Diploma in Computer Engineering

The Diploma in Computer Engineering at St. Mary's Engineering College (SMEC), Hyderabad is a three-year polytechnic programme approved by the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET), Telangana, and affiliated to the Board of Technical Education. The programme merges computer science and electrical engineering, covering the design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware components in modern computing systems. The total fees for the Diploma programme are Rs. 46,500 for the entire three-year duration (Rs. 15,500 per year), making it one of the most affordable diploma programmes in Hyderabad. Admission is through TS POLYCET (Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test). SMEC is located on a 120-acre smart campus at Deshmukhi Village, Pochampally, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri District, near Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, and holds UGC autonomous status with NAAC 'A' grade accreditation.

Admissions for the Diploma in Computer Engineering 2026-29 batch are currently open. TS POLYCET 2026 registrations are open from February 2, 2026 to April 23, 2026, with the exam scheduled on May 13, 2026. Results are expected by May 26, 2026, followed by web-based counselling for seat allotment. The Diploma programme is an excellent pathway for students who wish to enter the workforce quickly or later pursue B.Tech (Lateral Entry) to upgrade their qualification.

Key Points

• Three-year polytechnic programme approved by SBTET Telangana, covering software and hardware aspects of computer engineering.
• Admission through TS POLYCET 2026, a state-level entrance test for polytechnic/diploma admissions in Telangana.
• Highly affordable fee of Rs. 15,500 per year (Rs. 46,500 total for three years).
• Graduates can directly enter the workforce as Junior Software Engineers, Junior Software Developers, System Analysts, or Computer Hardware Engineers.
• Diploma holders are eligible for B.Tech Lateral Entry (second year direct admission) through TS ECET, enabling them to upgrade to a full engineering degree.
• SMEC's 120-acre campus offers modern infrastructure including a 69,000+ volume library, sports complex, hostel for 1,750 students, and a dedicated AI Hub.
• Students from SC/ST/BC/EWS categories may be eligible for Telangana State fee reimbursement.

SMEC Diploma Computer Engineering Fees

The Diploma in Computer Engineering at SMEC is offered at Rs. 15,500 per year, with a total programme fee of Rs. 46,500 for three years. This is one of the most cost-effective diploma programmes in Hyderabad. Students from reserved categories may be eligible for fee reimbursement from the Telangana State Government.

Fees Structure - Diploma in Computer Engineering (2026-27)

• Fees are as per SBTET/TSCHE norms and subject to revision.
• SC/ST/BC/EWS students may be eligible for Telangana State fee reimbursement.
• Additional charges (exam fees, library fees, etc.) may apply as per board norms.
• Hostel fees are charged separately.

SMEC Diploma Computer Engineering Admission 2026

Admissions to the Diploma in Computer Engineering at SMEC are conducted through TS POLYCET 2026, a state-level entrance test conducted by SBTET Telangana. After results are declared, SBTET conducts web-based counselling for seat allotment to polytechnic colleges including SMEC. Candidates must register for TS POLYCET and participate in counselling to secure a seat.

SMEC Diploma in Computer Engineering Admission Calendar 2026-29

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• A candidate must have passed Class 10 (SSC/Matriculation) or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Candidates must have appeared in TS POLYCET 2026 and obtained a valid rank.
• Candidates appearing in Class 10 examinations may also apply provisionally.

Admission Process

• Register and appear in TS POLYCET 2026 conducted by SBTET Telangana.
• Obtain TS POLYCET rank card after results are declared.
• Participate in SBTET web-based counselling for Diploma seat allotment.
• Choose SMEC (College Code: SMCD) and Computer Engineering branch during counselling.
• Report to college with original documents and pay fees after seat allotment.
• Category-B (Management Quota) seats may also be available; apply directly to SMEC via smecd.com.

SMEC Diploma Computer Engineering Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to the Diploma in Computer Engineering at SMEC may be eligible for various government scholarships and fee reimbursement schemes. The Telangana State Government's fee reimbursement scheme is particularly beneficial for students from SC/ST/BC/EWS categories.

Scholarship Schemes

• Apply for Telangana fee reimbursement through the official Telangana scholarship portal.
• Institutional scholarships are subject to availability; contact college for details.

As mentioned, SMEC offers admission to Polytechnic Computer Engineering program based on TS-POLYCET rank. SMEC TS-POLYCET Cutoff 2024 rank is 7191 for the General category. Further, TS-POLYCET cutoff rank is 26727 for SC , 59325 for ST , 31052 for BCA and 47751 for BCB category. Check SMEC Cutoff

SMEC Polytechnic Computer Engineering Cutoff Year-wise Trends

The section below shows year-wise trends in SMEC Polytechnic Computer Engineering Cutoff. According to year-wise trends, admission to the SMEC Polytechnic Computer Engineering program in 2024 was closed at the 59325 rank , whereas in 2023, the closing rank was 75101 across all categories.

• 114 out of 147 under The Times Of India Engineering Ranking 2019.

Read more on SMEC Rankings here

SMEC Diploma Computer Engineering FAQs

Q1. What is the total fee for the Diploma in Computer Engineering at SMEC, and is fee reimbursement available?

Ans. The total fee is Rs. 46,500 for three years (Rs. 15,500 per year). SC/ST/BC/EWS students may be eligible for Telangana State fee reimbursement, effectively covering the full tuition fee. Apply through the official Telangana scholarship portal after admission.

Q2. Can I pursue B.Tech after completing the Diploma in Computer Engineering from SMEC?

Ans. Yes. Diploma holders in Computer Engineering are eligible to apply for B.Tech Lateral Entry (second year direct admission) through TS ECET (Telangana State Engineering Common Entrance Test). This allows diploma graduates to complete their B.Tech in three years instead of four, saving one year. SMEC also offers B.Tech programmes, so students can continue at the same campus.

Q3. What are the career opportunities after completing the Diploma in Computer Engineering from SMEC?

Ans. Graduates can work as Junior Software Engineers (Rs. 3-5.5 LPA), Junior Software Developers (Rs. 3-5.8 LPA), Junior iOS Developers (Rs. 2.5-4.8 LPA), System Analysts (Rs. 3.5-6 LPA), or Computer Hardware Engineers (Rs. 2.5-5.5 LPA). The diploma also opens doors to roles in technology firms, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, and finance.

Q4. What is the TS POLYCET 2026 exam pattern?

Ans. TS POLYCET 2026 is a written test covering Mathematics (60 marks), Physics (30 marks), and Chemistry (30 marks), totalling 120 marks. The exam duration is 2 hours. Candidates should focus on Class 10 level concepts in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The exam is conducted by SBTET Telangana.

Q5. Does SMEC provide hostel facility for Diploma students?

Ans. Yes, SMEC has hostel facilities on its 120-acre campus accommodating up to 1,750 students. The hostel offers modern amenities including yoga and meditation sessions, sports facilities, extended library and lab access, and a food court. Hostel fees are charged separately from the tuition fees. Students should contact the college directly for the latest hostel fee structure and availability.

Q6. Is the Diploma in Computer Engineering from SMEC recognised by the government and industry?

Ans. Yes. The Diploma in Computer Engineering at SMEC is approved by SBTET Telangana and affiliated to the Board of Technical Education. SMEC holds UGC autonomous status and NAAC 'A' grade accreditation. The diploma is recognised by the Telangana State Government and is accepted by employers across the technology, manufacturing, and services sectors.