SASTRA B.Tech {Lateral} Mechatronics: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Thanjavur, Tamil NaduDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1984NAAC Grade A++ 3.7
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 29, 2026

The B.Tech Lateral Entry in Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics at SASTRA University (Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy), Thanjavur, is a 3-year full-time on-campus programme that allows diploma holders in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electronics, or allied engineering streams to directly enter the second year of the B.Tech Mechatronics programme. Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field combining mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control systems, and is increasingly sought after in industries such as robotics, automation, automotive, aerospace, and smart manufacturing. The total fees for the programme amount to approximately Rs. 5.55 Lakhs over three years, with a tuition fee of Rs. 85,000 per semester in the first year (with a 5% annual increase from the second year). SASTRA is a NAAC A++ accredited, Category 1 deemed university ranked #40 in NIRF Engineering 2025, making this lateral entry route a strong choice for diploma students seeking a quality B.Tech degree in an emerging interdisciplinary field.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are upcoming. Based on the previous year's schedule, applications are expected to open around May-June 2026, with classes commencing from August 2026. Lateral entry admissions at SASTRA are conducted through a university-level process based on diploma marks, and students are required to attend a mandatory bridge course before joining the second year.

Key Points

  • Lateral entry students are admitted directly into the second year (3rd semester) of the B.Tech Mechatronics programme, saving one year compared to the regular 4-year route.
  • Mechatronics at SASTRA integrates mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, robotics, and computer science into a single interdisciplinary programme, making graduates versatile across multiple industries.
  • SASTRA offers a unique minor specialisation option; Mechatronics students can choose minors in AI/ML, Robotics and Automation, Cyber Security and IoT, Sustainability Engineering, or other emerging areas at no extra cost.
  • The School of Mechanical Engineering (SoME) at SASTRA houses advanced labs including CAD/CAM, robotics, thermal engineering, and manufacturing labs, along with the SASTRA-BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) Centre for hands-on industry-aligned training.
  • SASTRA has a SASTRA-MHI (Ministry of Heavy Industries) Training Centre on campus, providing Mechatronics students access to industry-grade skilling in advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and robotics.
  • Age limit for lateral entry: the candidate should not have completed 21 years as on 01.08.2026.
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SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Mechatronics Fees

The B.Tech Lateral Entry Mechatronics programme at SASTRA University carries a tuition fee of Rs. 85,000 per semester in the first year of joining (i.e., second year of B.Tech), with a 5% annual increase applied from the subsequent year. Over the 3-year programme (6 semesters), the total tuition fee works out to approximately Rs. 5.36 Lakhs. Including one-time charges such as development fees and registration fees, the total programme cost comes to approximately Rs. 5.55 Lakhs. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at additional cost.

Fee Breakdown

Fee ComponentAmount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee - Year 1 (2 semesters x Rs. 85,000)1,70,000
Tuition Fee - Year 2 (2 semesters x Rs. 89,250 after 5% hike)1,78,500
Tuition Fee - Year 3 (2 semesters x Rs. 93,713 after 5% hike)1,87,426
Sports and Unit Test Fee (Rs. 1,000/year x 3 years)3,000
Development Fee (one-time)10,000
Special / Registration / Medical Exam Fee (one-time)6,000
Total Fees (excluding hostel)5,54,926
  • Hostel lodging fee is optional and ranges from Rs. 16,000/year (3-in-1 or 4-in-1 non-AC shared room) to Rs. 90,000/year (single AC room with bath attached).
  • First-year (lateral entry joining year) students are provided shared accommodation at Rs. 16,000/year.
  • Mess/food charges are collected separately on a monthly basis at actuals (approximately Rs. 5,000/month; approximately Rs. 50,000/year for 10 months).
  • No capitation fee or donation is charged.
  • Admissions are strictly merit-based.
  • Refund/cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines.
  • Withdrawal after fee payment is possible from a specified date; refund is processed online to the registered bank account after the admission process concludes.
  • No EMI facility is officially mentioned; fee payment is done online via Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI at the time of seat allotment.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Mechatronics Admission 2026

Admissions to the B.Tech Lateral Entry Mechatronics programme at SASTRA University are conducted through a university-level process based on diploma marks. The process is separate from the regular B.Tech counselling and is typically announced after diploma results are declared. Students from Tamil Nadu polytechnic boards are primarily eligible, and the process involves a bridge course followed by counselling and seat allotment. For 2026-27, admissions are upcoming and are expected to follow a similar timeline to the previous year (May-July 2026).

SASTRA Lateral Entry Admission Dates

EventTentative Date / Period
Diploma results declared (Tamil Nadu)April-May 2026
SASTRA Lateral Entry notification / advertisementMay-June 2026
Application / Registration windowMay-June 2026
Bridge course (1 month, on campus)May-June 2026
Counselling and seat allotmentJune-July 2026
Fee payment deadlineWithin 48-72 hours of allotment
Document verification and enrolmentJuly 2026
Commencement of 3rd semester classesAugust 2026

Relevant Exam Dates

ExamEventDate
TANCET 2026Registration StartMarch 16, 2026
TANCET 2026Registration EndApril 10, 2026
TANCET 2026Admit CardMay 1, 2026 (Tentative)
TANCET 2026Exam DateMay 9, 2026
TANCET 2026ResultJune 24, 2026 (Tentative)

Note: TANCET is primarily for PG admissions (M.Tech/MBA/MCA) and is not a mandatory exam for B.Tech lateral entry at SASTRA. SASTRA conducts its own lateral entry admission process based on diploma percentage. There is no separate national-level lateral entry entrance exam mandated for this programme.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates must have completed a 3-year Diploma in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, Electrical, or an allied engineering discipline from a recognised State Board of Technical Education (AICTE-approved polytechnic).
  • A minimum aggregate of 60% marks in the diploma programme is generally required (candidates with higher percentages are given priority in merit-based allotment).
  • The candidate should not have completed 21 years of age as on 01.08.2026.
  • No standing backlogs at the time of admission.

Admission Process:

  • Monitor SASTRA's official website (www.sastra.edu) for the lateral entry admission notification, which is typically published after diploma results.
  • Register and apply online through the SASTRA admissions portal within the specified window.
  • Attend the bridge course (approximately 1 month) conducted on the SASTRA Thanjavur campus; attendance is mandatory.
  • Appear for the bridge course end-test; seat allotment is based on diploma percentage and bridge course performance.
  • Upon seat allotment, pay the tuition fee online within the stipulated deadline (Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI).
  • Report to campus with original documents for verification and complete enrolment formalities.
  • Required documents: Diploma certificate and all semester mark sheets, SSLC/10th certificate, Transfer Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Community/Category certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar card, passport-size photographs, and fee payment receipt.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Mechatronics Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers a focused set of merit-based scholarships to its students. While the number of scholarship schemes is limited compared to larger universities, the amounts are meaningful and directly linked to academic performance. Students who consistently perform well academically and maintain good attendance can benefit from the Dean's Merit Scholarship, while hostel residents with good conduct and attendance can avail the Hostel Scholarship. Additionally, government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and state-level schemes for SC/ST/OBC/minority students are facilitated by the university.

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount
Dean's Merit Scholarship (Top 2% in university)Top 2% students by CGPA in the universityRs. 34,000/year (2/5th of semester fee x 2 semesters)
Dean's Merit Scholarship (Top 3-10% in university)Top 3-10% students by CGPA in the universityRs. 17,000/year (1/5th of semester fee x 2 semesters)
Hostel ScholarshipHostellers with 90%+ attendance, no mess fine, no arrears, no disciplinary actionRs. 16,000/year (reimbursement of hostel lodging fee)
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)As per state/central government normsAs per government scheme
AICTE Yashasvi ScholarshipAs per AICTE eligibility criteriaAs per AICTE norms
Sports/Cultural ScholarshipState/national level achieversTuition fee concession (case-by-case)
  • Dean's Merit Scholarship amounts are calculated based on the current tuition fee of Rs. 85,000/semester; amounts may vary as tuition increases annually.
  • Hostel Scholarship is disbursed as a cheque at the end of every even semester.
  • Government scholarships require submission through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or Tamil Nadu state scholarship portal; SASTRA assists with verification.
  • AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship renewal applications for 2025-26 are currently open (as per SASTRA's official notice).
  • No separate entrance-based scholarship is offered for lateral entry students at the time of admission.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Mechatronics Placement 2026

SASTRA University has a strong overall placement record, with approximately 90-92% of eligible B.Tech students placed annually. For Mechatronics specifically, the interdisciplinary nature of the programme opens doors to both core engineering companies and IT/software firms. Core companies that recruit Mechatronics graduates from SASTRA include TVS Motors, L&T, Lucas Brakes, Ford, Murugappa Group companies, Caterpillar, Rane Group, Sundaram Clayton, and TAFE, among others. IT and analytics companies such as TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, Infosys, and Accenture also recruit Mechatronics students. The SASTRA-BEST Centre (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) and the SASTRA-MHI Training Centre on campus provide additional industry-aligned skilling in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing that directly benefits Mechatronics students.

SASTRA University B.Tech Placement Statistics

StatisticValue
Total B.Tech Students Graduated1,806
Total Students Placed1,671
Placement Percentage~92%
Median Salary Package (B.Tech)Rs. 7.6 LPA
Highest Package (overall B.Tech)Rs. 27 LPA
  • The above statistics are for the overall B.Tech programme at SASTRA.
  • Course-specific (Mechatronics lateral entry) placement data is not separately published.
  • The interdisciplinary nature of Mechatronics gives students an edge in both core and IT placements; students with strong robotics and automation skills tend to secure better core sector offers.

SASTRA B.Tech Lateral Mechatronics FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.Tech Mechatronics and B.Tech Mechanical Engineering at SASTRA? Which is better for a lateral entry student?

Ans. B.Tech Mechatronics at SASTRA is an interdisciplinary programme combining mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, robotics, and computer science. B.Tech Mechanical Engineering is more focused on core mechanical subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and manufacturing. For lateral entry students with a diploma in Mechatronics or Electronics, the Mechatronics programme is a natural fit. For those with a Mechanical Engineering diploma, either programme can be chosen. Mechatronics offers broader career options spanning robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing, while Mechanical Engineering has a deeper focus on traditional core mechanical roles.

Ques. Is the B.Tech Lateral Entry Mechatronics programme at SASTRA a full-time on-campus programme?

Ans. Yes, the B.Tech Lateral Entry (Mechatronics) at SASTRA University is a full-time, on-campus programme offered exclusively at the Thanjavur campus. There is no distance or part-time mode available. Students are required to attend classes regularly and maintain a minimum of 75% attendance as per university regulations.

Ques. What is the bridge course at SASTRA for lateral entry students, and is it mandatory?

Ans. SASTRA conducts a one-month bridge course on its Thanjavur campus for lateral entry students before the start of the regular 3rd semester. The bridge course covers foundational engineering subjects to bridge the gap between diploma and B.Tech curriculum. Attendance during the bridge course is mandatory, and a test is conducted at the end. Seat allotment is influenced by diploma percentage and bridge course performance/attendance. Students who do not attend the bridge course may not be considered for admission.

Ques. What are the career prospects for a B.Tech Mechatronics lateral entry graduate from SASTRA?

Ans. Mechatronics graduates from SASTRA can pursue careers in robotics and automation, automotive engineering, aerospace, smart manufacturing, industrial IoT, and control systems. Core companies like TVS Motors, L&T, Caterpillar, Rane Group, and Murugappa Group recruit Mechatronics graduates. Additionally, IT companies like TCS, Wipro, and Cognizant also hire Mechatronics graduates for software and automation roles. The SASTRA-BEST and SASTRA-MHI training centres on campus provide additional industry-specific skilling that enhances employability in core sectors.

Ques. Can a lateral entry Mechatronics student at SASTRA opt for a minor specialisation?

Ans. Yes. SASTRA offers minor specialisations to all B.Tech students, including lateral entry students. Mechatronics students can choose a minor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics and Automation, Cyber Security and IoT, Sustainability Engineering, or other available options. There is no additional fee for the minor specialisation; it is covered within the regular tuition fee. Students can start choosing minor specialisation courses from the 3rd to 7th semester.

Ques. I have a diploma in Electronics. Am I eligible for lateral entry into B.Tech Mechatronics at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a diploma in Electronics, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering from an AICTE-recognised polytechnic are generally eligible for lateral entry into B.Tech Mechatronics at SASTRA. The exact branch equivalence and eligibility criteria are specified in the official lateral entry notification published on www.sastra.edu after diploma results. It is recommended to check the notification carefully and contact the SASTRA admissions office for confirmation of your specific diploma branch's eligibility.

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SASTRA: 1 Answered Question

SASTRA University, Thanjavur: Does your CGPA really matter at the end of your course?

Sounak Banerjee
Siddhartha BoseB.Tech Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur

Yes, CGPA at SASTRA does matter, especially if you have low CGPA. It will affect your placement and as well as other things. But if you are proficient in programming then you can get into companies like Google without CGPA being a problem. If you have a low GPA, you will miss out on the following things.

  • ACRS: If you want to finish your course in the 7th semester, you will need a GPA of 7.5+. To get the course you want you will need to have around an 8.5 GPA.
  • Although most companies set 7.0 GPA requirements. Most dream companies ask for a GPA of 8+.
  • You won’t be able to go to your graduation ceremony, since SASTRA only invites students with GPAs of 7.5+.

Apart from these above reasons, GPA matters for other reasons too. While hiring, companies look at your GPA, not to evaluate how much you know. Rather they want to how responsible and committed you are. 

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