Admission to the Diploma in Engineering programmes at Sai School of Engineering, Burla is conducted through the SCTE&VT SAMS Portal, the official online counselling platform for diploma admissions in Odisha, rather than through any entrance test administered by the institute itself. Eligibility for first-semester admission requires a pass in the HSC (10th standard) examination of BSE, Odisha, or its recognised equivalent, with a minimum aggregate of 35% marks including a pass in Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Biology, or Information Technology. Candidates seeking lateral entry into the third semester must have passed +2 Science (PCM) from CHSE, Odisha (or an equivalent examination), a two-year +2 Vocational course in an Engineering trade, or a two-year ITI course in an Engineering or COE trade along with HSC. As per the institute's disclosed admission calendar, the window for filling management or vacant seats runs from June through 15th August each year, with the academic session commencing in the third week of August; the waiting list is activated only after the main list's admission window closes. Applicants are required to submit documents including their HSC certificate and mark sheet, residential/nativity certificate, caste certificate (for SC/ST candidates), income certificate, medical fitness certificate, Aadhaar card, passport and stamp-size photographs, CLC/SLC and conduct certificate from the last institute attended, and a migration certificate where applicable.