Bachelor of Technology [B.Tech] {Lateral} (Information Technology)

Meenakshi College of Engineering (MCE), affiliated to Anna University, Chennai, offers B.Tech (Lateral Entry) in Information Technology for diploma holders seeking to join the second year directly. MCE, established in 2001 in K.K. Nagar, Chennai, is AICTE approved and provides industry-aligned IT education through modern labs, experienced faculty, and a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for software development, networking, and data-driven careers. The three-year programme is designed for working diploma holders and B.Sc graduates looking to advance their engineering credentials.

Applications for the 2026-27 batch are open through TNEA Lateral Entry counselling by DoTE Tamil Nadu. The application deadline is June 2, 2026 and the rank list is expected by June 29, 2026.

Key Points

• Three-year programme with direct entry to the second year; students complete six semesters at MCE.
• Curriculum includes core IT subjects such as database management, web technologies, computer networks, and software engineering under the Anna University scheme.
• MCE provides hands-on lab infrastructure and project-based learning aligned with industry requirements.
• Admission is through TNEA Lateral Entry counselling (tneaonline.org) with no separate entrance exam.

MCE B.Tech Lateral (Information Technology) Fees

• The tuition fee of INR 50,000 per year is the regulated amount fixed by the Tamil Nadu Fees Determination Committee for Anna University affiliated self-financing colleges.
• Additional one-time charges such as admission fee, examination fee, and caution deposit may apply as per Anna University and college norms.
• Hostel accommodation and transport are billed separately; contact MCE at +91 8925977077 for current rates.
• Government scholarship schemes including Post Matric Scholarship and the Pudhumai Penn scheme can substantially offset the cost of education for eligible students.

MCE B.Tech Lateral (Information Technology) Admission 2026

Important Dates

• Seat allotment under TNEA lateral entry is purely merit-based on the qualifying diploma or B.Sc aggregate marks.
• Students admitted through lateral entry join directly in the second year of the B.E/B.Tech programme, completing three years of study.
• Management quota lateral entry seats are filled by MCE directly; contact the admissions office at admission@mce.edu.in or +91 8925977077 for details.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold a diploma in engineering or technology from the Tamil Nadu State Board of Technical Education and Training (TNSBTET) or an equivalent recognised board, in the relevant or allied branch, with at least 55 percent aggregate (50 percent for BC; 45 percent for MBC/DNC; pass marks for SC/ST).
• Alternatively, candidates with a B.Sc degree having Mathematics as a core subject at the degree level (10+2+3 pattern) are eligible to apply for lateral entry to B.E programmes regardless of branch.
• Admission is through TNEA Lateral Entry counselling conducted by the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE), Tamil Nadu, based on qualifying marks. No separate entrance exam is required.

Admission Process

• Register on the TNEA online portal (tneaonline.org) during the application window and complete the lateral entry application form.
• Upload scanned copies of diploma or B.Sc marksheets, transfer certificate, community certificate, and other required documents.
• Attend online certificate verification as scheduled by DoTE and confirm eligibility status.
• Participate in web-based counselling: fill branch and college preferences and lock choices before the deadline.
• Accept the allotted seat by paying the acceptance fee within the specified window to confirm admission.
• Report to MCE with original documents and complete the college-level enrolment formalities.

MCE B.Tech Lateral (Information Technology) Scholarships 2026

• Government scholarships are disbursed by the Tamil Nadu State Government; students must apply through the e-Sevai portal within the stipulated deadline each year.
• Trust scholarships awarded by the Meenakshi Ammal Trust are based on merit, financial need, and category, verified during admission.
• Students with achievements in sports or NCC, or those who are physically challenged, may apply for additional institutional scholarships at the student welfare office.

MCE B.Tech Lateral (Information Technology) FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for B.Tech Lateral (IT) at MCE Chennai?

Ans. The total tuition fee is INR 1,50,000 for three years, at INR 50,000 per year, as regulated by the Tamil Nadu Fees Determination Committee.

Ques. Who is eligible for B.Tech Lateral Entry at MCE?

Ans. Diploma holders in engineering or technology with 55 percent aggregate (50 percent for BC) and B.Sc graduates with Mathematics as a core subject are eligible.

Ques. How is admission to B.Tech Lateral (IT) at MCE done?

Ans. Admission is through TNEA Lateral Entry counselling by DoTE Tamil Nadu. Candidates register at tneaonline.org and participate in web-based counselling based on diploma marks.

Ques. Does MCE offer management quota seats for B.Tech Lateral?

Ans. Yes, management quota lateral entry seats are available. Candidates may contact the MCE admissions office at admission@mce.edu.in or +91 8925977077.

Ques. What scholarships are available for B.Tech Lateral (IT) students at MCE?

Ans. Students can avail government schemes including Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students and the Pudhumai Penn scheme for girl students from Tamil Nadu government schools, along with MCE trust scholarships.

Ques. When do classes begin for the B.Tech Lateral batch at MCE?

Ans. Classes for the lateral entry batch typically commence in August 2026, following completion of TNEA counselling and seat allotment.