BITS Pilani is planning to implement a mandatory attendance policy for incoming students, going against the freedom and independence this institute has always stood for. We urge the administration to reject this policy and preserve the no attendance culture that defines the BITSian identity.

What’s Happening?

The BITS Pilani administration is pushing to implement a mandatory 50% attendance requirement for the incoming 2025 batch, with an NC (No Credit) grade for those who fall short. This is a sharp shift from BITS’ long-standing no-attendance policy a key reason many of us chose this institution in the first place.

A Senate deadline has been issued  if not opposed by 5 PM today, the changes will be passed.

 Why This Must Be Stopped:

1. A Broken Promise

Students were admitted under the impression that BITS Pilani respects freedom and self-responsibility. Suddenly enforcing mandatory attendance betrays that understanding. It changes the terms after students have already committed their future to BITS.

2. Today One Batch, Tomorrow Everyone

The policy targets the 2025 batch for now. But once implemented, nothing stops it from spreading to all batches, setting a dangerous precedent that makes future rollbacks nearly impossible.

3. An Attack on the BITSian Spirit

BITSians aren’t just classroom-bound learners. We:

Intern with top firms

Launch startups

Win international hackathons

Lead clubs and organize national-level fests

All of this is possible because of the freedom BITS gives us. Mandatory attendance policies risk killing this culture of trust, growth, and independence.

4. Rigid Rules Don’t Equal Better Learning

Attendance doesn’t equal engagement. Students may show up physically and remain disconnected mentally. BITS has always believed in learning by choice, not by force and that belief is what makes it exceptional.

We Demand:

• Immediate rejection of the proposed 50% attendance requirement and NC policy
• Preservation of the no-attendance policy as a core BITSian value
• Transparent and inclusive consultation with students before any such drastic reforms

 Act Before It’s Too Late

This isn’t just about one batch. It’s about preserving the identity of BITS Pilani for current students, for future batches, and for generations of BITSians to come.

We have until 5 PM today to show the strength of our voice.

SIGN THIS PETITION AND SHARE IT WIDELY.

Let the administration know that we were promised freedom and we will fight to keep it.

BITS Pilani is one of India’s few institutions that trusts students to be responsible, free, and self-driven. Let’s not lose that to an avoidable reform.

#SaveBITSFreedom

#NoToMandatoryAttendance

#BITSianCultureMatters