Indian institutions offer the B. Tech lateral entry programme as one of the many options for technical education. The B. Tech Lateral Entry (B.Tech LE) is different from a regular B. Tech, and therefore, the admission process or the required preparation for the two varies.
However, in the end, the B. Tech LE and the regular B.Tech syllabus get the same degree and are eligible for the same career opportunities. Since, the course path for B. Tech LE and regular B. Tech is different and therefore, knowing the whole admission process is important.
Admission Process to the B.Tech Lateral Entry Programme
While applying for admission to programme it is important to know that the process is lengthier than that of a regular B.Tech programme.
- The required eligibility: An engineering diploma of three years is one of the major qualifications required for taking admission in the programme. Usually, the minimum percentage requirement is an aggregate of 60% in the diploma. Do remember, some institutes will also have an upper age limit that you need to find out before applying.
- The number of years required to complete the course: When you seek admission through B.Tech LE, you enter the second year of the BE programme. Hence, B.Tech LE is for three years. Add the three years engineering diploma; the total comes up to six years. However, you can save two years by joining a diploma course after clearing your 10th standard.
- The entrance exams that you need to clear: You do not need to clear JEE to get admission to a college of your choice. Some state governments conduct state-level exams. You will also need to follow the colleges and universities to keep track of the individual exams conducted by each institute. On clearing the exam and getting the requisite percentage, you will be called for a counselling session.
- The specialisations you can choose: The specializations in this lateral entry programme include Mining, Marine, Software, Fire Safety and Petroleum Engineering.
The Result:
Though getting admission through the lateral entry may take longer, the result is the same, you graduate as an engineer. You are at par with the rest of your classmates, even though you may be a little older than most of them. So, when it comes to deciding which programme you want to take entry in, the one thing you need to consider is the probability of you getting admission directly and the time you are willing to spend studying. As mentioned above, B.Tech Lateral Entry requires a minimum of six years after the 10th standard. If you were to look at a regular B.Tech, it too requires six years after completing 10th.
Both B. Tech LE and regular B.Tech engineering students are trained in the same syllabus and areas of expertise. There is practically no difference in how a recruiter will view the two degrees. However, as per experts, the core and practical knowledge of the subject gained in three years of engineering diploma can help the LE students better understand the intricacies of the field.
