SAHE University B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. For B.Tech Lateral Entry in AI & DS (Computer Science group), candidates with Diplomas in Computer Science Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Hardware & Maintenance, and related branches are generally eligible to appear in AP ECET under the Computer Science group. The exact eligible Diploma branches for each B.Tech specialization are specified in the AP ECET notification issued by APSCHE/JNTU Anantapur. Candidates should verify their Diploma branch eligibility in the official AP ECET 2026 notification before applying.

Ans. Both programmes are specialized AI-focused B.Tech degrees at SAHE. B.Tech AI & DS (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) has a stronger emphasis on data science, data engineering, statistical analysis, data visualization, and business intelligence, in addition to AI and ML. B.Tech AI & ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) focuses more on machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, and AI model development. In practice, the curricula overlap significantly, but AI & DS graduates are often more suited for data analyst, data engineer, and business intelligence roles, while AI & ML graduates are more oriented towards ML engineering and AI research roles.

Ans. The regular approved intake for B.Tech AI & DS at SAHE is 180 seats (as per the 2026-27 prospectus). Lateral entry seats are supernumerary, capped at a maximum of 10% of the approved intake (i.e., up to 18 seats) as per AICTE norms, plus any unfilled first-year vacancies. The exact number of available lateral entry seats each year is notified by APSCHE during the AP ECET counselling process.

Ans. The tuition fee per year for B.Tech Lateral Entry AI & DS at SAHE is Rs. 2,50,000/year (same as the regular B.Tech AI & DS tuition fee), as per the 2026-27 prospectus. However, the one-time admission fee for lateral entry is Rs. 5,000 (compared to Rs. 10,000 for regular B.Tech). Since lateral entry students complete the degree in 3 years instead of 4, the total tuition fee is Rs. 7,50,000 (3 years) plus Rs. 5,000 admission fee, totalling Rs. 7,55,000, compared to Rs. 10,10,000 for the regular 4-year programme.

Ans. Graduates of B.Tech AI & DS from SAHE can pursue careers as Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Data Engineers, and Cloud Computing Specialists. The programme's strong industry connections at SAHE, with recruiters like TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Amazon, Microsoft, and Wipro, provide good placement opportunities. Graduates can also pursue higher education such as M.Tech in AI/Data Science, MS abroad, or MBA with a data analytics specialization.

Ans. Yes, lateral entry students at SAHE are treated on par with regular B.Tech students for placement purposes. They are eligible to participate in all campus placement drives, internship programmes, and industry interactions organized by the Training and Placement Department. The placement cell at SAHE does not differentiate between regular and lateral entry students for placement eligibility. However, lateral entry students should be aware that they have one fewer year on campus compared to regular students, so they should proactively build their skills and project portfolio from the 3rd semester itself to be placement-ready by the final year.