In The Spotlight
BITSxBHARAT
Building a Self-Reliant India
In 1901, in a humble village of Pilani, Rajasthan a modest pathshaala was born—marking the beginning of Shri G.D. Birla’s dream of a
self-reliant India. That dream became BITS Pilani.
From disruptive startups to national leadership, from pioneering innovations to fearless public service. BITSians have propelled India’s rise. With 200,000+ trailblazing alumni, 7,400+ visionary CEOs, 17 unicorn architects, and 700+ officers in national service, the impact is undeniable and the legacy thrives. We didn’t chase the spotlight—we ignited it.
Recognition was never the pursuit nation-first service was the pledge. The ₹60 coin isn’t just a tribute. It marks the nation’s acknowledgment of decades of meaningful impact. Driven by 1,150+ distinguished faculty, 2,100+ dedicated PhD scholars, and 20,000+ ambitious students from an ambitious dream to national recognition—BITS Pilani stands on pillars of merit, excellence, and service.
Student Strength. Faculty Excellence. Uncompromising Merit.
With 1,150+ faculty, 2,100+ PhD scholars, and 20,000+ students across five campuses, BITS Pilani is a powerhouse of ideas, ambition, and excellence. Here, merit isn’t a principle it’s the rule. Admissions are earned through BITSAT alone, in a transparent, reservation-free process. With an acceptance rate below 2% tougher than many Ivy League colleges—it attracts the nation’s brightest. One in six students turn down an IIT seat to join BITS. And with ₹124 crores in scholarships, one in four students receives a scholarship to rise. This is more than an institution—it’s a merit-built, opportunity-fueled force shaping India’s tomorrow.
Research & Innovation highlights.
We’re not just research-active, we’re research-driven. With an exceptional higher degree acceptance rate and a culture that fuels inquiry, BITS has attracted ₹450+ Cr in external funding over the past five years. It stands as the only non-IIT entrusted by DST to establish a ₹125 Cr Technology Innovation Hub in Bio-Cyber Physical Systems and has also secured a ₹60 Cr SATHI grant—outperforming top IITs and government institutes.
With 2,900+ publications, a 175 h-index scopus, 22,000+ citations, and 350+ patents filed in a year, the impact is undeniable. Initiatives like CREST, CRENS, and SIRE push the frontiers of research, while new faculty receive seed grants up to ₹40 lakhs, on par with India’s best.
Startup Ecosystem:
Our dynamic startup ecosystem is powered by cutting-edge Technology Business Incubators(TBI) across campuses. Over 200 startups have been incubated, with 90 graduates and a collective valuation exceeding over $30Mn. BITSian founders have built 17 unicorns, including Swiggy, BigBasket, Groww, and Oxyzo. Notably, Grey Orange, a “soonicorn,” is valued at ~$800Mn. Key initiatives like SPARKLE, SOLVE, and PhD DRIVE promote student-led innovation and entrepreneurship. Through PIEDS, BITS has secured over ₹70 Cr in grants from the Government of India, CSR and Alumni, including DST, MeitY, MSME, BIRAC, iDEX,DPIIT, SIDBI etc. These efforts reflect BITS Pilani’s commitment to enabling deep-tech research, value creation, and commercialisation of ideas in India’s growing innovation landscape.
Alumni Achievements:
Our alumni have made a global impact, with 7K+ CEOs and Directors (many in Fortune 500 firms), 6K+ founders, 17 Unicorns, and 2 Decacorns. BITS is the second-highest contributor of US Unicorn founders among Indian institutions. The top 10 BITSian ventures alone are valued at $80B. The alumni network also includes 3K+ academicians and 700+ professionals in Civil and Defence Services. About 33% of the 1.86 lakh alumni are settled abroad. Their continued support drives the institute’s growth—contributing over ₹100 Cr in the last five years toward key initiatives. BITS alumni are not only leaders in their fields but also champions of their alma mater’s vision for the future.
The launch of the BITS Endowment Fund during the 2024 convocation stands as another powerful proof of the commitment, generosity, and deep-rooted pride of BITS alumni.
Practise School & Placements
Our Practice School Program is a pioneering, full-semester internship model—unique in Indian higher education. Second-year students intern for 2 months, while fourth-year students gain 5.5 months of real-world experience in top global organizations. With 3600 students across 565 cities, it has led to 1460 PPOs and ₹123 Cr in stipends.
This hands-on exposure directly enhances placements—with a ₹20 Lakh average salary, and companies like Google, Microsoft, Uber, Qualcomm (100+ offers), and McKinsey recruiting BITSians regularly. Nearly 90% of students are placed with marquee firms, outperforming even the top 3 NIRF-ranked institutions. BITS Pilani blends theory with practice to produce industry-ready leaders.
Work Integrated Learning Programs
For over 44 years, BITS Pilani has led Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) designed for working professionals to upskill without pausing their careers. With 49+ programs—including M.Tech., B.Tech., MBA, and M.Sc.—the initiative has graduated 1.28 lakh+ professionals, with 43,700+ currently enrolled and supported by 1100+ faculty members. Established in the 1970s, WILP has scaled through deep technological expertise, delivering education via hybrid models, remote labs, and advanced digital lecture systems. The program empowers Pathfinders—professionals equipped with future-ready skills in technology, critical thinking, and communication—enabling them to thrive in a dynamic workforce and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth.
These enduring pillars—cutting-edge research, innovation, alumni leadership, and lifelong learning—affirm BITS Pilani’s role as a national cornerstone. The ₹60 coin is a sovereign testament to its profound and lasting impact on India’s progress.
BITS Exclusive
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus Celebrates 19 Glorious Years of Excellence!
On 28th April 2025, we celebrated the 19th Foundation Day of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus – a momentous milestone that reflects our journey of nearly two decades marked by academic excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to nation-building.
The celebration was graced by our esteemed Chief Guest, Smt. R. Sheena Rani, Outstanding Scientist and Programme Director, Agni, Advanced System Laboratory, DRDO. Her inspiring address set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to honouring the spirit of dedication and the collective effort of the BITS Hyderabad community.
𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚:
🔸Felicitation of Prof. V. S. Rao Foundation – Dr. C. R. Mitra Awardee, acknowledging exemplary leadership and contribution to institutional growth
🔸Prof. S. Venkateswaran Best Employee Awardees, recognizing dedication and excellence among our staff
🔸Recognition of employees completing 15 years of service, celebrating their long-standing commitment to the institute
🔸Inspirational Teaching Awardees – 2024, presented by the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), honoring educators who go above and beyond in the classroom
🔸Celebration of Winning Faculty and Staff Teams in inter-college sports competitions, showcasing the vibrant and active spirit of our campus community
🔸Cultural performances and a visual journey through our institutional milestones added colour and nostalgia to the event
As we look back with immense pride and look forward with a renewed sense of purpose, Foundation Day serves as a tribute to every student, faculty member, staff, and leader who has shaped our story.
Here’s to the values that bind us, the passion that drives us, and the future we continue to build—together.
Research Stories
Mussel-Inspired Patch from BITS Pilani Offers Month-Long Drug Delivery
Researchers from BITS Pilani – Hyderabad Campus, led by Prof. V.V.K. Venuganti and students Srivarsha Reddy Bollareddy and Shreya Shashank Chauhan, have developed a gastric patch that can deliver levothyroxine sodium—the standard treatment for hypothyroidism—for over 30 days from a single oral dose. Inspired by mussel adhesion, the patch uses a CPBA-chitosan mucoadhesive layer that mimics DOPA-based bonding, achieving record adhesion strength (25±1.1kPa). Its three-layer design includes a drug-loaded polymer core, a mucoadhesive layer, and a PCL-siloxane backing to enable targeted, zero-order drug release.
Tested in rats, the patch maintained stable drug levels (87–126ng/mL) for up to 38 days without causing tissue damage or inflammation. It is fabricated using a gentle compression method (1kN) and remains stable for over six months at 5°C, making it scalable and storage-ready. With its potential to support other chronic treatments, this innovation highlights how nature-inspired design can transform long-term drug delivery.
Student Spotlight
Proud Moments at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus!
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 from BPDC 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 department has bagged 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐒𝐕 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 at the 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, held at American University of Sharjah and co-organized by Dubai Future Labs, Khalifa University, and RIT.
Out of 100+ teams from 22 universities, only 26 made it to the final round and the BITS Dubai team stood out with a fully autonomous, low-cost surface robot designed to clean floating waste from urban water bodies. Built with recycled materials, powered by smart algorithms, and driven by real-world purpose—this robot is innovation in action! Congratulations to the brilliant minds of Team ERCeption and mentor Prof. Sujala D. Shetty for showcasing tech-powered environmental impact.
Team Afforda’s Hourly Hotel Booking Idea Bags Top Prize at SBI Youth Ideathon
In a diverse country like ours, where travel never stops, this BITSPilani student startup is changing how we book hotels and for how long we book them! Ever booked a hotel just to freshen up between meetings? Or needed a quick rest while on the move? That everyday hassle led Team Afforda, Kunal Shekhawat, Bharat Raj Singal, Siddharth Khare, Pratyush Tiwari, and Aditya Asopa to build a platform for hourly hotel bookings that’s affordable, flexible, and practical.
Chosen from 45,000+ teams, they won the SBI Youth Ideathon 2025 held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and organised by ThinkStartup, bagging a ₹1,00,000 cash prize.
🏅 Esri India Innovation Award — ArcGIS license + ₹10,000
🏅 Support from RCTC & MEPSC
It’s more than tech, it solves a real, everyday need.
Now preparing for pilots and incubation with PIEDS : Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society, BITS Pilani.
Faculty Spotlight
Prof. Syamantak Majumder, Prof. Shibasish Chowdhury, and Prof. Sandeep Sundriyal Uncover Nitric Oxide–Mediated Regulation of Vascular Stability at BITS Pilani
A recent study from Prof. Syamantak Majumder’s lab, in collaboration with Prof. Shibasish Chowdhury and Prof. Sandeep Sundriyal at BITS Pilani, reveals how nitric oxide helps maintain blood vessel stability. Published in Nature Communications, the study shows that nitric oxide modifies the EZH2 protein through S-nitrosylation—altering its control over gene expression in vascular cells. This is the first known link between nitric oxide signaling and EZH2 regulation.
The modified EZH2 relocates inside the cell, is marked for degradation, and broken down—changing how genes that support blood vessel integrity are turned on or off. This breakthrough offers critical insights into how blood vessels respond to stress and could lead to therapies for heart disease and stroke. The study emphasizes BITS Pilani’s growing role in cutting-edge biomedical research.
Alumni Spotlight
Heartiest congratulations to Ms Chetana Reddy on her stellar UPSC achievement!
We are immensely proud to share that Chetana Reddy, an alumna of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, has secured an impressive All India Rank 110 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to public service are truly inspiring. Wishing her continued success as she steps into a career dedicated to making a meaningful impact on society. Congratulations, Chetana — the nation awaits your leadership!
Suhane Pal
From Campus to Country: BITSians Who Serve the Nation
What an inspiring evening it was! Our distinguished alumni from the Indian Civil Services and Armed Forces took the stage and captivated everyone with their stories of courage, service, and steadfast commitment to the nation. From tales of resilience in high-stakes situations to reflections on leadership and duty, each narrative echoed the true essence of the BITSian spirit—fearless, selfless, and forward-looking.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the diverse paths BITSians take, and the extraordinary impact they create across sectors. It wasn’t just an evening of stories—it was a celebration of service excellence, and the enduring bond between the institution and its alumni. A night to remember, filled with purpose and inspiration.
Events Gallery
DIAT-BITS: A Synergistic Research in Advanced Defence Technologies
The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, and BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, successfully hosted the "DIAT-BITS: A Synergistic Research in Advanced Defence Technologies" workshop on April 17, 2025.
The workshop kickstarted with critical insights and address by notable dignitaries including Dr BHVS Narayana Murthy, Vice Chancellor, DIAT, Pune, Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, Prof Soumyo Mukherji, Director, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, and Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Advisor, Govt of AP State, former Secretary DDR&D and former Chairman DRDO. The event brought together senior defense leaders, including Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, as the Chief Guest, and Lt. Gen. Karanbir Singh Brar, GOC, Dakshin Bharat Area, as the Special Guest. Shri L. C. Mangal, and Shri ADG Anand Prakash Badola, were among other distinguished guests from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Coast Guard, Army Design Bureau, and Indian Air Force attended the event.
The workshop featured keynote sessions and plenary presentations on critical defense areas, including, Quantum Technology for Defence Applications, Drone Swarm Systems for Tactical Operations, Advanced Thermal Coatings and Smart Materials, High-Speed Optical Communication and Underwater Sensor Networks. Faculties and Researchers from both institutions, DIAT and BITS Pilani presented their work, highlighting the importance of academia-defense collaboration for indigenous innovation. A strategic cooperation discussion, co-chaired by DIAT and BITS Pilani leadership, reinforced their shared vision for advancing India's defense technologies.
JASHN 2025 – Igniting the Flame of Culture and Creativity
JASHN 2025 – An Elemental Odyssey began on April 21, 2025, with a grand inauguration at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus.
The ceremony was graced by Director Dr. Souri Banerjee, Dr. Geetha Kannan, Dr. Mohammed Rafiuddin, Dr. Kalaichelvi, Dr. Elakkiya R, and Mr. Shamshuddin, along with the core committee. Upholding Indian tradition, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp set the tone for an event symbolizing new beginnings and the enduring flame of learning.
The celebration continued with a vibrant lineup on Days 2 and 3, featuring theatrical brilliance, energetic dance duets, and soulful singing. BPDC students earned top honors across categories, proudly representing the campus. The days concluded with DJ Varun’s set and buzzing food stalls, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.JASHN 2025 stands as a shining tribute to student talent, cultural unity, and spirited celebration.
From RBI to Yale: Dr. Subbarao's Leadership Journey Inspires BITS Pilani Community
We were honored to host 𝑫𝒓. 𝑫𝒖𝒗𝒗𝒖𝒓𝒊 𝑺𝒖𝒃𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒐, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) of India and visiting faculty at Yale University
for the ninth lecture in our Distinguished Lecture Series at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus. Dr. Subbarao delivered an insightful talk titled "Leadership Lessons I Learnt the Hard Way!" on April 7, 2025.
Drawing from his extensive experience with the Reserve Bank of India, the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and academia, he shared invaluable perspectives on leadership, policy-making, and governance.
The session was highly engaging and provided our students, faculty, and research community with profound insights into the challenges and nuances of effective leadership.
BIO2K25 Hosted at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus!
We successfully concluded Bio2k25, the Annual Conference of the Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, held on 4th–5th April 2025!
This two-day event brought together 125 participants, featuring 18 oral presentations and 30 poster sessions—a true testament to the vibrant research culture nurtured in our department.The conference served as a platform for our research scholars to showcase their cutting-edge work, sharpen their presentation skills, and engage in stimulating scientific discussions.
The event fostered valuable interactions, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas among scholars and faculties. We concluded the conference by awarding 3 Best Oral Presenters and 4 Best Poster Presenters - (Selected by an expert panel of judges).
A big thank you to all participants, speakers, reviewers, sponsors, head of the department and organizing team who made BIO2K25 a grand success! We look forward to continuing this tradition every year.
Awards
BITS Pilani Ranked No. 1 Private Engineering University in India by EW Rankings 2025–26
BITSPilani Ranked No. 1 Private Engineering and Technology University in India and No. 1 Private Engineering Institute in India at the EW India Higher Education Rankings 2025-26 event held on 25th April in New Delhi.
Prof. Ajit Pratap Singh, Dean, of Admissions & Student Financial Aid (DASFA) (Institute – wide), received the award on behalf of the institute. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and well-wishers. Your collective contributions and continued support have played a vital role in achieving this recognition.
Innovation & Collaboration
Driving Sustainable Innovation
We are excited to announce the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Birla Institute Of Technology and Science, Pilani Dubai (BPDC), and Cero Hero a 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩-𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 working toward becoming the 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.
The partnership explores innovative sustainability solutions developed at Cero Labs, aimed at enabling 𝐁𝐏𝐃𝐂’𝐬 transition toward a net-zero and environmentally conscious campus. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of integrating sustainability into everyday life through innovation, awareness, and collective action.
𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
- (a) Track and assess sustainability efforts using Cero Hero’s carbon accounting and reporting Tools
- (b) Encourage behavioral transformation through student-led initiatives, incentives and awareness programmes
- (c) Engage students and faculty in real-world sustainability challenges, integrating sustainable practices into daily campus life
- (d) Enhance visibility and awareness through sustainability dashboards, tracking campus progress in carbon management, waste reduction, and resource efficiency
Beyond technology, this partnership is about creating a real, sustainable impact for a safer planet.
Advancing Industry-Academia Collaboration at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus with Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI)
On Monday, 7th April, we had the privilege of welcoming a delegation from The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry-FTCCI ™ to our campus.
Led by Mr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President – FTCCI, the visit focused on exploring strategic collaborations between BITS Pilani and Telangana-based industries, including MSMEs.
Key areas of discussion included:
- Joint research initiatives
- CSR-driven partnerships
- Industry-academia engagement
- Innovation and entrepreneurship support
Professor Soumyo Mukherji, Director – BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, shared insights on how such partnerships can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact.This engagement marks a significant step towards building stronger, future-ready ecosystems through collaborative growth.
BITS Inaugurated Architectural Design Studio – A State-of-the-Art Facility to Enhance Creativity and Hands-on Learning
The Department of Civil & Architectural Engg @ BITS-Pilani, Dubai Engineering is proud to unveil the cutting-edge 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨— a vibrant space to spark innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
It will enrich experiential learning in architecture and design. Graced by our Director, Prof. Souri Banerjee, and esteemed industry leaders Mr. Ravinder Bhat (Inventure), Mr. TVS Chidambaram (Star Cements), and Mr. Hemant Gor, the launch marks a major step in bridging academia and industry.
Sincere thanks to BITS leadership, faculty, staff, and our Industry Advisory Panel for bringing this vision to life.
Bridging Innovation and Industry: Energy Summit 2025 at BITS Pilani Dubai
BITS Pilani Dubai Campus proudly organised its 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 S𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 on 17th April 2025, bringing together thought leaders and innovators from the energy sector to foster dialogue, collaboration, and future-forward solutions.
The event featured eminent professionals from renowned organizations including Petrofac Emirates LLC, ADNOC Group, GRUNDFOS, Siemens Energy, REDA Chemicals, VERASCO FZE, and more. A major highlight of the summit was the 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 by Mr. Ali Abdulla AlAli, UAE Country Chair at Petrofac, who shared invaluable insights into the evolving energy landscape.
An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Raj Jhajharia, focused on bridging the gap between Industry and Academia, underlining the critical need for collaborative ventures to drive innovation and workforce readiness.
𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝:
Mr. Ronak Monga (BPDC Alumnus), Grundfos
Mr. Nooruddin Ahmed, Certero Business Corporation
Mr. 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐥, Verasco FZE
The summit also spotlighted 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲-𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 and showcased emerging talent through the 𝐁𝐏𝐃𝐂 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞, reaffirming the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance.
BITSAT 2025 SESSION 2
Registration Window: May 26 - June 10, 2025
Stay updated with the latest BITS Pilani Admission Test (BITSAT 2025) announcements—directly from the official source.
Disclaimer: BITS Pilani admissions are strictly based on the BITSAT exam, and application forms link are only available on the official website – https://bitsadmission.com/. There are no other entry methods, no agents, and no partner organizations. Beware of any unauthorized entities claiming otherwise.
