Thapar University BE {Lateral}: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Regular BE at Thapar is a 4-year (8-semester) programme entered after Class 12 via JEE Main. BE Lateral Entry is a 3-year (6-semester) programme that allows diploma holders or B.Sc graduates to directly join the second year (third semester) of the regular BE. The lateral entry curriculum follows the same syllabus as the regular programme from semester 3 onwards; lateral students skip semesters 1 and 2. The degree awarded is the same BE from Thapar.

Ans. Both diploma holders and B.Sc graduates are eligible for BE Lateral Entry at Thapar. B.Sc graduates must have Mathematics as a subject and a minimum of 60% aggregate. They must also appear for and secure a valid score in the Thapar LEET. The final merit list is based on a combination of the LEET score and the qualifying examination (diploma or B.Sc) aggregate.

Ans. The Thapar LEET is an institution-specific lateral entry test covering engineering mathematics, basic sciences, and subject-specific sections relevant to the chosen discipline. It is conducted at the Thapar campus in Patiala. While it is competitive given Thapar’s standing as a private deemed university, candidates with solid diploma academics and LEET preparation generally have reasonable chances. The merit list is based on LEET score plus diploma aggregate, so diploma marks carry significant weight.

Ans. Yes, Thapar offers BE Lateral Entry in Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence & Data Science. Lateral entry students join from semester 3 of these programmes, covering the same ML, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and big data systems curriculum as regular BE students from that point onwards. The total 3-year fee for these tracks is ₹19,82,000, higher than traditional engineering branches, reflecting the infrastructure and faculty costs of these programmes.

Ans. Thapar does not differentiate between regular and lateral entry graduates in placement processes; both receive the same BE degree and access the same placement cell. Recruiters at Thapar typically evaluate candidates on the basis of skills, CGPA, and project work rather than the entry route. Lateral entry students who maintain a competitive CGPA and build strong projects during their 3 years generally compete on equal footing with regular BE graduates for campus placements.