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BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27, Apply Link, Seats, Exam Date

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has announced its PhD admissions for the first semester of 2026-27. BITS Pilani offers a world-class research ecosystem across its campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27, covering everything from eligibility to the application process.

BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27

BITS Pilani is inviting applications for its PhD program, commencing in August 2026, across the disciplines of Engineering, Science, Pharmacy, Economics & Finance, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Management. The institute does not specify exact seat numbers; admission depends on departmental requirements, faculty availability, and research project needs.

BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27: Overview

The BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 program is designed for students who wish to pursue cutting-edge research in various fields of Engineering, Science, Pharmacy, and Humanities. Candidates can apply for either Full-Time or Part-Time schemes depending on their professional status and research goals. Below is the overview of BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27:

BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27: Overview
Parameter Details
Program PhD (Full-time and Part-time)
Campuses Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad
Mode of Application Online only
Application Period 26th February 2026 to 29th April 2026
Application Fee ₹2,600 (Non-refundable)
Selection Process Written Test and/or Interview (18th-19th May 2026)
Admission Brochure 2026-2027

BITS Pilani PhD Admission Important Dates

The BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 process begins in late February, with the window for submission closing in April. Shortlisted candidates must be prepared to travel to their chosen campus for tests and interviews in mid-May. Candidates should note the following Important dates to keep themselves updated regarding the PhD Admission:

BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 Important Dates
Event Date
Admissions Open 26 February 2026
Last Date to Apply 29 April 2026
Declaration of Shortlisted Candidates 6 May 2026
Written Test/Interview 18 & 19 May 2026
Announcement of Result 28 May 2026
Last date for fee payment 10 June 2026
Reporting at the respective BITS Pilani campus selected for 25 July 2026
Orientation 27- 28 July 2026
Course Registration 1 August 2026
Beginning of Classes 3 August 2026

Apply Link for BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27

The online application portal of BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 opens on 26th February 2026, and candidates must submit their applications before the deadline i.e. 29 April 2026. Only online applications are accepted, and hard copies will not be entertained. Campus preferences selected during application cannot be changed after submission.

Apply Link for BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27

How to Apply for BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27

The application process of BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 is completely online, and candidates must register on the official portal before filling out the application form. The entire process from registration to final submission must be completed before 5:00 PM on 29th April 2026. Candidates are advised to keep all documents ready and choose campus preferences carefully, as they cannot be modified after submission. Below are the easy steps to follow for you to apply for a PhD Admission:

  • Registration: Create a username and password using a mobile number and email.
  • Form Filling: Enter personal and academic details, and select campus preferences.
  • Document Upload:  Provide necessary digital copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
  • Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
  • Final Submission: Review and submit the form before the deadline of April 29, 2026.

BITS Pilani PhD Application Fees

Completing the BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 application requires the payment of a mandatory processing fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid through the online modes specified on the portal during the application window.

  • Application Fee: ₹2,600 (Non-refundable)
  • Payment Deadline: 5:00 PM on April 29, 2026.

BITS Pilani PhD Eligibility Criteria

To get admission in the BITS Pilani PhD, candidates must meet specific Eligibility Criteria established by the institute. Generally, a minimum of 60% aggregate in a Master’s or qualifying degree is required for most technical and science disciplines. For those applying to Humanities and Social Sciences, a slight relaxation is provided with a 55% aggregate requirement:

BITS Pilani PhD Eligibility Criteria
Qualifying Degree Minimum Aggregate Required
M.E. / M.Tech. / M.Pharm. / MBA / M.Phil. 60%
M.Sc. / B.E. / B.Pharm. 60%
M.A. (for Humanities & Social Sciences) 55%
Part-time Applicants 1 year of relevant experience

BITS Pilani PhD Seats

The number of available seats for the BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27 varies by department and campus, depending on the current research vacancies and faculty availability. While the total count is not fixed, the brochure highlights specific departments that are actively seeking both full-time and part-time scholars.

Department Pilani (Full Time) Pilani (Part Time) K K Birla Goa (Full Time) K K Birla Goa (Part Time) Hyderabad (Full Time) Hyderabad (Part Time)
Biological Sciences Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chemical Engineering Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Chemistry Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Civil Engineering Yes Yes NA NA Yes Yes
Computer Science and Information Systems Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Economics & Finance Yes No Yes No Yes Yes
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Humanities & Social Sciences Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Management Yes Yes* Yes No Yes Yes
Mathematics Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mechanical Engineering Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pharmacy Yes NA NA Yes Yes Yes
Physics Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

BITS Pilani PhD Exam Pattern

The BITS Pilani PhD Entrance Exam 2026 includes a department-wise written test for shortlisted candidates. The exam pattern varies across disciplines such as Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Economics & Finance, Management, and professional streams like B.E./B.Pharm. Candidates qualifying the written test may be shortlisted for the interview round. However, applicants with M.Phil., M.E./M.Tech., or national fellowships such as CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC NET-JRF are exempted from the written test (as applicable).

Department / Category Exam Type Key Details
Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics MCQ-Based Test 50–100 subject-specific questions; Duration: 2–3 hours; 25% negative marking (if applicable)
Humanities & Social Sciences / Economics & Finance Two Tests – Test I (Common) + Test II (Discipline Specific)
  • Test I: Reading Comprehension (10), Logical Reasoning (10), Analytical Reasoning (15), General Awareness (15); Total duration: 60 minutes.
  • Test II: Discipline-specific (Subjective for HSS).
Management (Pilani Campus) Subjective Test 1-hour application-based test in Business & Management; Focus on research aptitude
B.E./B.Pharm. Candidates Department-Specific Test Conducted by concerned department; details shared after shortlisting

BITS Pilani PhD Fellowship 2026 and Stipend

BITS Pilani provides structured and competitive PhD financial assistance to support full-time research scholars throughout their doctoral journey. The BITS Pilani PhD Fellowship 2026 is available for up to five years and may be offered through the Institute Fellowship, Sponsored Research Projects, or external fellowships such as UGC NET/CSIR NET. In addition to a monthly stipend, scholars are entitled to contingency grants and international travel support, ensuring comprehensive funding for research and academic development.

Particulars Details
Fellowship Duration Up to 5 Years (Full-Time PhD)
Institute Fellowship (Initial) ₹37,000 per month
Fellowship Enhancement ₹40,000–₹42,000 per month after 2 years (based on performance)
Annual Contingency Grant ₹20,000 per year
Sponsored Project Fellowship As per funding agency guidelines
External Fellowship Option UGC NET / CSIR NET or other national fellowships
International Travel Support Up to ₹1.5 lakh (One-time support during PhD tenure)

BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27: FAQs

What is the last date to apply for BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026-27?

The final deadline to submit your completed online application and pay the fee is April 29, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

What is the application fee for BITS Pilani PhD 2026-27?

The application fee is ₹2,600 (non-refundable) for all candidates. The fee is uniform across all departments, campuses, and admission schemes (full-time/part-time).

Who is exempted from the BITS Pilani PhD written test?

Candidates with M.Phil., M.E./M.Tech. degrees or national fellowships like CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, and UGC NET-JRF are exempted from written tests in specific departments.

Is there a written test for PhD admission at BITS Pilani?

Shortlisted candidates must attend an admission test on May 18 or 19, 2026, which may include a written exam and an interview.

Can I change my campus preference after submitting the BITS Pilani PhD Admission application?

No, campus preferences cannot be changed after application submission. Candidates should carefully select their preferred campus as it determines the location for written test and interview.

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