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The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) Lateral Entry in Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML) at Nitra Technical Campus (NTC), Ghaziabad is a 3-year full-time undergraduate program (direct entry to 2nd year) affiliated to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow and approved by AICTE. Designed for diploma holders and B.Sc. graduates, this program provides a fast-track route to a B.Tech degree with a cutting-edge AI & ML specialization. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 2.70 Lakhs (excluding hostel). Admission is through CUET (UG) scores via AKTU lateral entry counselling (UPTAC). This program is ideal for diploma holders who want to upskill in AI and ML technologies and enter the rapidly growing AI job market.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are expected to open tentatively in May 2026, with UPTAC lateral entry counselling registration likely commencing around May-July 2026 based on the 2025 schedule. Students who have appeared in CUET UG 2026 (tentatively May 11-31, 2026) are eligible to participate in UPTAC 2026 lateral entry counselling.

Key Points

Lateral entry allows diploma holders and B.Sc. graduates to directly enter the 2nd year of B.Tech CSE (AI & ML), saving one year compared to the regular 4-year program.
The AI & ML specialization is integrated throughout the program, covering deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and data analytics.
Students gain proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure ML.
NTC has modern AI labs with GPU-powered computing, enabling hands-on training with real datasets and live industry projects.
Lateral entry students at NTC pay a one-time caution money of Rs. 2,000 and a university registration fee of Rs. 500 at the time of 2nd year admission.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

NTC B.Tech Lateral CSE (AI & ML) Fees

The B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) program at NTC is a 3-year program (6 semesters). The total tuition fee for the 3-year program is Rs. 2,44,500 (Rs. 81,500 per year), with a one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 2,000 and a university registration fee of Rs. 500 at the time of 2nd year admission. The total course fee (excluding hostel) comes to approximately Rs. 2,70,595 including AKTU exam fees. Hostel is optional and available on campus.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee (3 Years)	Rs. 2,44,500
Caution Money (Refundable)	Rs. 2,000
University Registration Fee	Rs. 500
AKTU University/Exam Fee (Rs. 7,865 x 3 years)	Rs. 23,595
Total Fees (Excluding Hostel)	Rs. 2,70,595
Hostel Charges - Double Occupancy (Per Year, Optional)	Rs. 78,500

Caution Money of Rs. 2,000 is fully refundable at the time of leaving the institution.
AKTU exam fee of Rs. 7,865 per year is subject to change as per university guidelines and is paid directly to AKTU.
Students paying the full yearly academic fee in advance are eligible for a free Book Bank facility.
Hostel charges are subject to annual revision.
Double occupancy: Rs. 78,500/year; Triple occupancy room rent: Rs. 24,000/year (other charges extra).
Hostel security deposit of Rs. 5,000 is refundable.
Fee is subject to revision by the Fee Fixation Committee of the U.P. Government.

NTC B.Tech Lateral CSE (AI & ML) Admission 2026

Admission to B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) at NTC is conducted through UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling) based on CUET (UG) scores. The 2025 counselling process ran from May to September 2025 across multiple rounds. For the 2026 batch, the counselling process is expected to follow a similar timeline, tentatively starting in May 2026. Candidates must register on the UPTAC portal, upload documents, fill choices, and report to the allotted institution after seat confirmation.

College/Counselling Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date
UPTAC 2026 Registration and Document Upload	May 2026 - July 2026
Online Choice Filling and Locking	July 2026
Round 1 Seat Allotment	Late July 2026
Round 2 Seat Allotment	Early August 2026
Round 3 Seat Allotment	Mid August 2026
Round 4 Seat Allotment (Auto Freeze)	Mid August 2026
Physical Reporting at Allotted Institution	August 2026
Special Round 1 Registration and Allotment	Late August 2026
Special Round 2 Registration and Allotment	September 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Event	Date
Application Re-opened	February 23-26, 2026
Exam Date (Tentative)	May 11-31, 2026
Result Declaration (Tentative)	Last week of June 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have completed a 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology (any branch except Agriculture Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture) from a recognized board/institution.
Alternatively, candidates with a B.Sc. degree who have studied Mathematics at the 10+2 level are also eligible.
Minimum aggregate of 45% marks for General category candidates; 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
A valid CUET (UG) score is mandatory for admission through UPTAC/AKTU lateral entry counselling.

Admission Process:

Appear in CUET UG 2026 (tentatively May 11-31, 2026).
Register on the UPTAC portal (uptac.admissions.nic.in) for lateral entry counselling and pay the registration fee.
Upload required documents and complete document verification.
Fill and lock college/branch choices online.
Receive seat allotment based on CUET rank and choice preferences.
Pay seat confirmation fee within the stipulated time.
Report physically to NTC with original documents for admission formalities.

NTC B.Tech Lateral CSE (AI & ML) Scholarships 2026

Students enrolled in the B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) program at NTC can avail of multiple scholarship options including government-funded and institution-level scholarships. The UP government scholarships are the most widely availed, covering a significant portion of fees for eligible students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount/Benefit
UP Government Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC/General-EWS)	Students from UP domicile belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories with family income below prescribed limit	As per government norms (covers tuition and maintenance allowance)
AKTU Merit Scholarship	Top-ranking students in AKTU examinations	Fee waiver/cash award as per AKTU norms
NTC Merit-Based Scholarship	Academically outstanding students	As per institutional policy
NTC Corporate Sponsored Scholarship	Students selected through industry partner programs	Varies; often includes internship and placement support
Post-Matric Scholarship (UP Social Welfare Dept.)	SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 Lakhs per annum	Covers tuition fee and maintenance allowance

UP Government scholarships are applied through the official UP Scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in).
Application deadlines for UP scholarships are typically announced in October-November each year.
AKTU scholarship details are notified through the official AKTU website (aktu.ac.in).

NTC B.Tech Lateral CSE (AI & ML) Placement 2026

NTC has a dedicated Training and Placement Cell that actively invites companies hiring for AI/ML, analytics, and data science roles. The AI & ML specialization gives graduates an edge during placement drives in both core and emerging tech companies. In 2024, the highest package offered was approximately Rs. 12 LPA, with an average package of around Rs. 4 LPA across all branches. Key recruiters include TCS, Capgemini, Infosys, IBM, Tech Mahindra, and other IT companies with AI/ML divisions.

Placement Statistics

Placement Statistic	Details
Highest Package (2024)	Rs. 12 LPA
Average Package (2024)	Rs. 4 LPA
Lowest Package	Rs. 3 LPA
Top Recruiters	TCS, Capgemini, Infosys, IBM, Tech Mahindra, NIIT, AJIO

NTC B.Tech Lateral CSE (AI & ML) FAQs

Ques. What is the advantage of B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) over regular B.Tech CSE (AI & ML) at NTC?

Ans. B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) allows diploma holders and B.Sc. graduates to skip the 1st year and directly enter the 2nd year, saving one year of study time and fees. The curriculum from 2nd year onwards is the same as the regular program, and both lead to the same AKTU B.Tech degree. This is ideal for students who already have a technical foundation from their diploma.

Ques. Which entrance exam is required for B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) at NTC?

Ans. CUET (UG) is the mandatory entrance exam for B.Tech Lateral Entry admission at NTC. Admission is processed through UPTAC (Uttar Pradesh Technical Admission Counselling) based on CUET rank. JEE Main is not required for lateral entry.

Ques. What is the total fee for B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) at NTC?

Ans. The total fee for the 3-year B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) program is approximately Rs. 2.70 Lakhs (excluding hostel). This includes tuition fee of Rs. 2,44,500, refundable caution money of Rs. 2,000, university registration fee of Rs. 500, and AKTU exam fees of Rs. 23,595 (Rs. 7,865 per year). Hostel charges are additional if you opt for on-campus accommodation.

Ques. Can a diploma holder in Computer Science apply for B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) at NTC?

Ans. Yes, diploma holders in Computer Science or any other engineering/technology branch (except Agriculture Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture) can apply for B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) at NTC. The minimum eligibility is 45% aggregate in the diploma (40% for reserved categories). A valid CUET UG score is also required.

Ques. What AI/ML tools and technologies will I learn in this lateral entry program?

Ans. Students learn Python, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, and NumPy. Cloud platforms like Google Colab, Jupyter Notebook, GitHub, AWS, and Azure ML are also covered. The program includes hands-on projects in deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and data analytics using GPU-powered AI labs at NTC.

Ques. What are the career options after B.Tech Lateral Entry CSE (AI & ML) from NTC?

Ans. Graduates can pursue roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer, Data Scientist, Big Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Computer Vision Engineer. They can join IT companies like TCS, Infosys, Capgemini, and Tech Mahindra, or pursue M.Tech/MS in AI/ML through GATE or GRE. The AI & ML specialization provides a strong competitive advantage in the current job market.

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Nitra Technical Campus Ghaziabad B.Tech {Lateral} Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning): Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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