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The B.Tech Lateral Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program at Rajiv Gandhi Government Engineering College (RGGEC), Kangra is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course designed for diploma holders in engineering. This government engineering college, located in Nagrota Bagwan, Himachal Pradesh, offers a comprehensive curriculum in artificial intelligence and data science with focus on machine learning, data analytics, and deep learning. The total program fee is INR 1.64 lakhs for the entire 3-year duration. The course is offered in full-time on-campus mode and is recognized by AICTE. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is one of the most in-demand specializations in the current job market, attracting students interested in machine learning, big data analytics, and AI applications. The program is popular among diploma holders seeking to upgrade their qualifications and enter the rapidly growing field of AI and data science.

Admission Status: Ongoing for Academic Year 2026-27. Applications are being accepted for B.Tech Lateral entry programs. The HPCET 2026 (Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test) for B.Tech Direct Entry will be conducted on May 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM. The application window for HPCET 2026 is expected to close in April 2026. Counselling and seat allocation will follow the examination. Interested candidates should register through the official HPTU portal (www.himtu.ac.in) to participate in the admission process.

Key Points

Lateral entry program designed specifically for diploma holders in computer science and engineering disciplines
3-year duration with comprehensive curriculum covering machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics
Affordable fee structure at INR 1.64 lakhs for the entire program duration
Full-time on-campus education with access to modern computing laboratories and AI tools
Merit-based admission through HPCET or diploma merit, ensuring quality student intake
Strong focus on industry-relevant skills in machine learning, Python programming, and data visualization

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

RGGEC B.Tech Lateral AI & DS Fees

The B.Tech Lateral Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program at RGGEC offers an affordable fee structure for diploma holders seeking to pursue a bachelor's degree in this emerging field. The total program fee of INR 1.64 lakhs is distributed across the 3-year duration, making it accessible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The fee includes tuition charges, development fees, library facilities, and training and placement support. The college provides flexible payment options and information about various government scholarship schemes available to eligible students.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee	90,000
Admission Fee	500
Caution Fee (Refundable)	4,000
University Fee	6,000
Development Fee	9,000
Library Fee	1,200
Training and Placement Fee	2,400
Miscellaneous Fee	50,900
Total Fees	1,64,000

The caution fee is refundable at the end of the program.
The college offers information on various government scholarship schemes including Post-Metric Scholarship for SC/ST students, Post-Metric Scholarship for OBC students, and Dr. Ambedkar Post Metric Scholarship for Economically Backward Classes.
Students with annual family income below specified limits may be eligible for these scholarships.
Payment can be made semester-wise or annually as per college guidelines.

RGGEC B.Tech Lateral AI & DS Admission 2026

The B.Tech Lateral Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program at RGGEC follows a merit-based admission process through the Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test (HPCET) or based on diploma merit. The college is affiliated with Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU) and follows the state-level admission guidelines. Eligible diploma holders from recognized institutions can apply for lateral entry into the 3rd semester (2nd year) of the B.Tech program. The admission process is transparent and conducted through official counselling sessions organized by HPTU.

College-Specific Admission Dates

Event	Tentative Date
HPCET 2026 Application Window Opens	January 31, 2026
HPCET 2026 Application Deadline	April 2026
HPCET 2026 Admit Card Release	May 2026
HPCET 2026 Exam Date (B.Tech Direct Entry)	May 10, 2026
Result Declaration	May 2026
Counselling Registration	May-June 2026
Seat Allotment	June 2026
Reporting and Document Verification	June-July 2026
Academic Session Commencement	July 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Conducting Body	Exam Date	Exam Time
HPCET 2026 (B.Tech Direct Entry)	HPTU	May 10, 2026	9:00 AM to 12:15 PM

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Passed Diploma in Computer Science, Information Technology, or allied engineering disciplines from a recognized institution with minimum 45% marks (40% for reserved category candidates)
Diploma should be in computer science, IT, or related fields such as electronics or instrumentation
Valid score in HPCET 2026 or merit-based selection through diploma marks as per HPTU guidelines
Candidates with B.Sc (with Mathematics and Computer Science) are also eligible for lateral entry in some cases

Admission Process

Register on the official HPTU portal (www.himtu.ac.in) and fill the HPCET 2026 application form
Pay the application fee as specified by HPTU
Appear for HPCET 2026 examination on the scheduled date
Check the result on the official portal after result declaration
Register for counselling during the specified window
Participate in online counselling and select college and branch preferences
Receive seat allotment based on merit and availability
Report to the allotted college with original documents for verification
Complete the admission formalities and pay the admission fee to confirm the seat

RGGEC B.Tech Lateral AI & DS Scholarships 2026

RGGEC does not offer its own institutional scholarships but has a dedicated Scholarship Committee that provides information and guidance on various government-sponsored scholarship schemes available to eligible students. The college actively assists students in applying for these scholarships and provides necessary documentation support.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
Post-Metric Scholarship for SC/ST Students	SC/ST category students with annual family income not exceeding INR 2,50,000	Full or partial fee coverage depending on income
Post-Metric Scholarship for OBC Students	OBC category students with annual family income not exceeding INR 1,00,000	Full or partial fee coverage depending on income
Dr. Ambedkar Post Metric Scholarship	General category students with annual family income not exceeding INR 1,00,000	Financial assistance for eligible economically backward students
Kalpana Chawla Scholarship	Top 2000 meritorious female students across the state	Recognition and financial support for outstanding female students

Students must apply directly to the respective scholarship authorities with required documents.
The college provides guidance on application procedures and deadlines.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria may vary annually as per government notifications.
Students are advised to check the official government portals and college notice boards for updated information on scholarship schemes and application deadlines.

RGGEC B.Tech Lateral AI & DS Placement 2026

RGGEC has a dedicated placement cell that facilitates recruitment drives and internship opportunities for students. The college has established connections with various organizations across sectors including IT companies, data analytics firms, AI startups, and multinational corporations. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science graduates from RGGEC have been placed in reputed companies and organizations. The placement statistics indicate that a significant percentage of students secure employment or pursue higher studies. The college provides training and placement support through dedicated faculty and industry partnerships to enhance employability skills in AI and data science.

Placement Statistics (Recent Year)

Metric	Details
Total Students	Varies by batch
Placement Rate	45-72% (varies by year)
Highest Package	INR 7 LPA
Average Package	INR 2.5 LPA
Median Package	INR 3 LPA
Higher Studies	Significant percentage pursue M.Tech and other postgraduate programs

RGGEC B.Tech Lateral AI & DS FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.Tech regular and B.Tech Lateral entry in AI and Data Science?

Ans. B.Tech regular is a 4-year program for 10+2 pass students, while B.Tech Lateral entry is a 3-year program for diploma holders. Lateral entry students join in the 3rd semester (2nd year) and complete the remaining 3 years of the program. Both programs award the same B.Tech degree upon completion with identical curriculum content in AI and data science.

Ques. What programming languages are taught in the B.Tech Lateral AI and Data Science program?

Ans. The program covers multiple programming languages including Python, Java, and R. Python is the primary language used for machine learning and data science applications. Students also learn SQL for database management and JavaScript for web-based AI applications. Practical projects involve implementing algorithms using these languages.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after B.Tech Lateral AI and Data Science?

Ans. Graduates have diverse career opportunities as data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI specialists, data analysts, and business intelligence professionals. They can work in IT companies, fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, and research organizations. Many graduates also pursue higher studies in specialized areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision.

Ques. Is there hands-on experience with real-world datasets in the program?

Ans. Yes, the program includes practical projects using real-world datasets from various domains. Students work on projects involving data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, model building, and evaluation. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of machine learning algorithms to solve real business problems.

Ques. What is the scope of AI and Data Science in India?

Ans. AI and Data Science is one of the fastest-growing fields in India with significant demand from IT companies, startups, and enterprises. The field offers lucrative career opportunities with competitive salaries. India is emerging as a global hub for AI and data science talent, with numerous opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies after B.Tech Lateral AI and Data Science?

Ans. Yes, graduates are eligible to pursue M.Tech in AI, Data Science, or related specializations from various universities. Many students also pursue MBA or specialized postgraduate programs in machine learning and AI. The degree is recognized by all universities and professional bodies, making it suitable for both employment and higher education.

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

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