The English Press Club interviewed Prof. Sachin Belgamwar—Associate Dean and Prof. Ajit Pratap Singh–Dean Academic-Undergraduate Studies Division to understand the admissions process for the Integrated First-Degree Programmes for the batch of 2022.

Prof. Belgamwar mentioned that BITSAT 2022 was held in two sessions, unlike the past editions. Only students registered for the first session of the examination were allowed to enrol for the second one. The professor claimed that such a decision was taken to allow the students another chance to improve their scores. This year, the paper pattern of BITSAT was slightly different from what it had been in the past. The paper was conducted with 130 questions, unlike the traditional 150 questions, with a total of 390 marks (+60 marks for bonus questions). The total number of questions in the Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English sections were reduced. However, the number of questions in the Logical Reasoning section were increased. The marking scheme for the examination this year remained the same. The candidates were required to have at least 75% aggregate marks and have scored an individual score of 60% in all the required subjects in their class XII examination in order to be eligible for BITSAT. 

Prof. Belgamwar acknowledged that there were some scheduling issues for the 2021 batch due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. Consequently, there were multiple iterations along with two spot rounds. This led to the formation of two separate academic calendars in the first year, namely, the New Academic Calendar (NAC) and the Old Academic Calendar (OAC), leading to inevitable confusion. The professor stated that there will be no spot round for this year’s BITSAT counselling unless absolutely necessary, and hence, no separate academic calendars for the new batch.

The professor explained that, unlike last year, the BITS counselling will advance parallel to the JoSAA counselling for various IITs, NITs, IIITs, and Government Funded Technical Institutes (GFTIs) to prevent unnecessary iterations. Similar to the pre-pandemic period, the counselling process is expected to have six to seven iterations. Prof. Belgamwar remarked that the result of the first iteration is expected on September 12, 2022. He stated that if the situation remains such, the freshers’ classes are expected to be conducted offline, and they are to join tentatively on October 16, 2022.

Prof. Belgamwar remarked that the student turnout for this year’s BITSAT was 93–94% as compared to last year’s 85–86%. He stated that since the COVID-19 cases are relatively under control, the strict norms regarding travelling have been relaxed and students are now able to appear for examinations in better conditions. The professor also stated that they are taking all precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. The labs in which the examinations are conducted are sanitised both, before and after the shifts. The temperature of each student is checked and they are allowed to enter only if appropriate. The Dean concluded the interview by stating that there will be an increment in the seats for undergraduate programmes in each of the three campuses of Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.