MCA (Master of Computer Applications) - Course, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Scope, Career, Degree
What is MCA?
MCA is a programme that comes with a three-year duration and is targeted at those aspirants who are willing to dive deeper into the development of computer applications with the support of contemporary programming language. The students pursuing the Computer Application course are given a chance to develop modern software through the help of sophisticated tools and techniques. The programme is stretched in a time span of six semesters where the students learn skill development in computers in the first year, the second year teaches a conceptual study framework, and the third year renders specializations and necessary project work.
There are ample qualified professionals in the field of information technology which are produced by many colleges that offer Master of Computer Application all over the country. Master of Computer Application becomes a useful weapon when it is pursued full-time by a college/institution which is recognised by AICTE and UGC. Thereby we present to you all the necessary details that the aspirants should know about the MCA programme starting from scratch till the end in intricate details. In this article, we will discuss MCA full form, Master of Computer Application subjects, eligibility, admission, and career opportunities.
What is the MCA full form?
The MCA full form is Master of Computer Application. The objective of MCA is to develop information and technology professionals. The MCA degree provides both theoretical as well as practical knowledge.
Highlights - MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
Particulars | Value |
Course Name | MCA (Master of Computer Applications) |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Duration | Two years |
Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree |
Admission Process | Entrance examination/Direct Admission |
Semester Wise/ Year Wise | Semester Wise |
Entrance Examination | MAH MCA CET, UPSEE, NIMCET |
Average Fee | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 |
Career Opportunities | System analyst, Software Engineer, Programme Manager, Internet Scholar, Web Designer, Internet expert, Database Manager |
Average Annual Salary | Rs. 8 LPA |
Recruiting Companies | Infosys, Microsoft, Mahindra, ORACLE, GAIL, BHEL, Cognizant, Accenture, IBM, Wipro, TCS, HCL Technologies, HP, Capgemini, Deloitte, Zoho, Fargo, ITC |
MCA Eligibility Criteria
In order to pursue Master of Computer Applications, aspirants have to meet the common eligibility criteria to qualify for admission in any university. However, the MCA eligibility criteria vary from college to college depending upon their requirement for student’s academic qualifications:
- Candidates should have completed their BCA/B.Sc /B.Com or a similar stream and should have scored at least 50% marks in the Undergraduate level.
- Mathematics should be a compulsory subject in the 10+2 grade in order to be eligible.
MCA Admissions
In order to take admission in a Master of Computer Applications programme in any university, candidates have to undergo a university-level entrance exam such as IPU CET. In some cases, aspirants need to attend the state-level entrance test such as MAH CET to get admission. Further, there are two modes of admission procedures that candidates have to go through in order to pursue MCA from a well-recognized university.
Entrance Examination: Candidates need to go through an entrance examination. Those eligible candidates who clear the result are called upon by the university to attend the counselling. In this process, students need to submit their documents and are then offered a seat in the affiliated college of their choice to pursue the MCA programme. Colleges that offer MCA via an entrance test are Greater Noida Institute of Technology, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Jamia Milia Islamia, MDU.
Direct Admission: When it comes to direct admission, candidates are judged upon the merit that they have scored in the last qualifying examination on the basis on which they are offered a seat in the affiliated college. On the contrary, there are some colleges/universities that offer admissions to the MCA programme on a management quota basis. Candidates who take admission via management quota pay a relatively higher fee than the other candidates. Some of the universities which offer management quota to students are Lovely Professional University, Chandigarh University, Amity University.
Top MCA Entrance Exams
In order to enroll for admission in a college which offers Master of Computer Application, Candidates should take note of some popular entrance exams which they should attempt. Giving these entrance tests not only paves your way for admission in the most popular universities but also secures your future in every aspect.
Here are some of the following entrance tests which every candidate should attend to pursue a degree in MCA programme in a well-reputed university:
MAH MCA CET: Conducted by State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra for admissions in MCA programme amongst various universities.
IPU CET: Indraprastha University common entrance test is conducted by the IP University/GGSIPU to offer admission in MCA and M.Tech programmes.
IP University Admit Card | IP University Exam Pattern |
IP University Cut Off | IP University Eligibility Criteria |
UPSEE: A common entrance test conducted by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Uttar Pradesh.
NIMCET: A common entrance test which is conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NITs) for admission in MCA.
VIT MEE : Conducted by Vellore Institute of Technology for admission in MCA and M.Tech programmes.
Types of MCA
Master of Computer Application is a postgraduate programme in the field of computer applications that the aspirants can pursue after completing their bachelors in a related field such as BCA.
Advantages of MCA
The MCA programme is comprehensive and structured in a way that best suits the industry. The syllabus is designed in a way that provides in-depth information on subjects such as computer architecture, computer networks and programming languages. The study provides an opportunity to focus on a variety of areas. Students can specialise in programme management, application software, MIS Management Information System, Internet and communications.
Depending on the expertise after the completion of the MCA, a student can apply to various industries such as network, hardware and software development. Industrial training incorporated into the course prepares students for practical field reasons. The courses are designed to revolve around computer software development.
MCA Specializations
Aspirants who are seeking admission in the Master of Computer Application programme from a well-reputed university of their choice must know the further specialisations that they can choose in this field. Candidates are offered these specialisations once they reach the 3rd year of MCA tenure. The specialisation offers candidates a chance to build deeper expertise and skill set into a particular subdomain of the MCA programme for better future prospects. Check the specialization which one can do in the MCA programme.
Application Software | Hardware Technology |
Systems Management | Networking |
Systems Engineering | Management Information Systems (MIS) |
MCA Syllabus
Master of Computer Application subjects are some of the commonly studied subjects all over the country which entail JAVA programming, cloud computing, network and database management, and statistics. For further details on the Master of Computer Application subjects, check the information presented below for your reference.
Introduction in IT | Computer Organisation & Architecture |
Programming Lab | Introduction to Management Functions |
IT Lab | Mathematical foundations |
Programming & Data Structure | DBMS Lab |
Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations | Implementations |
Operating Systems | Unix & Windows Lab |
Business Programme Lab | Oral and Wireless Communications |
Accounting and Management Control | Probability & Combinatorics |
Computer Communication Networks | Database Management Systems |
Management Support System | Object Oriented Analysis and Design |
Statistical Computing Lab | Statistical Computing |
A.I and Applications | Optimisation Techniques |
Optimisation Techniques Lab | Industrial Lectures Seminar, Project |
AI & Application lab | Project |
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Scope of MCA
Before deciding to take admission in Master of Computer Application, candidates must know in detail about the future scope of this postgraduate programme. There are a wide variety of job opportunities for MCA graduates in the employment sectors such as information technology, desktop publishing, banking, cloud networking, cloud computing, digital marketing, logistics, web designing and development, e-commerce, data communication, consultancies, simulation, security and surveillance companies. The reason is, that these professionals get well versed in the field of software/application development and have the prerequisite knowledge of working on a variety of programming languages.
Also Read: Online Software Engineering Courses
Careers opportunities after MCA
After completing MCA, aspirants can get employed in different corporations at various job roles across all industries for a better future. Some of the job roles after completing Master of Computer Application have been enlisted here for better reference.
App Developer – App Developers are responsible for the development, management, and design of mobile applications for platforms such as Windows, android, and IOS.
Business Analyst – Analysis of business opportunities, strengths, weaknesses and strengths to start and operate a business smoothly.
Ethical Hacker – Ethical Hackers are experts who hijack a computer system to detect and discover the system vulnerabilities which could otherwise be exploited by any other hacker.
Hardware Developer – Hardware Developers produce hardware equipment, and install and scrutinise the system to make sure that the internet functions smoothly.
Social Media Manager – Social Media Managers handle social media accounts for the promotion of products and services amongst the audience.
Web Developer / Designer – Responsible for designing a website using creative skills on platforms such as world wide web, HTML, photoshop.
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Average Salary after MCA
Students who pursue a Master of Computer Application not only create ample opportunities for themselves in the information technology arena but also reap huge paychecks from their organisation in return for the services rendered. There are plenty of employment opportunities in the private and government sector for MCA graduates. Students who pursue a degree in MCA often land a job in big multinational corporations such as Google, Amazon, Infosys, Deloitte, Sapient, Microsoft, and IBM.
Experience | Salary per month |
Fresher | Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 30,000 |
1 -3 years experience | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 42,000 |
5 years and above experience | Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1,30,000 |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - MCA (Master of Computer Applications) - Course, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Scope, Career, Degree
Question: What are the Master of Computer Application subjects?
Answer:
Some of the Master of Computer Application subjects are Computer Organisation & Architecture, Mathematical foundations, Programming & Data Structure, Unix & Windows Lab, Accounting and Management Control, Computer Communication Networks, Database Management Systems.
Question: What is the MCA full form?
Answer:
MCA full form is Master of Computer Application. The objective of MCA is to develop information and technology professionals. The MCA degree provides both theoretical as well as practical knowledge.
Question: Do I have to pursue an MCA to have a good career in software development?
Answer:
Yes, to build a great career in the field of software development, it is a right choice to pursue a degree in Masters in Computer Application as the student harnesses a good amount of skills and expertise in the web development through the use of software programming languages such as JAVA, Asp.net, linux.
Question: What is the average salary of an MCA graduate in India?
Answer:
The average salary of an MCA graduate ranges between Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 7 Lacs per annum in India.
Question: What are the job profiles after completing MCA?
Answer:
The job profiles after completing Masters in Computer Application are Web Designer/Web Developer, Computer System Analyst, Software Developer, Database Administrator, Software Engineer or Programmer, Software Application Architect, Project Manager, Hardware Engineer, Software Consultant, and Senior Technical Consultant.
Question: What is the syllabus of MCA?
Answer:
MCA Syllabus includes Programming & Data Structure, Oral and Wireless Communications, Unix & Windows Lab, Database Management Systems, Optimisation Techniques, Network Lab, A.I and Applications and much more.
Question: What career opportunities are associated with MCA?
Answer:
MCA graduate candidates attain their preferred job roles on the basis of their technical expertise. They can get employed in various sectors such as Information Technology, networking, banking, NBFC (non banking finance corporation), desktop publishing. After pursuing a degree in MCA, students can also become a lecturer/professor.