Table of Content:

BITSAT English Syllabus: Complete Info (2025)

By:
Dhruva Angle
Date:
19 Apr 2025
BITSAT English Syllabus
Table of Content:

BITSAT is an important exam for students who want admission to BITS Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad. It tests knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English, and Logical Reasoning. Many students focus more on the technical subjects and ignore English and Logical Reasoning. However, these sections can boost overall scores if prepared well.

The English section checks grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. The Logical Reasoning section tests problem-solving abilities through verbal and non-verbal questions. These sections may seem easy, but without proper practice, students can lose marks due to negative marking.

Scoring well in these sections can give an advantage over other candidates. A strong vocabulary, clear understanding of grammar, and logical thinking are essential for success. This guide explains the complete syllabus, key concepts, and preparation tips for English and Logical Reasoning. With the right approach, students can improve accuracy and complete these sections quickly during the exam.

BITSAT 2025 Exam Pattern

BITSAT follows a unique pattern that includes multiple-choice questions across different subjects. The test aims to evaluate a student’s analytical, problem-solving, and comprehension skills. Understanding the pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

Mode of Exam

BITSAT is a computer-based test (CBT), meaning students have to answer all questions on a computer screen. There is no offline or pen-and-paper mode for this exam.

Duration

The total duration of BITSAT is 3 hours (180 minutes). There are no breaks during the exam, so students must manage their time effectively. Since there are 130 questions, students need to answer quickly while maintaining accuracy.

Number of Questions

BITSAT consists of 130 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options, with only one correct answer. The distribution of questions across different subjects is as follows:

SectionSubjectNumber of Questions
Part IPhysics30
Part IIChemistry30
Part III(a) English Proficiency10
(b) Logical Reasoning20
Part IVMathematics/Biology*40

(*Biology is only for B.Pharm aspirants. All other students must attempt Mathematics.)

Each section carries significant weight in determining the final score. While Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology have the highest number of questions, English and Logical Reasoning can boost scores if prepared well.

Marking Scheme

BITSAT follows a positive and negative marking scheme, so students must be cautious while answering questions.

  • Correct Answer: +3 marks
    Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
  • Unanswered Question: No marks deducted or awarded

Since incorrect answers lead to negative marking, students should avoid guessing blindly. Instead, they should attempt only those questions where they can eliminate wrong options with some confidence.

Extra Questions (Bonus)

BITSAT has a unique feature of 12 extra questions. If a student answers all 130 questions, they get an option to attempt 12 additional questions. These extra questions come from the same subjects:

SubjectNumber of Extra Questions
Physics3 questions
Chemistry3 questions
Mathematics/Biology3 questions
Logical Reasoning3 questions

Once a student chooses to attempt the extra questions, they cannot return to the original 130 questions. This means they must be confident in their previous answers before proceeding to the extra set. These bonus questions help high-scoring students improve their overall performance, but they require a strong command of the syllabus and excellent time management.

BITSAT 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)

BITSAT is conducted in two sessions. Students can appear for Session-1, Session-2, or both. If they take both sessions, the higher score will be considered for admission. The tentative schedule for BITSAT 2025 is:

EventDate
Application StartJanuary 20, 2025
Last Date to Apply (Session-1 or Both)April 18, 2025
Test Slot Booking (Session-1)May 13–16, 2025
BITSAT Session-1 ExamMay 26–30, 2025
Application Window for Session-2May 26 – June 10, 2025
BITSAT Session-2 ExamJune 22–26, 2025
Admission Application SubmissionJune 1–30, 2025
Iteration Results AnnouncementJuly 9, 2025

Students must keep track of these dates and complete their applications before the deadline. Slot booking for the exam is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so candidates should book their test slots early to get their preferred exam date and time.

Key Points to Remember

  • BITSAT is a speed-based test. Since there are 130 questions in 180 minutes, students must answer quickly while avoiding negative marking.
  • Time management is crucial. Some questions may be tricky, so students should avoid spending too much time on one question.
  • The exam has no sectional time limits. Students can switch between sections as per their preference. However, a balanced approach is recommended.
  • Practice is essential. Solving previous years’ papers and mock tests will help in understanding the difficulty level and improving accuracy.
  • Bonus questions can be beneficial. If students are confident in their answers, attempting extra questions can improve their scores.

BITSAT English Syllabus: Complete Info (2025)

BITSAT includes an English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning section to test candidates’ language skills and problem-solving abilities. Many students focus mainly on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology but underestimate this part of the exam. However, scoring well in this section can significantly improve overall performance.

English Proficiency 

The English Proficiency section evaluates a candidate’s understanding of grammar, vocabulary, reading skills, and writing abilities. The Logical Reasoning section measures problem-solving, analytical thinking, and pattern recognition. Since these sections require different skill sets, students need to practice both verbal and non-verbal reasoning along with language concepts.

1) Grammar

Grammar questions test a candidate’s ability to form correct sentences and avoid common mistakes. This section covers essential grammar rules that are frequently used in communication.

Determiners, Prepositions, Modals, Adjectives, and Relative Pronouns

  • Determiners (e.g., a, an, the, some, many) help specify nouns.
  • Prepositions (e.g., in, on, at, between) indicate relationships between words.
  • Modals (e.g., can, may, must, should) express necessity, possibility, or permission.
  • Adjectives modify nouns and help describe objects or people.
  • Relative pronouns (e.g., who, which, that) connect clauses.

Agreement, Time, and Tense

  • Subject-verb agreement ensures consistency in number (e.g., “He writes” vs. “They write”).
  • Tense rules help in forming correct sentences (past, present, and future).

Parallel Construction

  • Ensures consistency in sentence structure (e.g., “She likes reading, writing, and dancing”).

Voice and Transformation

  • Active and passive voice conversion (e.g., “She wrote a letter” → “A letter was written by her”).

Question Tags and Relative Clauses

  • Forms correct interrogative endings (e.g., “You are coming, aren’t you?”).
  • Uses relative clauses correctly (e.g., “The book that I borrowed is interesting”).

2) Vocabulary

Vocabulary plays an important role in understanding and using the language effectively.

Odd Word, One-Word Substitutions, Spelling & Word Formation, and Homophones

  • Identifying mismatched words from a group.
  • Replacing phrases with single words (e.g., “One who writes dictionaries” → “Lexicographer”).
  • Recognizing homophones (e.g., “affect” vs. “effect”).

Contextual Meanings of Vocabulary

  • Understanding word meanings in different contexts.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Collocations

  • Learning similar and opposite words to improve vocabulary range.
  • Understanding word pairings (e.g., “make a decision” instead of “do a decision”).

Phrasal Verbs and Idioms

  • Common phrasal verbs (e.g., “give up” means “quit”).
  • Recognizing idiomatic expressions (e.g., “spill the beans” means “reveal a secret”).

Analogy

  • Identifying relationships between words (e.g., “Glove is to Hand as Shoe is to Foot”).

3) Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension questions test a candidate’s ability to quickly grasp information and interpret texts.

Content and Ideas

  • Identifying main ideas, drawing conclusions, and distinguishing facts from opinions.

Vocabulary in Reading Passages

  • Understanding figurative language such as metaphors and similes.

Summary-Based Questions

  • Selecting the most appropriate summary from multiple options.

Referents

  • Identifying what a pronoun or phrase refers to in a passage.

Reorganization of Information

  • Arranging sentences logically (Jigsaw reading).

4) Composition

Composition questions test how well candidates structure and organize ideas in writing.

Sentence Rearrangement

  • Identifying logical sequences in sentences.

Paragraph Unity

  • Recognizing the correct topic sentence in a paragraph.

Linkers and Connectives

  • Using transition words correctly to ensure coherence in writing.

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning tests a candidate’s ability to analyze and solve problems logically. The section is divided into verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

1) Verbal Reasoning

This part includes word-based and numerical reasoning questions.

Analogy

  • Identifying relationships between words or numbers.

Classification

  • Grouping words based on common characteristics and finding the odd one out.

Series Completion

  • Completing number or letter series by identifying the pattern.

Logical Deduction from Passages

  • Drawing conclusions based on provided information.

Chart and Table-Based Reasoning

  • Interpreting data in charts or tables.

2) Non-Verbal Reasoning

This section includes diagram-based questions that require pattern recognition and visual reasoning.

Pattern Perception

  • Identifying the missing part of a pattern.

Figure Formation and Analysis

  • Combining parts to complete a figure.

Paper Cutting and Folding

  • Predicting patterns when a folded paper is cut.

Figure Matrix

  • Finding the missing figure in a matrix by recognizing a common rule.

Rule Detection

  • Selecting the correct set of figures based on a specific rule.

How to Prepare Effectively for BITSAT English & Logical Reasoning

The English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning section in BITSAT is often overlooked by students who focus more on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology. However, this section can be a score booster if prepared properly. It requires a mix of language skills, critical thinking, and pattern recognition. Since BITSAT is a speed-based exam, practicing efficiency and accuracy is crucial.

Here is a detailed guide on study resources, time management strategies, and common mistakes to avoid while preparing for these sections.

Recommended Study Resources

Using the right books and materials can make preparation easier. Below are some recommended resources for English proficiency and logical reasoning.

Grammar Books

A strong foundation in grammar helps in sentence correction, error detection, and comprehension. These books provide clear explanations and practice exercises.

  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin – Covers all essential grammar topics with exercises.
  • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi – Useful for multiple-choice grammar-based questions.
  • English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy – Provides simple explanations with practical examples.

Vocabulary Builders

A rich vocabulary helps in synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms, and phrasal verbs questions. The following books will help in improving word knowledge:

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis – Best for learning new words with root-based methods.
  • 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis – Helps in expanding vocabulary quickly.
  • Barron’s 1100 Words You Need to Know – Provides frequently used words in exams with example sentences.

Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills

Improving reading skills helps in quickly finding answers in comprehension passages. These resources will help in comprehension and writing-related questions:

  • Reading articles from newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express – Improves reading speed and comprehension ability.
  • Practice from previous years’ BITSAT question papers – Helps in understanding passage patterns.
  • Cambridge English Grammar & Writing Guides – Useful for sentence formation and logical writing.

Logical Reasoning Books

Logical reasoning requires pattern recognition, deduction skills, and problem-solving techniques. These books provide a strong foundation:

  • A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers all logical reasoning topics with examples.
  • How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma – Helps in building analytical thinking.
  • Test of Reasoning by Edgar Thorpe – Useful for practicing complex reasoning problems.

Time Management Tips

BITSAT has a strict time limit, and candidates must balance speed and accuracy. Many students struggle because they spend too much time on a single question. Here are effective strategies to manage time during preparation and in the actual exam.

During Preparation

Set Daily Goals: Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily for English and Logical Reasoning. Spend 15 minutes on vocabulary, 15 minutes on grammar, and 15 minutes on reading comprehension. For logical reasoning, solve at least 10–15 questions daily.

Use a Timer: Set a timer while solving practice questions to simulate exam conditions. Try to solve English questions in 30–40 seconds and Logical Reasoning in under a minute per question.

Regular Mock Tests: Attempt full-length BITSAT mock tests every week. Analyze which types of questions take more time and work on improving speed. Practicing under timed conditions helps in building exam stamina and enhances accuracy. For the best preparation, Phodu Club BITSAT Test Series is highly recommended. It provides high-quality questions that match the actual exam difficulty.

Improve Weak Areas: If comprehension passages take too long, practice skimming techniques.: If analogy or series questions are difficult, solve more puzzles to improve pattern recognition.

During the Exam

Start with Easy Questions: Attempt vocabulary-based and grammar questions first, as they take less time. Logical reasoning questions like analogy and classification should be done quickly.

Skip Tough Questions: Do not spend more than 60 seconds on a single question. If confused, mark it for review and move forward.

Use the Elimination Method: If unsure about an answer, eliminate incorrect options to improve chances of guessing correctly.

Keep an Eye on the Timer: Reserve at least 5–7 minutes at the end to review marked questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in BITSAT English Section

Many students lose marks unnecessarily in the English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning section of BITSAT due to avoidable mistakes. While this section is considered easier than Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology, small errors can lower overall scores. By identifying these mistakes and learning how to avoid them, students can improve their accuracy and confidence.

Common Mistakes Avoid BITSAT English Section

1) Guessing Without Elimination

BITSAT follows negative marking, where one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Some students guess blindly when unsure, hoping to get lucky. However, this often results in more negative marks than positive scores.

How to Avoid It

  • If completely unsure, skip the question instead of taking a random guess.
  • If at least two options can be eliminated, take an educated guess.
  • Practicing mock tests regularly helps in identifying patterns and improving accuracy in uncertain questions.

2) Not Practicing Reading Comprehension Enough

Many students believe that reading comprehension is easy and does not require much practice. However, in BITSAT, comprehension passages are lengthy and time-consuming. If students do not practice skimming techniques, they waste too much time on these questions.

How to Avoid It

  • Practice at least one passage daily from newspapers, books, or previous BITSAT papers.
  • Learn skimming techniques to quickly find main ideas, supporting evidence, and conclusions.
  • Underline keywords and transition words while reading to speed up comprehension.

3) Neglecting Vocabulary Revision

Many students focus on learning new words but do not revise them, leading to forgetting important words during the exam. BITSAT often includes synonyms, antonyms, and idioms, making a strong vocabulary essential.

How to Avoid It

  • Maintain a vocabulary journal and write down new words along with their meanings.
  • Revise words regularly, especially from previous weeks.
  • Use flashcards or apps like Anki or Quizlet to test vocabulary knowledge.
  • Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to guess meanings of unfamiliar words.

4) Ignoring Grammar Rules and Sentence Structure

BITSAT tests fundamental grammar concepts, including subject-verb agreement, tenses, prepositions, and parallel construction. Some students rely on instinct rather than understanding the actual grammar rules. This leads to confusion in tricky sentence correction questions.

How to Avoid It

  • Study grammar from Wren & Martin’s English Grammar or Raymond Murphy’s Grammar in Use.
  • Solve error detection exercises daily to strengthen sentence correction skills.
  • Read sentences out loud to check for structural errors.

5) Not Solving Enough Logical Reasoning Questions

Many students believe logical reasoning is easy and assume common sense is enough to solve these questions. However, pattern-based and sequence-based questions require practice. Without preparation, students struggle to recognize patterns quickly, which wastes time during the exam.

How to Avoid It

  • Solve 10–15 logical reasoning questions daily to improve pattern recognition skills.
  • Focus on series, analogies, classification, and chart logic questions.
  • Use books like R.S. Aggarwal’s Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning for structured practice.

6) Skipping Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

Many students prepare only verbal reasoning and ignore non-verbal reasoning topics such as figure matrices, paper cutting, and pattern perception. Since these questions appear regularly in BITSAT, ignoring them leads to missed marks.

How to Avoid It

  • Practice visual puzzles, figure series, and folding patterns from logical reasoning books.
  • Spend at least 15 minutes daily solving non-verbal reasoning questions.
  • Use online resources like puzzle-solving apps or YouTube tutorials for better understanding.

7) Spending Too Much Time on One Question

BITSAT is a time-based exam, and wasting time on a single question can lead to missing out on easier questions later. Logical reasoning questions like chart logic and figure matrix can be time-consuming if not approached correctly.

How to Avoid It

  • Set a time limit of 40–60 seconds per question during practice.
  • If stuck, mark the question for review and move forward.
  • During mock tests, identify which types of questions take too much time and work on improving speed.

8) Relying Only on Memorization Instead of Understanding

Some students try to memorize grammar rules and reasoning concepts instead of understanding their applications. This results in confusion in tricky questions.

How to Avoid It

  • Instead of memorizing rules, apply them in practice questions to see how they work.
  • Focus on why certain grammar rules apply rather than just rote learning them.
  • Use real-life examples to understand sentence structures and vocabulary meanings.

Conclusion

The English and Logical Reasoning sections in BITSAT play a crucial role in the final score. Many students overlook these areas, but mastering them can improve overall performance. A strong grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills helps in the English section, while logical reasoning skills enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy.

Regular practice with mock tests and previous years’ papers can make a big difference. Time management is also important, as students must balance speed with accuracy. Avoiding careless mistakes, understanding negative marking, and focusing on high-scoring topics can help maximize marks.

With the right preparation strategy, students can confidently tackle these sections and increase their chances of getting into BITS Pilani, Goa, or Hyderabad. Consistent effort and smart study techniques will ensure success in the exam.

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