What is the difference between IIT and BITS Pilani?

Here are a few basic points of difference between IIT and BITS Pilani. 

• The competition at IITs is more intense than at BITS Pilani as it attracts better peers
• The cultural, sports and tech clubs are active in both institutes so I dont think they are comparable. BITS Goa even has club outings to beaches and treks.
• BITS Pilani has a very hectic academic environment here, especially in the first year. The duration of semesters is longer in the first year and studies take place 6 days a week against IIT Bombays 5 days a week.
• IITs have strict campus and hostel rules while life at BITS is comparatively relaxed and free of restrictions giving a sense of freedom to its students.
• BITS Pilani has slightly better placements with an average package of around INR 30.37 LPA against IIT Bombay's average package of INR 23.26 LPA.
• The hostel facilities of BITS are way better than the old IIts though the mess food is somewhat similar. IIT Bombay has better sports facilities in comparison to BITS. 
• BITS Pilani has an excellent coding culture and its large number of GSoC selections is a testament to the same. 
• BITS has a no-attendance policy while IIT Bombay has a 75–80% attendance rule in a few courses.
• BITS Pilani fees are as high as ?5.42 Lakhs for the first year alone while IIT Bombay fees are INR 218500 for the first year. BITS fees are almost double IIT fees.
• BITS Pilani has a no-reservation policy thus the students are equally smart and have been admitted solely on the basis of merit. IITs on the other hand have a reservation policy and thus the student body is a mixed bag of toppers and average students.
• IIT Bombay has a better research culture than BITS Pilani.

Overall both BITS and old IITs have their unique strengths and weaknesses and the ultimate decision should be on the basis of your personal preferences.