BITS Pilani

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is a private deemed university in Pilani, Rajasthan, India. It focuses primarily on higher education and research in engineering and sciences. BITS Pilani was one of the first six institutes in India to be declared Institution of Eminence. According to 2012 data, BITS Pilani has an acceptance rate (on-campus) of 1.47%, making it one of the most exclusive technical universities in the world. The institute was established in its present form in 1964. During this period, the institute's transformation from a regional engineering college to a national university was backed by G.D. Birla. The university has expanded its campuses from Pilani to Dubai, Goa, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Following the establishment of its Dubai campus in 2000, BITS Pilani became the first Indian institute to establish an international campus. It currently comprises five campuses and fifteen academic departments, with a focus on research in science and engineering and an industry-oriented pedagogy to higher education. Backed by the Aditya Birla Group, the institute secures extramural research funds from industries and various government agencies. Admissions to on-campus programs are solely merit-based and assessed by the entrance examinations conducted by BITS. It is one of the few institutions in India that do not have any reservation policies in their admission criteria.