BITSAT Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Number of Attempts, Educational Qualification

BITSAT eligibility criteria 2026 have been released by the authorities on the official website. Before filling out the BITSAT application form or starting exam preparation, it is extremely important to understand the BITSAT Eligibility Criteria 2026. The registrations for BITSAT 2026 are ongoing on the official website. 

Eligibility criteria for BITSAT 2026 define who can and cannot apply for the exam. Even a highly prepared candidate may be disqualified later if they fail to meet these conditions. Therefore, checking eligibility in advance helps students avoid mistakes, wasted effort, and disappointment during the admission process.

This article explains the BITSAT eligibility requirements for 2026, covering educational qualifications, subject requirements, minimum marks, year of passing, and other important rules every aspirant must know.

What is the BITSAT Eligibility Criteria 2026?

To be eligible for BITSAT 2026, a candidate must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 (10+2) examination from a recognized board. The qualifying examination must be from:

• A recognized Central or State Board in India, or
• An equivalent examination approved by BITS Pilani

Students from international boards may also apply, provided their qualification is considered equivalent to the Indian Class 12 system.

Why BITSAT Eligibility 2026 Matters?

BITS Pilani follows a strict admission policy to ensure that students admitted to its campuses have a strong academic foundation. The eligibility rules are designed to maintain academic standards and fairness in admissions. 

If a candidate does not meet even one of the required conditions, their candidature may be cancelled at any stage, including after qualifying for the exam. Understanding BITSAT eligibility criteria early allows students to:

• Confirm whether they are qualified to apply
• Choose the right course based on your subject background
• Avoid rejection during counselling or document verification
• Plan improvement exams or subject choices wisely

What are the Subject Requirements for BITSAT 2026?

Candidates must have studied a minimum of five subjects in their Class 12 or equivalent examination. These must include: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology, English, and one additional subject apart from the four mentioned above

It is important to note that candidates who studied only four subjects in Class 12 are not eligible for BITSAT. For BE and Integrated MSc programs, candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Mathematics is compulsory for all engineering and most science programs. Candidates without Mathematics in Class 12 are not eligible for these courses.

Both PCB and PCM students are eligible for B.Pharm, provided other eligibility conditions are met. Students choosing BPharm courses must have studied Physics, Chemistr,y and Biology as compulsory subjects

Minimum Marks Requirement for BITSAT 2026

BITS Pilani has clearly defined minimum percentage requirements that candidates must satisfy in their Class 12 examination.

• Aggregate Marks Requirement: At least 75% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or Biology for B.Pharm)
• Subject-Wise Minimum Marks: Candidates must score a minimum of 60% marks individually in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology

Both theory and practical marks are included while calculating percentages. Rounding off of marks is not permitted. For example, 74.9% is not considered equal to 75%.

What is the Age Limit for BITSAT 2026?

BITSAT does not specify a fixed age limit for applicants. Eligibility is determined primarily by the year of passing the Class 12 examination rather than the candidate’s age.

As long as the candidate meets the academic and year-of-passing requirements, age is not a restricting factor. Eligible candidates are those who passed Class 12 in 2025 or appeared for Class 12 in 2026. Candidates who passed Class 12 before 2025 are generally not eligible to apply for BITSAT 2026.

How Many Attempts are Allowed in BITSAT 2026?

Candidates are allowed to appear for BITSAT twice in the same year, usually referred to as Session 1 and Session 2. Both attempts are considered part of the same admission cycle

The best score out of the two attempts is used for admission. Appearing in one session is not mandatory to appear in the other. However, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria at the time of admission, regardless of how many attempts they appear for.

What is the BITSAT 2026 Eligibility for International Board Students?

Students who have completed their education under international boards such as Cambridge International (IGCSE / A-Level) or International Baccalaureate (IB) may apply for BITSAT, provided:

• Their qualification is equivalent to Class 12
• They studied the required subjects
• Their marks meet the minimum percentage criteria

Who Is Not Eligible for BITSAT 2026?

Meeting the BITSAT eligibility criteria 2026 is one of the crucial steps before the application process. The following candidates are not eligible:

• Students who passed Class 12 before 2025
• Candidates currently studying in any BITS campus
• Students who did not study the required subjects
• Candidates who fail to meet the minimum marks criteria

BITSAT Direct Admission Eligibility Criteria 2026

BITS Pilani offers direct admission to candidates who secure the first rank in their respective Central or State Board Class 12 examinations. Such candidates:

• May be exempted from appearing for BITSAT
• Must still meet subject and eligibility requirements
• Are considered for admission based on board performance

Conclusion

The BITSAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 form the foundation of the entire admission process at BITS Pilani and its campuses. These criteria ensure that only academically prepared and qualified candidates move forward in the selection process. 

From subject combinations and minimum marks to year of passing and improvement rules, every condition must be met without exception.