PGDCA: Full Form, Course, Fees, Duration, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Jobs, Scope

PGDCA full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application, a 1-year postgraduate diploma programme in computer application and information technology. Students with any educational background can pursue PGDCA courses. Annually, more than 2 lakh students enrol in postgraduate courses in IT and computer applications.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is PGDCA Full Form?
2. PGDCA Course Details
3. PGDCA Course Duration
4. PGDCA Mode of Learning
5. PGDCA Eligibility Criteria
6. PGDCA Admission Process
7. PGDCA Entrance Exams
8. PGDCA Syllabus
9. PGDCA Course Fees
10. Scope of PGDCA
11. Job Opportunities After PGDCA
12. PGDCA vs MCA
13. PGDCA Salary in India
14. Top Private PGDCA Colleges in India
15. Top Government PGDCA Colleges in India

More than 1100 colleges affiliated with around 220 universities in India offer PGDCA courses. This course covers comprehensive knowledge of computer application and computer science. It covers various topics like computer programming, system analysis, web development, software engineering, and other related subjects.

Students who have completed their undergraduate degree and secured at least 50 per cent marks can apply for the PGDCA course. Students from streams like BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, and B.Tech can pursue PGDCA courses. The salary of PGDCA graduates is around Rs. 4 LPA for freshers but can vary based on the individuals' skill set.

What is PGDCA Full Form?

The full form of PGDCA is a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. Generally, colleges admit students based on their degree scorecard, and most of the time, there is no need to appear for any entrance exam. It is 1 year programme and its curriculum is divided into two semesters.

PGDCA Course: Key Highlights

PGDCA Course Details

With rapid technological advancements and changes in the software industry, it is important to offer education in computer applications and technology. This 1-year PGDCA course aims to provide this knowledge to students with any educational background.

• PGDCA distance education, part-time, online, and full-time are modes of education that students can opt for.
• Both Co-Ed and gender-specific colleges offer PGDCA courses.
• Students with any educational background can join the IT industry after graduation.
• The average monthly salary for PGDCA fresher graduates is anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000.
• From 2024-2028, software industry revenue is expected to grow 10.82 per cent annually, increasing job opportunities.

PGDCA Course Duration

The duration of PGDCA course is one year. It is divided into two semesters which include life skills, humanity, and entrepreneurship related subjects in addition to computer applications. PGDCA course duration is the same for all colleges, which is 12 months.

PGDCA Mode of Learning

There are various modes of learning for PGDCA courses: full-time, part-time, distance, and online. In this section, we will cover PGDCA distance education learning, PGDCA online courses, and PGDCA part-time courses. We also have added a small section of the PGDCA IGNOU course as it is a major query for many students.

PGDCA Distance Education

Distance mode of learning is gaining popularity nowadays, however, for PGDCA it has been there for a long. Many colleges offer students with option of choosing PGDCA distance education as a mode. In the table below, we have compiled a list of colleges offering PGDCA distance education.

PGDCA IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is another popular choice among candidates who want to pursue PGDCA course distance education. IGNOU has a separate School of Computer and Information Sciences that offers PGDCA in open distance learning. The total fee for the PGDCA IGNOU course is Rs. 21,600.

IGNOU PGDCA course can be pursued by students who have completed their bachelor of three years from a recognised university. Candidates must have studied Mathematics either in 10+2 or in graduation. If not, they are required to complete a graduate-level Mathematics course as a Bridge course.

PGDCA Online Course

Not only distance learning but PGDCA online courses are also offered by many institutes. However, candidates should check the validity of these PGDCA online courses before enrolling. Indian Institute of Skill Development Training (IISDT) is a premier National training organisation that offers PGDCA online courses charging a total of Rs. 3,500 for the entire duration.

PGDCA Part-time Course

Postgraduate diploma in computer application is also offered by very limited institutions in part-time mode. As this is a part-time course, its duration ranges from 1.6 years to 2 years. Rest all the PGDCA course details are the same as full-time PGDCA. The table contains the provider of the PGDCA part-time course.

PGDCA Eligibility Criteria

A variety of institutes offer PGDCA courses, although the eligibility criteria are not uniform across all institutes. Before applying to colleges, candidates should review the college's PGDCA course eligibility requirements. Before applying to college, they must meet specific standards.

• Candidates must have passed a bachelor's degree in any stream from any recognised university or college.
• They need to be a graduate in any discipline (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, and B.Tech).
• Candidates need to appear for entrance exams conducted by universities and examination authorities although some institutes offer admission based on the marks obtained in 10+2.

PGDCA Admission Process

The PGDCA admission process is almost similar for every college however the eligibility criteria may differ. In this section, we have mentioned the PGDCA admission process.

• PGDCA admission is usually based on merit, although a few institutes conduct a written test or examination to screen candidates.
• Candidates who qualify for the test are called for an interview before the final seat allotment.
• Some institutes in India will offer admission to the PGDCA course based on scores secured in the undergraduate degree programmes.
• Authorities prepare a merit based on qualifying exam marks, which is used for seat allotment.
• PGDCA course fees depend on the types of colleges and universities and other infrastructure that the colleges offer.

PGDCA Entrance Exams

There is no national-level entrance exam that provides admission to the PG diploma in computer application. Mostly admission to PGDCA courses is done based on the scorecard of the required degree. However, some states and colleges also administer their exams followed by a personal interview.

PG Diploma in Computer Application Cutoff

PGDCA cutoff is different for every institute and it is defined as the minimum score that is required for admission. Multiple factors decide the cutoff for a PGDCA course such as the merit score, seats available, and the difficulty level of the exam. Candidates should know the cutoff for any particular university and must check the official website.

PGDCA Course List/Specialisation

Recent advancements in computer science have forced many institutions to update course content and add new courses and specialisations. In the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications course also, many providers have started offering specialisation related to new technologies. Below are some newly introduced PGDCA specialisations.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Blockchain
• Cyber Security
• Data Science

PGDCA Syllabus

PGDCA course is a one-year PG diploma course with two semesters. The PGDCA course syllabus includes topics related to computer software and applications. The PGDCA course syllabus can vary from one institute to another but the basic theme or core remains the same. In the table below, we have mentioned the PGDCA subjects taught as per the NIELIT.

PGDCA Course Fees

PGDCA fee varies depending on the college or university that a candidate attends. It is not a very expensive course if candidates decide on the right college for studying. Before enrolling in any particular college, students should check the PGDCA fee structure. The average PGDCA course fee varies from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3 lakhs, depending on the college chosen by students.

Scope of PGDCA

Pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) course can provide basic and fundamental knowledge in computer applications, science and IT, which can lead to several job opportunities. Many students instead of taking up a job immediately after the PGDCA course, go for higher studies. Candidates can take courses like MCA, M.Sc IT, MBA in IT and M.Sc CS to pursue higher studies.

• Entry-level IT Jobs: After completing the PGDCA course, graduates can join the workforce as software developers, data entry operators, or technical support in IT companies. Joining IT companies in the early stages can help in providing practical experience and skills.
• Higher Studies: Post completing the PGDCA degree programme, students can pursue MCA, MBA and PhD degrees to have a specialised knowledge of computer application, IT and business. After pursuing higher studies, they can opt for research and join academia.
• Government Jobs: PGDCA graduates can join government agencies where data handling is one of the major tasks. Some of the government sectors which require PGDCA graduates are the banking, railway, and administrative sectors.
• Web and Software Development: PGDCA graduates can also work as web-developing and software-developing freelancers. Graduates can work to serve their clients based on their niches.
• Digital Marketing or Data Analysis: The PGDCA course provides fundamental knowledge on IT, which helps graduates work in both data analysis and digital marketing firms. This course helps graduates in making data-driven insights.

Job Opportunities After PGDCA

Many job opportunities are available after completion of the PGDCA course. However, candidates should know that strong skills are required for some of the job roles listed below due to the high competition for these positions. One can take up a variety of roles in various sectors, some of which are discussed below:

Software Developer: A software developer is a professional who designs, develops, researches, and tests software programmes. His or her work includes identifying areas for modifying the existing software programmes and continuously modifying the codes of programmes.

Java Developer: A Java developer is responsible for developing, designing, and maintaining Java applications and software. He or she is responsible for conducting testing, debugging, and programming of software applications.

Project Manager: A project manager is responsible for finishing the project on time. He or she also checks the performance of the team members and clears their doubts regarding the project.

Database Administrator: A data administrator is responsible for managing the database and storing company information. He or she will take care of the company database and store them safely.

Web Designer: A web designer is responsible for creating the design and layouts of web pages and websites. He or she mainly works on the visual aspects of a website such as usage, page layout, and design.

Top Recruiters

Private companies can offer PGDCA graduates a variety of job profiles depending on their skill set. But in public/government departments, job profiles are related to data entry or clerical.

Benefits of Studying PGDCA Computer Course

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications is a specialised programme for individuals who want to opt for a career in the IT industry. Candidates pursuing the PGDCA syllabus will learn programming languages and new technologies.

PGDCA provides numerous opportunities for students enrolled in the course such as web developers, web designers, computer programmers, software developers, and ethical hackers. However, remember that a degree or course can make you eligible for these job profiles; it is the candidate’s skills that will help them get a job.

PGDCA vs MCA

Students after their undergraduate degree often wonder- ”PGDCA vs MCA which is better?” To help with this decision, below we have provided the MCA vs PGDCA comparison in detail.

PGDCA Salary in India

The salary of a PGDCA degree holder will depend on the job role and also experience. Generally with an increase in experience the salary increases, and so does a rise in the designation. Below, we have listed the PGDCA course salary for respective job roles.

Source: Ambition Box

Top Private PGDCA Colleges in India

In India, more than 750 private PGDCA colleges offer courses. The fee in private PGDCA colleges is more than in government colleges. Some of the top private PGDCA colleges and their fees are discussed below:

Top Government PGDCA Colleges in India

Studying at a government college is less expensive than attending a private college. More than 300 government colleges are well known for their high academic excellence throughout India. The following are some of the top government PGDCA colleges.

The PGDCA course is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are required for working in the IT industry. PGDCA is one of the most sought-after courses among candidates who have completed their bachelor's degree and want to pursue a professional course.