Overview
A polytechnic diploma is a three-year engineering course you can join after Class 10. It trains technicians and junior engineers and allows lateral entry into the second year of B.Tech.
Students study applied mathematics, science and engineering drawing, then move into a branch such as civil, mechanical, electrical or computer engineering, with a lot of workshop and lab practice.
Diploma holders work as junior engineers and technicians or join B.Tech directly in the second year through lateral entry.
Who is it for?
Class 10 students who like hands-on technical work and want to start earning sooner. It suits those who may later move to B.Tech through lateral entry.
Eligibility
- Studying in: Class 10
- Must have studied: Mathematics
- Must have studied: English
- Science also compulsory
Lateral entry
Direct admission to the second year (2 years / 4 semesters) is open to students with 50% in an ITI technical trade, a 2-year SLIET diploma, 10+2 vocational (technical) or 10+2 non-medical, as listed by SBSSU for 2025-26.
Colleges may set higher cut-offs or require an entrance test. Check each college's page.
Skills you build
- Maintenance and troubleshooting
- Measurement and testing
- Safety practices
- Technical drawing
- Workshop practice
Where it leads
Careers
Civil Engineer
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Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers apply science and maths to designing, making and maintaining machines, engines and manufacturing systems. Most enter the profession through a…
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers apply science and maths to generating, transmitting and using electric power and electrical equipment. Most enter the profession through a…
Higher study after Polytechnic Diploma
Colleges offering Polytechnic Diploma
Tuition ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹86,000 a year across 37 colleges that publish fees.
| College | Location | Fee per year | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISECT University Jharkhand | Hazaribagh, Jharkhand | ₹42,400 2026–27 | — |
| AKS University | Satna, Madhya Pradesh | ₹58,000 2026–27 | — |
| Ambalika Institute of Management and Technology | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | — | — |
| ANA College of Engineering and Management Studies | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | — | 240 |
| ARKA JAIN University | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand | — | — |
| Aryans Group of Colleges, Rajpura | Rajpura, Punjab | ₹30,000 2026–27 | — |
| Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University | Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir | — | — |
| Bhabha University | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | — | — |
| Bhagwant University | Ajmer, Rajasthan | — | — |
| Bharat Institute of Technology Meerut | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh | — | 60 |
| Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg | Durg, Chhattisgarh | ₹40,000 2026–27 | — |
| BSA College of Engineering and Technology | Mathura, Uttar Pradesh | — | — |
| Buddha Institute of Technology | Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh | — | 60 |
| Capital University | Jhumri Telaiya, Jharkhand | — | — |
| Career Point University | Kota, Rajasthan | ₹50,000 2026–27 | — |
| COER University | Roorkee, Uttarakhand | ₹80,500 2026–27 | — |
| CT University | Ludhiana, Punjab | ₹80,000 2026–27 | — |
| Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University | New Delhi, Delhi | — | — |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam University | Indore, Madhya Pradesh | — | — |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University, Bilaspur | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | — | — |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University, Khandwa | Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh | ₹30,000 2026–27 | — |
| Dr. C.V. Raman University, Vaishali | Vaishali, Bihar | — | — |
| Dr. K.N. Modi University | Newai, Rajasthan | ₹37,300 2026–27 | — |
| Dr. M.C. Saxena Group of Colleges | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | ₹35,000 2026–27 | — |
| Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi, Delhi | — | — |
By location
Frequently asked questions
Can I join a polytechnic after Class 10?
Yes. AICTE norms listed by Sardar Beant Singh State University need Class 10 with Mathematics, Science and English.
Can I go to B.Tech after the diploma?
Yes. AICTE-approved diploma holders with 45% (40% reserved) can enter the second year of B.Tech through lateral entry.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- AICTE Approved Courses - Eligibility Criteria and Duration 2025-26, Sardar Beant Singh State University · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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