The BE (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) - Lateral Entry at SDM College of Engineering and Technology (SDMCET), Dharwad, Karnataka, is a three-year undergraduate programme for diploma holders under VTU’s lateral entry scheme. SDMCET holds NAAC Grade A accreditation and is affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi. Collegedunia ranks SDMCET Dharwad 204 in its 2026 India Engineering Colleges list. Lateral-entry students join the second year directly and cover machine learning algorithms, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, data analytics, and AI ethics. Admission is through Karnataka DCET (conducted by KEA) for government quota seats.
📋 Admission Status: Admissions to BE (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) - Lateral Entry at SDMCET Dharwad for 2026-27 follow the Karnataka DCET lateral entry cycle. Eligible diploma holders register through KEA at kea.kar.nic.in after DCET results.
Key Points
- BE AI & ML (Lateral) at SDMCET admits diploma holders directly to second year; programme completed in three years.
- SDMCET Dharwad is NAAC Grade A accredited, VTU-affiliated, and ranked 204 in Collegedunia’s 2026 India Engineering Colleges list.
- Programme covers machine learning algorithms and allied domains with laboratories and workshops.
- DCET quota 3-year total fees: INR 5,25,000; management quota as per SDMCET norms.
SDMCET Dharwad BE AI & ML (Lateral) Fees
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Total Fees (DCET Quota, 3 Years) | INR 5,25,000 |
- DCET quota 3-year total: INR 5,25,000 (2025-26 norms).
- Management quota lateral fees: contact SDMCET at sdmcet.ac.in.
- Hostel and mess charges are separate.
SDMCET Dharwad BE AI & ML (Lateral) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Karnataka DCET 2026 Registration | As per KEA notification; check kea.kar.nic.in |
| Karnataka DCET 2026 Exam | As per KEA 2026 schedule; check kea.kar.nic.in |
| DCET 2026 Result | As per KEA notification |
| KEA DCET Counselling | After DCET result; check kea.kar.nic.in |
| SDMCET Management Quota Lateral | After counselling rounds; check sdmcet.ac.in |
- DCET quota: register at kea.kar.nic.in for KEA counselling.
- Management quota: contact SDMCET admissions directly.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a Diploma (Diploma in Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent discipline) from a recognised Board of Technical Education.
- A minimum of 45 percent aggregate marks in the qualifying diploma is required; SC/ST/OBC Karnataka candidates need 40 percent.
- A valid Karnataka DCET rank is required for KEA counselling; Karnataka domicile is required for DCET/KEA quota seats.
- Management quota applicants must meet SDMCET’s eligibility norms; contact sdmcet.ac.in.
Admission Process
- Appear in Karnataka DCET conducted by KEA; check kea.kar.nic.in for the 2026 DCET notification, application window, and exam date.
- After DCET results, register at kea.kar.nic.in for DCET counselling, fill SDMCET Dharwad and branch preference, and accept the allotted seat.
- Report to SDMCET Dharwad with original diploma certificates, marks cards, DCET rank card, and KEA allotment letter on the designated date.
- For management quota, contact SDMCET admissions office directly after government counselling rounds conclude.
✓ Opt for this if
- Karnataka diploma holders seeking VTU BE via DCET
- Cost-sensitive lateral entry students in North Karnataka
- Diploma engineers targeting Karnataka industry placements
- Candidates with strong Karnataka DCET rank
✗ Skip if
- Students targeting IIT/NIT brand for career growth
- Candidates seeking metro city campus and pan-India placements
- Students who need management quota at lower fee
SDMCET Dharwad BE AI & ML (Lateral) Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|
| Karnataka Government ePass Scholarship | Up to INR 30,000 per year | SC/ST/OBC/EWS Karnataka domicile; apply at karepass.cgg.gov.in |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | As per scheme norms | Apply at scholarships.gov.in after college admission |
| SDM Trust Merit Scholarship | As per trust norms | Merit-based; apply at SDMCET admissions office |
- Karnataka ePass (SC/ST/OBC/EWS): apply at karepass.cgg.gov.in.
- NSP central schemes apply; check scholarships.gov.in.
- Education loans available; contact SDMCET student services.
![SDM College of Engineering and Technology - [SDMCET]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1717663922download1.png?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
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