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.

Table of Contents

What is BCA Lateral Entry?
Who Can Apply for Direct 2nd Year BCA Admission?
Top Colleges Offering BCA Lateral Entry in India
BCA Lateral Entry Admission Process
Fees Structure of BCA Colleges for Lateral Entry
Career Scope after BCA

Can Diploma Holders Join BCA Second Year Directly (Lateral Entry)?

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.

Also Read: What study abroad options are best after BCA?

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

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

Also Read: Top Sectors Where BCA Graduates Can Find Jobs in 2030

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.

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

Was this article helpful?

0 Upvotes

0 Downvotes

B Tech computers Fee structure par submister.Pls send me the details of fee par Annum

-Shiv ShankarUpdated on November 29, 2025 12:27 PM

72 Answers

vridhi, Student / Alumni

LPU’s B.Tech CSE program comes with a well-structured and flexible fee plan that supports quality education. The standard fee for the B.Tech CSE course is around ₹1,40,000 per semester, amounting to approximately ₹2,80,000 per year. For specialized tracks such as Data Science, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity, the fee ranges from ₹1,70,000 to ₹2,00,000 per semester, which totals to about ₹3,40,000 to ₹4,00,000 annually.

What is the admission process of this university?My percentile in jee mains is 92.58.Should I take admission in this university or not ??

-natashaUpdated on November 26, 2025 11:22 AM

3 Answers

P sidhu, Student / Alumni

The admission process at Lovely Professional University (LPU) is flexible and considers multiple criteria, including merit in qualifying exams, LPUNEST scores, or national-level exams like JEE Main. With a JEE Main percentile of 92.58, you are eligible to apply for B.Tech programs through the merit-based route. You need to fill out the online application form on LPU’s admission portal, submit academic documents, and select your preferred program. LPU also offers scholarships for high-performing students. After document verification and fee payment, admission is confirmed.