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:
Feature | Details |
Total Questions in English | 10 questions |
Total Marks | 30 marks (3 marks per question) |
Negative Marking | -1 for every wrong answer |
Total Questions in BITSAT | 130 questions |
Total Marks in BITSAT | 390 marks |
Weightage of English | ~7.7% of the total marks |
Time Suggested | 15–20 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:
Topic | Subtopics |
Grammar | Tenses, prepositions, articles, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, conjunctions, error spotting, sentence correction |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms and phrases, word usage in context |
Reading Comprehension | Passage-based questions, main idea, tone, inference, vocabulary in context |
Sentence Completion | Fill in the blanks with correct word(s), contextual understanding |
Sentence Rearrangement | Arrange 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 Title | Best For | Key Features |
High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin | Grammar | Rules, examples, and exercises |
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building | Root-based learning and quizzes |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Fast vocabulary revision | 30-day plan and exam-targeted words |
Barron’s 1100 Words You Need to Know | Vocabulary and comprehension | High-frequency words with usage examples |
Cambridge Grammar & Writing Guides | Grammar and writing practice | Exercises on sentence formation and logic |
English & LR for BITSAT by Disha Publications | Exam-specific practice | Past 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.
Resource | Use For | How to Use |
The Hindu, Indian Express | Reading comprehension and vocabulary | Read 1 article daily. Note difficult words. Summarize the article in 3 points. |
Vocabulary.com | Quick vocabulary practice | Practice flashcards. Learn words by topic. |
Quizlet/Grammarly App | Grammar and word usage | Revise 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.
Resource | Type | Key Features | How to Use | Why It Helps in BITSAT |
Phodu Club BITSAT English & Logical Reasoning Crash Course | Paid online course | 5 live doubt-solving sessions, 8 printable English worksheets, short video lessons, BITSian mentors | Watch two videos each day, finish one worksheet every three days, join every live class for doubts | Gives topic-wise drills, boosts speed, and offers exam tricks from past toppers |
Phodu Club BITSAT Test Series | Paid mock-test portal | 15 full-length mocks, unlimited retakes, auto-generated reports, percentile vs rank chart | Attempt one full mock every week, review the report, note repeated errors, redo that mock after revision | Mimics the exact BITSAT screen, lowers exam stress, and tracks growth |
MathonGo Free Test Series | Free mock tests | 10 practice tests, instant scores, mixed-topic quizzes | Use these when you finish a chapter and want quick practice | Good budget choice, though English content is shallow |
Embibe Practice Platform | Freemium question bank | Custom tests, hints, step solutions, AI feedback | Filter for English, set 10-question quizzes, aim for 90 % accuracy | Useful for micro-practice and instant step-wise solutions |
Masterclass Space Online Classes | Live paid classes | Expert tutors, small batches, focus on reading passages | Join only if you need guided reading practice and can afford higher fees | Helps students who want teacher-led drills but costs more than Phodu Club |
Previous Year BITSAT Papers (2009-2024) | PDF downloads | Real exam questions, exact marks scheme, time tags | Solve one full past paper in 25 minutes, mark guesses, review with answer keys | Builds pattern memory and teaches time cut-offs for each question type |
The Hindu / The Indian Express Articles | Daily newspapers | Well-written editorials, varied topics, rich vocabulary | Read one editorial each day, find the headline idea, list five new words, write a 30-word summary | Sharpens comprehension, improves tone spotting, and adds fresh words |
Vocabulary.com App | Mobile app | Adaptive word lists, games, spaced repetition | Learn 10 words during short breaks, review missed words at night | Keeps vocabulary practice light and daily without books |
Quizlet Flashcards | Mobile/desktop app | Custom decks, test mode, match game | Build decks for idioms, one-word substitutes, and tenses; run test mode thrice a week | Speeds up recall and makes revision fun |
Grammarly Browser Plug-in | Writing tool | Real-time grammar checks, clarity tips | Paste your short answers or emails, fix underlined errors, note rule pop-ups | Reinforces 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:

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.