Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) {Lateral}

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Port Blair offers Diploma in Engineering Lateral Entry across 6 trade streams: Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Information Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. The lateral entry route allows ITI certificate holders and Class 12 science students to join directly into the second year of the 3-year diploma, effectively completing the programme in 2 years. All streams carry a uniform total fee of ₹8,900 for the 2 years, with admission conducted by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration on a merit basis. Classes are scheduled to commence in August 2026.

Admissions for 2026 are upcoming: application forms are expected in May 2026 through the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s centralised notification, with counselling and seat confirmation in July 2026.

Key Points

• Lateral entry into 6 engineering diploma streams at DBRAIT, a government institute under the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
• 2-year programme (direct entry to 2nd year of 3-year diploma); total fee of only ₹8,900 across all streams.
• Open to ITI 2-year certificate holders in the relevant trade and Class 12 (PCM) pass-outs from a recognised board.
• Admission is purely merit-based on qualifying exam marks; no separate entrance test required.
• Reserved category candidates from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive additional fee concessions per administration norms.

DBRAIT Diploma Lateral Fees 2026

Fee Structure

• Total fee comprises tuition fee of ₹3,700 per year and examination and other charges of ₹640 per year for 2 years; hostel fee of ₹39,996 to ₹79,992 per year is billed separately.
• Reserved category candidates receive additional concessions on tuition and examination charges as per Andaman and Nicobar Administration rules.
• Fees is subject to change, Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.

DBRAIT Diploma Lateral Admission 2026

Important Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed a 2-year ITI course in the relevant engineering trade from a recognised state board of technical education.
• Alternatively, candidates who have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised board are eligible for lateral entry.
• A minimum aggregate of 35 percent in the qualifying examination is required; reserved category candidates receive relaxation per administration rules.

Admission Process

• Watch for the official lateral entry admission notification on dbrait.andaman.gov.in and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration portal.
• Fill the prescribed lateral entry application form and upload the ITI marksheet or Class 12 marksheet, identity proof, and category certificate if applicable.
• Pay the nominal application fee and submit before the June 2026 deadline.
• Check the provisional merit list and submit any claims or objections within the notified window.
• Report to DBRAIT on the counselling date with all original documents for trade choice locking and seat confirmation in the second year of the programme.

DBRAIT Diploma Lateral Scholarships 2026

Available Scholarships

• All scholarships are routed through the National Scholarship Portal after the academic session begins.
• Candidates must maintain minimum prescribed attendance and satisfactory academic standing for annual renewal.
• Book grants and uniform allowances may be available to economically weaker candidates through the college Students Aid Fund.

DBRAIT Diploma Lateral FAQs

Ques. Is ITI mandatory for lateral entry to DBRAIT Diploma, or can Class 12 students also apply?

Ans. Both are eligible. Candidates with a 2-year ITI certificate in the relevant trade and candidates who have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can apply for lateral entry at DBRAIT. The trade must match the diploma stream; for example, an ITI in Electrician or Wireman makes a candidate eligible for Electrical Engineering lateral entry.

Ques. How much time does lateral entry save compared to the regular diploma at DBRAIT?

Ans. Lateral entry candidates join directly in the second year, completing the diploma in 2 years instead of 3. This saves one full year of study while earning the same Diploma in Engineering credential from DBRAIT, and the fee is correspondingly lower at ₹8,900 versus ₹13,020 for the regular route.

Ques. Can DBRAIT lateral diploma graduates apply for further B.Tech lateral entry?

Ans. Yes. Diploma holders from DBRAIT, whether from the regular or lateral route, are eligible for lateral entry to the second year of B.Tech programmes through counselling conducted by states and union territories. This creates a clear progression path: ITI to Diploma (lateral) to B.Tech (lateral), covering a full engineering degree in as few as 4 years from ITI completion.

Ques. Which trade is most in demand for ITI candidates doing lateral entry at DBRAIT?

Ans. Electrical and Civil Engineering streams have the strongest local employment demand in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ITI holders in Electrician, Wireman, Fitter, or Draughtsman Civil trades are well placed for lateral entry into the respective diploma streams at DBRAIT.

Ques. Does the DBRAIT lateral diploma carry the same value as the regular 3-year diploma?

Ans. Yes. The Diploma in Engineering issued by DBRAIT for lateral entry completers is the same credential as that for regular route graduates, affiliated to Pondicherry University and approved by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Employers and universities treat both routes equally for job applications and B.Tech lateral entry eligibility.