Master of Computer Application (MCA)
Distance Masters of Computer Application (MCA) is a 2 years post-graduate program. Distance MCA consists of various subjects, such as computer application, software, hardware, and networking studies. The essential eligibility criteria for getting admission in Distance MCA is to have a Bachelor\'s degree in Computer application, BCA. Candidates who have a bachelor's degree in any field can also apply for Distance MCA, but they should compulsorily have mathematics in their 12th Class.
What is distance MCA all about?
Masters of Computer Applications (MCA):
Focuses on providing in-depth knowledge of computer software and application study from classroom learning and practical training.
Mainly focus on providing knowledge and skills related to different sectors of the computer field.
MCA Aim and Objective
The main objective of this course is to offer knowledge about Application development and the latest programming languages such as C, Java, Python, SQL, etc.
MCA program includes various factors such as computational theory, Programming, algorithm design, etc.
Why MCA?
You should choose MCA after observing the following aspects:
- Skills: MCA is a course in which you get to learn various necessary skills.
- Knowledge: You will learn subjects like software engineering, web development, system administration, etc.
- Salary: The average salary of an MCA degree holder is 7.5 Lakh per annum.
- Career: Job opportunities are open in both private and government firms for MCA graduates.
Admission Process of MCA
There are majorly two types of admission process of getting into MCA College.
- Direct Admission
- Entrance exam base Admission
Direct Admission
Direct admissions are given based on the merit of the qualifying exam. Candidates can get into colleges by management quota seats. Normally, the fees of management quota is higher than usual fees. Direct admissions are given in private colleges like LPU, Amity University, etc.
Entrance Exam based admission
After qualifying the entrance exam, candidates are selected based on their merit scores. Mostly government colleges offer admission based on entrance exam scores.
Eligibility Criteria for MCA
The essential eligibility criteria of getting admission in MCA is as following
Candidates should have a Bachelor\'s degree in Computer application.
Candidates who have a bachelor\'s degree in any field should compulsorily have mathematics subject in 12th Class. It is just an overview. Eligibility criteria vary from college to college. In Delhi University, the minimum percentage to get admission in MCA is 60% in the graduation degree.
MCA entrance exam
The list of various entrance exams to get admission into the MCA is as following:
- IPU CET 2020: IP University conducts IPU CET to offer admission to the different colleges of IP University in various UG and PG courses.
- UPSEE 2020: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University conducts this exam to offer degrees in various colleges of Uttar Pradesh.
- NIMCET 2020: NITs conduct NIMCET for offering admission in various courses.
- VIT MEE 2020: Vellore Institute of Technology conducts this exam to give admission to various courses, including MCA and M.Tech.
- BIT MCA 2020: Birla Institute of Technology hosts this exam to give admission to various MCA programs.
- MAH MCA CET 2020: Maharashtra Common entrance test cell organizes MAH CET 2020 to offer admission in various colleges in Maharashtra.
- TSICET 2020: The Kakatiya University of Warangal organize this exam to offer admission in MCA course in various colleges of Telangana State.
- TANCET 2020: Anna University conducts this exam to offer admission to MCA courses.
Important Dates for MCA 2020
Entrance test |
Application period |
Date of exam |
Mode of exam |
IPU CET 2020 |
3rd March to 17th April 2020 |
20th – 30th May 2020 |
Online |
UPSEE 2020 |
27th January to 6th April 2020 |
10th May 2020 |
Online and Offline |
NIMCET 2020 |
6th march to 21st April 2020 |
31st May 2020 |
Offline |
TANCET 2020 |
7th January to 4th February 2020 |
29th February 2020 |
Offline |
MAH MCA CET 2020 |
15th January to 22nd February 2020 |
30th April 2020 |
CBT |
MAH MCA CET 2020 |
6th March to 15th May 2020 |
6th – 7th June 2020 |
Online |
BIT MCA 2020 |
2nd April to 20th May 2020 |
14th June 2020 |
Online |
Syllabus for MCA entrance exams
MCA entrance exam consists of mainly four subjects including:-
- Mathematics
- LR (Logical Reasoning)
- General English
- Computer Science
Points to keep in mind during the preparation of MCA entrance exam
- Syllabus: Check the full syllabus of the exam of the entrance.
- Timetable: Make Timetable according to your convenience
- Notes to revise: Make notes for quick revision of the complete syllabus.
- Material: Make sure you have the best study material to prepare for the test.
- Mock Tests: It is recommended to appear for at least 10 mocks before appearing in the actual test.
- Mental Health: Keep yourself refreshed and healthy.
How to get into the best MCA colleges
- Prepare well for the entrance exam
- Get the required qualification marks.
- Be prepared for the counselling process.
- Give your 100% in Personal Interview.
- Check the dates and apply for colleges.
Course comparison
MCA vs. MSc Computer Science vs. M.Tech in Computer Science
ParameterParameter |
MCA |
MSc Computer Science |
M.Tech in Computer Science |
Qualification |
Masters of Computer Application |
Masters of Science degree in the field of computer science |
Master of Technology in Computer Science |
Duration in Years |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Basic Eligibility |
BCA |
BSc in Computer science |
BTech in Computer Science |
Average fees |
INR 1-5 lakh |
INR 1-3 lakh |
INR 2-5lakh |
Average Package |
INR 2.5 – 5 lakh per annum |
INR 3 - 6 lakh per annum |
INR 3-8 lakh per annum |
|
Distance MCA Top colleges
The following table consists of top colleges for distance MCA. Check it out.
College |
Admission Process |
Average Fees (Approximately) |
Average Salary |
IGNOU |
Merit based |
54,000 INR |
4-5 lakh per annum |
Suresh Gyan Vihar University |
Merit based |
1.8 Lakhs INR |
7-12 lakh per annum |
Annalmalai University |
Merit based |
85,000 INR |
4-10 lakh per annum |
Sikkim Manipal University |
Merit based |
1.1 Lakhs INR |
5-7 lakh per annum |
Amity University |
Merit based |
1 Lakh INR |
6-7 lakh per annum |
The duration of these distance education courses is 3 years. MCA provides in-depth knowledge related to computer application and is perfect for the students who want to make their careers in computer and IT fields. The syllabus of MCA consists of subjects including various computer languages, computer science applications, data structure, mathematics, etc.
The main job profiles after MCA are-
- Software Developer,
- Web Developer,
- Systems Analyst,
- Data Analyst
Top recruiters of MCA graduates are as following:
- Accenture,
- Wipro,
- TCS,
- Cognizant,
- HCL,
MCA graduate earns the starting salary of 2.5-4.5 lakh per annum. However, with the experience and advance skills, these computers and IT enthusiasts can earn 4-12 Lakh per annum in India. You can also earn 20 Lakh per annum in reputed firms in the IT sector.
Other Top Colleges for MCA
The table below shows the list of top Indian institutes offering the course:
College Name | Average fees | Average Package |
Loyola College, Chennai | INR 60,000 | INR 4-6 lakh per annum |
JNU, New Delhi | INR 966 | INR 10-15 lakh per annum |
Delhi University | N/A | INR 3-7 lakh per annum |
University of Hyderabad | INR 1,14,000 | INR 10-15 lakh per annum |
Pondicherry University | INR 44,000 | INR 3-6 lakh per annum |
MCA Colleges Comparison
Parameters |
Delhi University |
JNU Delhi |
NIRF Ranking |
13 |
2 |
Fees |
- |
INR 966 |
Avg. Package |
INR 6 – 7 LPA |
INR 4 – 11 LPA |
Recruiters |
Amazon, Microsoft, Samsung, Sapient, etc. |
NIIT, Samsung, Sapient, etc |
MCA syllabus
MCA is a 3-year course that is divided into 6 semesters.
The course consists of classroom lectures, practical classes, and project work.
The overview of subjects is as per below.
- Fundamentals of IT
- Theory of Computation
- Linux Programming
- Programming in C
- Computer Graphics
- Software Testing
- Discrete Mathematics
- Java Programming Enterprise
- Computing with Java
- Computer Organization
- Data Communications and Networking
- Data and File Structures
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Career and Jobs in MCA
There are tons of job opportunities after completing MCA. In the following, table, you will see Job Profile and Average Salary.
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
Software Developer |
INR 4-5 LPA |
Web Developer |
INR 2-3 LPA |
Systems Analyst |
INR 6-7 LPA |
Network Administrator |
INR 3-4 LPA |
Mobile App Developer |
INR 4-5 LPA |
Future Scope of MCA
MCA opens many job opportunities after getting a degree. There is a large number of firms that recruit MCA graduates. An MCA graduate can pursue higher education by doing a Ph.D. in research and development. Candidates can also do M.Phil. Candidates can also pursue MCM (Master\'s degree in computer management).