Chandigarh University Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Hons.}{Lateral} Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning): Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Chandigarh University offers two similar but distinct lateral entry programs: BE CSE (AI & ML) Lateral Entry (CS220) and BE CSE (AI) Lateral Entry (CS236). The AI & ML program (CS220) has a broader scope covering both Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including Deep Learning, NLP, Computer Vision, and Data Science applications. The AI program (CS236) focuses more specifically on Artificial Intelligence with a deeper emphasis on AI algorithms, logic, and reasoning. Both are offered under the Apex Institute of Technology with IBM collaboration. The fee for CS236 is Rs. 1,85,500/semester, while CS220 is Rs. 1,66,500/semester, making CS220 slightly more affordable. Students should review the curriculum PDFs on the CU website to choose the program that best aligns with their career goals.

Ans. Yes, diploma holders from any branch of Engineering/Technology with at least 50% marks are eligible for the BE CSE (AI & ML) Lateral Entry program at Chandigarh University. This includes diplomas in Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and other engineering branches. However, if there are deficient prerequisite subjects from the first-year CSE curriculum (such as programming fundamentals, data structures, etc.) that were not covered in your diploma, you will be required to complete bridge courses as specified by the university's equivalence committee. It is advisable to contact the admissions office at admissions@cumail.in to confirm your specific diploma branch's eligibility and any bridge course requirements.

Ans. Students enrolled in the BE CSE (AI & ML) Lateral Entry program at Chandigarh University's Apex Institute of Technology have access to several world-class industry labs: IBM Software Lab for Emerging Technologies (hands-on AI/ML tools), Microsoft Innovation Center (Microsoft technologies and development platforms), Microsoft Global Technical Support Center (enterprise-level support systems), Oracle Academy Lab (database management and enterprise applications), Unisys Innovation Labs (technology-driven solutions), and EMC2 Academic Alliance (data storage and cloud infrastructure). IBM-collaborated curriculum modules include industry certifications that are integrated into the degree program, making graduates job-ready with recognized credentials.

Ans. Graduates of the BE CSE (AI & ML) program from Chandigarh University's Apex Institute of Technology can pursue roles as Business Intelligence Developer, Computer Vision Engineer, Research Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Algorithm Specialist, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, and NLP Engineer. The APEX department at CU has reported record-breaking placement numbers with highest packages of 59.9 LPA (Atlassian), 54.75 LPA (Palo Alto Networks), 52.11 LPA (Charter Global), 36 LPA (Arcesium), and 30.25 LPA. Key recruiters include Microsoft, Wipro, Amazon, Flipkart, Dell, TCS, HCL, Google, L&T, and IBM. These figures represent the overall APEX department; AI & ML graduates specifically are in high demand for AI/ML roles.

Ans. Yes, a full fee waiver is possible for the BE CSE (AI & ML) Lateral Entry program through the CUCET scholarship. If you score 90.01-100% in CUCET Phase 1, you get a 100% waiver on the semester fee of Rs. 1,66,500, meaning you pay Rs. 0 in tuition per semester (only examination fee of Rs. 2,500 and one-time security deposit of Rs. 2,000 are payable). The scholarship is renewable each semester provided you maintain a minimum 7.5 CGPA with no E, F, or I grades. For lower CUCET scores, partial scholarships ranging from 15% to 50% are available. It is strongly recommended to appear for CUCET Phase 1 (deadline April 30, 2026) to maximize scholarship benefits.

Ans. The regular BE CSE (AI & ML) (CS221) is a 4-year program for students entering after 10+2, covering all 8 semesters from the foundation level. The Lateral Entry version (CS220) is a 3-year program for diploma holders who get direct admission into the 2nd year (3rd semester), completing the degree in 6 semesters instead of 8. This saves one full academic year and reduces the total fee from approximately Rs. 13,32,000 (8 semesters) to Rs. 9,99,000 (6 semesters). The curriculum from the 3rd semester onwards is the same for both tracks, covering advanced AI/ML topics, IBM-certified modules, and industry projects. The lateral entry route is specifically designed for polytechnic diploma holders who want to upgrade to a full engineering degree with an AI & ML specialization.