TCET Mumbai B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The B.Tech AI&DS (Lateral Entry) is a 3-year programme where diploma holders join directly at the second year (Semester 3) level, skipping the first year entirely. The first-year entry B.Tech AI&DS is a 4-year programme for students coming after HSC (12th standard) through MHT CET or JEE Main. Both programmes lead to the same B.Tech degree from the University of Mumbai. The lateral entry route saves one year and is specifically designed for diploma holders who want to upgrade their qualification to a full engineering degree. The curriculum from Semester 3 onwards is identical for both routes.

Ans. No, there is no separate entrance exam for B.Tech Lateral Entry (DSE) admissions in Maharashtra. Admission is based purely on the aggregate marks obtained in the 3-year Diploma in Engineering and Technology. Candidates need to register on the DSE portal (managed by the Maharashtra CET Cell), upload their diploma marksheets, and participate in the CAP merit-based allotment process. JEE Main and MHT CET scores are NOT required for lateral entry admissions.

Ans. B.Tech AI&DS (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) focuses on data analytics, big data processing, data visualisation, statistical modelling, and AI applications for data-driven decision making. B.Tech AIML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) focuses more on building intelligent systems, ML algorithms, neural networks, and model development. For lateral entry students, the choice depends on career interest - if you are inclined towards data pipelines, business analytics, and insights, AI&DS is the right fit; if you prefer building AI models and intelligent systems, AIML is better. Both have strong industry demand and similar placement opportunities at TCET.

Ans. Candidates who have completed a 3-year Diploma in any branch of Engineering and Technology from an AICTE or Government-approved institution are eligible to apply for B.Tech AI&DS Lateral Entry. There is no restriction on the diploma branch. However, students from Computer Engineering, IT, Electronics, or related branches will find the transition to the AI&DS curriculum smoother, as the programme builds on programming, mathematics, and data concepts. Seat allotment is purely based on diploma aggregate marks through the Maharashtra DSE CAP process.

Ans. The annual fee for B.Tech Lateral Entry at TCET is Rs. 1,59,500 as per the official TCET admission portal, making the total 3-year fee approximately Rs. 4,78,500. Additionally, TCET charges various other fees such as TSDW (student welfare) fees, stationery charges, membership fees for professional bodies, and training programme fees, which are not part of the FRA-approved fee structure. The refundable deposits (Library: Rs. 2,000 and Lab: Rs. 3,000) are returned at the end of the course subject to no dues. Hostel fees are separate and optional.

Ans. Graduates of B.Tech AI&DS from TCET can pursue careers as Data Scientists, AI Engineers, Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, Data Engineers, and more. The AI and Data Science field spans diverse industries including healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation. Companies like Accenture, Capgemini, TCS, Infosys, JP Morgan Chase, and Tech Mahindra regularly recruit from TCET. The college-wide average package for 2024-25 was Rs. 7.93 LPA with a highest package of Rs. 40 LPA. Students can also pursue M.Tech in AI/Data Science or opt for higher studies abroad after completing the programme.