Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, offers the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering through Lateral Entry as a two-year full-time programme for ITI certificate holders who join directly into the second year of the three-year Diploma programme. The programme covers engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, manufacturing processes, machine design, fluid mechanics, and industrial engineering. Admission is merit-based on qualifying ITI marks; no separate national entrance examination is required. IUST is a state public university established in 2005, recognised by UGC and accredited NAAC Grade B+. The total programme fee is ₹12,000 for the two-year lateral entry duration. Graduates pursue careers as mechanical technician, production supervisor, maintenance technician, quality control inspector, machine operator, plant technician.
Admissions for 2026-27 are merit-based on qualifying ITI marks. Applications are accepted through the IUST admission portal; the application window is expected to open in April 2026.
Key Points
- IUST offers Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Lateral Entry) as a two-year full-time programme for ITI holders joining at the second year of the three-year diploma.
- IUST is a state public university established in 2005, recognised by UGC and accredited NAAC Grade B+; located at Awantipora, Pulwama, J&K.
- Total programme fee is ₹12,000 for the two-year lateral entry; no separate one-time fees apply to Engineering Diploma courses at IUST.
- Eligibility: ITI certificate in Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, or related mechanical ITI trade from a recognised Industrial Training Institute with minimum marks as specified in the official notification.
- Graduates are prepared for careers as mechanical technician, production supervisor, maintenance technician, quality control inspector, machine operator, plant technician in government departments, public sector undertakings, and private engineering firms.
IUST Diploma {Lateral} (ME) Fees
Diploma {Lateral} (ME) Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Tuition Fee (₹3,000 per semester × 4 semesters) | ₹12,000 |
| Total Fees (2-Year Lateral Entry Programme) | ₹12,000 |
- Total Fees of ₹12,000 covers the complete two-year Diploma (Lateral Entry) programme at ₹3,000 per semester for four semesters. Engineering Diploma courses at IUST are exempt from the one-time admission fee and security deposit.
- Hostel facility is available separately at ₹13,000 per year; hostel charges are not included in the Total Fees above.
- Students are advised to verify the current fee structure directly with IUST before confirming admission, as fees are subject to revision by the university.
IUST Diploma {Lateral} (ME) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Opens | April 2026 |
| Application Closes | June 2026 |
| Merit List | July 2026 |
| Document Verification | July 2026 |
| Classes Begin | August 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
- Admission to Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Lateral Entry) at IUST is merit-based on ITI marks; no separate national entrance examination is required.
- Minimum eligibility is an ITI certificate in Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, or related mechanical ITI trade from a recognised Industrial Training Institute; minimum mark percentage as specified in the official IUST admission notification.
- Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification at the Awantipora campus; bring original ITI certificate, mark sheets, and identity proof.
- IUST follows J&K state reservation norms; reserved category candidates are advised to check the official admission notification for category-wise details.
- The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Passed ITI certificate in Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, or related mechanical ITI trade from a recognised Industrial Training Institute with minimum marks as specified in the official IUST admission notification.
- No separate entrance examination is mandated; admission is merit-based on qualifying ITI marks.
- J&K domicile and state reservation norms apply; refer to the official IUST admission notification for category-wise seat matrix.
Admission Process
- Check the IUST admission portal (admission.iust.ac.in) from April 2026 for the Diploma Lateral Entry application form.
- Fill the online application form with personal, academic, and ITI certificate details; upload attested copies of ITI mark sheets and certificates.
- Pay the application fee online as specified in the official admission notification.
- IUST publishes a merit list based on ITI marks; shortlisted candidates are called for counselling and document verification in July 2026.
- Attend document verification at the Awantipora campus with original ITI certificates, mark sheets, domicile certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Complete fee payment to confirm admission; classes for the Diploma Lateral Entry batch commence in August 2026.
IUST Diploma {Lateral} (ME) Scholarships 2026
Diploma {Lateral} (ME) Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| J&K Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | As per J&K government norms | J&K domicile SC/ST/OBC students; apply via National Scholarship Portal |
| Central Sector Scholarship | As per central norms | Merit-based; family income below ₹8,00,000; apply via NSP |
| PM-YASASVI Scholarship (OBC/EBC/DNT) | Up to ₹75,000 per year | Students from OBC/EBC/DNT categories; income below ₹2,50,000; apply via NSP |
- Government scholarships are disbursed through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in); eligible candidates must apply between August and November annually.
- J&K domicile students from SC/ST and OBC categories should also check state-specific scholarship schemes through the J&K Social Welfare Department.
- Students are advised to apply for scholarships early in the academic session to avoid missing deadlines.
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