BITS Pilani conducts International Student Admissions every year. This admission process is known as ISA. It is meant for foreign national students. Through this route, students can apply for undergraduate engineering courses.
ISA 2026 follows a different selection process. Admission is mainly based on SAT scores. This is not the same as the BITSAT exam. BITSAT is conducted for Indian students. ISA uses SAT scores for evaluation instead. So international applicants must focus on SAT preparation.
This system helps BITS select students globally. It also makes the admission process clear and fair.
Important ISA 2026 Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
| ISA 2026 Registration Start | 1 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 6 April 2026 |
| Correction Window | 10-15 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit SAT Scores | 15 April 2026 |
| Admission Iteration I | 24 April 2026 |
| Iteration II | 7 May 2026 |
| Iteration III | 22 May 2026 |
| Registration for Vacant Seats | 3-19 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit SAT for Vacant Seats | 25 June 2026 |
| Final Iterations and Reporting | June – July 2026 |
Students can apply online for the Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses at bitsadmission.com. Multiple admission rounds make it simple for students to secure a seat based on their merit and seat availability.
ISA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a foreign national and should hold a non-Indian passport. Indian citizens are not eligible to apply.
- The candidate should have completed Class 12 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board and must have a good understanding of English.
- Physics and Mathematics or Biology must be studied as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a Technical/Vocational subject.
- The applicant must have scored at least 75% overall, with a minimum of 60% marks in each required subject.
- A minimum SAT score of 1160 out of 1600 is required, calculated from the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections.
- If the SAT score or Class 12 results are not available at the time of applying, they can be submitted later through the College Board by April 15, 2026.
BITSAT 2026 Exam Overview (For Indian and NRI students)
BITSAT is an entrance exam for Indian citizens and NRIs seeking admission to BITS campuses. It will be conducted in two sessions in 2026.
- Session 1: 26-30 May 2026
- Session 2: 22-26 June 2026
Registration will begin in January 2026 and continue until April 2026. The exam questions will be objective type and will cover Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning.
BITSAT 2026 Syllabus Highlights
- Physics: 18 chapters from NCERT books for classes 11 and 12 (e.g., Heat, Thermodynamics, Wave Optics)
- Chemistry: 14 chapters (e.g., Chemical Bonding, Atomic Structure, Biomolecules)
- Mathematics: 12 chapters (e.g., Circles, Complex Numbers, Continuity)
- English Proficiency and Logical Reasoning
Important Registration Points
- The application form will be available online from January 2026 on bitsadmission.com.
- A scanned photograph and signature must be uploaded.
- The application fee must be paid online.
- The exam center and session must be selected.
- A correction window will be available after submitting the form.
ISA vs BITSAT 2026: Key Differences
| Aspect | ISA 2026 | BITSAT 2026 |
| Target Candidates | International (foreign nationals) | Indian nationals & NRIs |
| Admission Basis | SAT scores & 12th marks | BITSAT entrance exam scores |
| Registration Start Date | 1 Dec 2025 | January 2026 |
| Registration End Date | 6 April 2026 | April 2026 |
| Exam Mode | No exam, based on SAT | Online computer-based test |
| Campuses | Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad | Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad |
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FAQs
1. What is BITS ISA 2026?
It is the admission process for international students at BITS campuses based on SAT scores.
2. How to apply for ISA 2026?
Apply online at bitsadmission.com between December 1, 2025 and April 6, 2026.
3. Is it mandatory for international students to take BITSAT?
No, international students need to submit their SAT scores; BITSAT is only for Indian citizens.
4. What is the minimum SAT score required?
A minimum of 1160 out of 1600 in the combined Reading, Writing and Mathematics sections.
5. When will BITSAT 2026 be held?
There will be two sessions: May 26-30 and June 22-26, 2026.
6. Can I make corrections to the ISA application form?
Yes, a correction window will be available between April 10-15, 2026.
7. What is the ISA registration fee?
The updated fee structure will be available on the registration portal.
8. Which campuses are included for admission?
Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses.
9. Which subjects are required in 12th grade for eligibility?
Physics and Mathematics/Biology are compulsory, along with Chemistry/Biotechnology.
10. What if my SAT or 12th grade marks are not available by the application deadline?
You can fill out the form and update your scores through the College Board by April 15, 2026.
Conclusion
BITS International Student Admission 2026 follows a fair and merit-based selection process that allows international students to apply for top engineering courses. To plan your admission properly, it is important to understand the required SAT scores and academic qualifications. Students are advised to register early and keep checking the official website, bitsadmission.com, for the latest updates. The ISA 2026 admission process is a great opportunity to begin your academic journey at reputed campuses like BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.


