Meenakshi College of Engineering (MCE), affiliated to Anna University, Chennai, offers BE (Lateral Entry) in Mechanical Engineering for diploma holders who wish to continue their engineering education without restarting from the first year. MCE, established in 2001 in K.K. Nagar, Chennai, is AICTE approved and equips students with skills in machine design, thermal engineering, manufacturing, and CAD/CAM tools. The three-year lateral programme bridges the gap between polytechnic training and a full-fledged BE degree, opening pathways in core manufacturing, automotive, and industrial engineering sectors.
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
- Direct admission to the second year of the four-year BE programme; students complete three years at MCE.
- Curriculum covers core mechanical subjects including machine design, fluid mechanics, manufacturing processes, and finite element analysis under the Anna University scheme.
- Admission is through TNEA Lateral Entry counselling (tneaonline.org) based on qualifying diploma aggregate marks.
- MCE provides workshop and CAD/CAM lab facilities to support practical mechanical engineering education.
MCE BE Lateral (Mechanical Engineering) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | INR 50,000 |
| Total Fees (3 years) | INR 1,50,000 |
- 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 BE Lateral (Mechanical Engineering) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| TNEA 2026 Application Opening | May 3, 2026 |
| TNEA 2026 Application Last Date | June 2, 2026 |
| Online Certificate Verification | June 8 to June 20, 2026 |
| Rank List Publication | June 29, 2026 |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | July to August 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | August 2026 |
- 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 BE Lateral (Mechanical Engineering) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| A.N. Radhakrishnan Trust Scholarship (Boys) | Merit-based financial assistance | Male students with exceptional academic merit or financial need |
| Meenakshi Ammal Trust Scholarship (Girls) | Merit-based financial assistance | Female students with exceptional academic merit or financial need |
| Pudhumai Penn Scheme (Tamil Nadu) | Monthly financial assistance | Girl students from Tamil Nadu government or government-aided schools |
| Post Matric Scholarship | Fee reimbursement as per state norms | SC/ST/MBC category students fulfilling Tamil Nadu government criteria |
| First Graduate Scholarship | Financial assistance | Students who are the first graduate in their family |
| 7.5 Percent Reservation Benefit | Priority allotment through TNEA | Government school students availing the TNEA 7.5 percent special reservation |
- 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.
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