NTPC is a Public Sector Undertaking(PSU ) that hires engineering graduates usually through GATE entrance examination or by conducting its own separate exam in case of vacancy.

To apply for GATE, final year ngineering student and already graduated engineering students  can apply. The candidate needs to provide graduation certificate at the time of hiring.

NTPC does not discriminate between lateral entry(diploma + engineering) students and regular engineering students. The only requirement is to secure a good rank in GATE, have no backlogs and provide relevant certificates that the organisation may ask for at the time of hiring.

To conclude, yes you can apply for NTPC even if you are a lateral entry engineering student . The focus should be more on securing a good rank as the number of vacancies is usually pale in comparison to the number of applicants.