Last Updated on 16th January 2025

Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Overview

Master Computer Application is a Master’s degree done after completing a Bachelor's in Computer Application or any other Bachelor’s degree in computers. It is a professional degree concerning the design of computer applications with the assistance of contemporary languages. This degree is one of the best degrees that will secure you a job in the nation’s growing Information Technology market. Also, it is aimed at addressing the scarcity of skilled human resource professionals available in the IT (Information Technology) field in India. The fees of the MCA course range from INR 2,000 to INR 7,00,000.

MCA can give a candidate basic ideas of programming languages, software development, database and computer networks etc. Students develop their problem-solving skills, analysis, and technical skills in the course to enable them to solve complex problems. It was found that the average MCA course salary in India can vary anywhere between INR 5.4 LPA. I PU CET MAH MCA CET and TANCET, CUET PG, and JMI Entrance Exam are some of the best entrance exams for MCA

The most sought-after colleges offering MCA courses include Amity University, Noida, Christ University, Galgotias University, Madras Christian College, Jain University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Jamia Millia Islamia. 

MCA course jobs are Software Developer, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Project Manager, IOS Developer, Data Analyst, System Analyst, Hardware Engineer, Data Science etc Companies that offer a great recruitment drive are Alcatel, BSNL, Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture, Amazon, Cisco Systems, Google, HCL, Infosys, Mahindra, Microsoft and TCS.

MCA Course Details: Highlights

Particulars

Details

MCA Full Form

Master of Computer Applications

MCA Course Eligibility

Graduation with 55%

MCA Course Duration

2 year 

MCA Course Fee

INR 2000 to INR 7 Lakh

MCA Course Top Colleges

Amity University, Noida,  Christ University, Chandigarh University,  Galgotias University, and Jain University, JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia.

MCA Course Average Salary

INR 3 to 15 lakh

MCA Course Job Positions

Software Developer, IOS Developer, Data Analyst,  AI Specialist, Project Manager, System Analyst, etc.

MCA Course Entrance Exam

  • IPU CET  
  • MAH MCA CET
  • TANCET
  •  CUET-PG
  • JMI Entrance Exam

MCA Course Top Recruiting Companies

Alcatel, Amazon, Cisco Systems,  Google, HCL, Infosys, Mahindra, Microsoft, and TCS.


What is MCA's full form? 

MCA or the Master of Computer Applications is a postgraduate course that has been specifically designed to have a two-year duration and it aims at fulfilling the need of teaching computer science as a knowledge-based science and then establishing a connection with practical application of this knowledge in the formation of software applications.


Why Pursue MCA Course?

Several reasons compel many students to take a Master of Computer Application course. They are as follows:

  • It offers a good foundation in terms of theory and practice in computer science and places the learners in higher-level positions in technology and development.
  • For BCA graduates, doing MCA degree is beneficial in the serving of their careers.
  • Nowadays, MCA courses are highly sought after and employed or given handsome salaries.
  • You gain an intimate familiarization with the subject both from a realistic standpoint and theoretical point of view.
  • MCA graduates get different job options such as Software developer, System analyst, Computer hardware engineer, Data scientist, Software consultant, and Troubleshooter.
  • Computer science is clearly defined and explained and the general research ability as well as the research skills are developed and the candidate(master) will be armed with competitive advantage, especially in the dynamic IT market.
  • Often, graduates of MCA courses and Engineering students are taken for similar designations in industries and organizations.
  • The pay scale for a new programmer for both freshers and experienced candidates is between INR 3,800 to 9,000 per month.
  • The middle ranking Data Scientist, on average, can make up to INR 30 LPA in India.


MCA Course Syllabus

The MCA course Syllabus is spread over 2 years and as a whole, the subjects taught deal with computer applications as well as software applications. These include all programming languages, data structures, DBMS, software engineering, computer networks and more. while the subjects may somewhat differ depending on the offering institute, the content is however for the most part identical. It is a 2 years syllabus divided into 4 semesters. These are the subjects based on the semester you can check below.

MCA 1st Semester Syllabus

  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Database Management Systems
  • Supportive Core 1
  • Data Structures and Algorithms Lab
  • Object-Oriented Programming Lab
  • DBMS Practical Session

MCA 2nd Semester Syllabus

  • Computer Networks
  • Operating Systems
  • Domain-Specific Elective 1
  • Domain-Specific Elective 2
  • Open Elective
  • Communication Skills
  • Computer Networks Lab
  • Operating Systems Lab

MCA 3rd Semester Syllabus

  • Software Engineering
  • Internet and Web Technologies
  • Supportive Core 2
  • Domain-Specific Elective 3
  • Skill Enhancement Program
  • Academic Outreach Program
  • Mini Project
  • Internet and Web Technologies Lab

MCA 4th Semester Syllabus

  • Project Work
  • Project Seminar
  • Project Report and Viva-voce


MCA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters

For the graduates of MCA, there is no scarcity of excellent job opportunities. Any candidate possessing a master’s degree in computer applications along with required work experience, skill, and calibre can easily have bright scope in IT sectors in India and other countries in the world with the best companies of limited and government. 

A few job profiles are:

  • App Developer
  • Business Analyst
  • Database Engineer
  • Ethical Hacker
  • Hardware Engineer
  • Social Media Handler
  • Web Designer/Developer


MCA Course Salary

The placement details of MCA in India are approximately INR 7,90,000 per annum. However, the salary can vary depending on several factors, including specialisation, skills, academic background, experience and company details.


Top MCA Recruiters

Few of the industries widely practicing MCA graduates are the First MNC candidates operating in the Software Industries, Customer Service sectors, Banking, and Investment sectors, Business Process or Knowledge Process Outsourcing sectors. The personnel are selected to provide solutions to the problems regarding their essential infrastructures and to fix them. Some of the top MCA recruiters are as follows:

  • Infosys
  • Microsoft
  • Polaris
  • WIPRO Systems
  • Jeevansathi.com
  • Mahindra
  • Texas Instrument


Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Entrance Exams

NIMCET is the National Level Common Entrance Test conducted for admission into MCA. Apart from this, there are many university-level and state-level MCA entrance examinations which are conducted once a year. The procedures for applying for these exams often start a few months before the particular exam is planned. With regards to the registration process for entrance exams, it is suggested to do the registration on time.

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Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Fees in India

MCA's Course fee structure without any specializations is 1,40,000 INR. For each specialization like MCA AI and MCA Cybersecurity, the fee structure is 1,95,000 INR. You can also log on to the official website of colleges to get more information about the MCA course.

Mode of Study

Fee Range(Approx)

Regular Mode

2,00,000

Part-time Mode

1,50,000

Distance Mode

10,000 – 50,000


Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Types of MCA Courses

Check out the various types of MCA courses that can be pursued by students in India:

Type of MCA Course

Description

Regular MCA Course

It is a full-time program with a duration of two to three years offered in normal universities and colleges.

Distance MCA Course

Gaining knowledge through notes, video lectures online meetings etc. Can, however, occasionally be required to visit campus for exams or submission of assignments.

Online MCA Course

Engage in live interactive sessions, simulations, virtual labs., and teamwork projects. Provides the most flexibility in the mode of learning.

Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Admissions Process

For admission to a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program, you must go through the following steps:

  • Eligibility: Should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications (BCA), B. Computer Science or any other relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% of marks in aggregate.
  • Entrance Exams: If needed take the entrance exams or any state–level exams or University level exams if required.
  • Application: For admission, one can submit their application through the universities’ or the respective college’s websites.
  • Merit List: This, gives merit list, the grades achieved in the entrance exam is considered or the qualifying exam marks obtained.
  • Counselling: It can be to participate in the counselling sessions of universities or state boards.
  • Document Verification: These include mark sheets, id proofs, and scores in entrance exam as and when required.
  • Fee Payment: The admission fees should be paid to reserve the seat for the child.


Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Top MCA Colleges

Several leading private as well as government colleges and universities provide MCA courses to its students. Moreover, many engineering colleges also offer MCA courses as well. Candidates are also advised these MCA colleges should be selected either based on fee structure or placements.

Best Private Colleges for MCA

Some of the top private colleges for MCA degrees include MCA under private universities and deemed universities that fall under Institute of Excellence across the country. They have professional faculties and very good infrastructure and placement for students. Admission to these institutes can be through the institute-level entrance examination or scores of state/national level entrance examination. Some of the top private MCA colleges are as follows:

MCA Private College

Total Tuition Fee (in INR)

Amity University, Noida

5.2 Lakh - 11.2 Lakh

Chandigarh University

3 Lakh - 3.18 Lakh

Christ University

3.6 Lakh

MIT-WPU

4.1 Lakh - 4.6 Lakh

Presidency College

4 Lakh

School of Computer Science, UPES

3.68 Lakh

Vellore Institute of Technology

2.74 Lakh


Best Government MCA Colleges

Among the various government colleges that offer the MCA degree course, some of them are the best of the state and central universities. Students prefer them as one of the best colleges they would wish to attend. Some of the top government MCA colleges are as follows:

MCA Government College

Total Tuition Fee (in INR)

Banaras Hindu University

30,530 

Gujarat University

6,280

Jawaharlal Nehru University

432

Madras Christian College

77,200

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

27,000

Panjab University

70,610  - 2.25 Lakh

Master of Computer Applications [M.C.A]

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the MCA program, there must be some basic information regarding the MCA course eligibility. The requirement for applying to MCA may differ through the affiliated universities or according to the government’s policies. Below is the general qualifying details of MCA can be viewed below:

  • You should have completed the graduation, bachelor’s degree of any stream from a recognized university and you should have scored 50% in your studies. 
  • One of the compulsory requirements of the eligibility of the candidates is that you have to have mathematics as one of the main subjects in graduation or class 12.
  • You can also apply if you are in the final year of your bachelor’s degree. 
  • Some of the colleges may also expect you to have some amount of work experience. 
  • There will be a little relaxation in the number of marks for candidates from the reserved category.
  • If you are aiming to get admission to the top college then you will have to clear the entrance test.
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