The Apollo University Chittoor B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The lateral entry programme at The Apollo University for B.Tech CSE (AI & Data Science) is open to diploma holders from ANY branch of Engineering and Technology, not just Computer Science. As per the official eligibility criteria, you need to have completed a 3-year engineering diploma from a recognised institute with at least 50% marks. So even if your diploma is in Mechanical, Civil, or Electronics, you are eligible to apply. However, since the programme is highly specialised in AI and Data Science, students from non-CS backgrounds may need to put in extra effort in the initial semesters to bridge the gap in programming and mathematics fundamentals.

Ans. There are only 6 seats available under the lateral entry quota for B.Tech CSE (AI & Data Science) at The Apollo University. This makes it one of the most limited-seat programmes at the university. Admission is primarily through AP ECET rank for state counselling quota seats, and a few seats may be available under the management quota through direct application. Given the very limited seats, it is advisable to have a good AP ECET rank and also apply directly through the university portal to maximise your chances.

Ans. The total fee for the 3-year lateral entry programme is ₹9,01,000, which includes a one-time admission fee of ₹7,000 and an annual fee of ₹2,98,000 (tuition ₹2,85,000 + recurring ₹13,000) for each of the 3 years. Hostel charges are separate and optional, ranging from ₹1,20,000 to ₹1,35,000 per year for standard accommodation. There are no hidden charges mentioned on the official website, but students should confirm at the time of admission whether any examination fees, library fees, or lab charges are included in the recurring fee component.

Ans. The Apollo University accepts AP ECET (Engineering Common Entrance Test) rank for lateral entry admissions under the state counselling quota. AP ECET is conducted by JNTU Anantapur on behalf of APSCHE and is the primary gateway for diploma holders seeking lateral entry into B.Tech programmes in Andhra Pradesh. For management quota seats, the university may admit students directly based on their diploma marks without requiring an entrance test. Students can apply directly through the university admissions portal at admissions.apollouniversity.edu.in for management quota consideration.

Ans. Graduates of this programme can pursue careers as Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Engineers, Business Intelligence Developers, Data Analysts, and Robotics Scientists. The demand for AI and Data Science professionals spans IT, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and government sectors. The Apollo University's strong industry connect through the Apollo Hospitals Group and MoUs with companies like Microsoft provides students with internship and placement opportunities. Starting salaries for AI/Data Science roles typically range from ₹5 to 10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly higher.

Ans. Lateral entry students join directly into the 2nd year (3rd semester) of the B.Tech programme, which means they skip the 1st and 2nd semester subjects (Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics, Problem Solving with C, Data Structures, Python Programming, etc.). The university may offer bridge courses or additional support to help lateral entry students catch up on foundational topics. It is advisable to proactively revise these subjects on your own, especially programming fundamentals and mathematics, as they form the base for advanced AI and Data Science subjects in later semesters. The curriculum from the 3rd semester onwards is the same as regular students, so there is no disadvantage in terms of degree value or credits earned.