BITSAT PHD

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Syllabus

EXAM SYLLABUS

The syllabus for the Ph.D. admission written test at BITS Pilani is provided in Official website. This written examination is conducted for shortlisted candidates and is department-specific. The test generally consists of 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions, with a duration of 2 to 3 hours, and may include negative marking of 25% for each incorrect answer. The questions are designed to assess postgraduate-level knowledge in subjects relevant to the chosen discipline.

Syllabus for Biological Science

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Genetics	Laws of inheritance and genetic interaction, Genetic mapping in Virus. Bacteria, & Eukaryotes, Gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes etc.	Principles of Genetics – Robert H. Tamarin, 7th edition, Tata McGraw–Hill, 2002.
Molecular Technique	Restriction endonucleases, Vectors and cloning, Blotting technique, PCR, Sequencing	Principles of Gene Manipulation- R. W. Old & S. B. Primrose, 7th Edition
Biological Chemistry	Chemistry of Biomolecules, Enzymes, Vitamins & Coenzymes etc.	Principle of BiochemistryLehninger, Macmillan Worth Publication, 3rd edition
Microbiology	Fundamentals of Microbiology, Microbes and Human disease, Environmental and applied microbiology etc.	Microbiology-An introduction (8th edition)- Tartora, Funk & Cane-Pearson publishing house.
Ecology	Abiotic factors, Ecosystem ecology and energy flow, Community ecology and population ecology etc.	Concepts of Ecology by E J Kormondy Fundamentals of ecology by E. P. Odum
Plant Physiology	Transport and translocation of water and solutes, Essential elements and their function, Movement in plants etc	Plant physiology, 3rd edition by Salisbury & Ross- CBS Publisher and Distributor
Bio-Physics	Chemical properties of basic unit of life, energy forces, bonds, Physiochemical techniques to study biomolecules, X-ray crystallography, NMR, molecular modeling etc	Biophysical chemistry by Cantor and Schimmel. Biophysics by Rodney Cotteril.
Developmental Biology	Model systems- Vertebrates, Invertebrates and Plants, Organogenesis, germ cells and sex. etc	Principles of Development – Lewis Wolpert-Oxford University Press, 2nd edition
Cell Biology	Preview of cell, cellular membranous systems, Transport, Mitochondria, Cytoskeletal network, Cell growth & proliferation, Cell Immunity, etc	Cell and Molecular BiologyPhilip Sheeler & Donald E. Bianchi. 3rd edition, John Wiley Publication.
Animal Physiology	Digestive and Respiratory system, Circulatory system, Excretory system, Nervous and Endocrine system, Body Immune system, etc	Animal Physiology by Sherwood et al, 1st edition Thomson Publication. Animal Physiology by Sherwood et al, 1st edition-Thomson Publication

Syllabus for Chemistry

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Physical Chemistry	Basic principles and applications of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, atomic structure, chemical bonding, variational and perturbational methods, pure rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, vibrational-rotational spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy Concepts and laws of thermodynamics, entropy, free energy, calculation of changes in thermodynamic properties, partial molar properties, ideal and real gases, ideal and non-ideal solutions, electrolytic solutions, colligative properties, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and applications, kinetic theory of gases, statistical thermodynamics Chemical kinetics, rate laws, order and molecularity, determination of reaction mechanism, Arrhenius equation, theory of reaction rates, concept of catalysts, elementary reactions, consecutive elementary reactions, unimolecular reactions, polymerization kinetics, photochemical processes, quantum yield, enzyme kinetics, thermodynamic and kinetic control, physical and chemisorption, molecular interactions, self-assembly and transport processes	1. Donald A. McQuarrie, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, University Science Books (First Indian Edition 2003, Viva Books Private Limited). 2. Ira N. Levine, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, Pearson Education Inc. (2000) (First Indian Reprint, 20033. 3. P.W. Atkins and R.S. Friedman, ‘Molecular Quantum Mechanics’, 3rd Ed. OUP (1997). [4th ed. Has come out]. 4. F.L. Pillar, ‘Elementary Quantum Chemistry’, 2nd ed., McGraw Hill (1990). 5. John P. Lowe, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, 2nd ed., Pearson Education Inc. 6. Ira N. Levine, Physical Chemistry, Tata McGraw Hill, 2002, 5th edition 7. Donald A. McQuarrie & J. D. Simon, ‘Molecular Thermodynamics’, Viva Book Pvt Ltd., New Delhi, 2004 8. R. C Srivastava, S K Saha, A K Jain, ‘Thermodynamics’, 2004
Inorganic Chemistry	VSEPR Model, VB Theory, Ionic Crystal Structure, Structure of Complex Solids, Electronegativity, AcidBase Chemistry, Chemistry in Aqueous and NonAqueous Solvents, Periodicity, Chemistry of transition metals, Redox chemistry. Character Table and its Applications in Infrared and Raman spectroscopy an

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EXAM SYLLABUS

Syllabus for Biological Science

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Genetics	Laws of inheritance and genetic interaction, Genetic mapping in Virus. Bacteria, & Eukaryotes, Gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes etc.	Principles of Genetics – Robert H. Tamarin, 7th edition, Tata McGraw–Hill, 2002.
Molecular Technique	Restriction endonucleases, Vectors and cloning, Blotting technique, PCR, Sequencing	Principles of Gene Manipulation- R. W. Old & S. B. Primrose, 7th Edition
Biological Chemistry	Chemistry of Biomolecules, Enzymes, Vitamins & Coenzymes etc.	Principle of BiochemistryLehninger, Macmillan Worth Publication, 3rd edition
Microbiology	Fundamentals of Microbiology, Microbes and Human disease, Environmental and applied microbiology etc.	Microbiology-An introduction (8th edition)- Tartora, Funk & Cane-Pearson publishing house.
Ecology	Abiotic factors, Ecosystem ecology and energy flow, Community ecology and population ecology etc.	Concepts of Ecology by E J Kormondy Fundamentals of ecology by E. P. Odum
Plant Physiology	Transport and translocation of water and solutes, Essential elements and their function, Movement in plants etc	Plant physiology, 3rd edition by Salisbury & Ross- CBS Publisher and Distributor
Bio-Physics	Chemical properties of basic unit of life, energy forces, bonds, Physiochemical techniques to study biomolecules, X-ray crystallography, NMR, molecular modeling etc	Biophysical chemistry by Cantor and Schimmel. Biophysics by Rodney Cotteril.
Developmental Biology	Model systems- Vertebrates, Invertebrates and Plants, Organogenesis, germ cells and sex. etc	Principles of Development – Lewis Wolpert-Oxford University Press, 2nd edition
Cell Biology	Preview of cell, cellular membranous systems, Transport, Mitochondria, Cytoskeletal network, Cell growth & proliferation, Cell Immunity, etc	Cell and Molecular BiologyPhilip Sheeler & Donald E. Bianchi. 3rd edition, John Wiley Publication.
Animal Physiology	Digestive and Respiratory system, Circulatory system, Excretory system, Nervous and Endocrine system, Body Immune system, etc	Animal Physiology by Sherwood et al, 1st edition Thomson Publication. Animal Physiology by Sherwood et al, 1st edition-Thomson Publication

Syllabus for Chemistry

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Physical Chemistry	Basic principles and applications of quantum mechanics, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, atomic structure, chemical bonding, variational and perturbational methods, pure rotational spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, vibrational-rotational spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy Concepts and laws of thermodynamics, entropy, free energy, calculation of changes in thermodynamic properties, partial molar properties, ideal and real gases, ideal and non-ideal solutions, electrolytic solutions, colligative properties, phase equilibria, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry and applications, kinetic theory of gases, statistical thermodynamics Chemical kinetics, rate laws, order and molecularity, determination of reaction mechanism, Arrhenius equation, theory of reaction rates, concept of catalysts, elementary reactions, consecutive elementary reactions, unimolecular reactions, polymerization kinetics, photochemical processes, quantum yield, enzyme kinetics, thermodynamic and kinetic control, physical and chemisorption, molecular interactions, self-assembly and transport processes	1. Donald A. McQuarrie, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, University Science Books (First Indian Edition 2003, Viva Books Private Limited). 2. Ira N. Levine, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, Pearson Education Inc. (2000) (First Indian Reprint, 20033. 3. P.W. Atkins and R.S. Friedman, ‘Molecular Quantum Mechanics’, 3rd Ed. OUP (1997). [4th ed. Has come out]. 4. F.L. Pillar, ‘Elementary Quantum Chemistry’, 2nd ed., McGraw Hill (1990). 5. John P. Lowe, ‘Quantum Chemistry’, 2nd ed., Pearson Education Inc. 6. Ira N. Levine, Physical Chemistry, Tata McGraw Hill, 2002, 5th edition 7. Donald A. McQuarrie & J. D. Simon, ‘Molecular Thermodynamics’, Viva Book Pvt Ltd., New Delhi, 2004 8. R. C Srivastava, S K Saha, A K Jain, ‘Thermodynamics’, 2004
Inorganic Chemistry	VSEPR Model, VB Theory, Ionic Crystal Structure, Structure of Complex Solids, Electronegativity, AcidBase Chemistry, Chemistry in Aqueous and NonAqueous Solvents, Periodicity, Chemistry of transition metals, Redox chemistry. Character Table and its Applications in Infrared and Raman spectroscopy and in Bonding; Coordination Chemistry: Bonding - Valence Bond, Crystal Field, and Molecular Orbital theories; Complexes - Nomenclature, Isomerism, Coordination Numbers, Structure, Electronic Spectra, Magnetic Properties, Chelate Effect; Reactions - Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions, Kinetics Mechanisms; Organometallic Chemistry: Structure and Reaction of Metal Carbonyls, Nitrosyls, Dinitrogens, Alkyls, Carbenes, Carbynes, Carbides, Alkenes, Alkynes, and Metallocenes; Catalysis by Organometallic Compounds; Stereochemically Non-Rigid Molecules. Bio-inorganic chemistry; metalloenzymes; metalloproteins; role of alkali and alkaline earth metalions, iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum etc. in life processes; Basic concepts in electronic, magnetic and photonic materials and nanomaterials	1. Chemical Application of Group Theory, F. A. Cotton, 3rd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2011. 2. J. A. Cowan, "Inorganic Biochemistry An Introduction", Wiley-VCH, 2nd edition 3. Inorganic Chemistry – Principles of Structure and Reactivity, Huheey, J. E.; Keiter, E. A.; Keiter, R. L.; Medhi O. K.; 4th Edition, Pearson. 4. Concise Inorganic Chemistry, Lee, J.D. 5th Edition, Wiley India Edition. 5. Inorganic Chemistry, Shriver, D.F.; Atkins, P.W.; Overton T. L., Rourke, J. P.,Weller, M. T., Armstrong, F. A. 4th edition, Oxford.
Organic Chemistry	Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds:- IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds, Reactive intermediates (carbocations, carbanions, free radicals, carbenes, benzynes and nitrenes)Aromaticity (Benzenoid and non-benzenoid compounds), Aliphatic & Aromatic Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Substitutions Chemistry of Organic Compounds:-Chemistry of functional groups, Structure, property and reactions of five and six membered heterocyclic (O, N and S) compounds, Organometallic compounds in organic synthesis, Natural products (carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpenes, amino acids) Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds:- Stereochemistry (isomerism, chirality, origin of optical activity, stereochemistry of cyclic compounds, resolution), Selectivity (chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity), Conformations and configurational analysis of acyclic and cyclic compounds, Resolution and other asymmetric induction methods, Name reactions and rearrangements Retro synthetic Analysis :- Disconnection approaches, Protecting Groups, Umpolung of reactivity, Ring synthesis and synthesis of Heterocyclic compounds Pericyclic Reactions and Photochemistry: Orbital symmetry, Electrocyclisation, Cycloaddition, Sigmatropic rearrangements and other related concerted reactions, Principles and applications of photochemical reactions in organic chemistry Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds:- Structural elucidation of organic compounds using UV, IR, NMR (1H & 13C), Mass Spectrometry	1. March Jerry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, 4th edition, 1992. 2. Morrison and Boyd, Organic Chemistry, Prentice & Hall, 6th edition, 1992. 3. William Kemp, “Organic Spectroscopy”, Macmillan, 3rd ed. 1991. 4. J. Clayden, N. Greeves, S. Warren, P. Wothers, Organic Chemistry, Oxford University Press. 5. Raj K Bansal, heterocyclic Chemistry, fifth edition (TB), New Age International publishers. 6. I. L. Finar, Organic chemistry Vol. 2, 5th Ed.; Pearson 7. Stuart Warren, Designing Organic Syntheses: A Programmed Introduction to the Synthon Approach, John Wiley and sons Ltd., 1978. 8. W. Graham Solomons and Craig B. Fryhle, ‘Organic Chemistry’, 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, 2004. 9. F. A. Carey, Organic Chemistry, 5th Edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Publications Company Ltd., 2003. 10. P. A. Bruice, Organic Chemistry, 3rd Edition, Reason Edution, Inc. 2001
Analytical Chemistry	Instrumental methods of analysis:- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR, EPR) Chemical experimentation :- Functional group identification and synthesis of organic compounds,Study of kinetics of chemical reactions	William Kemp, “Organic Spectroscopy”, Macmillan, 3rd ed, 1991 Vogel’s textbook of practical organic chemistry 5th edition

Syllabus for Mathematics

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Algebra	Permutations, combinations, Fundamental theorem of arithmetic, Groups-Subgroups, Theorems, Cayley's & Sylow's, Prime & Maximal Ideals, Domain (Ideal & Unique), Fields, finite fields, field extensions, Galois Theory etc.	Topics in Algebra by I.N. Herstein, Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd
Analysis	Elementary set theory,Bolzano Weierstrass theorem, Continuity, . Reimann's sums and Reimann integral, Lebesgue measure, measurable sets, Differentiations, Normed linear spaces, spaces of continuous functions as examples etc.	Principle of Mathematical Analysis by W. Rudin, Mcgraw hill Publishers. Measure Theory and Integration by G. D. Barra, Willey Eastern.
Topology	Topological spaces; special topologies, subspaces, product spaces and quotient spaces, continuity and homeomorphisms, connectedness and compactness, fundamental groups of surfaces	Topology by J.R. Munkres, Pearson Education publication. Introduction to Topology and Modern Analysis by G.F. Simmons, Mc-graw hill Publishers.
Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)	Existence and uniqueness of solutions of initial value problems for first order ODEs, singular solutions of first order ODEs, system of first order ODEs. General theory of homogeneous and non-homogeneous linear ODEs, variation of parameters, Strum-Liouville boundary value problems, Green’s function.	Differential Equations by G.F. Simmons. Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 8th Edition, with ODE Architect CD by G. Krantz, Wiley
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)	Lagrange and Charpit’s methods for solving first order PDEs, Cauchy problem for first order PDEs. Classification of second order PDEs, general solution of higher order PDEs with constant coefficients, method of separation of variables for Laplace, Heat and Wave equations	Elements of Partial Differential Equations by I.N. Sneddon, Mc-graw hill Publisher.
Linear Algebra	Vector spaces, subspaces, linear dependence, basis, dimension, algebra of linear transformations. Algebra of matrices, rank and determinant of matrices, linear equations, . Quadratic forms, reduction and classification of quadratic forms. etc.	Linear Algebra by K. Hoffmenn and R. Kunze, Prentice hall of India Pvt Ltd. Linear algebra and matrix theory by J. Gilbert and L. Gilbert, Brooks Cole. Introduction to linear algebra by G. Strang Wellesley Cabridge Press
Complex Analysis	Algebra of complex numbers, the complex plane, polynomials, power series, transcendental functions, Contour integral, Cauchy’s theorem, Cauchy’s integral formula, Taylor’s series, Laurent’s series, calculus of residues. Conformal mappings, Mobius transformations. etc	Complex Variables and Applications by James Brown, R. V Churchill.
Numerical Analysis	Computer arithmetic and errors, numerical solutions of algebraic equations, method of iteration and NewtonRaphson method, rate of convergence, Numerical solution of ODEs using Picard, Euler, modified Euler and Runge-Kutta methods etc	Applied Numerical Analysis by Gerald and Wheatley 6/E, Pearson Education.
Probability	Sample space, discrete probability, independent events, Bayes’ theorem. Random variables and distribution functions (univariate and multivariate); expectation and moments. Independent random variables, marginal and conditional distributions. Characteristic functions. Probability inequalities (Tchebycheff, Markov, Jensen). Modes of convergence, weak and strong laws of large numbers, central limit theorems (i.i.d. case).	Introduction to Probability and Statistics: Principles and Applications for Engineering and the Computing Sciences by J. Susan Milton. Schaum’s Outline of Probability and Statistics by Murray R Spiegel, John J. Schiller, R. Alu Srinivasan
Optimization	Modeling with linear programming, general L.P. solution, The simplex method, duality and post optimal analysis, transportation model and its variants, goal programming and integer linear programming, non linear programming algorithms	Operations Research: An Introduction by Hamdy A Taha 8/E, Prentice Hall India/Pearson Education.
Operations Research	Queuing systems: Poisson queuing systems, Reliability: reliability and hazard rate function of series and parallel systems, inventory systems: single item inventory models, simulation and game theory, network models and deterministic dynamic programming	Operations Research: An Introduction by Hamdy A Taha
Advanced Calculus	Functions of several variables, directional derivative, partial derivative, and derivative as a linear transformation, inverse and implicit function theorems.	Thomas’s Calculus (11th Edition) by George B. Thomas, Maurice D. Weir, Joel Hass and Frank R. Giordano, Pearson Publication.

Syllabus for Physics

Subject	Content	Reference Books
Modern Physics	Special Theory of Relativity, Particle in One dimensional Potential, Particle in One-dimensional Potential, Many Electrons Atoms, Physics of Molecules, Nuclear Transformations etc	R. Eisberg & R. Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules & Solids, WSE, 2nd ed., 1985 Arthur Beiser, Concepts of Modern Physics, Tata McGraw-Hill, 6th ed., 2005
Thermodynamics & Properties of Matter	Thermometry, Thermal Expansion, Law of Thermodynamics, Heat Engines and Entropy, Kinetic Theory, Phase Transformations, General Properties of Matter	Zemansky & Dittman, Heat & Thermodynamics, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill, 1981
Classical Mechanics	Constraints, Generalized Coordinates, De Alembert’s principle, Rigid Body Kinematics, Rigid Body Dynamics, Hamilton’s Equations of Motion etc	H Goldstein, Classical Mechanics, Pearson Education, 3rd ed., 2002
Electromagnetic Theory	Electrostatics in Free Space, Electrostatics in Matter, Magnetostatics in Free Space, Magnetostatics in Matter, Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, Maxwell’s Equations, Conservation Laws, Electromagnetic Waves, Electromagnetic Potentials, Fields and Radiations	D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, Pearson Education, 3rd ed., 1999
Quantum Mechanics	Schrodinger Equation, Eigenvalues, Eigenfunctions, Eigenfunction Expansion, Dirac Notation, Operator Methods, Harmonic Oscillator, Angular Momentum, Central Force Problem, The Hydrogen Atom, Spin, Identical Particles, Time Independent Perturbation Theory	Richard L. Liboff, Introductory Quantum Mechanics, Pearson Education, 4th ed., 2003 Stephen Gisiorowicz, Quantum Physics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 3rd ed., 2003
Methods of Mathematical Physics	Vector Analysis, Curvilinear Coordinates, Matrices and Vector Spaces, Functions of Complex Variables, Ordinary Differential Equations, Sturm-Lioville Theory and Special Functions, Elements of Partial Differential Equations	Mathew Jon & R. Walker, Mathematical Methods of Physics, Pearson Education, 2nd ed., 1970 Arfken & Weber, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Academic Press, 6th ed., 2005
Statistical Physics	Elements of Probability Theory, Elementary Kinetic Theory, Quantum Statistics of Ideal Bose Gases, Quantum Statistics of Ideal Fermi Gases etc.	Pathria R K, Statistical Mechanics, Elsevier, 2nd ed., 1996
Solid State Physics	X-ray Diffraction and Crystal Structure, Lattice Dynamics, Free Electron Theory of Metal, Electron in Periodic potential, Energy Bands, Semiconductors, Superconductivity	Kittel C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, WSE, 7th ed., 1995
Optics & Spectroscopy	Geometrical Optics, Interference, Diffraction, Polarization, Crystal Optics & Lasers, Atomic & Molecular Spectroscopy	Ghatak, A K, Optics, Tata McGraw-Hill, 3rd ed., 2005 Banwell C N, Fundamentals of Molecular Spectroscopy, Tata McGraw-Hill, 4th ed.,1994
Nuclear & Particle Physics	Nuclear Properties and Nuclear Models, Fission & Fusion, The Quark Model, Elementary Particles, their Classification and Interactions, Particle Accelerators, Conservation Laws of Elementary Particles and Fundamental Interactions	Krane K, Introductory Nuclear Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 1st ed., 1988 Griffiths, D J, Introduction to Elementary Particles, WIE, 1st ed., 1987

Format

EXAM PATTERN

A. Candidates shortlisted for test in any of the following Departments. Candidates shortlisted for the department of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics will be required to write a test. The details of the tests are as follows:

The question paper will consist of 50-100 multiple-choice questions, all subject specific, covering the relevant syllabus for the candidate. The total duration of the test will be 2-3 hrs.

Negative Marking may be applicable, with a 25% deduction in marks of each incorrect answer. Candidates with M.Phil. / M.E. / M.Tech. or with National level fellowships like CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC NET-JRF etc. are exempted from writing the above test.

B. Candidates shortlisted for Test in any of the following Departments: Candidates shortlisted for the department of Humanities & Social Sciences/ Economics & Finance will have to write two tests. Test-I will be common to both disciplines and Test-II will be discipline specific. The details of the tests are as follows:

Test-I will comprise of the following components:

S.No.	Component	Number of Questions	Time (in minutes)
1	Reading Comprehension (2 Passages)	5 Questions for each passage (10 questions in total)	20
2	Logical Reasoning	10 questions	10
3	Analytical Reasoning	15 questions	15
4	General Awareness	15 questions	15

Test-II for candidates shortlisted in Humanities & Social Sciences will be discipline specific and subjective in nature.

Candidates with an M.Phil. degree or with fellowships like CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC NETJRF etc. are exempted from writing the above test.

C. All Candidates shortlisted for the Department of Management, Pilani campus, need to appear in a One-hour subjective test. The nature of the written test will be application-based in the areas of Business & Management to test basic management knowledge and research aptitude. Based on the test results, there may be shortlisting of candidates for Interview.

D. Candidates with a B.E./B.Pharm. or an equivalent degree, if shortlisted, will be required to appear for the written test.

The test for B.E./B.Pharm. will be conducted by the Departments concerned as per the applicants’ discipline and will be informed after shortlisting the applicants.

Based on the test results, there may be shortlisting of candidates for Interview.

Note:

All notices/shortlists will be put on the admission website https://admissions.bitspilani.ac.in/PhD/phd.html. Candidates are advised to check this website regularly. No written communication will be sent to the candidates.

EXAM PATTERN

The question paper will consist of 50-100 multiple-choice questions, all subject specific, covering the relevant syllabus for the candidate. The total duration of the test will be 2-3 hrs.

Test-I will comprise of the following components:

S.No.	Component	Number of Questions	Time (in minutes)
1	Reading Comprehension (2 Passages)	5 Questions for each passage (10 questions in total)	20
2	Logical Reasoning	10 questions	10
3	Analytical Reasoning	15 questions	15
4	General Awareness	15 questions	15

Test-II for candidates shortlisted in Humanities & Social Sciences will be discipline specific and subjective in nature.

Candidates with an M.Phil. degree or with fellowships like CSIR NET-JRF, DBT-JRF, UGC NETJRF etc. are exempted from writing the above test.

D. Candidates with a B.E./B.Pharm. or an equivalent degree, if shortlisted, will be required to appear for the written test.

The test for B.E./B.Pharm. will be conducted by the Departments concerned as per the applicants’ discipline and will be informed after shortlisting the applicants.

Based on the test results, there may be shortlisting of candidates for Interview.

Note:

Eligibility

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The candidates seeking admission to second semester of Ph.D courses through BITSAT have to fulfil the following eligibility criteria :-

1. M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. or an equivalent degree with aminimum of 60% aggregate in the qualifying examination

2. M.Sc./B.E./B.Pharm. or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate in the qualifying examination

3. For admissions to Humanities and Social Sciences, candidates with an M.A. degree and a minimum of 55% aggregate may apply.

4. For part-time applicants, a minimum of one year experience in the related field of study is required. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission into the PhD program.

5. In addition, Departments may set specific admission criteria for shortlisting. Candidates are advised to visit the departmental website for specific admission criteria.

6. Shortlisted candidates will have to appear for an admission test, which may comprise of a written exam and/or interview as recommended by the DRC (Department Research Committee).

7. Candidates admitted with qualifications equivalent to BITS First Degree programmes including M.Sc., B.E., B.Pharm. etc., will be required to do course work with minimum of 6 courses and minimum 24 units in the first and second semester after admission to the programme.

8. Candidates admitted with qualifications equivalent to BITS Higher Degree Programmes including M.E./M.Tech./M.Pharm./MBA/M.Phil. etc., will be required to do course work with minimum of 2 courses and minimum of 6 units in the first semester after admission to the programme.

9. The admission will be provisional and will be formalized after passing a qualifying exam and/or submissions of PhD Proposal by the Departmental Research Committee (DRC) of the relevant discipline.

Schedule

IMPORTANT DATES

The BITS Pilani PhD Admission 2026–27 application process typically starts in late February, and the application submission window remains open until April. Candidates who are shortlisted will need to visit their selected campus to appear for the written test and interview scheduled in mid-May. Applicants should carefully track the following important dates to stay informed about the PhD admission process.

Event	Dates
Admissions open for I Semester 2026-2027	26th February 2026
Last date for submission of application	29th April 2026
Declaration of shortlisted candidates for written test and interview	6 th May 2026
Written test and/or interview date (At the selected BITS Pilani Campus)	18th and 19th May 2026
Announcement of admission offers	28th May 2026
Last date for fee payment	10th June 2026
Reporting at the respective BITS Pilani campus selected for	25th July 2026
Orientation	27th and 28th July 2026
Course registration	1 st August 2026
Beginning of classwork	3 rd August 2026

Analysis

EXAM ANALYSIS

Here is a detailed exam analysis for the upcoming BITS Pilani PhD Entrance Exam 2026, based on the most recent admission cycle conducted by Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. This analysis covers the previous exam date, timing, pattern, difficulty level, selection process, and expectations for 2026.

BITS Pilani PhD Exam 2026 Analysis (Based on Previous Year)

When Was the Last BITS Pilani PhD Exam Conducted

In the most recent cycle, the BITS Pilani PhD admission test and interviews were conducted on 17 and 18 December 2025 for most departments. However, due to a clash with the national eligibility exam schedule, some departments such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics conducted the written test on 2 January 2026.

The PhD entrance test is conducted for admission into doctoral programs at the campuses of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani located in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.

For the next cycle (2026-27 intake), the written test and interviews are expected to be conducted on 18 and 19 May 2026 at selected BITS campuses.

Exact Date, Time, and Shift Details (Previous Exam)

The PhD entrance exam is generally conducted on campus in a single session per department, followed by interviews.

Typical schedule pattern:

Reporting Time
Around 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Written Test
Approximately 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Interview Rounds
Usually conducted on the same day or the following day.

Since candidates are divided department-wise, the university does not conduct multiple shifts like engineering entrance exams.

BITS Pilani PhD Exam Pattern

The PhD admission process consists of two stages:

Written Test (for candidates without NET/GATE/JRF qualification)

Departmental Interview

Candidates with UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE qualification may be exempted from the written test and called directly for interviews depending on departmental policies.

Written Test Format

Mode
Offline or computer-based test (varies by department)

Duration
About 2 hours

Question Type
MCQs or short analytical questions

Content
Mostly subject-specific questions based on the candidate’s postgraduate syllabus, along with basic research aptitude.

Subject Coverage

The written exam usually focuses on core postgraduate subjects related to the applicant’s discipline.

Examples:

Engineering disciplines
Questions from core engineering subjects such as control systems, signals, algorithms, thermodynamics, etc.

Science disciplines
Questions from advanced topics in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or biology.

Humanities and management
Questions based on research methodology, analytical reasoning, and subject knowledge.

Difficulty Level (Based on Previous Exam)

The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate to moderately difficult.

Subject-specific questions required strong conceptual understanding of postgraduate-level topics.

Many candidates reported that the exam tested conceptual clarity rather than very lengthy calculations.

The interview stage was considered equally important, as departments assess research aptitude and topic suitability.

Good Attempts in the Previous Exam

Since the written test contains subject-focused questions, the evaluation is more qualitative than quantitative.

Candidates who demonstrated strong conceptual answers and research orientation generally performed well.

Typically, candidates scoring around 60–70% in the written test and performing well in interviews have higher chances of admission.

Selection Process

The final PhD admission at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani usually involves:

Application screening

Written test (if applicable)

Departmental interview

Final merit list prepared by the admission committee.

Admission decisions are based on:

Written test performance

Interview evaluation

Academic background

Research proposal and alignment with faculty expertise.

Expected Timeline for BITS Pilani PhD 2026

Based on the latest official schedule:

Applications start
26 February 2026

Application deadline
29 April 2026

Shortlist announcement
6 May 2026

Written test and interview
18–19 May 2026

Admission offer release
28 May 2026.

What to Expect in BITS Pilani PhD 2026

The exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous cycles.

The written test will likely continue to focus on advanced subject knowledge and research aptitude.

Competition may increase because BITS Pilani PhD programs offer fellowships and research opportunities in multiple disciplines.

Candidates with strong academic records and research interests will have better chances of selection.

Key Preparation Strategy for BITS Pilani PhD 2026

Candidates should focus on:

Revising postgraduate core subjects thoroughly.

Understanding research methodology and analytical reasoning.

Preparing a clear research proposal or research interest statement.

Practicing technical interview questions in their discipline.

EXAM ANALYSIS

BITS Pilani PhD Exam 2026 Analysis (Based on Previous Year)

When Was the Last BITS Pilani PhD Exam Conducted

The PhD entrance test is conducted for admission into doctoral programs at the campuses of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani located in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.

For the next cycle (2026-27 intake), the written test and interviews are expected to be conducted on 18 and 19 May 2026 at selected BITS campuses.

Exact Date, Time, and Shift Details (Previous Exam)

The PhD entrance exam is generally conducted on campus in a single session per department, followed by interviews.

Typical schedule pattern:

Reporting Time
Around 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Written Test
Approximately 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Interview Rounds
Usually conducted on the same day or the following day.

Since candidates are divided department-wise, the university does not conduct multiple shifts like engineering entrance exams.

BITS Pilani PhD Exam Pattern

The PhD admission process consists of two stages:

Written Test (for candidates without NET/GATE/JRF qualification)

Departmental Interview

Candidates with UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE qualification may be exempted from the written test and called directly for interviews depending on departmental policies.

Written Test Format

Mode
Offline or computer-based test (varies by department)

Duration
About 2 hours

Question Type
MCQs or short analytical questions

Content
Mostly subject-specific questions based on the candidate’s postgraduate syllabus, along with basic research aptitude.

Subject Coverage

The written exam usually focuses on core postgraduate subjects related to the applicant’s discipline.

Examples:

Engineering disciplines
Questions from core engineering subjects such as control systems, signals, algorithms, thermodynamics, etc.

Science disciplines
Questions from advanced topics in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or biology.

Humanities and management
Questions based on research methodology, analytical reasoning, and subject knowledge.

Difficulty Level (Based on Previous Exam)

The overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate to moderately difficult.

Subject-specific questions required strong conceptual understanding of postgraduate-level topics.

Many candidates reported that the exam tested conceptual clarity rather than very lengthy calculations.

The interview stage was considered equally important, as departments assess research aptitude and topic suitability.

Good Attempts in the Previous Exam

Since the written test contains subject-focused questions, the evaluation is more qualitative than quantitative.

Candidates who demonstrated strong conceptual answers and research orientation generally performed well.

Typically, candidates scoring around 60–70% in the written test and performing well in interviews have higher chances of admission.

Selection Process

The final PhD admission at Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani usually involves:

Application screening

Written test (if applicable)

Departmental interview

Final merit list prepared by the admission committee.

Admission decisions are based on:

Written test performance

Interview evaluation

Academic background

Research proposal and alignment with faculty expertise.

Expected Timeline for BITS Pilani PhD 2026

Based on the latest official schedule:

Applications start
26 February 2026

Application deadline
29 April 2026

Shortlist announcement
6 May 2026

Written test and interview
18–19 May 2026

Admission offer release
28 May 2026.

What to Expect in BITS Pilani PhD 2026

The exam pattern is expected to remain similar to previous cycles.

The written test will likely continue to focus on advanced subject knowledge and research aptitude.

Competition may increase because BITS Pilani PhD programs offer fellowships and research opportunities in multiple disciplines.

Candidates with strong academic records and research interests will have better chances of selection.

Key Preparation Strategy for BITS Pilani PhD 2026

Candidates should focus on:

Revising postgraduate core subjects thoroughly.

Understanding research methodology and analytical reasoning.

Preparing a clear research proposal or research interest statement.

Practicing technical interview questions in their discipline.

Study Tips

STUDY TIPS

Based on the Ph.D. guidelines and operational procedures of BITS Pilani, the following are some important study and research tips to help you succeed in the program:

1- Focus on top priority topics from all the sections first.

2- Prepare notes yourself while learning.

3- Do not leave any topic in your preparation.

4- Be perfect with the concepts.

5- Taking Online Mock Tests will help you identify your level of preparation that how much you have prepared for the exam. It will also help you identify your weak areas.

7- Daily Revision is the key to success.

8- Doubts should be cleared not ignored.

STUDY PLANS

6 Month Study Plan

Start by thoroughly understanding the Ph.D. syllabus of your chosen department and identifying core and advanced topics.

Spend the first two months strengthening postgraduate-level fundamentals using standard textbooks and lecture notes.

In the third month, focus on advanced concepts and recent developments related to your research area.

Begin solving MCQs and previous test-style questions to build accuracy and speed.

Allocate time weekly to revise key formulas, concepts, and short notes.

During the fourth month, practice full-length mock tests and analyze weak areas.

In the fifth month, prepare a clear research proposal aligned with departmental interests at BITS Pilani.

Improve your understanding of research methodology and aptitude for the interview stage.

Use the final month for intensive revision, mock interviews, and refining your proposal.

3 Month Study Plan

Begin by carefully reviewing the department-wise Ph.D. syllabus and exam pattern.

Use the first month to revise core postgraduate concepts from standard reference books.

In the second month, focus on advanced topics and subject-specific problem-solving.

Practice MCQs and mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

Make concise revision notes for important formulas, theories, and definitions.

Start working on a clear and focused research proposal aligned with your discipline.

Strengthen your research aptitude and methodology knowledge for the interview stage.

In the final month, revise thoroughly and attempt full-length practice tests.

Prepare for the DRC interview by revising fundamentals and your research interests.

1 Month Study Plan

Go through the complete syllabus and exam pattern of your selected department.

Revise core postgraduate concepts and important topics daily.

Focus on high-weightage and frequently asked areas of your subject.

Practice MCQs and previous test-level questions to improve accuracy.

Take full-length mock tests every week and analyze mistakes carefully.

Prepare short revision notes for quick recall of formulas and key points.

Finalize and polish your research proposal as per departmental interests.

Revise research methodology and fundamentals for the interview.

Work on mock interviews, confidence, and clear explanation of concepts.