BITS Pilani, BITSoM launch dual engineering-MBA degree, starts BE in pharmaceutical engineering

Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has announced two new courses for the 2026-27 academic year, reflecting the growing overlap between technology, management and life sciences. The institute will introduce a five-year inter-campus dual degree programme in partnership with BITS school of management, along with a new BE in pharmaceutical engineering.

The dual degree programme follows a 3+2 structure. Students will spend the first three years pursuing their B.E. at BITS Pilani campuses in Pilani, Goa or Hyderabad, and then move to BITSoM in Mumbai for a two-year full-time MBA. At the end of five years, they will graduate with both the degrees.

What sets this programme apart is the early exposure to management and industry. Students will get a chance to understand business perspectives and real-world challenges alongside their engineering studies, an official press release said. It also saves a year compared to the traditional route of completing a B.E. followed by an MBA.

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BITS Pilani, BITSoM dual degree

Admissions will be conducted through BITSAT under the direct mode, as well as through a vertical transfer option for students already studying at BITS Pilani. Those who maintain a minimum CGPA of 7.0 by the end of their second year can move to the MBA phase without appearing for exams like CAT, GRE or GMAT. However, students applying through vertical transfer will have to go through an additional selection process. The programme will also include interactions with BITSoM faculty and industry experts.

Alongside this, BITS Pilani is launching a B.E. in pharmaceutical engineering to meet the rising demand in the pharma and biotech sectors. The course is designed to combine core engineering knowledge with pharmaceutical sciences, covering areas such as drug formulation, bioprocess engineering, regulatory science and computational modelling.

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The programme will also focus on emerging technologies shaping the sector, including artificial intelligence and machine learning in drug discovery, biologics, gene therapies and modern manufacturing. Students will get exposure to tools like digital twins, AR and VR-based labs, IoT-enabled systems and healthcare data science. Opportunities for global internships, exchange programmes and startup incubation will also be part of the learning experience.

Speaking on the launch, V Ramgopal Rao, group vice chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “At BITS Pilani, we are committed to shaping academic pathways that anticipate the future and empower students to lead it. These new programmes reflect our vision of integrating deep technical education with emerging fields and management excellence, ensuring that our graduates are prepared not just for today’s opportunities but for the innovations that will define tomorrow.”