Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Lateral}

SMVITM, Udupi offers a three-year full-time Bachelor of Engineering for lateral entry students across five branches: AI and Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Open to diploma holders who enter directly into the second year, all programmes are VTU-affiliated and AICTE-approved. Total fees are a uniform INR 6,60,000 across all branches. Admission is through Karnataka DCET conducted by KEA.

Admission Status: Karnataka DCET 2026 applications are currently open for June 2026. The DCET exam is expected in July 2026; results in August 2026. KEA counselling and seat allotment are expected in September to October 2026.

Key Points

• Lateral entry programme: diploma holders enter directly into the second year, completing the BE degree in three years instead of four.
• Uniform fees of INR 6,60,000 for all five branches over three years; hostel charged separately.
• Admission exclusively through Karnataka DCET; seat allotment via KEA online counselling.
• All five branch options available: AI and DS, AI and ML, CSE, ECE, and Mechanical Engineering on one campus.

SMVITM BE Lateral Fees 2026

The lateral entry BE programme at SMVITM carries a uniform total fee of INR 6,60,000 for all five branches over three years. This covers tuition of INR 6,00,000 and miscellaneous charges of INR 60,000. Hostel accommodation is available at a separate charge.

• Fee is uniform across all branches for the lateral entry programme.
• Hostel accommodation is available at a separate charge as per college norms.
• Confirm current fees with SMVITM before admission.

SMVITM BE Lateral Admission 2026

Admission to BE (Lateral Entry) at SMVITM is exclusively through Karnataka DCET conducted by KEA. Applications for DCET 2026 are currently open. Diploma holders from relevant engineering branches who are Karnataka domicile candidates or have a Karnataka-based diploma are eligible to apply.

Important Dates

• Apply for DCET at kea.kar.nic.in during the application window.
• Management quota lateral seats: contact SMVITM admissions directly.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Three-year diploma in the relevant engineering branch from a recognised polytechnic with a minimum aggregate of 45 percent.
• Karnataka SC/ST candidates require a minimum of 40 percent in the qualifying diploma.
• Candidates from a diploma background in a related branch may apply; KEA specifies branch-wise eligibility at counselling.

Admission Process

• Apply for Karnataka DCET at kea.kar.nic.in during the June 2026 application window.
• Appear for the DCET exam in July 2026; check results in August 2026.
• Register for KEA counselling after results; list SMVITM and preferred branch in preference order.
• Report to SMVITM for document verification and fee payment after seat allotment.

✓ Opt for this if

• Diploma holders seeking VTU BE degree in three years in coastal Karnataka
• Karnataka DCET qualifiers who want to save one year over a standard BE
• Budget-conscious students; uniform INR 6,60,000 for all branches
• Students targeting AI, CSE, or ECE roles with an engineering diploma background
• Candidates open to coastal Karnataka placements in manufacturing and tech

✗ Skip if

• Not a diploma holder; standard BE through KCET or COMEDK route required
• Need top-tier VTU campus in Bangalore for metro placements and internships
• Targeting NIT or IIT brand for postgraduate research or fellowship
• Seeking branches not offered: civil, electrical, or chemical engineering

SMVITM BE Lateral Scholarships 2026

Lateral entry BE students at SMVITM are eligible for central and state government scholarships on the same terms as regular BE students. Apply through the National Scholarship Portal soon after joining; Karnataka government merit scholarships are available for eligible domicile students.

• Apply via the National Scholarship Portal immediately after admission.
• Confirm college-specific scholarship details with the SMVITM admissions office.

SMVITM BE Lateral FAQs

Ques. Which diploma branches are eligible for BE Lateral at SMVITM?

Ans. Eligibility for BE Lateral entry at SMVITM depends on the diploma branch and the BE branch applied for. Generally, diploma holders in Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical, AI and related disciplines from recognised polytechnics are eligible. KEA specifies branch-wise eligibility at the time of DCET counselling. Candidates should verify their diploma-branch-to-BE-branch mapping with KEA before applying.

Ques. Is the VTU BE Lateral degree treated differently from a regular BE degree?

Ans. No. A BE degree earned through lateral entry at SMVITM is a full VTU undergraduate degree and is treated equally with a regular BE for employment and higher studies. The degree certificate does not indicate lateral entry. Employers and universities recognise it on par with a regular four-year BE from VTU-affiliated institutions.

Ques. How many semesters does BE Lateral at SMVITM cover?

Ans. BE Lateral entry students at SMVITM complete six semesters (Semesters 3 through 8), entering directly into the third semester. The first two semesters of the standard BE are waived for lateral entry students. The total duration is three years instead of four.

Ques. Are lateral entry students eligible for the same campus placements as regular BE students?

Ans. Yes. Lateral entry students at SMVITM are eligible to participate in campus placement activities alongside regular BE students. Since both groups earn the same VTU BE degree, there is no employer-level distinction. Students should confirm with the SMVITM placement cell whether any placement eligibility criteria differ for lateral entry students.

Ques. What happens if a lateral entry student fails to get a DCET seat?

Ans. Students who do not secure a seat through Karnataka DCET counselling can approach SMVITM directly for management quota lateral entry seats, subject to availability. Management quota seats are filled by the institution outside the KEA counselling process. Contact SMVITM’s admissions office after the KEA counselling rounds are complete to check remaining seat availability.