IIIT Hyderabad Lateral Entry Eligibility Criteria, Application Process, and Exam Details

The Lateral Entry Entrance Examination (LEEE) is conducted by the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT). The entrance exam serves as the pathway to a dual degree program for engineering students seeking to enroll at the premier institute. After completing the B.Tech, applicants can continue with the Master of Science. The program duration is 4 years.  Mainly, the LEEE entrance exam is chosen by those candidates who have a strong inclination towards research and want to switch B.Tech program at another university to IIIT. 

The entrance exam is enrolled to those applicants who want to study B.Tech at IIIT and are ready to change their B.Tech program studying in current universities to a better one.  B.Tech candidates from IIIT can apply after completing the 4th semester of a B.Tech/B.E. program at other institutes and universities. Those who are aiming at postgraduation after completing their graduation in engineering can apply for the B.Tech program at IIIT. 

Dual-Degree Programs Offered by IIIT in the specializations: 

• Computer Science and Engineering (CSD)
  • B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
  • MS by Research in Computer Science and Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECD)
  • B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering
  • MS by Research in Electronics and Communication Engineering

So, the program can be enrolled by learners who are studying Computer Science, and Electronics and Communication and have a research interest. These programs are designed to integrate undergraduate coursework with research, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for advanced roles in academia and industry.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Lateral Entry at IIIT Hyderabad, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of Two Years of Undergraduate Engineering Program (B.Tech): Candidates should have completed two years (four semesters) of their B.E./B.Tech program by July 2025.
• Academic Background:
  • For Computer Science: Candidates should have completed their studies in disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML), or Data Science.
  • For Electronics and Communication: Candidates should have completed their studies in disciplines such as Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ETE), Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering (EIE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), or related fields.
     
• Minimum Academic Performance: A minimum aggregate score of 80% marks or an 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale at the end of the third semester is strongly recommended.
• Shortlisted candidates have to be prepared for one to one round.

Application Process

The application process for the Lateral Entry Entrance Examination (LEEE) involves the following steps:

• Online Registration: Candidates must register online through the official IIIT Hyderabad admissions portal.
• Application Form Submission: After registration, candidates need to fill out the application form with personal, academic, and contact details.
• Application Fee Payment: The application fee is INR 3,000, which is non-refundable. Payment can be made online through various modes such as debit/credit cards or net banking.
• Confirmation: After submitting the application and payment, candidates should download and print the confirmation page for their records.

Important Dates for LEEE 2025:

Examination Details

The LEEE comprises two main components:

The examination is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions. There is a negative marking of 25% for incorrect answers.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates based on their performance in the entrance examination will be invited for an online interview. The interview assesses the candidate's research aptitude, problem-solving skills, and motivation for pursuing the dual-degree program. The interview is scheduled for the last week of May 2025, with results announced in June 2025.

Fee Structure

The fee structure for the dual-degree programs is as follows:

• Tuition Fee (2025-26): INR 4,50,000 per annum
• Hostel and Mess Fees: Approximately INR 50,000 per semester
• Initial Fee Payment: INR 10,000 (non-refundable) along with the first semester tuition fee of INR 2,25,000

*Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available in the form of repayable loans.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the dual-degree program are well-prepared for:

• Research and development roles in academia and industry
• Higher studies and specialization in chosen fields
• Entrepreneurship and innovation-driven ventures

The integration of research with undergraduate education equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them valuable assets in the technology sector.

Can polytechnic diploma holders apply for the B.Tech Program from IIIT Hyderabad? 

No, polytechnic diploma holders can not apply for the B.Tech program at IIIT Hyderabad. However, there is an alternative degree, a B.Tech for working professionals, which polytechnic diploma holders can consider to pursue their B.Tech degree in a hybrid mode. Here are the university options which will provide you with a B.Tech Degree:- 

Conclusion

The Lateral Entry Entrance Examination (LEEE) at IIIT Hyderabad offers a distinctive opportunity for engineering students to advance their education through a dual-degree program that combines B.Tech and MS by Research. With a rigorous selection process, comprehensive curriculum, and emphasis on research, IIIT Hyderabad provides an environment conducive to academic and professional growth. Aspiring candidates should prepare diligently, stay informed about deadlines, and approach the examination with confidence to secure a place in this prestigious program.