The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has officially released the notification for the Diploma Entrance Competitive Examination – Lateral Entry (DECE-LE) 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for students who have completed their Class 12 in Science stream or hold an ITI certificate to secure direct lateral entry admission into the second year of Diploma (Polytechnic) programs in Bihar.
The DECE-LE Online Form 2026 is already open since 20 March 2026, and the last date to apply is 23 April 2026. With over 20,310 seats available across various polytechnic institutes in Bihar, this is a wide-open opportunity for eligible students. Read all details carefully before filling the form.
DECE-LE Admission 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) |
| Exam Name | Diploma Entrance Competitive Examination – Lateral Entry (DECE-LE) 2026 |
| Total Seats | 20,310 Seats |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Started | 20 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 April 2026 |
| Official Website | bceceboard.bihar.gov.in |
Important Dates – DECE-LE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 March 2026 Started |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 23 April 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 24 April 2026 |
| Correction Window | 25 – 26 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 15 May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Note: The fee payment deadline is 24 April 2026 — one day after the application closes. Ensure both form submission and fee payment are completed before their respective deadlines.
Application Fee – DECE-LE 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Category – Male & Female | ₹2,200/- |
The application fee is uniform for all candidates regardless of category.
Payment Mode: Fee can be paid through the following online methods:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Age Limit – DECE-LE 2026
There is no specific minimum or maximum age limit for DECE-LE 2026. Any candidate who meets the educational eligibility criteria can apply. For more details, refer to the official BCECEB notification or prospectus.
Total Seats – 20,310
A total of 20,310 seats are available across various Diploma (Polytechnic) programs in Bihar through lateral entry under DECE-LE 2026. Seats will be allotted through merit-based counselling after the result is declared.
What is DECE-LE (Lateral Entry)?
DECE-LE (Diploma Entrance Competitive Examination – Lateral Entry) allows eligible candidates to get direct admission into the second year of a 3-Year Diploma / Polytechnic program in Bihar, effectively saving one year of study. This lateral entry route is ideal for:
- Students who have passed Class 12 in Science and wish to pursue a technical diploma directly in the second year.
- ITI certificate holders who want to upgrade their technical qualification by entering the second year of a relevant diploma program.
Eligibility Criteria – DECE-LE 2026
Candidates must meet any one of the following educational requirements:
- Passed Intermediate (Class 12) in Science with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects along with either Mathematics or Biology, OR
- Passed Class 12 in Science with Mathematics, OR
- Passed Class 12 in Science with a Vocational / Technical subject, OR
- Passed Class 10 along with ITI Certificate in a relevant trade from a recognized institute.
Important: Candidates must read the official DECE-LE 2026 prospectus carefully for complete and trade-specific eligibility conditions, minimum marks requirements, and any other applicable criteria.
Selection Process – DECE-LE 2026
Admission to Diploma programs through lateral entry will be conducted through the following process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Online entrance examination scheduled on 24 May 2026
- Merit List Preparation – Based on CBT performance
- Counselling – Seat allotment through centralized counselling based on merit and seat availability
How to Fill DECE-LE Online Form 2026
The application portal is currently active. Follow these steps to complete your registration:
- Visit the official BCECEB website – Go to bceceboard.bihar.gov.in in your browser.
- Find the DECE-LE 2026 link – Look for the DECE-LE Online Form 2026 registration link on the homepage.
- Register yourself – Enter your name, mobile number, and email ID to create a new account.
- Fill the application form – Enter all required personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload required documents – Submit scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee – Complete the ₹2,200/- fee payment before 24 April 2026.
- Submit the form – Review all entered details carefully and click the final submit button.
- Download confirmation – Save and print the application confirmation slip for future reference.
Deadline: Complete the application before 23 April 2026 and ensure fee payment before 24 April 2026.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Prospectus | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification | Click Here |
| BCECEB Official Website | bceceboard.bihar.gov.in |
Must Read: Bihar Certificate Online Apply 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When did the DECE-LE Online Form 2026 open? The application process started on 20 March 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for DECE-LE 2026? The last date to submit the form is 23 April 2026, and the fee payment deadline is 24 April 2026.
Q3. What is the application fee for DECE-LE 2026? The fee is ₹2,200/- for all categories — both male and female.
Q4. How many seats are available in DECE-LE 2026? A total of 20,310 seats are available across various Diploma programs in Bihar through lateral entry.
Q5. What is the eligibility for DECE-LE 2026? Candidates must have passed Class 12 in Science (with Physics, Chemistry, and Math/Biology) or Class 10 with ITI in a relevant trade.
Q6. When is the DECE-LE 2026 entrance exam? The CBT examination is scheduled on 24 May 2026.
Q7. When will the DECE-LE 2026 admit card be released? The admit card will be available for download from 15 May 2026 on the official BCECEB website.
Q8. What is lateral entry in DECE-LE? Lateral entry allows eligible candidates to get direct admission into the second year of a 3-year Diploma program, saving one year of study.
Q9. What is the official website for DECE-LE 2026? The official website is bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
