St. Thomas College of Engineering and Technology Kolkata B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The total fee for B.Tech (Lateral Entry) in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at STCET Kolkata is INR 4,09,000 for the three-year programme. Hostel accommodation and transport charges are payable separately. WB government scholarship schemes for SC/ST and OBC-A/B students and AICTE scholarships for eligible women are available. Confirm the current fee with STCET Kolkata admissions before applying.

Ans. Candidates must hold a Diploma in Engineering (3-year) in the relevant branch or B.Sc with Mathematics from a recognised institution with at least 45% aggregate marks. Admission is via JELET score and WBJEEB centralised counselling for direct entry into the second year of the B.Tech programme at STCET.

Ans. JELET (West Bengal Joint Entrance for Lateral Entry into Technology) is the entrance exam conducted by WBJEEB for admission to the second year of MAKAUT-affiliated B.Tech programmes including STCET. Candidates register at wbjeeb.nic.in, appear for JELET, and participate in centralised counselling for seat allotment. Check the WBJEEB website for the 2026 JELET exam date and schedule.

Ans. The 4-year B.Tech is for Class 12 PCM graduates admitted via WBJEE or JEE Main. The 3-year lateral B.Tech is for diploma holders who enter directly into the second year via JELET, saving one year. Both programmes lead to the same MAKAUT B.Tech degree with identical recognition for employment. Lateral entry is a faster and cost-effective route for diploma engineers to obtain a degree.

Ans. The B.Tech degree is awarded by MAKAUT (Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology), West Bengal. STCET holds NAAC B+ accreditation and is approved by AICTE. The MAKAUT B.Tech from STCET via lateral entry carries the same recognition as the regular 4-year B.Tech for employment and further study.

Ans. Lateral B.Tech graduates can work in engineering, IT, and technical roles across industry in software companies, manufacturing firms, and corporate tech departments. With a MAKAUT B.Tech degree, graduates are eligible to apply for M.Tech programmes at STCET or other institutions via GATE or PGWBJEE.