BITSAT cheat sheet

BITSAT is a computer-based online test of 3 hours (180 minutes) with 130 multiple-choice questions; the paper has four parts: Part I Physics (30 questions), Part II Chemistry (30), Part III Mathematics/Biology (40), Part IV English Proficiency (15) and Logical Reasoning (10).

Marking scheme: +3 for each correct answer, −1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted; maximum raw score = 130 × 3 = 390.

Candidates choosing the Biology option answer 40 Biology questions in place of Mathematics; the Biology option is intended for B.Pharm. applicants and is not accepted for B.E. programmes requiring Mathematics.

Section order in the test is fixed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, English Proficiency, then Logical Reasoning; each section must be answered within the overall 3-hour limit, with navigation between sections allowed only in the permitted direction.

The exam is conducted in English only; there is no negative marking relief for any section, so expected-value reasoning (attempt only if probability correct > 1/4) governs guessing.

Syllabus for Physics and Chemistry follows the NCERT Class 11–12 core syllabus; Mathematics covers algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors, 3-D geometry, probability and statistics.

English Proficiency tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms/antonyms and sentence completion; Logical Reasoning tests verbal and non-verbal reasoning, series, analogies, syllogisms and figure-based puzzles.

BITSAT is conducted in multiple sessions; scores are normalised and a merit list is prepared, with admission to B.E., M.Sc. and B.Pharm. programmes at BITS Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses.

Eligibility requires Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) for B.E./M.Sc. programmes with a minimum aggregate of 75% in PCM and 60% individually; Biology-option candidates need Physics, Chemistry and Biology for B.Pharm.

Kinematics: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as; for projectile motion, range R = u²sin2θ/g and maximum height H = u²sin²θ/(2g).

Rotational motion: torque τ = Iα, angular momentum L = Iω, moment of inertia of a solid sphere about a diameter = (2/5)MR², of a thin rod about its centre = (1/12)ML².

Thermodynamics: ΔU = Q − W; for an ideal gas, Cp − Cv = R and γ = Cp/Cv; efficiency of a Carnot engine = 1 − T_cold/T_hot (temperatures in kelvin).

Electrostatics: Coulomb force F = kq₁q₂/r² with k = 9 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²; electric field of a point charge E = kq/r²; capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor C = ε₀A/d.

Optics: lens/mirror formula 1/f = 1/v − 1/u (sign convention) and magnification m = v/u; for a thin prism, deviation δ = (n − 1)A.

Chemistry: pH = −log[H⁺]; for a weak acid, [H⁺] = √(Ka·C); ideal gas equation PV = nRT with R = 8.314 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹; molarity = moles of solute / volume of solution in litres.

Organic decision rule: Markovnikov addition places H on the carbon with more hydrogens; anti-Markovnikov occurs with HBr in the presence of peroxides (free-radical mechanism).

Mathematics: quadratic roots sum = −b/a and product = c/a; derivative of sin x is cos x; ∫ dx/x = ln|x| + C; distance of point (x₁,y₁) from line ax + by + c = 0 is |ax₁ + by₁ + c|/√(a² + b²).

Logical reasoning rule: in syllogisms, a conclusion follows only if it is true in every possible Venn diagram consistent with the premises; a single counterexample diagram invalidates the conclusion.