BITS Pilani Hyderabad- A very good and memorable experience

The first-year curriculum is the same for all students studying engineering and 5-year science courses. There are three groups - Group 1 and Group 2 for engineering and sciences, and Group 3 for pharmacy. Group 1 and Group 2 have the same courses but they are taught alternately in the first year. For example, the first-semester courses for Group 1 are the second-semester courses for Group 2. The courses are designed to provide training to every branch of engineering and science in their respective and useful aspects in the real world. However, the textbooks should be changed more frequently and drastically to improve the curriculum. The exams are well-planned and challenging, consisting of two to four quizzes/assignments, a mid-semester, and an end-semester comprehensive exam. These exams are hard but reasonable, and they aim to train the students effectively.

BITS Pilani Hyderabad provides various internship opportunities through different channels. These include the Practice School Program which is a mandatory program that enables students to intern with companies in their preferred field during the 7th semester. The specific companies and projects offered may vary each year. Additionally, some departments also offer internships with research professors or industry partners. Interested students can find relevant details through the respective departments. External internships are also an option, and students can pursue them with companies of their choice. BITS Pilani Hyderabad provides support to students in securing permissions and approvals for these internships. It is worth noting that the main research project at BITS Pilani Hyderabad is called SPARKLE, and it focuses on developing solutions for real-world problems.

BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus has a remarkable placement record with over 90% of students securing placements through campus recruitment. More than 250 companies from diverse sectors such as IT, Consulting and Finance visit the campus every year, making it an excellent opportunity for students to explore their career options. While the packages offered may vary based on the company and profile, they are considered quite competitive on average. Students become eligible for placements from the 7th semester onwards as part of the Practice School program. After graduation, students have various options to choose from, such as pursuing higher studies, entrepreneurship, research, or jobs (through campus placements or off-campus).

The fee structure at our institution consists of tuition fees, hostel and mess fees, and an additional dynamic mess fee for canteen, electricity, and water fees. Additionally, there are optional fees for activities like gym and swimming. The financial aid offered is good and well-planned. It can be provided based on several factors, such as your parents' income, which can range from 25 to 80 percent for need or merit cum need-based aid. Your BITSAT score can also be considered for merit or merit cum need-based aid ranging from 40 to 100 percent. Moreover, students have the option to apply as teaching assistants and can earn up to 20000 per semester. Furthermore, the stipends for research programs are also generous. Your GPA of that semester can also be considered for merit or merit cum need-based aid ranging from 40 to 100 percent.

The Students Union (SU), elected by the students, manages all clubs, fests, and activities in the university. There are over 50 technical and cultural clubs that cater to diverse interests and organize events throughout the year, creating a platform for interaction and fostering a spirit of camaraderie. The university hosts three fests, including ATMOS in November, which is a technical fest, Arena in February, which is a sports fest, and Pearl in March, which is the biggest cultural fest. The well-equipped library provides a wide range of books, journals, and digital resources to support academics and research. Students also have access to online databases and subscription services. The classrooms are well-furnished, air-conditioned, and equipped with technology-enabled features like projectors and high-speed internet. The campus boasts excellent sports facilities and grounds/centres for various sports and activities. The Student Union impacts students in every possible positive way.

The hostel rooms are equipped with a bed, a cupboard, a tube-light, a table, and a chair for each student. Additionally, there is a fan for the room, and everything is maintained neatly. The hostels have a play area in the middle, which mostly comprises badminton courts, to promote physical activity among students. The mess menu caters to a variety of cuisines in the country, and some general foreign dishes that are popular among everyone. The food is delicious and does not have any adverse effects on students' health. The hostel and mess fees add up to nearly 50000 per semester, which is reasonable and affordable for most students considering the quality of services. However, the college is located far from the city, making it difficult to find accommodation outside the campus. But there are hostels available for PG students, and quarters can be allocated to them if required.

I had a smooth and speedy admission process. I appeared for the BITSAT Test and managed to score 290 out of a maximum score of 390. I opted for BE CSE and the cutoff for the Computer Science and Engineering Branch was 280. The volunteers provided me with the application form that included all the necessary details, including the division of fees. They didn't allow the parents to accompany the students during the admission process, which encouraged us to take charge of our own admission. The BITSAT exam had two sessions, which were quite challenging and well-spaced apart. Overall, I don't think any improvements were needed in the admission process.