Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The B.Tech {Lateral Entry} in Aerospace Engineering at SASTRA Deemed University is a 3-year full-time programme offered at the Thanjavur campus, designed for diploma holders in Engineering/Technology who wish to directly enter the second year of the B.Tech programme. The programme covers advanced topics in aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, flight mechanics, avionics, and aerospace materials, building on the foundational engineering knowledge from the diploma. The total fees for the lateral entry programme are approximately Rs. 5.55 Lakhs for the 3-year duration, with a tuition fee of Rs. 85,000 per semester (with a 5% annual increase from the second year of lateral entry). SASTRA's B.Tech Aerospace Engineering programme has a total intake of 90 seats (regular + lateral combined), and the university is ranked among the top engineering institutions in India with a NIRF Engineering ranking in the top 50.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing. Applications opened on March 27, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 5, 2026. Phase I counselling (based on JEE Main 2026 scores + Class XII marks) is tentatively scheduled from the second/third week of June 2026, after Class XII results are declared. Lateral entry admissions are conducted on a rolling basis based on diploma marks.

Key Points

Lateral entry allows diploma holders in Engineering/Technology to directly join the second year (3rd semester) of B.Tech, saving one year compared to the regular 4-year programme.
SASTRA offers a mandatory bridge course (approximately 1 month) before the start of the 3rd semester to help lateral entry students align with the regular curriculum.
The Aerospace Engineering department at SASTRA is well-equipped with wind tunnels, propulsion labs, structural testing facilities, and CAD/CAM labs.
SASTRA has a strong research culture in aerospace, with faculty actively engaged in funded research projects in areas like UAVs, composite materials, and computational fluid dynamics.
The programme is affiliated with SASTRA Deemed University, which is NAAC A++ accredited and ranked among the top engineering universities in India.
No management quota; admissions are strictly merit-based.
Minor specialization options are available (e.g., AI/ML, Cyber Security, Robotics) as part of the B.Tech programme.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Ranking
FAQs

SASTRA Latest Updates and News

01 Apr, 2026 Sastra University Phase 1 Registration 2026 begins @sastra.edu. The last date to apply ranges between Apr 19 & Jun 5, 2026. Learn more.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral AE Fees

The B.Tech {Lateral Entry} Aerospace Engineering programme at SASTRA spans 3 years (6 semesters), with students joining directly at the second year level. The tuition fee is Rs. 85,000 per semester for the first year of lateral entry, with a 5% annual increase from the second year onwards. One-time charges at admission include a Development Fee of Rs. 10,000 and Special/Registration/Medical Fees of Rs. 6,000.

Academic Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee - Year 1 of Lateral (2 semesters x Rs. 85,000)	1,70,000
Tuition Fee - Year 2 of Lateral (2 semesters x Rs. 89,250)	1,78,500
Tuition Fee - Year 3 of Lateral (2 semesters x Rs. 93,713)	1,87,425
Total Tuition Fee (3 Years)	5,35,925
Sports and Unit Test Fee (Rs. 1,000/year x 3 years)	3,000
Development Fee (one-time)	10,000
Special/Registration/Medical Exam Fees (one-time)	6,000
Total Fees (Academic)	5,54,925

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Hostel Room Type	Non-AC (per annum)	AC (per annum)
Single Room	Rs. 25,000	Rs. 80,000
2-in-1	Rs. 20,000	Rs. 60,000
3-in-1	Rs. 16,000	Rs. 55,000
Single (Bath Attached)	Rs. 30,000	Rs. 90,000
2-in-1 (Bath Attached)	Rs. 26,000	Rs. 65,000
3-in-1 / 4-in-1 (Bath Attached)	Rs. 22,000	Rs. 55,000

Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the Total Academic Fees above.
Food charges are additional, approximately Rs. 5,000 per month, estimated at Rs. 50,000 per year for a 10-month stay.
Refund/cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines and the academic calendar applicable to SASTRA.
No capitation fee or donation is charged.
Admissions are purely merit-based.
IOB Bank within the campus offers education loan facilities.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral AE Admission 2026

Admissions to the B.Tech {Lateral Entry} Aerospace Engineering programme at SASTRA are based on merit in the qualifying diploma examination. Diploma holders in relevant Engineering/Technology disciplines are eligible for direct admission to the second year (3rd semester) of the B.Tech programme. The application process is entirely online through the official SASTRA admissions portal. Lateral entry admissions are conducted on a rolling basis.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Entry Admission Dates 2026

Event	Date
Application Start Date	March 27, 2026
Application End Date	June 5, 2026
Phase I Counselling (JEE Main + Class XII based - Regular)	2nd/3rd week of June 2026 (Tentative)
Phase II Counselling (Class XII based - Regular)	2nd week of June 2026 onwards (Tentative)
Lateral Entry Admissions	Rolling basis (after diploma results)

JEE Main 2026 Exam Dates (for reference)

Event	Date
JEE Main Session 1 Exam	January 21-28, 2026
JEE Main Session 1 Result	February 16, 2026
JEE Main Session 2 Exam	April 2-9, 2026
JEE Main Session 2 Result	April 20, 2026

Note: JEE Main is NOT mandatory for lateral entry admissions at SASTRA. Lateral entry is based on diploma marks only.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed a Diploma in Engineering/Technology from a recognised State Board of Technical Education or equivalent.
The diploma should be in a relevant engineering discipline (Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical/Civil Engineering or equivalent).
Minimum aggregate of 60% marks in the diploma programme.
Age: The applicant should not have completed 21 years as on August 1, 2026 (as per SASTRA's eligibility criteria for lateral entry).
A mandatory bridge course of approximately 1 month is conducted before the start of the 3rd semester.

Admission Process

Submit an online application form at the official SASTRA admissions portal (webstream.sastra.edu) from March 27, 2026.
Upload diploma marksheets and other required documents.
Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis based on diploma marks.
Provisional admission letter is sent to selected candidates by email.
Complete fee payment online to confirm the seat.
Attend the mandatory bridge course before the start of the 3rd semester.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral AE Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers merit-based scholarships to B.Tech students post-admission, primarily based on CGPA and academic performance. Students can also avail government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The university facilitates access to the AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship Scheme for eligible students.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount/Benefit
SASTRA Dean's List / Merit Scholarship	Based on CGPA performance in each semester (top 2% of batch)	Tuition fee waiver (partial)
SASTRA Attendance-Based Scholarship	Based on attendance and GPA	Fee concession (varies)
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (NSP)	Diploma/Class XII marks above 80%, family income below Rs. 8 LPA	Rs. 10,000/year (for first 3 years)
State Government Scholarships (Tamil Nadu)	SC/ST/OBC/Minority categories	As per government norms
AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship	Economically weaker sections, merit-based	As per AICTE norms
Education Loan (IOB Bank - on campus)	All students	As per bank norms

Most scholarships at SASTRA are merit-based and awarded post-admission based on academic performance.
Students must apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the stipulated deadlines each academic year.
Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to change as per government and university norms.

SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} Aerospace Engineering Ranking

Collegedunia Ranking

#139 out of 500 in India 2025

#10th in Tamil Nadu

NIRF Ranking

#40 out of 300 in India 2025

#8th in Tamil Nadu

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SASTRA B.Tech Lateral AE FAQs

Ques. What diploma disciplines are eligible for lateral entry into B.Tech Aerospace Engineering at SASTRA?

Ans. Diploma holders in Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent disciplines from a recognised State Board of Technical Education are eligible. The diploma must be in a relevant engineering/technology field with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. Candidates from other diploma streams may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Ques. Is there a bridge course for lateral entry students at SASTRA? What does it cover?

Ans. Yes, SASTRA conducts a mandatory bridge course of approximately 1 month before the start of the 3rd semester for all lateral entry students. The bridge course covers fundamental engineering subjects that regular B.Tech students study in their first year (1st and 2nd semesters) but lateral entry students may not have covered in their diploma. This helps lateral entry students align with the regular curriculum and ensures they are not at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

Ques. How are lateral entry students treated differently from regular B.Tech students at SASTRA?

Ans. Lateral entry students join the 3rd semester directly and study alongside regular B.Tech students from that point onwards. They attend the same classes, write the same exams, and are eligible for the same placements and scholarships. The only difference is the bridge course at the beginning and the fact that they complete the programme in 3 years instead of 4. Lateral entry students are fully integrated into the regular batch.

Ques. What are the career prospects after B.Tech Aerospace Engineering (Lateral Entry) from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in aerospace and defence organisations such as ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and NAL. Private sector opportunities exist with companies like Airbus, Boeing, Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Aerospace, and L&T Defence. Many graduates also move into IT and core engineering roles given SASTRA's strong placement network. The median package for 4-year UG students at SASTRA is Rs. 7.6 LPA (NIRF 2025), with core branch average packages ranging from Rs. 5-7 LPA. Higher studies (M.Tech/MS abroad) are also popular options.

Ques. Can lateral entry students at SASTRA choose minor specializations?

Ans. Yes, lateral entry students joining the 3rd semester can choose minor specializations as part of their B.Tech programme, similar to regular students. Options include AI/ML, Cyber Security, IoT, Robotics and Automation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and others. The minor specialization courses are typically taken from the 3rd to 7th semester, so lateral entry students have ample time to complete them.

Ques. What is the difference between B.Tech Aerospace Engineering (Regular) and B.Tech Aerospace Engineering (Lateral Entry) at SASTRA in terms of degree and recognition?

Ans. Both programmes lead to the same B.Tech degree in Aerospace Engineering from SASTRA Deemed University. The degree certificate does not distinguish between regular and lateral entry students. Both are equally recognised by employers, government organisations, and for higher studies. The lateral entry route simply allows diploma holders to complete the degree in 3 years instead of 4, saving one year of time and fees.