MCA (Master of Computer Application): Course, Eligibility, Duration, Fees

05 December,2022  |  By Brainwonders

Table Of Content: 

• What is MCA?
• Types of MCA Course
• MCA Course: Quick Highlights
• What are the Eligibility Criteria for MCA Program?
• Why should one pursue MCA?
• Does MCA require work experience? 
• What is the average salary after completion of MCA?
• Does MCA require an entrance exam?
• What are the different types of MCA specialisations?
• What is the course curriculum of MCA?
• How to get into top universities for MCA?
• What are the Top Colleges for pursuing an MCA course?
• How can one get scholarships for MCA?

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What is MCA?

MCA full form is Masters in Computer Application. It is a course that deals with the advanced study of computer applications and the latest technology. The course is beneficial for students who want to start their careers in the IT field. Hence the course develops the students' personalities in order to make them capable of working across the IT sector. The course covers various aspects of information technology, such as programming, website designing, coding, and many more. MCA course may last  3 years with 6 semesters.

The degree started with the initiative to give the information technology industry a large number of professionals in the field of computer science. The program is offered in both regular and online modes of education. The course revolves around both theoretical and practical exposure, which is required by the candidates when they go out in the real world. MCA course offers various specialisations which help the candidates to select the specialisation based on their interest.

MCA Overview:

Full form	Master of Computer Applications
Course Duration	Three Years
MCA Course Types	Full-time, Online, and Distance
MCA Entrance Exams	TANCET, WBJEE, JECA, UPSEE, TSICET
MCA fees	INR 30k to INR 2 lakh
MCA Jobs	Front-end developers, back-end developers, web designing, networking professionals

Also Read: BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts): Full Form, Course, Eligibility, Admission Process, Colleges, Jobs.

Why MCA?

• It offers 2 lakh jobs every year with a steady increase of 7.7% per year.
• Students have chances to get quick placements with a minimum salary of INR 4 lakh.
• MCA candidates can also find jobs in multinational companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.
• The skills learnt in MCA can also be applied in other courses.

Types of MCA Course

Regular MCA/ Full-time MCA

It is a program specially designed for students who have graduated and are willing to do further education by pursuing a Master of Computer Application program. In this program, students must attend offline classes and be present during verbal and written examinations. Thus, it is a traditional form of learning, and all the universities or institutions provide full-time MCA courses.

Distance MCA

Distance MCA is also a form of learning mode. The distance MCA is basically for students who cannot pursue their higher studies in the regular mode. It helps the students in pursuing their degrees without attending regular lectures daily. Through virtual lectures, they can complete their education on their own,

Online MCA

Online MCA is a professional degree course just like regular and distance MCA. Furthermore, in this course, students are required to attend virtual lectures and submit assignments online. Online MCA differs from both regular and distant MCA programmes in that you attend lectures online and take tests online. 

Must Read: What Is Part Time MCA? – Courses, Colleges, Fees, Eligibility

MCA Course: Quick Highlights

 

Types of MCA	Duration	Eligibility	Mode of Learning	Top Colleges	Entrance Exams
Full-time/Regular	3 Years	Graduation + Entrance marks	Offline	Indraprastha University, National Institute of Technology, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), etc.	Universities conduct their own entrance exams
Online MCA	3 Years	Graduation	Online	LPU, Manipal, Amity, Jain, etc.	No entrance
Distance MCA	3 Years	Graduation	Online	Sikkim Manipal University, Andhra University, etc.	No entrance

 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for MCA Program?

In order to be eligible for the MCA program, the student must fit the eligibility criteria as mentioned below:

• Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in MCA from a recognised university
• Candidates also must have scored at least 60% marks in the bachelor's degree
• The students who are in the last year of their bachelor's degree can also apply for MCA programs

However, the MCA course's eligibility requirements for distance learning are not as complicated. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any relevant discipline from a recognised university and a minimum aggregate percentile.

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Why should one pursue MCA?

As we all know, the IT sector is increasing at an alarming rate. The IT sector always needs professional computer experts who can look after computer applications, programming, programming languages, coding, website development, application development, etc. Hence, the scope for MCA passouts students is in demand in both the private and public sectors. 

We live in a digitalisation era, where there are a plethora of employment opportunities when it comes to MCA graduates. Information Technology, Networking Consultancy, Programming and Software are some areas of work that offer competitive salary packages to the MCA freshers. And further, the package might also increase depending on the number of work experience. 

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MCA Admission Process:

• Candidates must visit the University's website and register themselves.
• Candidates must put their application details and upload the required documents.
• After uploading the documents, the candidates must pay the application fees and take the receipt form.
• Appear for entrance exam.
• After clearing the exam, the selected candidates must appear for counselling process.
• Students are admitted after the allotment of seats.

Recommended Read: Find Future Scope of BCA & Top Career Prospects after BCA.

Does MCA require work experience? 

There is no compulsion to have work experience if you apply for an MCA. However, having work experience for even one year can actually benefit you in understanding your interest and work fields. 

Accordingly, you will be able to figure out what suits your capabilities and help you determine the particular field while also giving your time to explore. Or else there is no such compulsion for the students to have work experience to qualify for the course.

MCA Semester-wise Syllabus:

Semester 1	Semester 2
Computer Organisation and Architecture Business Systems and Application Computer Programming with C Discrete Mathematical Structure Business English and Communication Programming in C Micro Programming and Architecture Lab Business Presentation and Language Lab	Data Communication and computers network Object - oriented programming in C++ Information Systems Analysis and Design Database Management System I Data Structures with C Object - Oriented Programming Lab C++ Data Structure Lab Database Lab
Semester 3	Semester 4
Unix and Shell Programming Business Management Operating System and Systems Software Intelligent Systems Management Accounting Statistics and Numerical Techniques Unix Lab Statistics and Numerical Analysis Lab	Software Engineering and TQM Database Management System II Environment and Ecology Graphics and Multimedia Operation Research and Optimisation Techniques Advanced Database Lab Software Project Management Lab Graphics and Multimedia Lab
Semester 5	Semester 6
Values and Ethics of Profession Elective I (System Adminstration and Linux or Windows Programming with VB) Elective 2 (Advanced Unix Programming or Object Oriented Programming with Java) Elective 3 (Distributed Database Management or Parallel Programming) Elective 4 (Compiler Design or E-commerce) Minor Project Elective Lab	Major Project and Seminar

What is the average salary after completion of MCA?

The average salary for the fresh graduates of MCA is between INR 3 to 5 lakhs per annum. The salary might increase depending on the number of work experience. The career prospects after completion of MCA include:

• Software Developer: Avg INR 7 LPA
• Computer System Analyst: Avg INR 6 LPA
• Hardware Engineer: Avg INR 6.3 LPA
• Software Consultant: Avg INR 8.5 LPA

Does MCA require an entrance exam?

Specific entrance exams are required for MCA eligibility. Many universities grant admission by conducting entrance exams and selecting the applicant based on the particular cut-off. Listed below are the exams conducted by the top MCA universities:

• AIMCET (MCA entrance exam)
• BHU PET MCA
• JECA
• JNU MCA
• MAH MCA CET
• PAM
• LUCCA

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What are the different types of MCA specialisations?

Numerous specialisations under MCA can be discovered and give the students a broader scope in the field of the IT sector. Different types of MCA specialisations are:

• Systems Management
• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Systems Development
• Systems Engineering
• Networking
• Application Software
• Software Development
• Internet Working
• Troubleshooting
• Hardware Technology

What is the course curriculum of MCA?

 

MCA First Year	MCA Second Year	MCA Third Year
Fundamentals of IT	Theory of Computation	Linux Programming
Operating Systems	Object Oriented Analysis and Design	Electives
Data and File Structures	Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Enterprise Computing with Java
Object Oriented Programming in C++	Data Warehousing and Data Mining	6-month Internship
Programming in C	Computer Graphics	Software Testing
Software Engineering	Computer Networks	—
Computer Organisation	Data Communications and Networking	—
Database Management Systems	Web Technologies	—
Discrete Mathematics	Java Programming	—

 

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How to get into top universities for MCA?

• Numerous universities offer MCA programmes with outstanding faculty. However, in order to be admitted to these colleges, students must first familiarise themselves with the universities' eligibility standards.
• Students should remember that they must meet the university's eligibility standards to get admitted to the best universities. Furthermore, the students should score at least 50% aggregate score.
• The aggregate will assist students in getting identified by premier universities and, as a result, getting a seat there. Aside from that, a thorough university study is required before enrolling.
• The research will merely provide them with information about the university, allowing them to shape themselves accordingly. 

What are the Top Colleges for pursuing an MCA course?

1. Department of Computer Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
2. School of Computer and Systems Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
3. School of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
4. Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
5. National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
6. National Institute of Technology, Rourkela
7. Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad
8. Christ University, Bangalore
9. P.S.G. College of Technology, Coimbatore

Top MCA Colleges According to Locations and States with Fee structure:

MCA Colleges in Kolkata:

• Techno India University - INR 1.77 lakh
• BP Poddar Institute of Management and Technology - INR 3.1 lakh
• Narula Institute of Technology - INR 2.06 lakh
• Pailan College of Management and Technology - INR 1 lakh

MCA Colleges Bangalore:

• Christ University - INR 1.4 lakh
• Presidency University - INR 1 lakh
• Jain University - INR 1.37 lakh
• Kristu Jayanti College - INR 1.17 lakh

MCA Colleges Pune:

• MIT School of Management - INR 1.5 lakh
• Dr DY Patil Institute of Management and Research - INR 98k
• Progressive Education Society's Modern College of Engineering - INR 84.5k
• Jayawant Institute of Management Studies - INR 1.13 lakh

MCA Colleges Hyderabad:

• University of Hyderabad - INR 42.6k
• Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology - INR 82k
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Institute - INR 16.5k
• Deccan College of Engineering and Technology - INR 37.5k

How can one get scholarships for MCA?

Scholarships are available in India across various institutes to which one applies. To be eligible for the scholarship reward, the students must meet the specific requirements. Thus the eligibility standard for each sort of scholarship may differ. Additional scholarships are available for students who are willing to pursue an MCA degree from overseas colleges.

Top MCA Colleges Abroad with Fee Structure:

• Massachusets Institute of Technology - INR 55.2 lakhs
• University of Texas - INR 38.2 lakh
• Stanford University - INR 45.5 lakh
• University of Oxford - INR 37.3 lakh
• University of East London - IR 22.2 lakh
• University of Melbourne - INR 38 lakh
• University of Sydney - INR 49 lakh
• University of British Columbia - INR 16.6 lakh
• University of Waterloo - INR 28.2 lakh

Also Find About: Career after MBA – Job Opportunities, Salaries, Top Recruiters and More.

MCA Top Recruiters:

• TCS
• Wipro
• Infosys
• Cognizant
• Tech Mahindra
• IBM
• HCL
• Accenture
• Hi-Tech Solutions
• Robotics and Scalability Technology
• Ericson

MCA Jobs

As the IT and software sector continues to grow at an exponential rate, the job market for MCA graduates is expected to flourish in the coming years. With plenty of opportunities available, MCA graduates can seek employment in top-level IT and consultancy firms. The startup ecosystem has also opened multiple avenues for fresh MCA graduates to find lucrative roles.

An average starting salary for an MCA graduate ranges from 2.5 LPA to 3.6 LPA in an average-level IT Company. It is clear that the current landscape is highly conducive for an MCA graduate's success. Industry experts anticipate that there will be no dearth of career prospects for MCA professionals in the foreseeable future.

Job Profile	Job Description	Salary (INR)
Software Developer	A software developer is responsible for crafting and delivering custom software solutions to a variety of clients. They are instrumental in developing, designing, and troubleshooting applications, ensuring that all aspects meet the client's needs.	4,90,000
Web Developer	A web developer plays a critical role in creating a website. They must possess an intimate knowledge of user experience, graphic design principles, and the fundamentals of computer programming to craft aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound websites that both look good and perform as expected.	2,85,000
Systems Analyst	The role of a System Analyst is to assess an organization's operational needs and design technical solutions to meet those needs. This includes evaluating existing IT infrastructure, investigating options for new hardware and software, and determining the best course of action.	6,50,000
Network Administrator	The Network Administrator is responsible for the full upkeep, configuration, and maintenance of networks and internal servers. This includes monitoring system performance, executing preventative maintenance measures, deploying security protocols and patches, troubleshooting hardware/software issues, and responding to user requests.	3,67,000
Mobile App Developer	Mobile App Developers usually develop mobile apps as per customer needs.	4,40,000
System Administrator	System Administrators are highly-skilled professionals adept at installing, configuring, optimizing and troubleshooting computer systems. They are knowledgeable in server and system security and monitoring, scripting or light programming, project management and other related duties.	3,00,000
Hardware Engineer	A hardware engineer is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance of computer systems. This entails managing the components of a system, such as memory, storage devices, and other peripheral equipment, in order to maximize system reliability and productivity.	3,80,000
Technical Writer	Technical writers are highly sought-after professionals who specialize in crafting content about technical topics. From product descriptions to technical blogs, their specialized knowledge is invaluable when it comes to accurately convey complex information to the public.	4,90,000

MCA will make your future bright and let you pursue your interests. Thus the MCA course is suitable for those interested in software development and application programming. Just make sure that you pursue the career based on your interest. If you are still unable to make a precise career decision visit Brainwonders. We at Brainwonders can assist you with career planning by providing critical potential insights into the industry in which you aspire to excel.

FAQs on MCA course

1. What is MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) in India?
Ans: MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) in India is a postgraduate degree program focusing on software engineering and application development taught over the course of three years. It provides students with an advanced level of knowledge and practical skill set for developing professional software applications.

2. What are the eligibility criteria to apply for MCA in India?
Ans: The eligibility criteria for applying to MCA programs in India require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 50%. Additionally, some universities may also require an aptitude test score for admission.

3. What is the curriculum of MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) in India?
Ans: Students enrolled in the MCA program in India will typically study a broad range of topics such as software engineering, computer networks, database administration, web development, operating systems, programming languages, system analysis and design, etc. 

4. What are the career opportunities after completing MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) in India?
Ans: Upon completion of the MCA program in India, students can pursue highly successful careers both in the public sector and private sector. Qualified professionals may find jobs as system administrators, software engineers, developers, analysts, database managers, etc. They may also find opportunities to work with top IT companies in the country or start their own business ventures.

5. What type of job roles would I be eligible for after completing MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) from India?
Ans: After completing MCA from India, qualified professionals are eligible to apply for a variety of job roles such as system administrators, software engineers/developers, database administrators/managers, analysts, DevOps engineers, web developers, mobile app developers, etc. These professionals can work with government organizations or private companies in various capacities.