The BICS is a national organisation, constituted in 1995, dedicated to providing a national forum for the Societies in Ireland's Universities, Colleges and Institutes of Education.

The aim of the National Awards is to reward the huge effort made by many individuals who provide a brilliant quality of Society activity to student members. It is also a time to celebrate the vital importance and value that Societies and their activities bring to college life.

The Awards are divided into two Categories - Large and Small Colleges. CIT is defined as a small college as it has a fulltime undergraduate population of under 6500 students.

Societies and Individuals who excel at the local awards are put forward for consideration at the National Awards that take place annually in April.