Chandigarh University Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Lateral} Food Technology Engineering: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

The B.E. (Food Technology) Lateral Entry program at Chandigarh University is a 3-year full-time on-campus undergraduate engineering degree designed for diploma holders and B.Sc. graduates who wish to upgrade to a full engineering degree by entering directly into the 2nd year (3rd semester). The program covers food processing, food engineering, food safety, quality control, bioprocess engineering, and plant design, blending engineering principles with applied food science. Total fees for the program are Rs. 6.83 Lakhs for the complete 3-year duration, making it one of the more affordable engineering lateral entry options. Admission is through CUCET (mandatory for lateral entry engineering programs at CU), and the batch is expected to commence in July/August 2026.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently ongoing under CUCET Phase 1 (registration deadline: 30th April 2026). Students who miss Phase 1 can apply under CUCET Phase 2, which runs from May 2026 until the end of admissions. The Food Technology department at CU has industry tie-ups with companies like MTR, Dabur, Nestle, Conagra, Cadbury, PepsiCo, and Perfetti, offering strong placement prospects in the food and FMCG sector.

Key Points

• Lateral entry program allowing diploma/B.Sc. holders to directly enter 2nd year of B.E. Food Technology, saving one academic year and associated fees.
• AICTE-approved program with a curriculum covering Food Engineering, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Process Modelling, Plant Design, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, and Nutrition.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on practical training in advanced labs including Food Processing Lab, Food Technology Lab, and Bioprocess Engineering Lab equipped with industry-grade equipment.
• Regular industrial visits to food production and processing units for experiential learning.
• Industry tie-ups and certifications from leading food processing and production companies.
• Entrepreneurship training module integrated into the curriculum, supporting students interested in food product development and start-ups.
• Option to study abroad through semester exchange programs at 525+ international universities.
• Placement opportunities in food processing, dairy, FMCG, pharma, and regulatory organisations with packages ranging from 6 to 24 LPA.

CU BE Food Technology Lateral Fees

Component-wise Fee Breakup

Hostel Fees (Optional – Not Mandatory)

• Caution/Security Fee of Rs. 2,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university, subject to no dues.
• Hostel fees are optional and not included in the Total Fees above.
• Hostel fees are charged annually and include mess/food charges. Fees increase by Rs. 2,000 per annum for domestic students on account of food inflation.
• Education loan facilities are available through tie-ups with leading banks. Students can contact the admissions office for loan assistance.

CU BE Food Technology Lateral Admission 2026

Important Dates

Entrance Exam – CUCET 2026 (Lateral Entry)

• CUCET is the only mandatory entrance exam for lateral entry B.E. programs at Chandigarh University. JEE Main is not applicable for lateral entry admissions.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology (any branch) with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
• Alternatively, candidates who have passed a B.Sc. Degree from a recognized university with Mathematics as a subject and secured at least 50% marks are also eligible.
• Admission is based on CUCET score; appearing for CUCET is mandatory for lateral entry engineering programs.

Admission Process

• Register on the official CUCET portal at cucet.cuchd.in with basic details (Name, Email, Mobile, State, Gender).
• Choose a convenient exam date and appear for the CUCET computer-based test.
• Receive CUCET result and scholarship offer based on score.
• Submit the admission application along with required documents (Diploma/B.Sc. marksheets, transfer certificate, etc.) and pay the semester fee to confirm the seat.
• Direct entry into 2nd year (3rd semester) of the B.E. Food Technology program.

CU BE Food Technology Lateral Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• Scholarships are renewable annually subject to maintaining a minimum 7.5 CGPA with no E, F, or I grades in any semester.
• A student cannot avail multiple scholarships simultaneously.
• Diploma-based scholarship is applicable to a maximum of 10% of total intake seats per program.
• Phase 2 CUCET scholarships are lower than Phase 1 – students are advised to apply early.
• Scholarship scheme swapping is not allowed in subsequent years.