Colleges in Manipal

Hi Avijeet,
Your question is incomplete, as you haven't mentioned about the stream of engineering for the placement comparison. It is quite an important factor as the Institute's placement varies according them. However, if BE in Computer Science & Engineering is considered, the comparison can be like
BITS>Manipal University>VIT>UPES>SRM>KIIT.

As far as universities are concerned, the criterion are:
1] The recognition.
2] The quality of delivery [which is measured by the level of placements.
On above criterion, VIT stands first, then comes Manipal University & SRM. Today, the admission is also tough at VIT, because of its significant growth in positive word of mouth. Above all, it is always an individual's effort.

You can apply for the examination under the lateral entry. Your score in the exam will get you the related branch.

With 82.39 percentile, the chances are less for a fresher.

Chances are very less.

Yes, there is a scholarship if get yourself a rank in top 100 students then you will be awarded a scholarship and about research department is pretty good in the campus while placements my differ from year to year.

No, there is no branch for light engineering, but you can continue in electrical engineering.

There is no reservation at TAPMI and chances are less to get shortlisted with 70 percentile in CAT.