BITS Pilani launches mandatory “Social Conduct” course

BITS Pilani has introduced a mandatory Social Conduct course for first-year students across all campuses. The credit-bearing programme focuses on emotional intelligence, consent, and gender sensitivity, aiming to promote safer and more responsible campus communities.

Hyderabad: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an institute of eminence, has introduced a new mandatory “Social Conduct” course for all first‑year undergraduate students across its campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, and Dubai.

Rolled out in the current academic year, the course brings structured learning around emotional intelligence, relationships, consent, gender sensitivity, safety, and well‑being directly into the formal curriculum. The course developed by Striide, an organisation founded by Nidhi Chaitra Girish, a BITS Pilani alumna (Batch of 2023), was integrated into the university curriculum.

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Unlike short workshops or compliance‑oriented training, Social Conduct is designed as a structured, credit‑bearing learning experience. Delivered in an asynchronous online format, it uses interactive activities, reflection exercises, scenario‑based learning, and assessments to help students engage thoughtfully with real‑life situations commonly encountered during university life.

Designed to address the social and emotional realities students encounter as they enter university life, the curriculum covers areas many learners engage with for the first time in higher education.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “Creating campuses where every student feels safe, respected, and supported is integral to who we are as an institution. The Social Conduct course encourages young adults to reflect on how their actions shape the communities they live in, and equips them with the awareness and responsibility needed to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.”