TCET Mumbai B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. As per DTE Maharashtra's branch mapping for DSE admissions, Diploma holders in Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunication, Electronics and Computer Science, and allied branches are typically eligible for lateral entry into B.Tech AIML. Diploma holders from non-allied branches like Mechanical or Civil Engineering may not be eligible for AIML lateral entry as the branch mapping requires a related technical background. Students should check the official DTE Maharashtra DSE information brochure for the exact branch-to-branch mapping before applying.

Ans. The lateral entry seats in B.Tech AIML at TCET are a percentage of the total approved intake (240 seats for first year). As per AICTE norms, lateral entry seats are typically up to 10% of the sanctioned intake, i.e., approximately 24 seats. All lateral entry admissions are conducted through the DTE Maharashtra DSE CAP process. There are no institute-level seats for lateral entry; however, if seats remain vacant after all CAP rounds, TCET may fill them at the institute level as per DTE guidelines.

Ans. The 4-year B.Tech AIML programme starts from the first year (first semester) and covers the complete engineering curriculum including first-year foundation subjects. The 3-year lateral entry programme starts directly from the second year (third semester), skipping the first-year subjects. Lateral entry students join the same batch as the second-year students of the regular programme. The degree awarded is the same - B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the University of Mumbai. The lateral entry route is faster but requires a Diploma or B.Sc. qualification.

Ans. The annual fee for lateral entry (Direct Second Year) at TCET is Rs. 1,59,500 per year for all UG courses, making the total 3-year cost approximately Rs. 4.79 lakhs. The regular 4-year B.Tech AIML programme has an annual fee of approximately Rs. 1,54,500 per year (as per FRA 2025-26 circular), making the total 4-year cost approximately Rs. 6.18 lakhs. So lateral entry students save both time (1 year) and money (approximately Rs. 1.39 lakhs) compared to the regular route.

Ans. Yes, candidates who completed their Diploma from outside Maharashtra can apply under the All India (AI) category in the DSE CAP process. The All India quota seats are a portion of the total seats available. AI category candidates must register on the DSE portal and go through the same CAP process as Maharashtra State candidates. However, the merit list and seat allotment are separate for Maharashtra State and All India candidates. AI category candidates should check the DSE information brochure for the exact percentage of AI quota seats.

Ans. The degree awarded is identical - B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the University of Mumbai - regardless of whether the student entered through the regular or lateral route. Employers do not differentiate between the two. Graduates can pursue roles as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Data Scientist, NLP Engineer, Computer Vision Engineer, AI Researcher, and AI Consultant. TCET's placement cell, with 200+ companies visiting annually including Accenture, Capgemini, Infosys, JP Morgan Chase, and TCS, supports all B.Tech graduates including lateral entry students in campus placements.