The B.Tech (Lateral Entry) (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) at Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology (KCET), Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu is a 3-year full-time lateral-entry undergraduate programme approved by AICTE and affiliated with Anna University, Chennai. Open to diploma holders from relevant engineering branches, the programme covers machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, natural language processing, computer vision, AI applications, and big data technologies, equipping graduates to work as data scientists and allied professionals. KCET is an autonomous institution with UGC Autonomous status (2019-2029) and is located in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. Lateral entry admission is based on merit in diploma marks through TNEAOL lateral entry counselling conducted by the Tamil Nadu government.
📋 Admission Status: KCET lateral entry admissions for 2026-27 are through TNEAOL lateral entry counselling by Anna University. Diploma holders should monitor tneaonline.org for registration and counselling schedule, typically announced in July 2026.
Key Points
- Programme: B.Tech (Lateral Entry) (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)
- Duration: 3 years (6 semesters), Full Time
- Total Fees: INR 2,60,000
- Affiliation: Anna University, Chennai; Approved: AICTE; Autonomous: UGC
- Admission: TNEAOL lateral entry counselling (tneaonline.org)
KCET Virudhunagar B.Tech Lateral AI and DS Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Annual Fee (Year 1) | INR 90,000 |
| Annual Fee (Years 2-3) | INR 85,000 |
| Total Fees (3 Years) | INR 2,60,000 |
- Hostel charges are separate; contact KCET for current tariffs.
- Fees may be revised; verify with KCET before enrolling.
- Management quota seats carry different fees; contact college directly.
KCET Virudhunagar B.Tech Lateral AI and DS Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| TNEAOL Lateral Entry Registration | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Rank List Publication | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Document Verification at KCET | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Classes Commence | September 2026 (Tentative) |
- Admission is based on diploma marks; no entrance exam required.
- Carry diploma marksheets, transfer certificate, and community certificate.
- Monitor tneaonline.org for lateral entry schedule and seat allotment.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Passed Diploma in Engineering or Technology (Diploma in Computer Engineering or Computer Science) from a board or institution recognised by the Tamil Nadu State Board of Technical Education and Training (TNSBET) or equivalent.
- Minimum 45 percent aggregate marks in the Diploma programme for General category candidates; 40 percent for BC/MBC/SC/ST and other reserved categories as per Tamil Nadu government norms.
- Candidates holding a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in an appropriate branch under the 10+2+3 pattern with minimum 45 percent aggregate marks (40 percent for reserved categories) are also eligible for lateral entry.
- Candidates must not have studied Mathematics at Class 12 level to be eligible through the B.Sc route; diploma holders from relevant branches face no such restriction.
Admission Process
- Obtain your Diploma marksheet and ensure you meet the minimum percentage requirement (45 percent for General category, 40 percent for reserved categories) in all semesters.
- Register on the TNEAOL portal (tneaonline.org) during the lateral entry registration window announced by Anna University, typically in July 2026; upload required documents and pay the registration fee.
- Fill preferences for college and branch during the choice-filling window; select KCET Virudhunagar and the preferred lateral entry branch based on your diploma branch and rank.
- Await the lateral entry rank list and participate in the seat allotment round; download the allotment order from the TNEAOL portal once released.
- Report to KCET Virudhunagar on the date notified for document verification; bring diploma marksheets (all semesters), transfer certificate, community certificate if applicable, and the allotment order; pay the first-year fee to confirm admission.
✓ Opt for this if
- Diploma CS/IT holders targeting AI or data science roles
- Students seeking affordable 3-year path to B.Tech AI&DS
- Those comfortable with Tamil Nadu-based IT sector jobs
✗ Skip if
- Students without computer engineering diploma background
- Those expecting tier-1 brand for data science placements
- Students seeking PhD or research-track AI programmes
KCET Virudhunagar B.Tech Lateral AI and DS Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship (Girls) | INR 50,000/year + laptop + INR 2,000/month | Girl students in AICTE-approved programmes; family income below INR 8 lakh/year |
| Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship (BC/MBC/SC/ST) | Variable; up to full tuition | BC/MBC/SC/ST students via Tamil Nadu state scholarship portals |
| NSP Scholarship | Variable | SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EBC students; apply at scholarships.gov.in |
- Apply for AICTE Pragati Scholarship via aicte-india.org each year.
- BC/MBC/SC/ST students apply via Tamil Nadu state scholarship portal.
![Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology - [KCET]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/col28498.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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