In The Spotlight
Innovate. Achieve. Lead. — The BITS Pilani Way to Global Excellence
At BITS Pilani, rankings have never been our pursuit, it's always the impact. Guided by our core philosophy to Innovate, Achieve, and Lead, we have consistently focused on what truly matters: advancing knowledge, empowering students, and driving meaningful change. Excellence, for us, is not a destination but a way of thinking, reflected in the quality of our research, the success of our graduates, and the strength of our global partnerships. The recognition we receive is simply a reflection of the values we live every day and the world is taking note.
In recognition of these efforts, BITS Pilani secured 1st position in multiple international and national rankings, including the IIRF 2025 Engineering Ranking, India Today 2025, The WEEK-Hansa Survey, Careers360, and the Times Engineering Ranking 2025. It was also ranked #1 private university in India for Employment Outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and placed among the Top 250 in Asia in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025. These achievements reflect the strategic insights and robust data systems enabled by IKAC.
We are now ranked among the Top 250 globally in Engineering and Technology and have reached an impressive 84th position worldwide in Pharmacy and Pharmacology, making us the top Indian university in the Pharmacy discipline. In the overall QS World University Rankings, we have climbed to 668, the fastest rising institution and our best-ever global position.
The Institutional Knowledge Analysis Cell (IKAC) is the strategic data and analytics unit of BITS Pilani, dedicated to supporting evidence-based decision-making across all campuses. It also collaborates with academic, research, and administrative departments to ensure data consistency, streamline reporting, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
IKAC enables data-driven decisions and strengthens BITS Pilani’s visibility through timely, accurate insights. Its work supports strategic planning, drives rankings success, and reinforces the institute’s global reputation for excellence and transparency.
BITS Pilani's strategic vision for 2030 is centred on academic excellence, student well-being, and a vibrant, inclusive campus life. The institution aspires to rank among the top 5 higher education institutions in India and the top 100 globally by 2030, measured by key institutional benchmarks. This vision will be driven by academic excellence, and global partnerships. Our future-focused curriculum and student-centric experiences reflect this ambition. Our focus is on building a resilient institution that is deeply Indian in its values and global in its aspirations.
BITS Exclusive
BITS Pilani Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 Across Campuses
BITS Pilani celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” focused on mindfulness, balance, and well-being. At the Pilani Campus, the event began with a live telecast of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address, followed by opening remarks from Registrar Col. Soumyabrata Chakraborty. Ms. Priyanka Agarwal conducted a 45-minute yoga session with 100+ participants.
At the Goa Campus, Director Prof. Suman Kundu led the lamp-lighting ceremony, and Ms. Samriti Sharma guided the session with 50 attendees. The event ended with a vote of thanks from Prof. Shilpa Gondhali. At the Hyderabad Campus, Ms. Jyoti Rawat led a serene morning session at the Library Lawns, followed by healthy refreshments. The events across campuses reflected BITS Pilani’s commitment to holistic health and community well-being.
Research Stories
K K Birla Goa Campus in the Service of the State of Goa and Goa Police Yet Again!
BITS Pilani Goa Campus and Goa Police formally launched two advanced AI-based tools, "Spot The Scam" and "Radical Content Analyzer" aimed at enhancing cyber vigilance and digital safety on June 10, 2025. The event was graced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa - Dr. Pramod Sawant, DGP Goa - Shri Alok Kumar, Director BITS Pilani Goa Campus - Prof. Suman Kundu, SP Crime-Cyber Crime - Shri Rahul Gupta along with many police personnel. Students from BITS Pilani joined the event virtually.
The AI-based tools were developed by a group of talented and motivated BITS Pilani, Goa Campus students:
1. Radical Content Analyzer (Rohit Raj, Utkarsh Dwivedi, Gaurav Singh and Akshat Gossain)
2. Spot The Scam (Nikhil Sheoran, Utkarsh Misra and Mohak Jain)
under the mentorship of Prof. Hemant Rathore, CS Faculty at BITS Pilani Goa Campus. The CS department at BITS Goa is appreciated and acknowledged.
We congratulate our students and faculty for their service to the state and nation.
Student Spotlight
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Student Wins First Place at URIC 2025
Lynn Ricky Jude, a fourth-year Computer Science student at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, secured first place in the Cybersecurity track at the 12th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC 2025), hosted by Abu Dhabi University. His project, titled “Adversarial Attacks on Object Detection Models,” stood out among over 650 entries from 105 universities across the GCC and MENA region. He was awarded a cash prize of AED 3,000 for his achievement. The project was guided by Prof. J. Angel Arul Jothi, and falls under the Cybersecurity category demonstrating both technical depth and practical relevance. This accomplishment reflects the strong research culture and academic excellence at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, reinforcing its standing as a leading institution in the region.
Faculty Spotlight
Faculty Spotlight | Prof. Prabakaran - Department of Mechanical Engineering
BITS Pilani Collaborates with ZF Windpower for Industry Training on Tribology Prof. Prabakaran Saravanan recently led a four-part technical session titled “Tribology Series: Understanding Friction, Wear & Lubrication” for engineers at ZF Windpower Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, part of the ZF Group. The sessions covered fundamentals of tribology—types of wear, lubrication mechanisms, and their relevance to gearbox engineering—providing insights into bearing design and surface behavior under stress. The series aimed to both share academic expertise and learn from real-world industrial practices, paving the way for future collaborative research. Dr. Kodoor Sreeraj, Technologist – Next Gen Products at ZF, remarked: “Prof. Prabakaran’s explanation of surface behavior, oil film formation, and load-carrying capacities was deeply insightful and sparked vibrant discussions among our diverse teams.” This initiative reflects BITS Pilani’s ongoing commitment to meaningful industry-academia engagement.
Alumni Spotlight
BITS Pilani Alumnus Leads Defence Tech with Global Impact
Congratulations to Arvind Lakshmikumar (BITS Pilani, Batch of 1994) and the Tonbo Imaging team for driving innovation in defence technology. Tonbo provides advanced systems, including thermal weapon sights, multi-sensor platforms, and surveillance payloads, for drones and armoured vehicles, enhancing real-time situational awareness and precision on the battlefield. From the Uri surgical strike to Operation Sindoor, Tonbo’s solutions have supported India’s armed forces in executing targeted missions with reduced casualties and minimal collateral damage, highlighting the growing role of indigenous tech in national defence. With 25,000+ systems deployed in 30+ countries, the IPO-bound company continues to scale. FY25: ₹400 Cr+ Revenue | ₹70 Cr+ Profit. A homegrown startup making defence smarter and lives safer.
Suhane Pal
BITS Pilani Alumni Reunite in London for a Memorable Evening
Prof. Aruna Malapati, Associate Dean – Alumni Relations, had the pleasure of joining the BITSians Monthly Catch-up in London on 20th June 2025, reconnecting with our vibrant alumni community. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, cherished memories, and the unmistakable camaraderie that defines the BITSian spirit—no matter where in the world we gather.
Prof. Aruna sincerely appreciated and thanked Mr. Naveen Patha for organizing this wonderful gathering and for his continued efforts in fostering alumni connections in the UK. She also extended her thanks to Ms. Vidya Narasimhan for her enthusiastic participation and support during the event. It was especially meaningful for her to meet a few former students from BITS Hyderabad. Such events reaffirm the strength, warmth, and shared purpose of the BITSian global network. Strengthening these bonds remains a valued priority moving forward.
Events Gallery
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Hosts MEGA STEAM Quiz 2025
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus recently hosted the MEGA STEAM Quiz 2025, bringing together 19 student teams from leading schools across the UAE.
The quiz spanned the five pillars of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Management—challenging participants on knowledge, creativity, and collaboration. The event featured fast-paced buzzer rounds and tie-breakers, creating an atmosphere of intense competition and spirited camaraderie. More than just a test of facts, the quiz encouraged interdisciplinary thinking and celebrated innovation and curiosity among young minds.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Rusal Raj, Faculty In-Charge – Outreach, along with Deputy HoDs from all departments, whose efforts ensured its smooth execution and success. Initiatives like the MEGA STEAM Quiz reflect BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus’s commitment to fostering learning beyond the classroom and inspiring the next generation of thinkers and leaders.
BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus Hosts Global Visit Under ICRISAT’s Technology Transfer Program
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus recently welcomed international participants from 23 countries as part of ICRISAT’s Global Technology Transfer Program, under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative, supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Held on June 12, 2025, the visit was part of the two-week course titled “Mastering Technology Transfer: A Global Pathway for Developing Countries.” The engagement was coordinated by the Intellectual Property Enablement & Commercialization (IPEC) unit of Research & Innovation, BITS Pilani, in collaboration with ICRISAT.
The group was introduced to BITS Pilani’s innovation ecosystem through visits to advanced research and technology facilities, including the Clean Room, Wind Tunnel, Central Analytical Lab (CAL), BITS TBI Society (TBIS), and the MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab.
The day concluded with a session byProf. Ruchi Jain Dey on the Institution’s Innovation Council and its efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. The visit showcased BITS Pilani’s robust infrastructure, interdisciplinary research capabilities, and growing role in global academic and technological collaboration.
BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus Marks World Environment Day 2025
On June 5th, BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus observed World Environment Day 2025 through a campus-wide event organised by the Department of Chemical Engineering in collaboration with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC).
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sampatrao D. Manjare, Head of the Department, and Prof. Saroj Sundar Baral, Convenor of IIC. The event featured Mr. Jose Manuel Noronha, Chairman of the Goa State Innovation Council, as Chief Guest. In his address, Mr. Noronha underscored the critical role of academic institutions in advancing sustainability through innovation and community engagement.
Prof. Suman Kundu, Director of the campus, along with Prof. Meenal Kowshik and other members of the leadership team, welcomed the Chief Guest and encouraged participation from across the campus. The event concluded with a tree plantation drive, reflecting the institute’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
BITS Pilani Wins Top Honours for Excellence in Teaching and Faculty Development
BITS Pilani is proud to have received two prestigious honours at the 2nd Edition of the TechEDU India Awards 2025 Outstanding Private Institute / Deemed-to-be University and Excellence in Faculty Training & Professional Development Programs (University-Wide). Dr. Shibani Khanra Jha, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Faculty In-Charge, Teaching Learning Centre, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus, accepted the awards on behalf of the institute.
The Outstanding Private Institute award acknowledges BITS Pilani’s consistent leadership in higher education through academic rigour, impactful research, strong faculty base, and active collaboration with industry. The Faculty Training & Professional Development award recognizes the institute’s system-wide efforts in equipping faculty with modern pedagogical tools, blended learning strategies, and regular capacity-building initiatives—both within BITS and through national outreach.
Innovation & Collaboration
IISc and BITS Pilani Join Forces to Advance India’s Research Landscape
A Historic Partnership for India's Research Future between the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.
This landmark MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, is a key partnership that brings together two of India’s leading Institutes of Eminence to advance collaborative research and academic excellence.
This collaboration sets the stage for:
- 1. Joint research projects tackling critical challenges
- 2. A unified focus on innovation, IP management, and impact
- 3. Exchange of students and researchers
- 4. Collaborative programs across UG, PG, and PhD levels
- 5. Shared access to cutting-edge infrastructure like IISc’s CeNSE
The MoU was signed by Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani and Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, Bengaluru, in the presence of Prof. Suman Kundu, Director BITS Pilani - K.K. Birla Goa Campus, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Goa Campus, Prof. Radhika Vathsan, Institute-wide Dean of Undergraduate Studies, BITS Pilani, and Prof. Shankar Kumar Selvaraja, Prof. Sushobhan Avasthi, Prof. V. R. Supradeepa and Prof.Dhavala Suri all from the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc.
As Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITSPilani, mentioned: “By combining the strengths of both institutions, we aim to nurture a new generation of innovators and researchers.” This is more than a partnership — it's a commitment to shaping the future of science and technology in India. Prof. Rangarajan, Director of IISc, added, “Collaborations like this are essential to drive impactful research and innovation. We are excited to create opportunities for knowledge exchange and to jointly contribute to solving some of the most pressing scientific and societal challenges.”
BITS Pilani and USC Viterbi Partner to Drive Global Research and Education
On June 5, 2025, the MoU was formalised at USC’s Olin Hall of Engineering, bringing together two world-class institutions to foster academic collaboration and global engagement.
Representing Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani were Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor; Prof. Arya Kumar; and Mr. Sachin Arya. From USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the signatories included Yannis Yortsos (Dean), Anthony Bailey (Global and Online Initiatives), Raghu Raghavendra (Vice Dean, Global Academic Initiatives), Kelly G. (Senior Associate Dean, Admission & Student Engagement), and William Schwerin (Director, Graduate Recruitment).
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬:
🔹 A dual-degree BE-MS program for BITS students
🔹 Joint research in AI, quantum computing, and sustainability
🔹 Student and faculty exchanges
🔹 Academic and cultural immersion programs
Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani: “This partnership is a key step in creating global opportunities and fostering innovation through collaboration.”
Yannis Yortsos, Dean of USC Viterbi School of Engineering: “It reflects our commitment to global alliances that address the world’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges.”
Harpreet Kalra, Director Strategy – India, USC Viterbi: “We’re proud to engage with India’s brightest engineering minds through this landmark collaboration.”
Together, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani and USC Viterbi School of Engineering are building a platform for high-impact research, global learning, and future-ready talent.
Driving Innovation in Home Technology: BITS Pilani and IFB Collaborate
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IFB Industries Limited on 5th June 2025 to collaborate on research and technology development in the field of home appliances.
The partnership aims to drive innovation focused on energy efficiency, product optimization, and delivering enhanced customer experiences through technology-led solutions.
Coordinated by Prof. Dhananjay Kulkarni and Dr. Kiran Mali from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, this collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening industry-academia synergy. It paves the way for joint research initiatives, experiential learning opportunities for students, and real-world problem-solving. Together, BITS Pilani and IFB seek to co-create impactful innovations that contribute to smarter, more sustainable living.
Empowering the Next Wave of Innovators: BITS TBIS x IKP PRIME MoU
BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus TBI Society (TBIS) has joined hands with IKP Knowledge Park under the IKP PRIME initiative to empower researchers, innovators, and startups in securing and commercializing their Intellectual Property.
On 3rd June 2025, the collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between: 🔹 Prof. Soumyo Mukherji – Director, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus & President, TBIS 🔹 Dr. Sanjay Sarin – Chief Executive Officer, IKP Knowledge Park The ceremony at IKP Knowledge Park was graced by Dr. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay - Chairman & Managing Director of IKP and witnessed participation of representatives from both IKP Knowledge Park & BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus TBI Society (TBIS). • Dr. Bindu Nishal - Vice President - SINC, IKP highlighted IKP’s national and global impact through various initiatives and programs. • Dr. Sandeep Raut - General Manager - TBIS showcased startup portfolio, success of student & faculty entrepreneurs and upcoming programs of TBIS.
Discussions and deliberations at the leadership level post-ceremony focused on: - Promoting IP protection & commercialization for innovators - Guiding startups on funding avenues, such as BIRAC-BIG - Catalyzing bio-entrepreneurship through collaborative programs - Facilitating access to industry experts, mentors, and investors We look forward to working together to nurture bio-innovators & entrepreneurs.
A Glimpse into Teaching Excellence at BITS Pilani
At BITS Pilani, teaching is built on the pillars of clarity, curiosity, and genuine understanding. Across campuses, the goal is the same: help students truly grasp concepts—not just memorize them.
Prof. Jagat Sesh Challa (Pilani) and Prof. Arnab K. Paul (Goa), from the Department of Computer Science, embody this spirit. From creating confidence in the fundamentals to making programming feel intuitive and engaging, they prove that great teaching can spark lifelong learning—no matter the campus.
