resources and tips on how to use each one.

ResourceTypeKey FeaturesHow to UseWhy It Helps in BITSAT
Phodu Club BITSAT English & Logical Reasoning Crash CoursePaid online course5 live doubt-solving sessions, 8 printable English worksheets, short video lessons, BITSian mentorsWatch two videos each day, finish one worksheet every three days, join every live class for doubtsGives topic-wise drills, boosts speed, and offers exam tricks from past toppers
Phodu Club BITSAT Test SeriesPaid mock-test portal15 full-length mocks, unlimited retakes, auto-generated reports, percentile vs rank chartAttempt one full mock every week, review the report, note repeated errors, redo that mock after revisionMimics the exact BITSAT screen, lowers exam stress, and tracks growth
MathonGo Free Test SeriesFree mock tests10 practice tests, instant scores, mixed-topic quizzesUse these when you finish a chapter and want quick practiceGood budget choice, though English content is shallow
Embibe Practice PlatformFreemium question bankCustom tests, hints, step solutions, AI feedbackFilter for English, set 10-question quizzes, aim for 90 % accuracyUseful for micro-practice and instant step-wise solutions
Masterclass Space Online ClassesLive paid classesExpert tutors, small batches, focus on reading passagesJoin only if you need guided reading practice and can afford higher feesHelps students who want teacher-led drills but costs more than Phodu Club
Previous Year BITSAT Papers (2009-2024)PDF downloadsReal exam questions, exact marks scheme, time tagsSolve one full past paper in 25 minutes, mark guesses, review with answer keysBuilds pattern memory and teaches time cut-offs for each question type
The Hindu / The Indian Express ArticlesDaily newspapersWell-written editorials, varied topics, rich vocabularyRead one editorial each day, find the headline idea, list five new words, write a 30-word summarySharpens comprehension, improves tone spotting, and adds fresh words
Vocabulary.com AppMobile appAdaptive word lists, games, spaced repetitionLearn 10 words during short breaks, review missed words at nightKeeps vocabulary practice light and daily without books
Quizlet FlashcardsMobile/desktop appCustom decks, test mode, match gameBuild decks for idioms, one-word substitutes, and tenses; run test mode thrice a weekSpeeds up recall and makes revision fun
Grammarly Browser Plug-inWriting toolReal-time grammar checks, clarity tipsPaste your short answers or emails, fix underlined errors, note rule pop-upsReinforces grammar rules you read in Wren & Martin

Preparation Strategies for BITSAT English

To score well in the BITSAT English section, you need smart planning and daily practice. This section may seem easy, but it still needs regular attention. If you ignore it, you may lose marks due to silly mistakes or poor time management. The good news is that English is one of the fastest sections to attempt if you prepare properly. Here are the best strategies to prepare for English in BITSAT 2025:

Preparation Strategies for BITSAT English

1) Time Management: You should spend about 30 to 45 minutes per day on English. Divide your time like this:

  • 15 minutes for vocabulary
  • 15 minutes for grammar
  • 15 minutes for reading comprehension or sentence-based practice

During mock tests, spend 15–20 minutes on the combined English and Logical Reasoning section. Start with English if that is your strength. Move quickly but carefully.

2) Mock Test Practice: Take at least one full mock test per week. Use Phodu Club’s BITSAT Test Series because it matches the real exam format. After each test:

  • Review incorrect answers
  • Note grammar or vocabulary errors
  • Revisit weak topics the next day

Mock tests help you build speed and reduce exam-day stress.

3) Vocabulary Building: Learn 10–15 new words daily from books or apps like Vocabulary.com.

  • Use mnemonics to remember meanings
  • Write short sentences with each new word
  • Revise the word list every weekend

4) Comprehension Skills: Practice skimming and scanning techniques for faster reading. Focus on:

  • Main ideas of passages
  • Tone and author’s purpose
  • Vocabulary meaning in context

Conclusion

Many students lose easy marks in BITSAT by ignoring the English section. But with regular practice and the right guidance, you can score well. The English Proficiency section may have only 10 questions, but those 30 marks can boost your overall rank. So, don’t treat it as optional or easy. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension every day.

Use good books like Wren & Martin and Norman Lewis to build a strong base. Solve past year papers to understand the question pattern. Take mock tests regularly to improve your speed and confidence. The Phodu Club BITSAT Crash Course and Test Series are highly useful. They offer live sessions, topic-wise worksheets, and real BITSAT-style mock tests made by BITS alumni.

To succeed in BITSAT 2025, prepare for English just like you prepare for Maths or Physics. A few extra minutes of daily practice can help you get ahead of thousands of students.

Enroll in our BITSAT Crash Course & get mentored by  BITSians.

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