Lateral Entry Meaning - Eligibility, Admissions, Colleges, Fees, How It Works, Benefits, Comparison

Details of Lateral Entry Meaning 2025

Lateral Entry is a term used in education that refers to a system in which students who have completed a diploma or a degree in a specific field can enter directly into the second or third year of a related undergraduate program.

This system allows students to save time and money while also gaining additional knowledge and skills. In this article, we will explore the meaning of lateral entry, its eligibility criteria, admissions, colleges offering lateral entry programs, fees, how it works, benefits, and a comparison with other entry methods.

Lateral entry is a process that allows students who have completed a diploma or degree in a specific field to gain admission directly into the second or third year of a related undergraduate program.

For example, a student who has completed a diploma in engineering can enter directly into the second year of an engineering degree program. This system is also known as direct entry, advanced entry, or vertical progression.

Eligibility Criteria for Lateral Entry Admission

To be eligible for lateral entry admissions, students must have completed a diploma or degree in a related field. The minimum percentage required for admission varies from college to college. However, most colleges require students to have at least 60% marks in their previous degree or diploma program.

Lateral Entry Admissions 2025

The admission process for lateral entry varies from college to college. Generally, students need to fill out an application form and submit it to the college along with their previous educational qualifications. Some colleges may require students to appear for an entrance exam or interview as well.

Colleges Offering Lateral Entry Programs

Many colleges and universities in India offer lateral entry programs in various fields such as engineering, pharmacy, law, and management.

Some of the popular colleges offering lateral entry programs are:

• Delhi Technological University
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune
• Anna University, Chennai
• Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
• Amity University, Noida

Fee Structure of Lateral Entry Program

The fees for lateral entry programs vary depending on the college and the program. Generally, lateral entry programs are less expensive than traditional undergraduate programs since students are exempted from the first year of coursework.

The fees for lateral entry programs range from INR 50,000 to INR 2 lakhs per annum.

How Lateral Entry Program Works?

In the lateral entry system, students are exempted from the first year of coursework and are directly admitted into the second or third year of the undergraduate program. They are required to complete the remaining years of the program and fulfill the credit requirements to obtain their degree.

Steps Involved in Lateral Entry Process

Particular	Description
Eligibility	Check if the student is eligible for the program.
Application	Fill out an online or offline application form, submit required documents, and pay the application fee.
Entrance Exam	(If applicable) Appear for an entrance exam that tests the student's knowledge in the relevant field.
Merit List	Create a merit list based on the student's academic performance and other criteria.
Admission	Complete the admission process by submitting additional documents as required by the college.
Counseling	Attend counseling sessions to adjust to the program and college environment.

Benefits of Lateral Entry 2025

The lateral entry system offers several benefits to students. It allows students to save time and money by skipping the first year of coursework. Students can also gain additional knowledge and skills by entering directly into the second or third year of a related undergraduate program.

Additionally, lateral entry programs offer students the opportunity to obtain a degree in a shorter amount of time, which can help them enter the workforce sooner.

Benefit	Description
Time-Saving	Students can complete their undergraduate program in a shorter duration compared to traditional entry methods.
Cost-Effective	Lateral entry programs are less expensive than traditional undergraduate programs.
Additional Knowledge and Skills	Lateral entry allows students to gain additional knowledge and skills in their field of study.
Competitive Edge	Lateral entry students have a competitive edge in the job market.

Examples of Lateral Entry Programs

Lateral entry programs are offered in various fields such as engineering, pharmacy, law, and management.

Some examples of lateral entry programs are:

1. Bachelor of Technology (Lateral Entry) in Computer Science and Engineering
2. Bachelor of Pharmacy (Lateral Entry)
3. Bachelor of Laws (Lateral Entry)
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (Lateral Entry)

Comparison with Other Entry Methods

Compared to traditional entry methods, lateral entry offers several advantages. It saves time and money and allows students to gain additional knowledge and skills. In contrast, traditional entry methods require students to complete the entire program, which can take up to four years. Additionally, lateral entry programs are less expensive than traditional undergraduate programs since students are exempted from the first year of coursework.

Comparison of Lateral Entry and Traditional Entry

Criteria	Lateral Entry	Traditional Entry
Admission	Direct entry into 2nd or 3rd year	Entry into the 1st year
Time	Shorter duration	Longer duration
Fees	Lower fees	Higher fees
Skills	Opportunity to gain additional knowledge and skills	Same as lateral entry