Is JEE Main mandatory for B.Tech admission at SASTRA University?

No, JEE Main is not mandatory. Candidates without a JEE Main score are automatically considered under Stream 2, which uses Class XII marks only. However, entering a JEE Main score can improve your rank under Stream 1, so it is recommended even for average scorers.

What is the minimum percentage needed for B.Tech admission at SASTRA?

Candidates need a minimum of 60% aggregate in Class XII. Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects. One of Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, or Biotechnology is also required as a subject.

How does SASTRA University calculate the B.Tech merit rank?

Stream 1 merit is calculated as 50% weightage to JEE Main 2026 score and 50% to Class XII aggregate. Class XII marks are normalised by treating the top scorer of each state board as 100% and adjusting all other scores accordingly. Stream 2 rank uses only the normalised Class XII aggregate.

What are the important dates for SASTRA University B.Tech admission 2026?

Applications opened on March 27, 2026 and closed on June 5, 2026. The merit rank list was released around June 14, 2026 and online counselling began on June 15, 2026. The academic session begins on August 1, 2026.

Does SASTRA University offer merit scholarships at the time of B.Tech admission?

Students from J&K and North-Eastern States receive a 100% tuition fee scholarship plus free boarding and lodging at the time of admission. During the programme, the Deans Merit Scholarship offers a 40% fee concession to students in the top 3% of their class and 20% to those in the top 3-10%.

What is the B.Tech fee per semester at SASTRA University?

The B.Tech tuition fee is INR 85,000 per semester in Year 1. A 5% annual increment applies from Year 2 onwards. A one-time admission charge of INR 16,000 is collected at the time of joining. An annual sports and unit test fee of INR 1,000 also applies.

Is direct admission or management quota available at SASTRA University?

No. SASTRA University does not offer a management quota or direct admission route. All seats across all programmes are filled strictly through merit. No donations or capitation fees are accepted at any stage of admission.

Can law aspirants apply to SASTRA University without a CLAT score?

Yes. Candidates without a CLAT score can apply under Phase II. Phase II uses a composite merit of 50% Class XII aggregate. Students with a strong Class XII performance can secure admission even without sitting for CLAT 2026.

What entrance exams are accepted for MBA admission at SASTRA University?

SASTRA University gives preference to candidates with valid scores in CAT, XAT, AIMAT, CMAT, or AIMCAT for MBA admission. Shortlisted candidates then attend a Group Discussion and Personal Interview. A first-class bachelors degree in any discipline is required.

Do GATE-qualified candidates get any benefit for M.Tech at SASTRA University?

Yes. GATE-qualified candidates admitted to M.Tech or M.Sc programmes receive a 50% tuition fee waiver throughout the programme. They also receive a monthly stipend of INR 12,400 as additional financial support.

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} Bioinformatics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 29, 2026

The B.Tech {Lateral Entry} in Bioinformatics at SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, is a 3-year full-time on-campus programme designed for diploma holders seeking direct entry into the second year of the B.Tech Bioinformatics programme. The course integrates computational biology, genomics, proteomics, data analysis, and programming, preparing students for careers at the intersection of life sciences and information technology. The total programme fee is approximately Rs. 5.55 Lakhs for the entire 3-year duration, with a seat intake aligned with the regular B.Tech Bioinformatics programme. SASTRA is one of the few deemed universities in India offering a dedicated B.Tech in Bioinformatics, making it a sought-after destination for students with a biology-technology background. The programme is popular for its strong research infrastructure, NAAC A++ accreditation, and industry-oriented curriculum.

Admissions for 2026 are currently open. Applications opened on March 27, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 5, 2026. Online counselling for lateral entry admissions is conducted on a rolling basis after diploma results are declared, typically from June 2026 onwards.

Key Points

SASTRA University holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked among the top deemed universities in India, lending strong credibility to the Bioinformatics programme.
Students without Mathematics in Class XII are eligible for B.Tech Bioinformatics at SASTRA, making it accessible to Biology stream students.
The programme allows students to choose a minor specialisation from options such as AI and Machine Learning, Cyber Security and IoT, Robotics and Automation, and more, at no additional fee.
SASTRA has secured All India Rank 8 in the Bioinformatics National Certification (BINC) conducted by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, reflecting the quality of its Bioinformatics programme.
The lateral entry route allows diploma holders to complete the B.Tech degree in 3 years instead of 4, saving one year of study time.
Age limit for lateral entry applicants: must not have completed 21 years as on August 1, 2026.

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Fees
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Scholarships
FAQs

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} (Bioinformatics) Fees

The total fee for the B.Tech {Lateral Entry} (Bioinformatics) at SASTRA University is approximately Rs. 5.55 Lakhs for the full 3-year programme. The tuition fee is Rs. 85,000 per semester in the first year, with a 5% annual increase from the second year onwards. One-time charges including development fee and registration/special fees are payable at the time of admission. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at additional cost.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee - Year 1 (2 semesters x Rs. 85,000)	1,70,000
Tuition Fee - Year 2 (2 semesters x Rs. 89,250)	1,78,500
Tuition Fee - Year 3 (2 semesters x Rs. 93,713)	1,87,426
Development Fee (one-time)	10,000
Special / Registration / Medical Exam Fee (one-time)	6,000
Sports and Unit Test Fee (Rs. 1,000 per annum x 3 years)	3,000
Total Fees	5,54,926

Hostel fees are optional and not included in the total above.
Hostel lodging charges range from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 90,000 per year depending on room type (AC/Non-AC, single/shared).
Food charges are approximately Rs. 5,000 per month (payable at actuals).
The 5% annual tuition fee increase applies from the second year of study.
No capitation fee or donation is charged.
Admissions are strictly merit-based.
Refund/cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines and SASTRA's academic calendar.

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} (Bioinformatics) Admission 2026

Admissions to the B.Tech {Lateral Entry} (Bioinformatics) at SASTRA University are merit-based and conducted online. Diploma holders in Engineering/Technology are eligible for direct admission to the second year of the B.Tech programme. The admission process for 2026 has commenced with applications open from March 27, 2026. Counselling is conducted on a rolling basis after diploma/board results are declared. Since SASTRA is a deemed university, it does not participate in state-level lateral entry counselling; admissions are managed directly by the university.

SASTRA University Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	March 27, 2026
Last Date to Apply	June 5, 2026
NRI Admissions Begin	March 27, 2026
Online Counselling Begins (after Diploma/Board results)	June 2026 (2nd week, tentative)
Batch Commencement	July 2026 (tentative)

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Registration	Exam Date	Result
JEE Main Session 2	Feb 1 - Feb 25, 2026	April 2-9, 2026	April 20, 2026
TANCET (Tamil Nadu)	March 16 - April 10, 2026	May 9, 2026	June 24, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Must hold a Diploma in Engineering/Technology from a recognised institution in a relevant discipline (Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or related fields).
Minimum aggregate marks as per SASTRA's merit-based admission norms; age must not exceed 21 years as on August 1, 2026.
Students without Mathematics in Class XII are eligible for this programme.

Admission Process

Visit the official SASTRA admissions portal (sastra.edu) and submit the online application form from March 27, 2026.
Upload required documents including diploma marksheets, transfer certificate, and other supporting documents.
Provisional admission letter is sent to the applicant by email after merit evaluation.
Pay the tuition fee online to confirm the seat.
Report to the campus on the designated date for enrolment and document verification.
The entire process (application, admission, fee payment, enrolment) is 100% online.

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} (Bioinformatics) Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships to B.Tech students, including lateral entry students. The Dean's Merit Scholarship is the most prominent, offering up to 40% tuition fee concession to top-performing students. Additionally, government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal are available for eligible students. These scholarships collectively make the programme more financially accessible for deserving students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Amount / Benefit	Eligibility
Dean's Merit Scholarship (Top 3%)	40% tuition fee concession per semester	Top 3% of class based on semester performance
Dean's Merit Scholarship (3% to 10%)	20% tuition fee concession per semester	3% to 10% of class based on semester performance
Hostel Scholarship	Rs. 16,000 per year	Min. 90% attendance, CGPA 7.5+, no disciplinary record, timely fee payment
AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship	As per AICTE norms	OBC/EBC/DNT students in AICTE-approved programmes
AICTE Pragati Scholarship	Rs. 50,000 per year	Girl students in AICTE-approved technical programmes
Central Sector Scholarship (NSP)	As per government norms	Students from families with income below Rs. 8 Lakhs per annum

Dean's Merit Scholarship is renewed each semester based on academic performance.
Government scholarships must be applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
AICTE scholarships are applicable as SASTRA is an AICTE-approved institution.
Students should check the SASTRA website and NSP portal for updated scholarship deadlines each academic year.

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} (Bioinformatics) FAQs

Ques. Is B.Tech Bioinformatics lateral entry at SASTRA a good option for diploma holders from a biology/life sciences background?

Ans. Yes, SASTRA is one of the few universities in India offering a dedicated B.Tech in Bioinformatics, and the lateral entry route is ideal for diploma holders from relevant disciplines. The programme is well-regarded for its research facilities, and SASTRA has achieved national recognition in Bioinformatics (AIR 8 in BINC). However, students should be aware that core Bioinformatics placements are limited compared to CSE/IT, and many graduates pursue higher studies (M.Tech/M.Sc/PhD) or move into IT roles.

Ques. Do I need to appear for any entrance exam for lateral entry B.Tech Bioinformatics at SASTRA?

Ans. No, SASTRA does not require any specific entrance exam for lateral entry admissions. Admission is purely merit-based on your diploma aggregate marks. You simply need to apply online through the SASTRA admissions portal and go through the online counselling process.

Ques. What is the age limit for lateral entry B.Tech at SASTRA?

Ans. Lateral entry applicants must not have completed 21 years of age as on August 1, 2026. This is slightly more relaxed than the regular B.Tech age limit of 19 years, accommodating diploma holders who may be slightly older.

Ques. Can a student without Mathematics in Class XII apply for B.Tech Bioinformatics lateral entry at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes. SASTRA explicitly allows students without Mathematics in Class XII to apply for B.Tech Bioinformatics (along with Biotechnology and Bioengineering). This makes the programme accessible to students from the Biology stream who have completed a relevant diploma.

Ques. What are the career prospects after B.Tech Bioinformatics (Lateral Entry) from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can work as Bioinformatics Analysts, Computational Biologists, Data Scientists in pharma/biotech companies, or Research Associates. Companies like TCS, Infosys, and biotech firms recruit from SASTRA. However, core Bioinformatics roles are limited in India, and many students pursue M.Tech, M.Sc, or PhD programmes in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or Data Science for better career prospects. SASTRA's strong research environment also opens doors to research internships and fellowships.

Ques. Is SASTRA's lateral entry B.Tech Bioinformatics programme recognised by UGC/AICTE?

Ans. Yes, SASTRA is a NAAC A++ accredited Deemed University recognised by UGC, and its B.Tech programmes are approved by AICTE. The lateral entry B.Tech degree from SASTRA is fully recognised and valid for higher studies and employment purposes across India and internationally.

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SASTRA: 1 Answered Question

SASTRA University, Thanjavur: Does your CGPA really matter at the end of your course?

Siddhartha BoseB.Tech Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur

Yes, CGPA at SASTRA does matter, especially if you have low CGPA. It will affect your placement and as well as other things. But if you are proficient in programming then you can get into companies like Google without CGPA being a problem. If you have a low GPA, you will miss out on the following things.

ACRS: If you want to finish your course in the 7th semester, you will need a GPA of 7.5+. To get the course you want you will need to have around an 8.5 GPA.
Although most companies set 7.0 GPA requirements. Most dream companies ask for a GPA of 8+.
You won’t be able to go to your graduation ceremony, since SASTRA only invites students with GPAs of 7.5+.

Apart from these above reasons, GPA matters for other reasons too. While hiring, companies look at your GPA, not to evaluate how much you know. Rather they want to how responsible and committed you are.

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