Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Lateral Entry) in Optometry is a 2-year full-time undergraduate programme offered under the School of Paramedical Science at YBN University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. This lateral entry route is specifically designed for students who have already completed a Diploma in Optometry and wish to upgrade their qualification to a full B.Sc. degree, entering directly into the second year of the programme. The course covers advanced optometry theory and clinical practice, including refraction, contact lens fitting, low vision care, ocular disease management, and ophthalmic optics. The total course fee is Rs. 1,01,600 for the 2-year programme, making it an affordable and time-efficient pathway for diploma holders to enhance their career prospects. With India's growing burden of refractive errors and the expanding eye care sector, qualified optometrists are in high demand across hospitals, optical chains, and eye care clinics.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are expected to open in August 2026, with registration tentatively starting from August 4, 2026, and classes commencing in the first week of September 2026. Based on the previous year's pattern, the last date for registration is expected around August 15, 2026.

Key Points

This is a lateral entry programme exclusively for holders of a Diploma in Optometry, allowing direct entry into the second year of the B.Sc. Optometry programme.
The 2-year programme covers advanced clinical optometry, ophthalmic optics, contact lens practice, low vision rehabilitation, and community eye health.
YBN University also offers the regular 4-year B.Sc. Optometry and M.Sc. Optometry, providing a clear academic progression pathway for lateral entry students.
The university is UGC-recognised and approved by the Government of Jharkhand, ensuring the degree is valid for government recruitment and higher education.
The School of Paramedical Science is equipped with modern labs and clinical training facilities on the 100-acre campus in Namkum, Ranchi.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

YBN B.Sc Lateral Optometry Fees

The B.Sc. (Lateral Entry) Optometry programme at YBN University is competitively priced for a 2-year programme. The total course fee is Rs. 1,01,600, which includes a semester fee of Rs. 20,000 per semester (4 semesters), a one-time admission fee of Rs. 5,100, enrolment fee of Rs. 1,000, registration fee of Rs. 3,000, a lateral entry/TOC fee of Rs. 2,500, and an examination fee of Rs. 2,500 per semester. Hostel accommodation is available separately at Rs. 60,000 per year (non-AC) or Rs. 70,000 per year (AC), inclusive of mess charges, and is not mandatory.

Course Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Total Course)
Tuition / Semester Fee (Rs. 20,000 x 4 semesters)	Rs. 80,000
Admission Fee (one-time)	Rs. 5,100
Enrolment Fee (one-time)	Rs. 1,000
Registration Fee (one-time)	Rs. 3,000
Lateral Entry / TOC Fee (one-time)	Rs. 2,500
Examination Fee (Rs. 2,500 x 4 semesters)	Rs. 10,000
Total Fees	Rs. 1,01,600

Hostel Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional)	Amount (Per Year)
Non-AC (including mess)	Rs. 60,000
AC (including mess)	Rs. 70,000

Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the total course fee above.
A degree certificate fee of Rs. 5,000 is charged separately at the time of convocation.
Migration certificate fee is Rs. 1,000; duplicate document/correction fee is Rs. 500.
Students are advised to confirm the latest fee structure directly with the university at the time of admission, as fees may be revised for the 2026-27 session.

YBN B.Sc Lateral Optometry Admission 2026

Admissions to the B.Sc. (Lateral Entry) Optometry programme at YBN University are merit-based, primarily on the basis of marks obtained in the Diploma in Optometry qualifying examination. The application process is fully online through the university's official website (ybnu.in). Based on the 2025-26 admission cycle, the 2026-27 admissions are expected to follow a similar timeline, with registrations opening in early August 2026. No separate entrance exam is required for this lateral entry programme.

Admission Dates

Event	Date (Tentative)
Admission Registration Opens	August 4, 2026
Last Date for Registration	August 15, 2026
Orientation Programme	Last week of August 2026
Classes Commence	First week of September 2026

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Note
No entrance exam required	Admission based on merit in Diploma in Optometry

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed a Diploma in Optometry from a recognised institution.
A minimum of 45-50% aggregate marks in the Diploma in Optometry is generally required.
Candidates must submit a Transfer of Credit (TOC) / lateral entry application along with their diploma marksheets and certificates.

Admission Process

Visit the official YBN University website (ybnu.in) and fill in the online application form for lateral entry.
Pay the application/registration fee and the lateral entry/TOC fee of Rs. 2,500 online.
Submit required documents: Diploma in Optometry marksheets and certificate, school leaving/TC certificate, migration certificate (if applicable), and an undertaking on Rs. 10 stamp paper in the university's prescribed format.
Shortlisted candidates may be called for document verification and counselling as per the university's schedule.
Pay the semester fee and complete enrolment formalities to confirm admission.

YBN B.Sc Lateral Optometry Scholarships 2026

YBN University offers a range of scholarships to B.Sc. (Lateral Entry) Optometry students through both university-funded merit and need-based schemes and the Jharkhand government's e-Kalyan Post-Matric Scholarship portal. Students from SC, ST, and OBC categories in Jharkhand can benefit from the e-Kalyan scheme, which provides direct financial support for tuition and other academic expenses. University scholarships reward academic excellence, sports achievements, and financial need.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
YBN University Merit Scholarship (Tier 1)	95%+ marks in qualifying diploma	Significant tuition fee waiver (university decides quantum)
YBN University Merit Scholarship (Tier 2)	85-94% marks in qualifying diploma	Partial tuition fee waiver
YBN University Sports/Talent Scholarship	State/national level achievement in sports, cultural, or innovation	Tuition fee waiver (case-by-case)
YBN University Financial Aid	Orphans, persons with disability, defence dependents, financially weak students	25-50% tuition fee waiver
Jharkhand e-Kalyan Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST/BC students of Jharkhand; family income below prescribed limit	As per government norms (applicable for diploma/degree level)
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	As per central government eligibility norms	Varies by scheme

e-Kalyan scholarship applications are submitted online at ekalyan.cgg.gov.in; the application window typically opens after the academic session begins.
University scholarships are decided at the institutional level and are separate from government schemes.
Students applying early in the admission cycle may be eligible for higher scholarship benefits under the university's phase-based admission incentive.
Scholarship amounts and conditions are subject to revision; students should verify the latest details with the university's scholarship cell before applying.

YBN B.Sc Lateral Optometry FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between the regular B.Sc. Optometry (4 years) and the B.Sc. Optometry Lateral Entry (2 years) at YBN University?

Ans. The regular B.Sc. Optometry is a 4-year programme open to students who have passed 10+2 with Science subjects. The B.Sc. Optometry Lateral Entry is a 2-year programme exclusively for students who have already completed a Diploma in Optometry. Lateral entry students join directly in the second year of the B.Sc. programme, skipping the first year, and complete the remaining 2 years (4 semesters) to earn the full B.Sc. degree. Both programmes lead to the same B.Sc. Optometry degree from YBN University.

Q2. Is the B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) degree from YBN University valid for government jobs and higher studies?

Ans. Yes, YBN University is UGC-recognised and established under the Government of Jharkhand. The B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) degree is equivalent to the regular B.Sc. Optometry degree and is valid for government recruitment, higher education (M.Sc. Optometry), and professional practice. Graduates can also register with the Optometry Council of India (OCI) or relevant state optometry councils for professional practice.

Q3. What career options are available after completing B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) from YBN University?

Ans. Graduates can work as optometrists, refractionist, contact lens practitioners, low vision specialists, and ophthalmic assistants in hospitals, eye care clinics, optical retail chains (such as Lenskart, Vision Express, Titan Eye+), and government health programmes. The average starting salary for optometrists in India ranges from Rs. 2.5 to Rs. 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals in corporate eye care chains earning significantly more. Graduates can also pursue M.Sc. Optometry for advanced clinical and research roles.

Q4. Can a student who has completed a Diploma in Optometry from a state board or private institution apply for lateral entry at YBN University?

Ans. Yes, students who have completed a Diploma in Optometry from any recognised institution (state board, polytechnic, or private institution) are eligible to apply for the lateral entry programme at YBN University, subject to meeting the minimum marks requirement (generally 45-50% in the diploma). Students are advised to confirm the recognition of their diploma institution with the university's admissions office before applying.

Q5. What is the hostel facility at YBN University for B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) students, and is it mandatory?

Ans. YBN University provides separate hostel facilities for boys and girls on its 100-acre campus in Namkum, Ranchi. Hostel accommodation is not mandatory for B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) students. The hostel fee is Rs. 60,000 per year for non-AC rooms and Rs. 70,000 per year for AC rooms, both inclusive of mess charges. Students from Ranchi or nearby areas may choose to commute daily.

Q6. Is there any entrance exam or interview required for admission to B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) at YBN University?

Ans. No specific entrance exam is required for the B.Sc. Optometry (Lateral Entry) programme at YBN University. Admission is merit-based on the marks obtained in the Diploma in Optometry. However, the university may conduct a document verification process or a brief counselling session before confirming admission. Students are advised to apply early as seats may be limited for the lateral entry programme.