Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Lateral}
at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology - [Thapar University]
Fees
Fees at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology for the Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) program in Computer Engineering are structured based on several components. The per-semester tuition fee is approximately INR 2,97,500 for computer-related branches, with an annual increment of around 10%. This leads to an estimated total of INR 22 to 30 lakhs for the complete four-year degree depending on hostel accommodations and lifestyle choices. The hostel fees range between INR 40,000 to 85,000 per semester, while the mess fees are approximately INR 24,000 per semester.
Additional one-time charges include an admission fee of INR 30,000 and a refundable caution fee of INR 10,000. Various merit and merit-cum-means scholarships are available, providing partial or full tuition fee waivers. These are determined by high performance in JEE Main, Class 12 board exams, and maintaining a high CGPA throughout the study period. The NRI/Foreign National students have different fee structures, with annual tuition and development fees totaling approximately USD 20,000.
Merit scholarships can significantly reduce financial burdens, with top performers eligible for full tuition waivers.
About Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Lateral}
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala offers a BE Lateral Entry programme across 16 specialisations, allowing diploma holders and B.Sc graduates to join the second year of the BE programme directly. The 3-year, 6-semester full-time programme covers the third to eighth semesters of the regular BE curriculum. Total fees range from ₹14,64,000 (traditional engineering branches) to ₹19,82,000 (AI and Data Science), exclusive of hostel charges. Admission is through the Thapar Lateral Entry Entrance Test (LEET) and diploma aggregate, with classes commencing in July 2026.
Thapar BE Lateral Entry applications for 2026-27 are open through May 2026 at admission.thapar.edu. The LEET entrance test is scheduled for June 2026, with seat allotment and counselling also in June-July 2026.
Key Points
- 16 BE Lateral specialisations spanning traditional engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Bio-Medical), electronics and computer streams (ECE, Electronics and Computer, Electrical and Computer, VLSI), computing (Computer Engineering, CS&E), and advanced technology tracks (AI, AI & Data Science, Mechatronics, Instrumentation and Control).
- 3-year programme for diploma holders in relevant engineering disciplines or B.Sc graduates with Mathematics; candidates join the third semester of the regular BE programme.
- Admission based on Thapar LEET score and diploma aggregate; minimum 60% in diploma for General category (55% for SC/ST); apply at admission.thapar.edu.
- Merit scholarships of 30-50% tuition waiver for diploma toppers; LEET topper scholarships up to 50%; Loyalty Scholarship for wards of Thapar alumni.
- Tuition fees may see a 5-8% annual revision in subsequent years as per university norms; hostel charges (₹1,30,000 to ₹2,00,000/year) are optional and separate.
Thapar BE Lateral Fees 2026
Fee Structure
| Specialisations | Total Fees (3 Years, Hostel charges separate) |
|---|---|
| Bio-Medical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering with Computer Applications, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics | ₹14,64,000 |
| Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering, VLSI Design & Technology | ₹17,31,000 |
| Computer Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering | ₹19,05,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science | ₹19,82,000 |
- Total fees cover tuition and other charges for all 6 semesters of the 3-year programme; a one-time admission and registration fee is included in the first semester payment.
- Hostel accommodation (₹1,30,000 to ₹2,00,000/year) is optional and charged separately.
- Fees is subject to change, Please verify with the official sources before taking admission.
Thapar BE Lateral Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | May 2026 |
| Thapar LEET Test | June 2026 |
| Counselling and Choice Filling | June 2026 |
| Final Seat Allotment | July 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 |
- Apply at admission.thapar.edu; a valid LEET score is mandatory for the merit list.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma in Engineering of minimum 3 years duration after matriculation (or 2 years after 10+2) in a relevant discipline from a recognised polytechnic, with a minimum of 60% aggregate (55% for SC/ST).
- Alternatively, B.Sc graduates with Mathematics as a subject and a minimum of 60% aggregate are eligible to apply.
- Valid score in the Thapar Lateral Entry Entrance Test (LEET) is required.
Admission Process
- Register at admission.thapar.edu and complete the BE Lateral Entry application for the chosen specialisation.
- Pay the application fee and upload diploma transcripts and Class 10 mark sheet.
- Appear for the Thapar LEET on the scheduled date in June 2026.
- Participate in online choice filling across BE Lateral specialisations after results.
- Receive seat allotment based on LEET merit and diploma aggregate; pay the first semester fee to confirm the seat.
Thapar BE Lateral Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma Merit Scholarship | 30% to 50% tuition waiver | Diploma aggregate of 60% to 70% and above |
| LEET Top Rank Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition waiver | Top performers in the Thapar LEET merit list |
| Need-based Scholarship | Up to 50% waiver | Subject to family income criteria; opens after first semester results |
| Sports Scholarship | Variable | National or State-level sports achievement |
| Loyalty Scholarship | 5% to 10% waiver | Wards of Thapar alumni |
- A minimum CGPA of 7.5 is generally required to continue the scholarship in the subsequent academic year.
- Need-based and need-linked scholarships open for application after first semester results are declared.
Thapar BE Lateral FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between regular BE and BE Lateral Entry at Thapar?
Ans. Regular BE at Thapar is a 4-year (8-semester) programme entered after Class 12 via JEE Main. BE Lateral Entry is a 3-year (6-semester) programme that allows diploma holders or B.Sc graduates to directly join the second year (third semester) of the regular BE. The lateral entry curriculum follows the same syllabus as the regular programme from semester 3 onwards; lateral students skip semesters 1 and 2. The degree awarded is the same BE from Thapar.
Ques. Can B.Sc graduates apply for BE Lateral Entry at Thapar, or is it only for diploma holders?
Ans. Both diploma holders and B.Sc graduates are eligible for BE Lateral Entry at Thapar. B.Sc graduates must have Mathematics as a subject and a minimum of 60% aggregate. They must also appear for and secure a valid score in the Thapar LEET. The final merit list is based on a combination of the LEET score and the qualifying examination (diploma or B.Sc) aggregate.
Ques. Is the Thapar LEET very competitive, and what does it cover?
Ans. The Thapar LEET is an institution-specific lateral entry test covering engineering mathematics, basic sciences, and subject-specific sections relevant to the chosen discipline. It is conducted at the Thapar campus in Patiala. While it is competitive given Thapar’s standing as a private deemed university, candidates with solid diploma academics and LEET preparation generally have reasonable chances. The merit list is based on LEET score plus diploma aggregate, so diploma marks carry significant weight.
Ques. Are the newer specialisations (AI, AI & Data Science) at Thapar available under lateral entry, and do they have the same curriculum as regular BE?
Ans. Yes, Thapar offers BE Lateral Entry in Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science. Lateral entry students join from semester 3 of these programmes, covering the same ML, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and big data systems curriculum as regular BE students from that point onwards. The total 3-year fee for these tracks is ₹19,82,000, higher than traditional engineering branches, reflecting the infrastructure and faculty costs of these programmes.
Ques. How do Thapar BE Lateral graduates compare to regular BE graduates for placements?
Ans. Thapar does not differentiate between regular and lateral entry graduates in placement processes; both receive the same BE degree and access the same placement cell. Recruiters at Thapar typically evaluate candidates on the basis of skills, CGPA, and project work rather than the entry route. Lateral entry students who maintain a competitive CGPA and build strong projects during their 3 years generally compete on equal footing with regular BE graduates for campus placements.