Engineering

I don't think there is any other way to get admission in UPES without applying for it. You have to apply for it.

As your marks are just average, getting into a very good college on merit would be a big challenge. You must decide what stream you would like to pursue and then choose a college.

All the students getting admission to B.Tech course through lateral entry (i.e. after Diploma), will get the same course completion and degree certificate as other regular students i.e. after PUC or plus two. Hence, there is no disparity in degrees obtained by them.

If you are looking for job opportunities immediately after studies, both the streams are equally good. B.Tech can be completed in four years, whereas, BBA is a three-year course. If you are preparing for Public Service Examination, you can look for BBA. Finally, the choice of course must be based on

Admission through lateral entry in Karnataka State is being done Only through KEA (Karnataka Examination Authority) and Diploma CET is a must. Hence, the fee for Lateral Entry students will be only as fixed by Govt. of Karnataka plus College Fee.

Visit the link below to find the colleges on the basis of your rank:
https://www.shiksha.com/b-tech/resources/jee-mains-college-predictor

Quite less, I would say. In round 3, the rank ends at 1500 approximately. Try your luck in spot round where there is still a chance.