Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Bachelor of Engineering [BE] {Lateral} (Mechanical Engineering) at Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Anna University (AUBIT), Tiruchirappalli is a 3-year full-time on-campus lateral entry programme that enables diploma holders to directly join the second year of the BE Mechanical Engineering programme. The curriculum encompasses thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing technology, machine design, and industrial engineering, with a total academic fee of Rs. 76,000 for the entire 3-year duration. Admission is through the Tamil Nadu Lateral Entry Admissions (TNLEA) centralised counselling, and the programme is affiliated to Anna University. It is one of the most sought-after lateral entry programmes at AUBIT due to the wide scope of Mechanical Engineering in manufacturing, automotive, and core industries.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are upcoming. Based on the 2025 TNLEA schedule, registration is expected to open in early June 2026, with counselling rounds likely in July-August 2026. Candidates are advised to monitor the official TNLEA portal (www.tnlea.com) for confirmed dates.

Key Points:

Lateral entry programme: Diploma holders directly join the 2nd year, completing the degree in 3 years
Affiliated to Anna University, a premier technical university in Tamil Nadu
Government institution with highly subsidised fees compared to private engineering colleges
Mechanical Engineering is one of the core departments at AUBIT with strong industry linkages
Well-equipped labs including CNC machining, metrology, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics labs

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

AUBIT BE {Lateral} Mechanical Engineering Fees

The total academic fee for BE {Lateral} (Mechanical Engineering) at AUBIT is Rs. 76,000 for the complete 3-year programme, making it extremely affordable. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 23,000 per year, and a one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 7,000 is payable in the first year. Optional hostel accommodation is available on campus at approximately Rs. 1.32 Lakhs for the full duration.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fees (3 years x Rs. 23,000)	69,000
Caution Fee (Refundable)	7,000
Total Academic Fees	76,000
Hostel Fees (Optional, approx.)	1,32,000
Total Fees (with Hostel)	2,08,000

Caution Fee of Rs. 7,000 is fully refundable at the time of leaving the institution.
Hostel fees are optional and not included in the Total Academic Fees.
Fee structure is as per the official AUBIT fee structure 2025; minor revisions may apply for 2026 admissions.
No EMI options are typically available for government institution fees; fees are paid semester-wise or annually as per university norms.

AUBIT BE {Lateral} Mechanical Engineering Admission 2026

Admission to BE {Lateral} (Mechanical Engineering) at AUBIT is through the Tamil Nadu Lateral Entry Admissions (TNLEA) counselling, a centralised merit-based process conducted by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Candidates are ranked based on their diploma aggregate percentage and allotted seats through multiple online counselling rounds. The 2026 admission season is upcoming; candidates should register on the official TNLEA portal once the schedule is announced.

Important Dates

Event	Tentative Dates (2026)
Application Open for Registration	Early June 2026
Certificate Uploading	Early June - Early July 2026
Certificate Verification	Mid June - Mid July 2026
Publication of Rank List	Mid July 2026
Grievances Redressal	Late July 2026
Special Counselling	Late July 2026
Round 1 Counselling	Late July - Early August 2026
Round 2 Counselling	Early August 2026
Round 3 Counselling	Early August 2026
Commencement of Classes	August 2026

Exam Dates

Exam/Process	Details
TNLEA	No written entrance exam; merit-based on Diploma aggregate percentage
Official Portal	www.tnlea.com

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related branch from a recognised polytechnic/institution.
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying Diploma examination (45% for reserved categories).
Candidates must be residents of Tamil Nadu or have studied in Tamil Nadu for the qualifying examination.

Admission Process

Register on the official TNLEA portal (www.tnlea.com) during the application window.
Upload required certificates including Diploma marksheets, community certificate, and other documents.
Attend certificate verification at the designated centre.
Participate in online choice filling and counselling rounds.
Accept allotment and report to AUBIT with original documents and fee payment.

AUBIT BE {Lateral} Mechanical Engineering Scholarships 2026

AUBIT students are eligible for a range of state and central government scholarships that significantly reduce the financial burden. The institution actively facilitates scholarship applications, and students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections can avail substantial financial assistance. Scholarship forms are distributed by the college and must be submitted after completing the required formalities, typically in the second semester.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
Tamil Nadu BC/MBC/DNC Scholarship	BC, MBC, DNC category students	Covers tuition fees (varies by category)
Tamil Nadu SC/ST Scholarship	SC/ST category students	Full tuition fee reimbursement
Post-Matric Scholarship (Central Govt.)	SC/ST students with family income below threshold	Tuition + maintenance allowance
Tamil Nadu Government Merit Scholarship	Top academic performers	Varies

Scholarship application forms are available from the college's Student Affairs office.
Students must submit applications along with income certificate, community certificate, and marksheets.
Renewal of scholarships requires maintaining minimum attendance and academic performance.
BC/MBC/DNC and SC/ST scholarship renewals are processed annually; students should check the official AUBIT website for circulars.

AUBIT BE {Lateral} Mechanical Engineering Ranking

IIRF Ranking

#90 out of 160 in Top Public Colleges in India 2025

#6th in Tamil Nadu

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AUBIT BE {Lateral} Mechanical Engineering FAQs

Ques. Which diploma branches are eligible for BE {Lateral} (Mechanical Engineering) at AUBIT through TNLEA?

Ans. Diploma holders in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Tool and Die Making, and other related branches are generally eligible. The exact list of eligible branches is published in the TNLEA brochure each year on www.tnlea.com.

Ques. Is the BE {Lateral} degree from AUBIT equivalent to the regular 4-year BE degree?

Ans. Yes, the BE {Lateral} degree awarded by Anna University through AUBIT is fully equivalent to the regular 4-year BE degree and is recognised by AICTE and all government and private employers.

Ques. What is the seat intake for BE {Lateral} (Mechanical Engineering) at AUBIT?

Ans. Lateral entry seats are typically 10% of the sanctioned intake of the regular BE programme. The exact number of lateral entry seats for Mechanical Engineering is published in the TNLEA counselling brochure each year.

Ques. Can I pursue higher studies (ME/M.Tech) after completing BE {Lateral} from AUBIT?

Ans. Yes, graduates of BE {Lateral} from AUBIT are eligible to apply for ME/M.Tech programmes through TANCET or GATE, just like regular BE graduates. Anna University and other universities accept lateral entry BE graduates for postgraduate admissions.

Ques. Are there any placement opportunities specifically for Mechanical Engineering lateral entry students at AUBIT?

Ans. AUBIT's placement cell facilitates campus recruitment for all BE students including lateral entry graduates. Companies from manufacturing, automotive, and core engineering sectors visit the campus. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and industry projects to enhance employability.

Ques. Is there a management quota for BE {Lateral} admissions at AUBIT?

Ans. AUBIT is a government institution under Anna University, and admissions are conducted exclusively through the TNLEA centralised counselling process. There is no separate management quota for lateral entry admissions at AUBIT.