Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 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.

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
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 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 Component	Amount (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

Event	Tentative Date / Period
Diploma results declared (Tamil Nadu)	April-May 2026
SASTRA Lateral Entry notification / advertisement	May-June 2026
Application / Registration window	May-June 2026
Bridge course (1 month, on campus)	May-June 2026
Counselling and seat allotment	June-July 2026
Fee payment deadline	Within 48-72 hours of allotment
Document verification and enrolment	July 2026
Commencement of 3rd semester classes	August 2026

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
TANCET 2026	Registration Start	March 16, 2026
TANCET 2026	Registration End	April 10, 2026
TANCET 2026	Admit Card	May 1, 2026 (Tentative)
TANCET 2026	Exam Date	May 9, 2026
TANCET 2026	Result	June 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

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
Dean's Merit Scholarship (Top 2% in university)	Top 2% students by CGPA in the university	Rs. 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 university	Rs. 17,000/year (1/5th of semester fee x 2 semesters)
Hostel Scholarship	Hostellers with 90%+ attendance, no mess fine, no arrears, no disciplinary action	Rs. 16,000/year (reimbursement of hostel lodging fee)
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/Minority)	As per state/central government norms	As per government scheme
AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship	As per AICTE eligibility criteria	As per AICTE norms
Sports/Cultural Scholarship	State/national level achievers	Tuition 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

Statistic	Value
Total B.Tech Students Graduated	1,806
Total Students Placed	1,671
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 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

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here

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.