Hey everyone! I’ve been getting a lot of messages lately asking about BITSAT preparation.

Here’s a breakdown of my approach and some key tips.

1. Test Series: Practice is Key

When preparing for BITSAT, mock tests are your best friend. You must develop speed and accuracy, which comes only through practice. Here are some of the best test series for BITSAT:

  • MathonGo
  • Allen
  • Embibe

Make sure to take as many mock tests as possible. It's crucial to analyze your performance after each test. Identifying and working on weak areas will be key to improving.

2. Books: Same as JEE with a Twist

For BITSAT, the syllabus is very similar to JEE Mains, especially in Physics, Chemistry, and Math. But the English and Logical Reasoning (E&LR) sections make BITSAT unique. Here’s a breakdown of the best resources:

  • PCM Books: Stick to your JEE Advanced books for PCM. If you're already preparing for JEE, you don’t need anything extra.
  • Disha Publication for E&LR: This is a great resource to sharpen your logical reasoning and English skills.
  • Wren & Martin - Grammar: Use this only if you struggle with English grammar. It’s more comprehensive than needed for BITSAT.
  • Arihant’s BITSAT Guide or Cengage: These books are BITSAT-specific and contain past year papers and mock tests.

Don’t go overboard with too many books—stick to the tried-and-tested ones and focus on problem-solving.

3. Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

Studying Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is crucial for understanding the exam pattern. Aim for:

  • 7 to 10 years of BITSAT papers.
  • NEET PYQs for Physics as they are similar in level and help with speed.
  • NTSE old papers for Logical Reasoning practice. They have plenty of relevant questions.

Disha has year-wise and chapter-wise BITSAT PYQ books, which are decent for practice.

4. Exam Strategy: Time Management is Critical

BITSAT is known for its time crunch, so you need a solid exam strategy. Here’s what worked for me:

  • Start with Your Strongest Subject: Start with English, followed by LR, Math, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Golden Hour Rule: The first hour is critical. Try to solve the maximum number of questions during this time while your focus is sharp.
  • Don’t Spend Too Long on One Question: Most questions can be solved in under 2 minutes. If you're stuck, move on.
  • Unlock Bonus Questions: Once you’ve attempted around 120-125 questions and have 15+ minutes remaining, aim to unlock the bonus questions. But only do this if you're confident—you don’t want to accumulate negative marks.
  • Be Cautious with Negative Marking: BITSAT penalizes wrong answers more heavily than JEE, so avoid guessing just to unlock bonus questions.

5. Focus on Speed and Accuracy

BITSAT is more about how quickly and accurately you can recall information. This isn’t the time to derive every formula—rote learning major formulas, theorems, and corollaries will save time. Here are some additional tips:

  • Formula Revision: Keep a handy formula sheet and revise regularly.
  • Mental Math: Practice quick calculation tricks as they’ll help you during the exam.

6. Avoid Clickbait YouTube Videos

You’ll come across plenty of YouTube videos with titles like “How to get 300+ in BITSAT in 7 days!” Please avoid these. There are no shortcuts—success comes from hard work and consistent practice. If you feel you need extra help, only opt for paid crash courses from reputed coaching centers after you’ve already prepared thoroughly.

7. Consider the ROI of BITS

BITS is a fantastic institution, but it’s also one of the most expensive in India. So, think carefully about the return on investment (ROI), especially for non-CSE branches. If you're targeting branches like CSE, Economics, or EE, go ahead and aim for them. But for others, evaluate if the cost is worth it in the long run.

8. Final Words: Focus on JEE First

A key piece of advice: don’t start stressing about BITSAT too early. Focus on JEE Mains and Advanced first, as these exams cover most of the BITSAT syllabus. Once you’re about 2-3 months away from BITSAT, shift your focus and start giving more BITSAT-specific mocks.

Conclusion

BITSAT isn’t a difficult exam if you’ve prepared well for JEE. Practice, time management, and revision are the key ingredients for success. Stay focused, avoid distractions, and you’ll do great.

Good luck to all the BITSAT aspirants out there!