What is Lateral Entry: Meaning, Eligibility, Admission and Colleges

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by Richard Francis ago 6 views0

What is Lateral Entry

Many students often wonder, what is lateral entry meaning? What are its eligibility and what they have to do in order to get admission in a College through lateral entry. The meaning of lateral entry is defined as a procedure through which students can get a direct admission into the second year or third year of an undergraduate degree program.

This blog will comprehensively discuss the lateral entry meaning in College, educational requirements, benefits of the same, and other related factors.

What is Lateral Entry in College?

Students may often get confused between the lateral entry meaning and that in jobs and career opportunities, there’s a major difference between the two. Through lateral entry, students can directly take admission in the second / third year of a degree program instead of starting from the first year, considering they have already completed a Diploma or relevant qualification.

It is an efficient way for students to save time while being recognised for their already acquired skills from their diploma. This procedure is mostly applicable for diploma holders and for those with a degree in B.Sc and BCA. Therefore, lateral entry student meaning​ refers to those who have a significant qualification which allows them to skip one or two years ahead of the desired program based on their requisite skills and experience.

The eligibility conditions for taking admission in the 2nd / 3rd year of an academic program differs in each field but usually requires an undergraduate degree or diploma, minimum marks, and sometimes prior experience. These terms have been discussed in detail below:

  1. Educational Qualifications: Students holding a 3-year diploma / degree in a recognised field from a UGC approved University or AICTE approved Institutions are eligible. However, students should be informed that not all degree holders are eligible for a lateral entry as there is a difference between the two.
  2. Minimum Marks for Lateral Entry Admission: The minimum marks required to be eligible for 2nd / 3rd year is generally 45-50% marks in the respective qualifying exam. However, the exact requirement may vary for different educational Institutions based on the specific programs.
  3. Relevant Field: The previous education of the students should align with their chosen specialisations. Practical skills and prior knowledge provide a strong foundation and familiarity to the students.

Courses Offered Through Lateral Entry

There are numerous courses offered via lateral entry in several Colleges / Institutes / Universities; some of which are mentioned below:

  • B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
  • B.Sc (Computer Science)
  • Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
  • BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
  • B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc in MLT)
  • BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy)
  • BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)

Also Check:What is B.Tech Lateral Entry

Five Benefits of Lateral Entry for Students

After understanding the lateral entry meaning, students may wonder what kind of benefits it offers; some of the significant ones are given below:

  1. Time and Cost Effective: A Bachelor degree in the field of Technology or Engineering usually takes four years but after directly taking admission in the 2nd / 3rd year, students can complete their degree in mere three years thus, saving time and avoiding expenses of an extra year.
  2. Continuous Learning: Students with specialised diploma courses are equipped with in-depth knowledge in specific areas according to their interests. Through direct admission to the 2nd / 3rd year, they can continue to refine their existing skills making their education even more focused and specialised.
  3. Smooth Transition: The transition from diploma to a new degree makes it easier for students to adapt to the new challenges instead of having to start from the beginning. This smooth transition aids in reducing stress, allowing students to focus on their studies effectively.
  4. Growth in Career: When students with diplomas are offered the opportunity to upgrade their qualifications to a proper degree, they can ultimately aim to attain better job roles with higher salaries.
  5. Recognition and Networking Opportunities: Direct admission in the 2nd / 3rd year of a course is a recognition of hard work and dedication. It validates the students’ prior learning while facilitating them with opportunities to expand their professional network through interactions with peers from different educational backgrounds and through College activities. Lateral entry students can take advantage of this exposure to contribute to their future growth.

List of Colleges Which Offer Lateral Entry

Here’s a list of UGC and AICTE approved Colleges / Institutions / Universities which offer lateral entry to the students in many programs:

Wrap Up!

In summary, lateral entry is one of the most efficient ways for degree and diploma students to expand their knowledge in their respective fields without having to spend extra time or money for one or two years of a degree. Lateral entry meaning includes direct enrolment of students into degree courses. Overall, it helps students elevate their careers by providing them networking opportunities, smooth transitions from one course to another, and access to better resources.

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