New Delhi: BITS Pilani has announced a sweeping new vision for higher education, with Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla unveiling a trio of bold initiatives aimed at transforming the institution’s physical and digital footprint.

The measures include the launch of an AI+ innovation campus in Amaravati, a ₹1,219 crore infrastructure expansion under Project Vistaar, and the rollout of BITS Pilani Digital — the institute’s dedicated EdTech platform.

Calling it a “pivotal moment” in the institute’s legacy, Birla said, “For over six decades, BITS Pilani has been synonymous with academic excellence, pioneering innovation, and nation-building. These efforts are not just about scale but also about building a transformative ecosystem that empowers learners, nurtures innovation, and fuels inclusive growth.”

The newly announced AI+ campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, will serve as a next-generation hub for innovation and learning.

Spread over 35 acres, it will offer undergraduate twinning programs, cotutelle doctoral degrees with global institutions, and master’s programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, innovation, and strategy.

Phase 1 of development will cater to 3,000 students, focusing on academics and student life.

Phase 2 will expand capacity to over 7,000, adding advanced research centres, global collaboration zones, and entrepreneurship hubs.

The smart campus will be embedded with IoT systems, AI services, immersive learning tools, and a hybrid delivery model.

Parallelly, BITS Pilani is investing ₹1,219 crore under Project Vistaar to expand and upgrade infrastructure across its Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses — one of the largest capital infusions in its history.

The project includes ₹60 crore to upgrade undergraduate laboratories and is expected to increase student intake from the current 18,700 to about 26,000 by 2030–31.

It also includes new interdisciplinary programs aligned with evolving global and industry trends.

Furthering its push into digital education, the institute also launched BITS Pilani Digital, its own EdTech platform.

In line with the National Education Policy’s vision for accessible, lifelong learning, the platform will offer 32 flexible, industry-driven programs — including 11 degrees and 21 certificate courses — and aims to reach more than 100,000 learners over the next five years.

Programs will include real-world projects, career support, and options for campus immersion.

BITS Pilani Vice Chancellor Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao said, “These new initiatives reaffirm our vision to create an institution that is responsive to the world’s changing needs, deeply connected to industry, and driven by a spirit of purpose and excellence.”

Together, the initiatives aim to position BITS Pilani as a leader in reimagining higher education — blending physical expansion with digital innovation, and preparing students for a dynamic, AI-led global future.