AICTE’s circular on lateral entry into B.Tech., B.E. surprises colleges

According to the new circular, students already possessing a B.Tech. or B.E. degree can gain lateral entry into another branch of engineering.

Students who already have a B.Tech./B.E. degree may apply for another B.Tech. or B.E. degree in another discipline or branch of engineering, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has said in a new circular thus surprising many engineering colleges. Candidates seeking such lateral entry may be given an exemption from pursuing courses they have already done in their first undergraduate programme. Further, candidates would have to enrol in a college as the second discipline also involves practical component. The candidate may complete the additional degree in two or three years “without compromising on the credit requirements in core discipline and attainment of learning outcomes of the new programme”, the circular said. According to the circular, the decision was made at the Council’s meeting in July, and colleges have been advised to guide appropriately such students to complete other requirements of the second discipline. The AICTE has also advised the universities to make necessary provision in their statutes.