MCA Full Form, Course, Fees, Admission 2025, Duration, Syllabus, Colleges, Scope

MCA Full Form, Course, Fees, Admission 2025, Duration, Syllabus, Colleges, Scope

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Sep 23, 2024 12:37 PM IST | #M.C.A.

MCA full form is Master of Computer Application. It is a postgraduate degree programme of two years which provides comprehensive knowledge on the development of computer applications with the support of contemporary programming languages. The students pursuing the Computer Application course are given a chance to develop modern software through the help of sophisticated tools and techniques. MCA course is stretched in a time span of four semesters where the students learn skill development in computers, the conceptual study of the framework, and also work necessary project work.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is the Full Form of MCA?
  2. MCA Course Details
  3. MCA Course Fees
  4. Why Choose MCA course?
  5. MCA Eligibility Criteria
  6. MCA Degree Application Process
  7. Top MCA Entrance Exams
  8. MCA Syllabus
  9. MCA Specializations
  10. What after MCA Course?
  11. MCA Salary
  12. Top Private MCA Colleges with Fees in India
  13. Top Government MCA Colleges with Fees in India

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. A Master of Computer Application becomes a useful weapon when it is pursued full-time by a college or institution which is recognised by AICTE and UGC. Here, in this article, we have discussed MCA course details, such as MCA full form, MCA subjects, MCA course duration, MCA eligibility, and MCA qualification.

What is the Full Form of MCA?

The MCA full form is Master of Computer Application, is a postgraduate degree programme which focuses on computer applications and computer science and programming languages. The objective of the MCA course is to develop information and technology professionals. The MCA degree provides both theoretical as well as practical knowledge.

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MCA Course Details

Particulars

Value

Course Name

MCA (Master of Computer Applications)

MCA Course Level

Postgraduate

MCA Course Duration

Two years

MCA Course Eligibility

Bachelor's Degree

Admission Process

Entrance Examination/Direct Admission

Semester Wise/ Year Wise

Semester Wise

MCA Entrance Examination

TANCET, UPCET, WB JECA, KMAT

MCA Average Fees

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 Course Fees

Master of Computer Application or MCA course fees varies based on institution to another. Private universities may charge high MCA course fees for MCA admissions, however, government colleges may charge less MCA course fees. The Master of Computer Application or MCA course fees will range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 5,00,000.

Why Choose MCA course?

The MCA degree 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 Eligibility Criteria

In order to pursue an MCA degree, 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 undergraduate degree programmes, such as BCA, B.Sc, B.Com or a similar stream and should have scored at least 50 per cent marks at the undergraduate level.
  • Mathematics should be a compulsory subject in the 10+2 grade in order to be eligible.

Skills Required for MCA Degree

Students should have a strong understanding of the technical skills in computer applications. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the skills that are required for the MCA degree programme.

Technical Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Problem-solving Ability

Programming Skills

Coding

MCA Degree Application Process

For admission to the 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-recognised 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 through 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, and Amity University.

Top MCA Entrance Exams

In order to enrol for admission in a college which offers Master of Computer Application, candidates should take note of some popular entrance exams which they should attempt. Here are some of the following entrance tests which every candidate should attend to pursue a degree in the MCA degree programme at a well-reputed university:

TANCET: TANCET or Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Anna University. TANCET is conducted once in a year for admission to MCA and MBA degree programmes. Students who are eligible for the TANCET entrance examination, are required to fill out the TANCET Application Form.

WB JECA: WB JECA or West Bengal Joint Examination for Masters in Computer Applications is a state-level entrance examination conducted by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board. WB JECA is conducted once a year for admission to the computer application programme at the postgraduate degree level.

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KMAT: KMAT or Karnataka Management Aptitude Test is a state-level entrance examination conducted by Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association. KMAT entrance examination is conducted for offering MBA and MCA courses in 189 institutes of Karnataka.

MCA Degree Cut-Off

Master of Computer Application or MCA cut-off is used for determining the candidates’ merit for admission in the MCA degree programme. For admission to the MCA degree programme, the cut-off of various entrance examinations is accepted in various colleges. The MCA cut-off is based on the number of students appearing for the entrance examinations, and the difficulty level of the question paper.

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. In the table below, we have mentioned the MCA subjects of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology.

Semester 1
Theory
Computer Organisation & Architecture

Computer Programming with C

Business Systems and Applications

Discrete Mathematical Structure

Business English and Communication-
Practical
Micro Programming & Architecture Lab
Programming lab (C)
Business presentation and language lab-
Semester 2
Theory
Data Communication & Computer Networks

Information Systems Analysis & Design

Data Structures with C

Data Base Management System I

Object-Oriented Programming With C++-
Practical
Data structure labDatabase lab
Object-Oriented Programming lab (C++)-
Semester 3
Theory
Operating Systems and Systems SoftwareUnix and Shell Programming
Intelligent Systems

Statistics and Numerical Techniques

Business ManagementManagement Accounting
Practical
Unix lab

Statistics and Numerical Analysis lab

Accounting Systems lab-
Semester 4
Theory
Software Engineering & TQMGraphics & Multimedia
Data Base Management System II

Operation Research & Optimisation Techniques

Environment and Ecology-
Practical
Software Project Management labGraphics & Multimedia Lab
Advanced Database lab-

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 third year of MCA tenure. The specialisation offers candidates a chance to build deeper expertise and skill sets into a particular subdomain of the MCA programme for better future prospects. In the table below, we have mentioned some of the specialisations of the MCA course.

Application SoftwareHardware Technology
Systems ManagementNetworking
Systems EngineeringManagement Information Systems (MIS)

What after MCA Course?

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.

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. Students can also pursue higher studies after completing their MCA degree programme, such as a PhD.

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 the Master of Computer Application have been enlisted here for better reference.

App DeveloperApp developer or application developer are professional software engineers who design, develop and implement the mobile application and software for various operating systems, such as Windows, Android, and IOS. He or she is responsible for routine check up of the apps and also updates the aaps if any new features come.

Business Analyst A Business Analyst is a professional who plays an important role in assessing and understanding the business processes, systems, and requirements to help organisations make informed decisions and improve their performance. He or she works with the business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring that projects are aligned with their business goals and objectives.

Ethical Hacker An Ethical Hacker is a professional cybersecurity analyst, who works with computer systems, networks, applications, and other digital entities to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses of any company. He or she uses technical expertise to avoid cyberattacks while improving the network security of the company's digital infrastructure.

Top Recruiters

NIIT LtdDeutsche Bank
CognizantAccenture
IBMGoogle
OracleMicrosoft
Indian NavyFacebook

MCA Salary

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. In the table below we have mentioned the master of computer application salary for the graduates.

Job Profiles

Average Salary

App Developer

Rs. 6.0 LPA

Business Analyst

Rs. 6.6 LPA

Ethical Hacker

Rs. 5.6 LPA

Employment Areas

MCA degree graduates can work in both private and government organisations. Graduates can also join academics, for the career as a teacher or lecturer. Students who have pursued Master of Computer Application or MCA courses, can also work as freelancers. Some of the employment areas for MCA graduates are:

  • Information Technology

  • Healthcare facilities

  • Academics

  • Freelancing

Top Private MCA Colleges with Fees in India

In India, there are a number of private colleges that offer MCA degrees. Private colleges are significantly more expensive than public universities. Some of the top private MCA colleges and also MCA fees are discussed below:

Top Government MCA Colleges with Fees in India

Attending a government-run college is less expensive than attending a private MCA college. These MCA colleges are well-known for their high academic standards throughout India. The following are some of the best government MCA colleges and also MCA fees:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What career opportunities are associated with MCA?

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.

2. What is the syllabus of MCA?

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.

3. What are the job profiles after completing MCA?

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.

4. What is the average salary of an MCA graduate in India?

The average salary of an MCA graduate ranges between Rs 4 lakhs to Rs 7 Lacs per annum in India.

5. Do I have to pursue an MCA to have a good career in software development?

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.

6. What is the MCA full form?

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.

7. What are the Master of Computer Application subjects?

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.

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Questions related to M.C.A.

Have a question related to M.C.A. ?

Hello Greetings

Having a supply (supplementary exam) in a subject can impact your eligibility to join an MCA (Master of Computer Applications) program in the same year. Here's what you need to know:


Eligibility Criteria for MCA

Most universities and institutions require students to have a bachelor's degree in Computer Applications or a related field, with a minimum percentage of marks (usually 50-60%). Additionally, students must have passed their qualifying exam without any backlog or supply.


Impact of Supply on MCA Admission

If you have a supply in a subject, it may affect your eligibility for MCA admission in the same year. Here are a few possible scenarios:


1. *Delayed Results*: If your supply exam results are delayed, you might not be able to meet the admission deadline for MCA programs.

2. *Provisional Admission*: Some institutions might offer provisional admission to students with a supply, pending the outcome of their supply exam. However, this is not a guaranteed option.

3. *Next Year's Admission*: In some cases, students with a supply might need to wait until the next academic year to apply for MCA programs.


What to Do Next

If you have a supply and want to join an MCA program in the same year:


1. *Check with Institutions*: Reach out to the institutions you're interested in and ask about their policies regarding supplies and provisional admission.

2. *Verify Eligibility Criteria*: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the MCA program, including the minimum percentage of marks and other requirements.

3. *Prepare for Your Supply Exam*: Focus on preparing for your supply exam to ensure you pass and can meet the admission deadlines.


Keep in mind that admission policies and procedures can vary between institutions. It's essential to communicate with the institutions directly to understand their specific requirements and policies.

Hello,

To get specific details about a college having MCA course and placements , please specify the college or university name.

Here are some key points about placements after completing an MCA (Master of Computer Applications):

  • Software Development: Positions in development roles with companies like TCS, Accenture, and Infosys.
  • Data Science & Analytics: Opportunities in data-driven roles, including data analyst, data scientist.
  • Network Administration: Jobs for network administrators and system administrators in various industries.
  • Cloud Computing & DevOps: Roles in cloud architecture, DevOps engineering.
  • Cybersecurity: Demand for cybersecurity professionals in both government and private sectors.
  • Salaries: Starting salaries generally range from Rs. 3-6 lakhs annually, depending on the company and skillset.

Hope it helps !

Hi,

MCA full form is Master of Computer Applications. It is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on Mastering in computer applications.

To be eligible for the MCA course, candidate must have passed a graduation degree in BCA or equivalent from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 60%.

Admission to MCA programs is often based on merit or entrance exams. Some top entrance exams for MCA are  IPU CET  MAH MCA CET, and TANCET, CUET-PG, and JMI Entrance Exam.

Soms of the top colleges that provide MCA courses in India are the following

  • Amity University, Noida
  • Christ University
  • Chandigarh University
  • Galgotias University
  • Madras Christian College
  • Jain University
  • Jamia Millia Islamia

MCA course job profiles includes Software Developer, AI Specialist, Project Manager, IOS Developer, Data Analyst, System Analyst, Hardware Engineer, Data Scientist etc.

Some of the top recruiters that hire students from Top MCA colleges are  Alcatel, BSNL, Amazon, Deloitte, Accenture, Amazon, Cisco Systems,  Google, HCL, Infosys, Mahindra, Microsoft, and TCTCS.

Hope this information will help you


Hello Greetings

The eligibility criteria for GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exams, including the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) paper, typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field, such as:


- Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech)

- Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B.Arch)

- Bachelor's degree in Science (B.S.)

- Master's degree in Science (M.S.)

- Master's degree in Computer Applications (MCA)


However, since you have a non-technical bachelor's degree in Arts, you might not meet the eligibility criteria directly.


What You Can Do

1. *Check the GATE Eligibility Criteria*: Verify the official GATE website for the latest eligibility criteria, as rules may change.

2. *MCA Program*: Since you're currently pursuing an MCA, you might be eligible to apply for GATE DA after completing your MCA program.

3. *Contact the GATE Authorities*: Reach out to the GATE organizing committee or the zonal office for clarification on your eligibility.


Important Points to Remember

- GATE eligibility criteria may vary depending on the institute and department.

- Some institutes might have additional requirements or exceptions.


Stay Updated

Regularly check the official GATE website for updates on eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and application procedures.

Have a great day

Hi,

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in Dehradun has a history of placing 90–95% of its MCA students. About 94% students get places every year from MCA course. The highest salary package offered for MCA course is around 55 LPA, while the average salary package is around 10–12 LPA.

Hope this information will help you

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