MCA

Masters of Computer Application (MCA) is a postgraduate degree that can be pursued after BCA. The MCA course duration is 2 years after completing BCA and for 3 years if completed graduation from other streams. To pursue this course, candidates must have to complete their graduation in BCA or equivalent with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized institution. MCA admissions are done via an entrance exam or on a merit basis. Some entrance exams include NIMCET, Mah MCA CET, TANCET, IPU CET, etc.  MCA courses can be pursued online, and offline as well as through distance education. 

Students will get attractive salary packages and career options like Software developers, programmers, system analysts, etc. MCA graduates are in high demand not just in the commercial sector, but also in the public sector.  The MCA syllabus includes computer programming, operating systems, application software, computer architecture, and other topics. Some of the top MCA colleges in India are VIT, NIT Trichy, JMI, Calcutta University, Christ University Bangalore, Bangalore, etc. The average MCA course fees ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 2 LPA.

Read the full post to know the MCA course salary, admission process, colleges, syllabus, subjects, scope, etc. 

 The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a postgraduate degree that teaches you all of the advanced features of computer applications. Students planning to pursue an MCA course can get essential details about it by going through the highlighted table given below. 

If you desire to work in the IT industry should enroll in the MCA course. In addition, If you are a working individual who wants to improve your employment chances and career progress you can pursue a Master of Computer Applications degree online. If you have completed your BCA degree and want to broaden your academic horizon by adding one more degree to your name then you can enroll in the MCA course to advance your career. If you are interested in making a career as a computer programmer, software developer, app developer, data analyst, or system analyst, then a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is the right option for you. The majority of MCA graduates work in application and software development fields.

When to Study MCA?

After completing the BCA course, candidates can immediately begin the MCA programme. It is advised to have relevant experience after completing the BCA course before pursuing post-graduate studies. The MCA course syllabus is extensive, with coursework that incorporates both theoretical and practical studies. As a result, candidates should only enroll in the course if they have enough time to study adequately.

Since the evolution and modernization, new technologies have been evolving making it computerized in the whole job platform. The advantages of studying Master of Computer Applications (MCA) are stated as follows:

• Candidates after completing the MCA course can get an annual package of INR 8 LPA or even more depending upon the recruiter
• The top recruiting companies that choose Master of Computer Applications candidates include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, etc where the minimum salary expected can be INR 13 LPA on average or even more
• The MCA jobs are increasing at a rate of 8% every year with an estimation of  2,05,000 job opportunities every year. The job opportunities, as well as the job roles, are diverse in the MCA field
• Some of the demanded job roles are Web Developers, Mobile App Developers, Hardware engineers, Network Administrators, Systems analysts, Software Developers, System Administrators, etc

There are diverse specializations in MCA degrees from which candidates can choose. The list of MCA specializations includes Application Software, Hardware Technology, Networking, Troubleshooting, etc. Candidates can check some of the popular MCA specializations given below. 

Master of Computer Applications Specialisations

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

Before applying for the MCA course, students should check the eligibility criteria and make sure they fulfill all the factors. The MCA eligibility criteria include subjects required, educational qualification, age limit, etc. Candidates can check the eligibility criteria for the MCA course given below. 

• Candidates must have a graduate degree in computer science or computer applications with an aggregate mark of 50% or equivalent from a well-recognized university which has to be AICTE-approved or UGC approved or equivalent.
• Candidates must have mathematics in class 12 as one of the subjects

Note- This is only a general summary of the qualifying requirements; they may change between universities. The minimum percentage necessary for the Bachelor of Computer Application at Delhi University is 60%.

Skills Required to Pursue MCA

To become a successful and efficient MCA, one must be very efficient in communication skill and behavioral skills. Other skills include a positive attitude toward themselves, confidence, and technical skills. The pointers below show the required skill set to become an MCA.

• Good communication skills 
• Behavioural skills
• Positive attitude
• Confidence
• Efficiency in programming languages like Java, C, C++, net, etc.
• Knowledge of data structures and data base
• Good programming skills with a healthy experience in the field
• Technical skills
• Awareness of the latest technology trends

There are three basic types of Masters in computer applications (MCA) available in India, which include distance mode, offline mode, and online mode. Check more details about the MCA types below.

The table below shows the basic differences between different parameters in Masters in Computer Application, MSc Computer Science, and Mtech Computer Science which are quite often confused when candidates are on the verge of choosing the courses for themselves. 

The MCA admissions are done through two procedures, either by the entrance exams or merit basis and by the source of management quota. Entrance exams at the state level include IPU CET, MHT CET, etc. let us discuss the procedures of these two methods of admission.

MCA Admission Via Entrance Exam

• In order to attain admission through entrance examinations, candidates will have to score the desired scores by the institute
• After cracking the cut-off scores of the institutes, candidates are called upon for counseling procedures where they are given o select the college of their choice and merit
• After the seat allotment is done, candidates will have to visit the college's campus and complete the other procedures of admission. Institutions that offer admissions through entrance exams are Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Greater Noida Institute of Technology, MDU, etc.

MCA Direct Admission

• The process of direct exam implies admission on the basis of the marks acquired in the graduation exam
• On the other hand, there are universities that offer admissions to candidates on the basis of management quota.
• Candidates who take admission on the basis of management have to pay a fee greater than that of the other candidates
• Institutions that offer admissions through management quota are Chandigarh University, Amity University, and Lovely Professional  University (LPU)

Also Read: MCA Admissions

There are various entrance exams that help in the admissions to MCA all over India. These MCA entrance exams include IPU CET, UPSEE, NIMCET, TANCET, VIT MEE, and MAH MCA CET. The mode of these MCA entrance exams is conducted offline as well as online mode.

NIMCET

The National Institute of Technology administers the MCA admission test at the national level, known as the NIMCET or National Institute of Technology MCA Common Entrance Test (NIT). The Ministry of Education, Government of India, oversees NITs as institutions of ational significance.

MAH CET MCA

The State Common Entrance Test Cell of Maharashtra administers the MAH MCA CET, also known as the Maharashtra Master in Computer Applications Common Entrance Test. Government/Government Aided Institutes, University Departments, University Managed Institutes, and Un-Aided MCA Institutes all use the MAH MCA CET rank to determine who gets admitted to the MCA programme.

MCA CUET 

Central Universities Common Entrance Test is known by the full name CUET MCA. The NTA administers the admission test, which is for all of India. The test is taken on a computer and is administered online.

MCA BHU PET

The Banaras Hindu University annually administers the BHU PET MCA, a university-level admission examination. Computer-based test (CBT) modality is used for the exam.

WB JECA

West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam for Computer Application, or WBJECA, is its full name. The entrance test, also known as WBJECA, is administered by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB) to determine admission to institutions in West Bengal. For those applying to the MCA programme, there is an annual test. 

TANCET

Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test is known as TANCET. Anna University administers the test at the state level to admit students to a variety of postgraduate programmes, including MCA, MBA, MTech, M.Arch, etc. TANCET is administered offline or using a pen and paper.

Master of Computer Application is popular in India due to its growing demand in the IT industry. Some of the best MCA colleges in India that provide quality education to the candidates are JNU, New Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Anna University, Chennai, NIT Trichy, Tiruchirapalli, and many more. The average MCA course fees of these colleges ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs, 2,00,00.

The table below shows the top colleges in India, along with the average MCA feeS.

Top MCA Colleges in India

There are a lot of cities providing MCA course all over the country in various cities. The top cities that provide the best of the course include Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.  The tables below show the top MCA colleges in Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.

Top MCA Colleges in Kolkata

Top MCA College in Bangalore

Top Master of Computer Applications Colleges in Pune

Top Colleges in Hyderabad for  Master of Computer Applications

Studying MCA abroad is often the choice of the aspirants due to the better infrastructure facility, placement drives, as well as research facilities. There are many other courses abroad that render similar degrees in comparison to MCA. candidates have to know the eligibility criteria before applying for MCA course in abroad colleges. 

Below are the eligibility criteria for admissions into foreign MCA colleges.

• Candidates have to pass their graduation from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Candidates will have to pass English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. 
• Fundings have to be done through various scholarship programs since the cost of MCA in foreign countries is very expensive

Master of Computer Applications course is popular in countries like Canada, USA, UK, and Australia. There are various MCA colleges abroad that offer quality education to the candidates are the University Of Toronto, University Of Alberta, University Of Waterloo, University Of British Columbia, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, California State University Los Angeles Campus, University Of Queensland, University Of Melbourne and many more.

For admissions to MCA colleges in abroad, a few things have to note:

• The duration of the MCA courses is 1 to 2 years and sometimes it is 1.5 years for Australia.
• Candidates should have passed their graduation under computer science or any relevant stream  
• There are several colleges that ask for different cut offs. The minimum cut off marks of these colleges are 83 to 89% or a GPA of 3.0
• Candidates will have to submit the scores of the GRE or GMAT exam.
• The overall marks required for admission is 7 for IELTS or 80 % in TOEFL
• The average MCA fee ranges from Rs. 25 Lakhs to Rs. 50 Lakhs for the USA, Rs. 10 Lakhs to Rs. 23 Lakhs for UK, Rs. 20 Lakh to Rs. 35 Lakh for Australia, Rs. 15 to Rs. 25 Lakhs in Canada.

The table below shows the top MCA colleges in various countries along with their average MCA fee.

Master of Computer Applications Colleges abroad:

The MCA course fees depends upon various factors like programme type, college, facilities the college is providing, etc. In addition, if students avail scholarships the fees are lowered. Candidates can check the MCA fees in the table given below. 

Also Read: Scholarships Offered by Top IITs

MCA jobs and high MCA salaries tempt many people to participate in this three-year postgraduate study. With IT being one of the fastest expanding industries, MCA has emerged as one of the top courses for pursuing professional chances. There are a variety of alternatives after completing an MCA course degree like

• As the MCA course is a terminal degree, most students pursue employment after completing it. In India, the top MCA recruiters are TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, etc, and earn a lucrative salary
• Career options for an MCA degree are projected to expand in the approaching years due to the tremendous expansion in the IT and software sectors. Master of Computer Applications positions is accessible at top-tier IT and consulting businesses
• After completing MCA you can also pursue courses such as MBA to work in management or Ph.D. to work as a researcher and professor
• You can qualify for the UGC NET or GATE and work as a lecturer in a variety of government and private colleges
• Another viable alternative is to pursue a Master of Computer Management (MCM) or a Master of Information Management (MIM) degree (MIM)
• MCA graduates can get employment in startups. The startup culture that has been taken up in India is a godsend for MCA freshers. Apart from top-tier IT organizations, smaller firms or startups also pay well for computer professionals
• Nowadays, there is a surge in IT businesses, therefore there are many employment options accessible after completing an MCA education, and industry analysts believe that there are very few chances of regression in the following years

The Master of Computer Application or MCA course duration is usually 2 years after BCA and is divided into six semesters. The MCA course syllabus includes subjects like Computer Networks, Discrete Mathematics, Operating Systems, Database Management, Programming Lab, etc. Along with basic MCA subjects students receive hands-on instruction in the newest programming languages and tools such as C programming, Python programming, SQL,  JAVA programming, and much more, which will come in handy once students enter their professional careers. Classroom lectures, practicals, and project work are all part of the MCA syllabus. The most essential aspect of the MCA course curriculum is the project work.

The last semester of the Master of Computer Application curriculum is entirely devoted to project work, and specialization is also determined during this semester. The MCA subjects teach students about advanced programming, software development, optimization, and operating system skills. Apart from that, students participate in MCA-mandated group discussions, seminars, project work, summer training, and report writing. 

Note- The MCA course syllabus may vary from college to college as each institution has its own structure. 

The MCA course duration is 2 years. When it is pursued as a BTech domain, the duration extends to 3 years. The MCA syllabus consists of all the chapters in various semesters presented in a tabular form.

1 Year MCA Syllabus

 2nd Year MCA Syllabus

3rd Year MCA Syllabus

Also Read: Computer Courses

After the conclusion of the MCA course, the minimum average MCA salary received by the candidates is above Rs. 8 LPA. The top recruiters who hire officials from MCA courses are Robotics and Scalability Technology, HCL, Accenture, Ericson, IBM, Hi-Tech Solutions, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, etc. There are various factors that determine the MCA salary in India like a candidate's experience, skills, type of recruiter, type of job, etc. Once candidates will gain experience in the field the MCA salary rises. 

The table below highlights the top recruiters of MCA candidates along with the average MCA salary offered.

Post Wise MCA Salary

Career and job opportunities after completing MCA are vast. Candidates have job opportunities in fields like application development, business analysis, system analyst, ethical hacking, technical writing. After completing the course, MCA aspirants can get a job in various companies in different roles across all industries for a great start. Some of the MCA jobs are:

Apart from this, some of the other popular MCA job options are

Business Analyst

Business analysts are responsible for the analysis of business opportunities, strengths, weaknesses, and strengths and operate a business efficiently

Ethical Hacker

 Their responsibility is to hijack a network or a computer system on behalf of their owner to discover and protect the specific system vulnerabilities which could be hacked by a malicious hacker

Technical Writers

Their job is to note down the documents which explain product descriptions, product manuals, guides, and design specifications.

Social Media Handler

Social media handlers manage the social media accounts of the owner to maintain and increase their popularity among people and also handle social media accounts to promote the products

Manual Tester

Manual testers are required to play the role of an end user who makes use of almost all the features of the application to ensure behaving accurately. They also physically test the software to make it run smoothly

Trouble-shooters

Troubleshooters are experts who ensure the smooth and simultaneous working of both hardware and software come in handy to those who need it. In case of any issue, they will solve it and deliver the software and hardware on time

Top MCA Recruiter

Candidates after completing the MCA course can find jobs in various sectors. MCA graduates are hired in both the public and private sectors of India. In addition, various MNCs also hire MCA graduates. Check the list of top MCA recruiters given below. 

Due to the quick surge in the digital spectrum, the IT sector is seeing rapid expansion. As a result of their increased skills, MCA graduates have come to the forefront. So, if you are planning to pursue an MCA course, then go for it, as it will offer you numerous career opportunities and advantages.