VIT Pune B.Tech {Lateral} Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Both programmes deal with data and AI, but they differ in focus. B.Tech Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI & DS) is offered at the Bibwewadi campus, established in 2020, with an intake of 360 seats, and covers AI, machine learning, deep learning, and data science with a strong AI orientation. B.Tech CSE (Data Science) is offered at the Kondhwa campus, established in 2023-24, with an intake of 180 seats, and focuses more specifically on data science, statistical modelling, data analytics, and business intelligence. For lateral entry, AI & DS has approximately 36 seats and CSE (Data Science) has approximately 18 seats. Students interested in a more data-analytics-focused curriculum may prefer CSE (Data Science), while those interested in AI and deep learning may prefer AI & DS.

Ans. The CSE (Data Science) department is located at the Kondhwa Campus (Survey No. 3/4, Kapil Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk, Pune - 411048). Students admitted to this programme will attend classes at the Kondhwa campus. This is different from the AI & DS department, which is at the Bibwewadi campus. Prospective students should factor in the campus location when making their choice.

Ans. Diploma holders from Computer Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics & Telecommunication, and other allied engineering branches are generally eligible. B.Sc. graduates (especially B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. IT, or B.Sc. Statistics) with Mathematics at HSC level from UGC-recognised universities are also eligible. The exact branch-wise eligibility is defined in the DSE Information Brochure published by the Maharashtra CET Cell each year. It is advisable to check the official brochure at dse.mahacet.org.in before applying.

Ans. Yes, all government scholarships available to regular B.Tech students are equally applicable to lateral entry students. SC/ST students pay only ₹5,698 per year after scholarship benefits. OBC/SEBC students pay approximately ₹30,090 to ₹1,11,394 per year depending on income and gender. Girl students from OBC/EWS/SEBC categories pay as low as ₹30,090 per year. All scholarships are processed through the MahaDBT portal and the college scholarship department actively assists students with applications.

Ans. The lateral entry intake is 10% of the sanctioned intake of the regular programme. Since the regular B.Tech CSE (Data Science) programme has an intake of 180 seats, the lateral entry seats are approximately 18. Given the very limited seats and the growing demand for data science professionals, competition can be high. Students with a diploma percentage above 75-80% generally have a better chance of securing a seat through CAP rounds. Institute-level seats are available for those who miss out on CAP allotment.

Ans. Graduates of the B.Tech CSE (Data Science) programme from VIT Pune are well-positioned for roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, and Database Administrator. The data science field is one of the fastest-growing in the IT industry, with strong demand from sectors like finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology. VIT Pune has an active placement cell with companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and various analytics-focused firms visiting for campus placements. Students can also pursue M.Tech in Data Science or an MBA in Business Analytics after completing the programme.