Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has started 2026 on a historic note. In a massive boost to women’s education in STEM, the institute announced a $1 million (approx. ₹8.3 Crore) donation from a distinguished alumnus. Meanwhile, the admission process for the academic year 2026-27 is in full swing, with the BITSAT application window currently open.
Here is a detailed report on this major funding news and essential updates for aspirants aiming for BITS campuses this year.
Historic $1 Million Donation for Girl Students
On January 7, 2026, BITS Pilani officially announced receiving a $1 million endowment from Mahesh Samdani, a US-based executive and alumnus from the 1986 batch. The fund is dedicated to supporting meritorious female students who face financial constraints.
Key Details of the Endowment:
- Name of Scholarship: Smt. Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment.
- Donor: Mahesh Samdani (Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase, New York) and his wife, Purva Ladha.
- Purpose: To provide “merit-cum-need” scholarships to female students.
- Start Date: The scholarships will be awarded annually starting from the academic year 2026–27.
Why This Matters This donation is part of BITS Pilani’s ambitious goal to build a $100 million endowment fund. Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao stated that such contributions are vital for an institute that does not rely on government funding. For students, this means more financial aid options, specifically for women pursuing engineering and science degrees, helping to bridge the gender gap in technical fields.
Mahesh Samdani, who studied Computer Science at the Pilani campus, expressed that his family believes “educating one student uplifts an entire family.”
BITSAT 2026: Important Updates for Aspirants
While the campus celebrates this new funding, thousands of Class 12 students are preparing for the BITSAT 2026 entrance exam. The institute has released the official schedule for admission to its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses.
Current Status: The online application process is ongoing. Students can register for Session 1 or both sessions.
Critical Dates to Remember:
- Registration Start Date: December 15, 2025
- Last Date to Apply (Session 1): March 16, 2026
- Form Correction Window: March 18–20, 2026
- Exam Date (Session 1): April 15–17, 2026
- Exam Date (Session 2): May 24–26, 2026
How to Apply: Interested candidates must visit the official admission portal (admissions.bits-pilani.ac.in). It is highly recommended to apply well before the March deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.
Other Campus Developments
- Research Push: The institute is gearing up for the “International Conference on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (BDA 2026),” scheduled for later this year at the Goa Campus. This highlights the institute’s continued focus on AI and future tech.
- Global Rankings: With new funding and research initiatives, BITS Pilani aims to break into higher brackets of global university rankings (QS and THE) in 2026.
What Happens Next?
For the scholarship, the institute will release specific eligibility criteria and application forms for current and incoming female students by mid-2026. For BITSAT aspirants, the immediate next step is to complete the registration and prepare for the slot booking process in April.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible for the new Mahesh Samdani Scholarship at BITS?
The scholarship is for female students who show strong academic merit but have financial needs. It will begin in the 2026-27 academic session.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for BITSAT 2026?
The deadline to submit the application form for Session 1 (or both sessions) is March 16, 2026.
Q3. Can I apply for BITSAT Session 2 if I miss Session 1?
Yes. A separate application window for Session 2 will open from April 20 to May 2, 2026. However, it is better to apply for both now to keep your options open.
Q4. Is BITS Pilani a government college?
No, BITS Pilani is a private “Deemed to be University.” However, it is recognized as an “Institute of Eminence” by the Government of India.
Q5. How do I correct mistakes in my BITSAT application form?
The institute will open a correction window from March 18 to March 20, 2026, where you can edit specific details in your form.