The Campus Connect

BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus | August 2026 | Edition XX

From the Alumni Relations Division Desk

Warm greetings from the Alumni Relations Division (ARD) and the Student Alumni Relations Cell (SARC) of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus! We are delighted to present the August 2026 edition of Campus Connect, capturing a milestone-filled month defined by global community celebrations, academic excellence, cutting-edge technical dialogues, and vibrant student-led initiatives.

This August was marked by memorable occasions that celebrated our rich legacy and bright future. Globally, BITSAA marked 25 glorious years of connecting BITSians across continents, featuring worldwide reunions, the inaugural BITSAA Excellence Awards, and the launch of the BITSAA Junior platform. On campus, we celebrated the Convocation of the Class of 2026, conferring degrees upon 1,109 graduates in the presence of Chief Guest and MapmyIndia Co-Founder Mr. Rakesh Verma and Mrs. Rashmi Verma. The spirit of unity continued on BITSians’ Day with the traditional B-Dome group photograph, leadership interactions, and an engaging BITS Trivia Quiz. In research, the QSTP Talks series welcomed Prof. Xuedong Hu of the University at Buffalo for an illuminating session on quantum information science and next-generation computing.

Our students continued to excel across competitive and creative arenas. At the IICPC Global QuantFest 2026, 11 students from BITS Goa advanced to the Regional Round among 11,000+ competitors, while student music band Aagaz clinched 3rd Place at the prestigious Slipdisc Battle of the Bands. Campus life thrived with FitSoc’s 5km National Sports Day run, the rollout of CTE’s interdisciplinary flagship courses, the Department of EEE’s industry-academia partnership with QNX RTOS and Pi Square Technologies, and SARC’s BITS2MS guidance session for aspiring graduate scholars—complemented by a nostalgic retrospective in our Walk Down Memory Lane gallery.

The achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni reflect the enduring ethos of innovation, curiosity, and mutual support that defines BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus. As we move ahead into the semester, the energy and camaraderie of August inspire us to scale even greater heights.

Inside This Edition

Alumni Updates

Student Achievements

Alumni Updates

BITSAA Celebrates 25 Years

From 7th to 9th August, BITSAA celebrated 25 years of connecting BITSians across generations and continents, with reunions bringing the global community together in cities around the world.

The celebrations also featured the first-ever BITSAA Excellence Awards and the launch of the BITSAA Junior website, marking new milestones for the community. A celebration of connection, community, and giving back, BITSAA continues to build a legacy that grows stronger with every generation of BITSians.

Institute Updates

BITSians’ Day 2026: Honouring the BITSian Spirit

BITSians’ Day 2026 was celebrated at BITS Goa with students, faculty, staff and alumni coming together to honour the spirit of the BITSian community.

The celebrations began with the traditional group photograph at the B-Dome, followed by an engaging interaction with distinguished alumnus Mr. Rakesh Verma and Mrs. Rashmi Verma, founders of MapmyIndia. The day concluded with a lively BITS Trivia Quiz celebrating BITS’ memories, legacy and community.

BITS Goa Convocation: Celebrating the Class of 2026

BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus celebrated its Convocation 2026, marking the graduation of 1,109 students across undergraduate, higher degree and doctoral programmes.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest and BITSian alumnus Mr. Rakesh Verma, Co-Founder & CMD of MapmyIndia, alongside senior institute leadership. The occasion also recognised outstanding academic achievements through medals and awards, celebrating excellence across programmes.

QSTP Talks: An Evening with Prof. Xuedong Hu

BITS Pilani hosted Prof. Xuedong Hu of the University at Buffalo as part of the QSTP Talks series on 16 August 2026.

A leading researcher in quantum information science, Prof. Hu shared insights into the evolving landscape of quantum computing, his research journey, and the open questions shaping the field. The session offered students an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge developments in next-generation computing.

Student Achievements

BITS Goa Leads the Way at QuantFest 2026

BITS Goa students delivered an outstanding performance at the IICPC Global QuantFest 2026, one of the largest quantitative aptitude and problem solving competitions in the region. With over 11,000 participants from premier institutes across India and the Asia Pacific, 11 students from BITS Goa qualified for the Regional Round, placing the campus among the highest represented institutions in the competition.

This achievement not only highlights the talent and dedication of the qualifying students but also underscores the vibrant culture of competitive programming and quantitative learning at BITS Goa.

Aagaz Secures Third Place at Slipdisc Battle of the Bands

The music scene at BITS Goa struck a high note this month as Aagaz, the institute's student band, secured 3rd Place at the prestigious Slipdisc Battle of the Bands. Known as one of Goa's most iconic live music competitions, the event has long served as a platform for emerging talent and passionate musicians from across the region.

Competing against talented bands and performers, Aagaz impressed audiences and judges alike with their energy, stage presence and musical excellence. Their achievement is a testament to the countless hours of practice, creativity and teamwork that goes into every performance.

Student Activities

BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus Commemorates National Sports Day

FitSoc, the running club of BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, organised a 5-kilometre run on 29th August in the spirit of National Sports Day. The route of the marathon was within the college campus, with the iconic B-Dome as the designated starting point.

All categories of runners were encouraged to participate and bond with fellow fitness enthusiasts, and the top three performers in each were awarded prizes to recognize their remarkable achievement.

Learning Beyond Classrooms: Center for Technical Education Launches Their Flagship Courses

The Center for Technical Education of BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa campus, opened registrations for their first semester courses on the 21st of August. Their classes are conducted in collaboration with the different technical clubs present on campus.

A wide variety of these domains includes investing, consulting, programming, game development and other fascinating topics. These courses are designed to pique interest and encourage learning from a basic level, giving students the opportunity to explore their interests outside the classroom and diversify their skill set.

Bridging Industry and Academia: BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus Collaborates with QNX RTOS

On 11th August 2026, the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering hosted a QNX-RTOS Industry-Academia Collaboration, bringing together students and industry leaders from QNX and Pi Square Technologies.

The session featured distinguished speakers including Rajkumar Jain, Vice President - IoT Engineering and Site Manager at QNX, and Dasharatha M., Program Director, QNX Everywhere and General Manager - iSET at Pi Square Technologies. The collaboration offered students valuable insights into Real-Time Operating Systems and embedded technologies, highlighting their applications across automotive, IoT and industrial domains.

BITS2MS: Exploring The World Ahead

The Student Alumni Relations Cell of BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus hosted BITS2MS, the latest edition of its BITS2 talk series.

Featuring alumni Manas Mhasakar from Georgia Tech, Shikha Bhat from Carnegie Mellon University, and Ryan D’Souza from UC San Diego, the session offered students an inside look into pursuing an MS in the USA, covering applications, university life, and the journey from BITS to leading global universities.

Walk Down Memory Lane

Moments etched in time: Celebrating the nostalgia, milestones, and vibrant legacy of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus.

Campus Memories
Campus Heritage & Life
Campus Life
Cherished Moments & Friendships
Student Days
Vibrant Campus Culture
Forever BITSians
Forever BITSians

Closing Notes

As we conclude this August edition, we look back on a month that captured the true spirit of BITS Goa—from the proud graduation of the Class of 2026 and celebrating 25 years of BITSAA, to triumphs in competitive arenas and vibrant student initiatives.

Let us continue to nurture a supportive and ambitious campus culture, driving innovation, community, and lifelong bonds across every batch.

Thank you for being an indispensable part of our journey. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let us carry this momentum into the months ahead.

“Celebrating legacy, inspiring excellence, and building bridges across generations of BITSians.”

Connect With Us

Stay connected. Stay inspired. Follow the Student Alumni Relations Cell.

alumnirelations@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in | sarc@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in

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