Dear leaner,

Going through the difference first 'let's see about lateral, meaning is middle or side ,so accordingly the lateral entry.

It is basically joining in other courses in 2nd year or middle year the eligibility for this is one must complete 3 years in diploma and with 50% , mostly this lateral entry is gone through polytechnic students and btech students ,and mca students.and this type of pattern is valid only from a recognised affiliated University or colleges

As per as lateral exist is same with meaning but they exist that means going out right after 3rd year of course which is 5 more integrated course ,it mostly going through the students of fellowship ,civil services and mostly pg research studies.

All the best.