What is the concept of dual degree in BITS? Is it better than single B.E(Hons) degree?

BITS Pilani BE courses have a duration of 4 years while the dual degree courses have a duration of 5 years. A few dual courses offered at BITS Pilani include Msc. (Hons) Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, and Physics. 

1. The courses taught in the first year are the same in both BE and dual degrees. Based on your CGPA of the first year and your preferences, all the dualities will be allotted their respective BE degrees.
2. From the second year, BE students start studying their own separate courses while Msc students start studying their compulsory courses for their Msc degree.
3.  In the third year dual degree students start studying BE degree with their juniors along with their Msc. 
4. In the fourth year, they only study the compulsory courses of BE.
5. In the fifth year dual degree students will either complete their thesis or PS or both. Students are required to complete their electives by the end of graduation apart from their compulsory subjects

Basically, dual degree students pursue BE with their juniors.

Here are a few pros and cons of the institute to help you understand the credibility of this degree.

Pros

• It's a good option if you failed to get a branch of your choice in BE. Work hard in the first year and get a good CGPA to opt for your desired branch.
• An MSc is beneficial in fetching good placement offers. A very popular combination among recruiters is Msc Economics + CS.
• You get to enjoy college life for an extra year and create more memories.

Cons

• An extra year means you will have to invest more money and time.
• The third and fourth years will be very hectic given that you will have to do compulsory courses alongside completing electives too.
• It will be very difficult to sit for placements if you opt for double semester PS in your final year.

In all, I think the dual degree program is a great choice for those who did not get their desired branch in BE.