Lateral entry

Yes Joseph,
It is possible like any other engineering branch. You can opt for various lateral entry exams mentioned below:
CENTAC LE 2017 Jharkhand DtoDECE 2017 Haryana LEET 2017 HP LEET 2017 Assam JLEE 2017 Jaypee B.Tech Lateral Entry Admission 2017 Rajasthan LEEP 2017 Lateral Entry in Engineering & PharmacyThapar University LEET 2017
Or, you can take admission based on your percentage in Diploma.

Distance learning is not a good idea. You should take admission in a college through lateral entry and continue your higher education.

All private and government colleges take admission through LEET score, so you can try in all.

Yes, you can apply to IGNOU or SOL and complete your graduation through lateral entry. However, for lateral entry you might be required to provide proof for the reason of the GAP.