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IIIT Lateral Entry 2025 - Eligibility & Admission Process

Devina Bhagat Jun 20, 2025 1K Reads

Lateral entry programs provide a valuable opportunity for diploma holders and science graduates to directly enter the second year of a B.Tech program, thereby reducing the duration and cost of engineering education. In many states, private engineering colleges offer lateral entry routes, but the Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) do not offer any direct lateral entry options for the B.Tech program.

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 for better options. B.Tech from IIIT can be applied for by candidates after completing the 4th semester of a B.Tech/ B.E. program from 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.

* In total, there are 23 IIIT colleges, but only IIIT Hyderabad offers B.Tech Lateral Entry programs.

IIIT Hyderabad

IIIT Hyderabad offers the Lateral Entry Entrance Examination (LEEE), which 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.

Dual-Degree Programs Offered by IIIT Hyderabad 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, 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 IIIT Hyderabad Lateral Entry Program

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 round.

Application Process IIIT Hyderabad Lateral Entry Program

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.

Can Polytechnic Diploma Holders Apply for the B.Tech Program from IIIT?

No, polytechnic diploma holders can not apply for the B.Tech program at IIIT Hyderabad. However, there is an alternative degree that is a B.Tech for working professionals, which the 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:

Direct Admission Colleges
Name of Universities	Specializations	Fee structure
Lateral Entry B.Tech from Lingaya’s University	Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, and Mechanical & Automobile Engineering	₹4,99,000 Lakh
Lateral Entry B.Tech from Shri Venkateshwara	Civil, Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics & Communication Engineering.	₹1.71 Lakh to ₹4.35 Lakh
Lateral Entry B.Tech from Sanskriti University	Computer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering	₹3,55,000 Lakh

Conclusion

The IIIT Lateral Entry program is more than just a transfer option, a career accelerator for students who have discovered a passion for research, problem-solving, and innovation. It offers a unique blend of academic rigor, research immersion, and future opportunities that are rarely found in traditional undergraduate programs. If you're a second-year engineering student with strong academic performance and a desire to pursue advanced studies, the LEEE at IIIT could be the gateway to your dream career in research and technology.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

The lateral entry program allows students from other recognized institutions to join IIIT Hyderabad's undergraduate programs after completing a certain number of semesters in their current program.

Students who have completed at least two years of study in a relevant undergraduate program, such as B.Tech or equivalent, are eligible to apply for lateral entry.

Lateral entry is primarily available for the B.Tech and dual degree programs in Computer Science and other related fields.

Candidates must fill out the online application form available on the IIIT Hyderabad website and submit the required documents, including academic transcripts and a statement of purpose.

Yes, candidates may be required to take an entrance exam or participate in an interview as part of the selection process.

Required documents typically include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and any other documents specified in the application guidelines.

The selection criteria usually include academic performance, entrance exam scores, and performance in interviews.

The duration for lateral entry students generally depends on the number of credits transferred and the specific program requirements, but it typically takes around 3 years to complete the degree.

IIIT Hyderabad offers various scholarships and financial aid options, which lateral entry students may be eligible for based on merit and financial need.

Yes, IIIT Hyderabad has a credit transfer policy, and students may be able to transfer credits for relevant courses completed at their previous institution, subject to evaluation by the academic committee.

By Devina Bhagat

2 Years of Experience / Storyteller / Research-driven Writer

Passionate about digital marketing with a creative flair for content creation.Experienced Always eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the digital space.