The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani is renowned for its rigorous admission process, primarily through the highly competitive BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) or direct admission for board toppers. However, a lesser-known and rarely discussed pathway exists that allows certain students—often children of BITS Pilani faculty or their relatives—to gain admission without appearing for BITSAT. This practice, observed by some alumni, raises questions about fairness, academic performance, and the integrity of the admission process. Drawing from personal anecdotes and available information, this article explores this unique admission route, its implications, and the rumors surrounding it.
The Faculty Children Admission Route: How It Works
During my time at BITS Pilani around 2016, I noticed a group of students who were admitted to MSc programs, particularly MSc General Studies, without having taken the BITSAT. These students were often children of BITS faculty or, in some cases, distant relatives. Unlike the standard admission criteria, which require a minimum of 75% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology in Class 12, along with a competitive BITSAT score, these students seemed to bypass the entrance exam entirely. For instance, I recall a conversation with a day scholar who revealed he secured admission with just over 80% in Class 12 and had not appeared for BITSAT. This contradicts the conventional wisdom that BITS admissions are strictly merit-based, relying on BITSAT or board topper status.
The MSc programs, including a specialized MSc General Studies, appear to be the primary avenue for these admissions. Unlike the dual-degree programs (B.E. + MSc), which typically take five years, these standalone MSc courses are completed in four years. The MSc General Studies program, in particular, seems tailored for this group, as it is not commonly offered to regular BITSAT-qualified students. While most of these students are day scholars, some opt to stay in hostels, enjoying the same campus facilities as their peers.
Academic Performance and Campus Integration
Anecdotally, students admitted through this route often struggle academically. Many of them reportedly score low grades, frequently earning Ds, Es, or even NCs (Not Cleared) in courses. Their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) typically hovers around 4 or 5 on a 10-point scale, significantly lower than the average for BITS students, who often aim for CGPAs above 7 to secure good placements or internships. Despite their academic challenges, these students are treated on par with regular students for key opportunities like Practice School 1 (PS1) and Practice School 2 (PS2), which are integral to BITS’ internship and placement ecosystem. This equal treatment, despite lower academic performance, can spark resentment among peers who earned their admission through rigorous competition.
The academic struggles of these students may stem from the less stringent admission criteria. While regular BITSAT candidates need a strong Class 12 performance and a high entrance exam score, faculty children or relatives appear to face a lower bar, with Class 12 scores as modest as 80% deemed sufficient. This discrepancy raises questions about whether these students are adequately prepared for BITS’ demanding curriculum, which is designed for high-achieving candidates.
Day Scholars vs. Hostel Life
Most students admitted through this faculty-linked pathway are day scholars, likely due to their familial ties to the campus. Living off-campus, they may miss out on the full BITS experience, which includes vibrant hostel life, extracurricular activities, and fests. However, those who choose to stay in hostels integrate more fully into campus culture, participating in clubs, events, and academic activities alongside regular students. This flexibility suggests that the institute accommodates these students’ preferences, further highlighting the special treatment they receive.
Rumors of Bribery and Ethical Concerns
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this admission pathway is the rumor that some faculty members charge money to secure admission for distant relatives or non-faculty-connected students. While these claims remain unverified, they cast a shadow over the integrity of the process. The idea that admission to a prestigious institution like BITS could be influenced by financial transactions undermines the institute’s reputation for meritocracy. If true, such practices would disproportionately benefit those with connections or financial means, sidelining deserving candidates who lack access to such networks.
The notion that some admitted students are not direct children of faculty but distant relatives adds to the opacity of the process. Without transparent guidelines or official documentation, it’s unclear how these students qualify for admission. The lack of clarity fuels speculation and distrust among students and alumni, who perceive this as a “backdoor” entry that contradicts BITS’ commitment to fairness.
Official Stance and Lack of Transparency
BITS Pilani’s official admission policy, as outlined on its website, emphasizes BITSAT and board topper schemes as the primary routes for undergraduate admissions. There is no public mention of a special provision for faculty children or relatives. This absence of transparency makes it difficult to verify the extent of this practice or its official sanction. The MSc General Studies program, while listed among BITS’ offerings, is not prominently advertised, and its exclusivity to this group remains an open question.
The institute’s silence on this matter contrasts with its detailed documentation of other admission processes. For example, BITS explicitly states that candidates with less than 75% in PCM/PCB or those who passed Class 12 before 2023 are ineligible for BITSAT-based admission. Yet, no such criteria are outlined for faculty-linked admissions, leaving room for speculation about the rules governing this pathway.
Implications for BITS’ Meritocratic Ethos
The admission of faculty children without BITSAT challenges BITS Pilani’s reputation as a merit-driven institution. While it’s understandable that faculty might seek educational opportunities for their children, bypassing a competitive entrance exam risks diluting the institute’s academic standards. The low CGPAs of these students suggest that the current system may not adequately prepare them for success, potentially harming their own prospects and the institute’s overall academic environment.
Moreover, the equal treatment of these students in placements and internships, despite their academic struggles, can create perceptions of unfairness among peers. Regular students, who endure intense competition to secure admission and maintain high grades, may feel shortchanged when opportunities are allocated without regard to academic merit.
Conclusion
The admission of faculty children and relatives to BITS Pilani without BITSAT is a practice that, while limited in scope, raises significant questions about fairness and transparency. Observed by students like myself during our time at BITS, this pathway appears to favor a select group, often at the expense of academic rigor and institutional integrity. While these students are integrated into campus life and opportunities, their academic struggles and the rumors of unethical practices cast a shadow over the process. For BITS Pilani to uphold its meritocratic ethos, greater clarity and accountability are needed. Until then, this hidden admission route will remain a point of contention among students and alumni who value the institute’s commitment to excellence.
