UPES (University of Petroleum & Energy Studies) is known for high-standard learning and strong placement for higher education, especially in the engineering domain. The university has introduced a Lateral Entry Program for its B.Tech courses. This program is meant for diploma holders who wish to skip the first year and join directly in semester 3 (the second year). This is a golden opportunity from a prominent university like UPES for diploma holders to earn a graduation degree. 

The idea is to use vacant seats or dropouts from the first year B.Tech to allow diploma students to advance to full B.Tech degree. Students admitted under lateral entry will finish B.Tech in 3 years. The lateral entry policy provides a chance for many technical diploma graduates to get a full engineering degree without repeating an entire four-year course. UPES treats lateral entry students on par with regular B.Tech students in terms of results and degree awards. 

Though there are no specific seats allotted for diploma holders applicants. Generally, the seats depend on the dropout, and the seats remain vacant. However, those who have completed their 3-year diploma in engineering and earned 60%  of aggregate marks, especially in science and maths, from a recognized university/ institute can enroll for the B.Tech Lateral Entry at UPES. 

When it comes to specializations, there are four branches under which core specializations are offered. These four branches are Energy, Mechanical, Electrical, and Sustainability. 

The core specializations offered under the branch are: 

• Energy:  Applied Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering 
• Electrical: Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and VLSI Design and Technology
• Sustainability: Fire and Safety Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Sustainability Engineering

After enrolling for the program, students need to attend the classes regularly. They are also provided with placement support to the learners so they can apply for better opportunities.