Can Diploma Holders Join BCA Second Year Directly (Lateral Entry)?
Diploma holders in Computer Science, IT, or Computer Applications can get direct admission into the second year of BCA through lateral entry. Learn about eligibility, top colleges, fees, admission process, required documents, job opportunities, and more.
If you have already done your Diploma and now you want to pursue a BCA course , you can join the 2nd year of BCA directly in many colleges in India. This is called BCA Lateral Entry. It helps save one full year, and you don’t have to start everything again from Year 1. Let’s explore eligibility, colleges, admission process, fees, subjects, and job scope for BCA lateral entry in this article.
What is BCA Lateral Entry?
Sometimes we finish a diploma and realise we need a full degree to get better jobs. That’s where lateral entry helps. It simply means: Direct admission into the BCA 2nd year based on your diploma qualification. It’s made especially for Diploma students in Computer Science / IT / Computer Applications.
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Who Can Apply for Direct 2nd Year BCA Admission?
Not everyone is eligible for lateral entry into BCA. There are specific criteria you need to meet. Most universities accept students who have completed a diploma in computer science, IT, or related fields with a minimum percentage. Some also consider students from other technical diplomas, but that depends on the college's policy.
Eligibility Check | Requirement for BCA Lateral Entry |
Educational Qualification | Diploma in Computer Science / IT / Computer Applications from a recognized institute |
Minimum Marks | Usually 45% to 50% marks in Diploma (varies per college) |
Age Limit | No strict age limit |
Entrance Exam | Some colleges have their own test/interview, and many offer direct admission |
Also Read: BCA Admission Timeline 2026 for Top Indian Colleges
Top Colleges Offering BCA Lateral Entry in India
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Several universities across India allow diploma holders to join BCA directly in the second year. Below is a list of some of the colleges.
College Name | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
Chandigarh University | Punjab | 2 - 3 lakh |
Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | 2 - 4 lakh |
SRM Institute | Chennai | 3 - 5 lakh |
Jain University | Bangalore | 3 - 4 lakh |
Amity University | Multiple | 3 - 6 lakh |
Also Read: BCA vs Other Undergraduate IT Degrees: Career Comparison
BCA Lateral Entry Admission Process
The admission process for lateral entry is a bit different from regular BCA admissions. Some universities conduct entrance exams, while others admit students based on diploma marks or merit.
Step | What You Need to Do |
Step 1 | Check if the college accepts Lateral Entry for BCA |
Step 2 | Fill the admission form (online or offline) |
Step 3 | Submit documents + Diploma marksheets |
Step 4 | Entrance test/interview (if required) |
Step 5 | Pay fees and confirm your seat |
Documents Required for BCA Lateral Entry
Read below the required documents for Lateral Entry for BCA after a Diploma.
- 10th & 12th marksheets (if required)
- Diploma certificates & marksheets
- Transfer certificate
- Domicile certificate (sometimes)
- Passport-size photos
- Govt ID proof
Fees Structure of BCA Colleges for Lateral Entry
Read below the fee structure for government and private colleges for BCA Lateral Entry.
Type of College | Average Fees (INR) |
Private universities | 60,000 - 1,50,000 per year |
Government colleges | 10,000 - 40,000 per year |
Also Read: Is Distance BCA valid and Recognised in India?
Career Scope after BCA
Once you finish BCA, you get plenty of career options. The IT industry has a consistent demand for BCA graduates in roles like software development, web design, data analysis, and more. Below are some popular job roles and their average salaries.
Job Role | Average Salary (INR) |
Software Developer | 3 - 5 LPA |
Web Developer | 2.5 - 4.5 LPA |
System Administrator | 3 - 5 LPA |
Database Executive | 2.5 - 4 LPA |
IT Support Technician | 2 - 3.5 LPA |
So the answer is very clear, Diploma holders in Computer/ IT can join BCA directly in the second year. You save time, money and get better career options in just two years. Just make sure to choose a recognized college and apply before seats fill.