Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Hons.){Lateral} Medical Laboratory Technology

The B.Sc. (Medical Laboratory Technology) Lateral Entry programme at Chandigarh University (CU), Mohali, is offered as the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science - B.MLS (Lateral Entry), a full-time 3-year (6-semester) undergraduate programme under the University Institute of Allied Health Sciences (UIAHS). Designed exclusively for diploma holders in Medical Laboratory Technology (D.MLT), the lateral entry route enables direct admission into the 2nd year (3rd semester), saving one academic year and associated fees. The total tuition fee is Rs. 4,53,000 (Rs. 75,500 per semester), with a total programme cost of approximately Rs. 4,70,000 including examination fees and security deposit. The programme trains students in clinical laboratory sciences including Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Technology. It is popular for its mandatory summer training in reputed hospitals and laboratories, international exchange programmes, and strong focus on case-based and experiential learning.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently open. CUCET Phase I registration closed on 30th April 2026, and Phase II is open from May 2026 onwards. The batch is expected to commence in July/August 2026.

Key Points

• Lateral entry is open exclusively to D.MLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology) holders, enabling direct admission into the 3rd semester.
• A medical fitness certificate endorsed by a Government Medical Officer is mandatory at the time of admission.
• Students are trained in six specialised laboratory areas: Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Technology.
• Mandatory summer training in reputed hospitals and laboratories is an integral part of the curriculum, providing real-world clinical exposure.
• International exchange programmes with partner universities worldwide are available, offering global learning opportunities.
• The department emphasises continuous innovation and adoption of the latest diagnostic techniques, keeping students at the forefront of medical science.
• One-to-one mentorship sessions and career guidance by expert faculty and industry leaders are provided throughout the programme.

CU B.MLS Fees

Fee Structure

• The security deposit of Rs. 2,000 is refundable upon completion or withdrawal from the programme, subject to no dues.
• Hostel facility is optional and not mandatory. Hostel fees range from Rs. 1,20,000 per year (5-seater Non-AC) to Rs. 2,20,000 per year (1-seater AC), inclusive of meals.
• Fee payment is made semester-wise. Education loan facility is available through the university's tie-ups with leading banks.
• No EMI option is officially listed; however, education loans from partner banks can be used to manage fee payments.

CU B.MLS Admission 2026

Important Dates

Entrance Exams / Selection Criteria

• CUCET is not compulsory for admission but is strongly recommended as it makes the candidate eligible for merit-based scholarships of up to 100% on semester fees.
• D.MLT merit is the primary basis for direct admission.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Passed Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (D.MLT) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised Board/Institution.
• A medical fitness certificate endorsed by a Government Medical Officer is mandatory at the time of admission.
• Candidates appearing in their final semester/year of D.MLT are also eligible to apply provisionally.

Admission Process

• Register on the CUCET portal at cucet.cuchd.in and appear for the CUCET exam on a date of your choice (optional but recommended for scholarship eligibility).
• Alternatively, apply directly based on D.MLT marks through the university's admission portal at www.cuchd.in.
• Based on CUCET score or D.MLT merit, an admission offer is extended along with applicable scholarship details.
• Submit the mandatory medical fitness certificate endorsed by a Government Medical Officer along with other required documents (D.MLT marksheets, degree certificate, category certificate if applicable).
• Complete fee payment and confirm admission. Batch commences in July/August 2026 with direct entry into the 3rd semester.

CU B.MLS Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• CUCET scholarship is applicable on semester fee only and is subject to annual renewal based on maintaining a minimum 7.5 CGPA with no E, F, or I grades.
• Scholarship scheme swapping is not permitted in subsequent years, and a student cannot avail multiple scholarships simultaneously.
• CUCET Phase I offers higher scholarship slabs; candidates are advised to register early for maximum benefit.

CU B.MLS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the regular B.MLS programme and the B.MLS Lateral Entry programme at Chandigarh University?

Ans. The regular B.MLS (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science) is a 4-year (8-semester) programme open to students who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The Lateral Entry programme is a 3-year (6-semester) programme exclusively for D.MLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology) holders, who are admitted directly into the 2nd year (3rd semester). The lateral entry route saves one academic year and the associated fees. Both programmes lead to the same B.MLS degree, with no distinction between regular and lateral entry graduates.

Ques. Is the medical fitness certificate mandatory, and how do I obtain it?

Ans. Yes, a medical fitness certificate is a mandatory requirement for admission to the B.MLS Lateral Entry programme at CU. The certificate must be endorsed by a Government Medical Officer (GMO), which means it needs to be issued by a doctor working in a government hospital or government health facility. Private doctor certificates are not accepted. Candidates should obtain this certificate before or at the time of completing their admission formalities. The certificate confirms that the candidate is medically fit to work in a clinical laboratory environment.

Ques. What laboratory areas will I be trained in during the B.MLS Lateral Entry programme at CU?

Ans. Students in the B.MLS Lateral Entry programme are trained in six core laboratory areas: Clinical Biochemistry (analysis of blood and body fluids for metabolic disorders), Clinical Pathology (examination of tissues and cells for disease diagnosis), Clinical Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (blood cell analysis and blood banking), Clinical Microbiology (identification of infectious agents), Immunology (study of immune responses and immunological tests), and Molecular Technology (DNA/RNA-based diagnostic techniques). All training is conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories with hands-on exposure to modern diagnostic instruments and techniques.

Ques. Is there a mandatory internship or clinical training component in the B.MLS Lateral Entry programme?

Ans. Yes, mandatory summer training in reputed hospitals and laboratories is an integral part of the B.MLS Lateral Entry curriculum at CU. This clinical training provides students with real-world exposure to hospital laboratory operations, patient sample handling, diagnostic reporting, and quality control procedures. The training is conducted in partner hospitals and diagnostic centres, and is a graded component of the programme. Additionally, students have access to international exchange programmes with partner universities worldwide, offering global clinical exposure.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing B.MLS (Lateral Entry) from CU?

Ans. Graduates can work as Medical Lab Technologists or Lab Technicians in hospital laboratories, diagnostic centres, pharmaceutical firms, research facilities, blood banks, and public health laboratories. More experienced graduates can advance into roles such as Laboratory Manager, Quality Control Specialist, Research Scientist, or develop new methods of analysis and research. The healthcare sector in India is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for qualified medical laboratory professionals in both government and private hospitals, reference laboratories, and biotechnology companies.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies (M.Sc. or M.MLS) after completing B.MLS Lateral Entry from CU?

Ans. Yes, B.MLS Lateral Entry graduates from CU are fully eligible to apply for postgraduate programmes such as M.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology, M.Sc. in Clinical Biochemistry, M.Sc. in Microbiology, or M.MLS (Master of Medical Laboratory Science) at CU or other universities in India. The B.MLS degree awarded is equivalent to that of regular students and is recognised for higher education purposes. For admission to M.Sc. programmes, candidates typically need to qualify relevant entrance tests conducted by universities. CU also offers postgraduate programmes in allied health sciences for eligible graduates.