PGDCA Course

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is a one-year professional computer application course that deals with imparting knowledge and training students in Computer Science with professional, technological, and communication skills. This course is pursued after one completes graduation and wants to build computer applications skills in industries such as banking, insurance, health services, and accounting. To pursue the PGDCA course, candidate must be a graduate or have done equivalent course from a recognized university. Admission to this course is on a merit basis where some institutions such as JMI Delhi and DU conduct entrance exams for the selection of candidates. These entrance exams include JMI EEE, GITAM GAT, IISER, NEST, and DUET. To prepare for these exams, students must study the PGDCA Course syllabus very well. 

PGDCA course is available in online, offline, and through distance mode. After completing the PGDCA course, candidates can take job roles related to IT Support Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, Software Developer,  IT Consultant, Systems Analyst, etc. The top PGDCA colleges in India are Jamia Millia Islamia, Lovely professional university, University of Delhi, IGNOU, Madras Christian College, etc. The PGDCA course fees range between INR 10,000 to INR 1,10,000 on average

The PGDCA course highlights have been presented in the table below. Candidates who are aiming to pursue a PGDCA course in India are advised to check the PGDCA highlights before proceeding with the other topics. The highlights of the PGDCA course contain the full form, eligibility criteria, top colleges, PGDCA fee, PGDCA duration, top job profile, recruiters, etc.  

The table below highlights the same.

If you have completed your bachelor’s degree and want to broaden your academic horizon with a short course then you can pursue the PGDCA course. If you want to enhance your technical and academic knowledge in computer application and want to acquire a promotion or a job with better pay then Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is the right study option for you. Through this course, the student will learn about topics such as operating systems, database management systems, and web development. This course prepares a candidate to enter the professional sector and land a well-paying job. 

If you are planning to pursue a PGDCA course and wondering how it will help your career, then go through the benefits of studying this course given below. 

Less Time Consuming Course

PGDCA is a 1-year Postgraduate program, which makes it a viable career option as compared to other similar courses like MTech or MCA whose duration is for 2 years. PGDCA courses consist of a comprehensive curriculum that not only saves time but also will help you give tough competition to students from other courses.

Reasonably Satisfactory Salary Packages

After the conclusion of the PGDCA course, candidates are offered attractive salary packages. As per reports, the average PGDCA salary offered in India is INR 7,00,000 PA. For example, the salary of a Security Consultant, (Computing / Networking / Information Technology) is INR 9, 12, 000 PA. More information about PGDCA salary packages are available in the salary header.

Extensive Developments in Computer Skills

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications, PGDCA is conditioned for graduate candidates who are inquisitive about computer applications. This helps candidates to have professional knowledge of computer applications.

Gain Academic Specialization

By studying this course students will be trained on the most recent developments in Application Development, Programming Languages, and Database Management. Students will get hands-on experience while designing real-world IT applications as part of their studies.

Preferential Business

Companies while hiring fresh graduates would any day prefer a PGDCA over a BTech graduate, simply because of the fact that a BTech Graduate would expect more salary package than a PGDCA scholar, which would help the company cut down its expenditure cost to a significant extent.

The eligibility criteria for PGDCA highly depend on the type of institute you are applying for admission to. Therefore, a student must check the eligibility criteria before applying for the PGDCA course. However, the basic eligibility can be understood by the candidates from the following points-

Qualifying exam: The candidate applying for PGDCA must be a graduate in any discipline such as BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, B.Tech, etc.

Minimum marks: Some colleges or universities require candidates to have a minimum of 40-50% marks or equivalent in graduation courses from a recognized university.

Age limit: Some colleges or universities like Vallabh Government College, Mandi have an age limit for admission to PGDCA courses. However, this is not required in most colleges and universities.

PGDCA courses can be pursued offline/regularly and in distant/ online mode. Candidates can choose either of them as per their preference. There are several pros and cons that are experienced by the candidates for both online and offline courses. The same has been explained below.

PGDCA Regular Course

 The PGDCA offline or regular courses are the most popular courses among both.  Regular classes are more beneficial since the candidates are able to clarify their doubts to the mentors. The duration of the regular PGDCA courses duration 1 year. The PGDCA fee for regular courses ranges from Rs 7000 to Rs 1,10,000 PA.

PGDCA Distant/ Online Course

The PGDCA distant or online courses mostly opted for candidates who are mostly working professionals or are not able to visit the campus physically. Aspirants who encounter the course as challenging to learn in a normal course owing to economic and time constraints can opt for distance education. The main purpose of the PGDCA Distance Education is to give candidates a combination of skilled expertise in computer science. The duration of the distance education in PGDCA courses is approximately six months to 1 year (maximum). The average PGDCA course fee for distant programs ranges from INR 7,000 to INR 30, 000. 

PGDCA Online Courses

Some of the available PGDCA online courses have been listed in the table below.

PGDCA Distant Colleges

The table below highlights the PGDCA distant colleges along with the fees. 

You can also pursue a PGDCA course abroad. Studying abroad has its various perks and benefits. Firstly, the international degree holds prestige across the globe, especially in India. So, it will help you get a high-paying job when you return back to India. In addition, by studying the PGDCA course abroad you will acquire top-notch education and hands-on experience with various latest technical skills. Studying abroad will offer you an international perspective.  

Top PGDCA Colleges Abroad

There are several PGDCA courses in computer applications offered abroad. Universities all throughout the world PGDCA courses. You can choose your international colleges by considering factors like living costs, college fees, visa availability, etc. Given below are some of the top PGDCA colleges abroad. 

Candidates might be often confused between the PGDCA v/s DCA courses since they both almost have similar servings. The major difference lies in the degree of both courses. We will discuss the differences between PGDCA v/s DCA courses based on subjects, course fees, duration, colleges, and salaries. The table below highlights the same purpose.

Admission to the PGDCA course is done on the basis of entrance exams as well as the merit of the candidate. Moreover, the admission process for the PGDCA course varies from institution to institution. There are some PGDCA institutions that offer admission to candidates on the basis of merit while some conduct their own entrance examinations. 

Therefore for a better understanding, candidates can take a look at the table stated below for a better understanding of the PGDCA admission process based on the institutions.

Some PGDCA colleges in India offer admission through the entrance exam. Students who are taking admission via the entrance exam must study the PGDCA course syllabus and subjects thoroughly to qualify for the exam and secure a seat. Check some of the popular PGDCA entrance exams and their details given below. 

JMIEEE

JMI Engineering Entrance Exam or JMIEEE is an entrance exam conducted by Jamia Milia Islamia for candidates who are interested in engineering programs.

DUET

Delhi University Entrance Test or DUET is an exam conducted by Delhi University for candidates who are interested in admission into PG and Ph.D. programs

NEST

NEST entrance test is held for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma Course in Computer Application. The exam is given entirely online. Bhubaneswar Board, NISER, and UMDAE CEBS Mumbai are among the colleges that accept the NEST entrance exam for PGDCA admission

GITAM GAT

GITAM University holds a GAT entrance test for all prospective PGDCA students. It provides admission to numerous institutions affiliated with GITAM University. 

IISER

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) hold admission exams for candidates interested in pursuing the PGDCA programme at various IISERs. IISER results are accepted by IITs for PGDCA entrance.
 

There are a large number of PGDCA colleges in India that provide quality education. Some of these universities include Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, Punjab technical university, Jalandhar, Indian statistical institute, Kolkata, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Vallabh government college, mandi, Vallabh government college, mandi, etc. To know more about the mode of study and PGDCA course fee have been presented in the table below

Below you can find a list of some of the top PGDCA colleges in India:

PGDCA Course Fees

The PGDCA course fees will completely depend upon the institute or college you are applying for.  If you are studying this course in a top-tier college then fees will be comparatively higher and if you are studying this course in a government college then PGDCA course fees will be less. In addition, the availability of the scholarship will also lower the fees.  However, the average PGDCA fees in India range from INR 10,000 to INR 1,10,100. 

The top PGDCA colleges in India are situated in many cities and states. You can pursue the PGDCA course in the city that you prefer. These top cities include Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai. To know more about these top PGDCA colleges in the top cities read the table given below 

Best Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) Colleges in Delhi

The top PGDCA colleges in Delhi that render quality education have been presented below:

Best Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) Colleges in Bangalore

The top PGDCA colleges in Bangalore that render quality education  have been presented below:

Best Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) Colleges in Pune

Check the list of top PGDCA colleges in Pune and their fees given below 

Best Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) Colleges in Mumbai

The top colleges in Mumbai that render quality education to the candidates willing to pursue PGDCA have been presented below:

Note- Apart from the above-mentioned PGDCA colleges there are many other colleges in these cities to which you can take admission. In addition, the PGDCA course syllabus and subjects may vary as each institute has their own curriculum

To stand out from other students, and understand the lessons taught in the PGDCA course students must have certain interpersonal skills. These skills have to be mastered properly as candidates who will conclude the PGDCA courses in the future have to be very efficient in communicating with the whole organization. Following are some of the interpersonal skills required for the PGDCA course.

• Communication skills - Verbal and Written
• Familiarity with Industry Standards
• Leadership Skills
• Analytical & Creative thinking
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Acquaintance with Computers & IT
• Knowledge of the core subject
• Multi-disciplinary exposure

Candidates who want to get access to the best books for the PGDCA course can get it from online as well as offline platforms. Candidates can also avail of online books in the form of PDFs. Candidates can refer to the following PGDCA books as given below in the table.

The table below shows the best reference books for the PGDCA course along with the author/ publisher name.

The PGDCA programme is a one-year postgraduate diploma programme in computer applications/informatics and it's designed to introduce students to the theoretical and practical elements of computer software and programming. The PGDCA course syllabus includes core and elective subjects. The core subjects are compulsory subjects while electives are optional from which students can choose. The list of core PGDCA subjects includes Fundamentals of Information Technology, Software Engineering, C Programming, Visual Basic, Java, etc.  PGDCA optional subjects include OOPs & Programming with C++, MS-Access, Financial Accounting with Tally, Foxpro, and others. Knowledge gained from the PGDCA course syllabus and subjects will not only improve one's understanding of the subject but will also change individuals into industry-worthy experts.

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is a one-year computer application course that includes two semesters only. Candidates can check the semester-wise PGDCA course syllabus given below. 

PGDCA Syllabus

Note- The PGDCA syllabus varies from college to college 

PGDCA is a new course that has carved out a space for itself among its target audience. Since it is a professional degree, the student may choose to work after completing the program. Students who complete a PGDCA program have two options:

Go for higher education 

 Many students prefer to pursue higher education rather than immediately begin working after completing the PGDCA program. They can enroll in degrees like MCA, and M.Sc. IT, and M.Sc. CS to improve their job prospects. The benefit of obtaining a PGDCA degree is that it permits you to take lateral entries to these programs. 

Start working 

After completing the PGDCA course, Candidates can be hired into private as well as government sectors, particularly if the degree is obtained from a prestigious institution such as the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata.

The PGDCA government jobs are varied given the various number of esteemed organizations that provide designations to the graduates of this course. The scope of PGDCA is not only forbidden to IT firms and private industries as the widespread impulse articulates but also to various state-level and central-level government institutes that deliver an honorable designation with generous job protection. The PGDCA job recruitment in the public sector is typically done on the basis of an entrance exam and personal interview conducted by various boards. Some of the top governmental organizations that disburse handsome PGDCA job salaries in India include Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Indian Statistical Universities, ISRO, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Reserve Bank of India, and Indian Telephone Industries. The average salary for PGDCA in India is INR 7 LPA.

Some of the carrer options that are available after concluding PGDCA include IT Operations Manager, SQL developer, Technical Writer, Project Manager, Android Software Developer, Database Administrator, Information Systems Manager, Technical Architect, Java Developer, etc.

The top PGDCA job profiles include IT Support Analyst, Software Engineer, IT Consultant, Web Designer, Software Developer,  Quality Assurance Analyst, Systems Analyst, and many more. The average PGDCA salary in India ranges from INR 2 LPA to INR 20 LPA. The PGDCA salary after completing the course will depend on the job profile as well as experience. Generally, the salary increases with an increase in inexperience. The average PGDCA salary of some of the top job profiles is listed below:

Also Read: Career in Information Technology (IT)

After completing the course of PGDCA, students get various career options to choose from. Candidates can check some of the top PGDCA career options and their job description given below.

The top recruiting companies that hire PGDCA graduates include TCS, Dell, etc. Students can find jobs in both government and private sectors after completing the PGDCA course.  Some of the top PGDCA recruiters have been listed below. 

• Tech Mahindra
• Amazon
• Wipro
• Oracle
• Infosys
• Accenture
• Deloitte
• National HCL
• Lenovo
• Dell

Also Read: Free Online IT Courses After 12th

The Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) equips a candidate with the necessary skills to support oneself in the working world and land a lucrative position. PGDCA is a programme with many applications since it gives a lot of scope and fantastic employment opportunities both inside and outside the nation. If you are planning to pursue the PGDCA course then go for it as there are considerable career opportunities for those who complete it.