VelTech University B.Tech {Lateral} Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The regular B.Tech (AI and Data Science) is a 4-year programme starting from the 1st semester, while the Lateral Entry programme is a 3-year programme where students join directly into the 3rd semester (2nd year). Lateral Entry is designed for Diploma holders and B.Sc. graduates who already have foundational technical knowledge. Both programmes lead to the same B.Tech degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science from Vel Tech, with the same curriculum from the 3rd semester onwards.

Ans. No, Vel Tech does not conduct a separate entrance exam for Lateral Entry admissions. Admission is based on the candidate's Diploma or B.Sc. marks and document verification. Candidates need to apply online, submit their documents, and upon review, receive an admission offer from the university. This makes the lateral entry process straightforward and accessible for diploma holders seeking to upgrade their qualifications.

Ans. The total programme fee for B.Tech Lateral Entry (AI and Data Science) at Vel Tech is Rs. 9,35,000 for 3 years (including a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000). The annual fee payable is Rs. 3,10,000 (Phase I), which includes tuition fee of Rs. 2,90,000, Academic and Career Advancement Fee of Rs. 15,000, and Examination Fee of Rs. 5,000. Hostel fees are additional and optional, ranging from Rs. 1,05,000 to Rs. 1,65,000 per year depending on room type.

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Data Scientists, AI Engineers, Machine Learning Engineers, Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, and AI Research Associates in companies across sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing. Vel Tech's placement cell recorded 1,697 placements for the 2025 batch with 400+ recruiters including Amazon, Cognizant, HCLTech, and PwC, with the highest CTC reaching 47 LPA. Students can also pursue M.Tech, MBA, or international higher studies through Vel Tech's global MoU network.

Ans. While Vel Tech's eligibility criteria primarily require a Diploma in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks, candidates from relevant disciplines such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, and related fields are preferred for the AI and Data Science programme. Diploma holders from other engineering branches may also be considered based on their academic profile. Additionally, B.Sc. graduates with Mathematics as a compulsory subject at the 10+2 level are also eligible to apply.

Ans. Students joining through lateral entry start from the 3rd semester and follow the same curriculum as regular B.Tech students from that point. The curriculum covers major modules including Foundation Core (Mathematics, Physics, Programming), Computer Science and Engineering (Data Structures, Algorithms, DBMS, Operating Systems), Artificial Intelligence (Expert Systems, Knowledge Representation, Neural Networks), Machine Learning (Supervised/Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning), Data Science (Big Data Analytics, Data Visualization, Statistical Methods), and a final year Research/Industry Project. The programme follows CBCS aligned with NEP 2020.