MCA - The Master of Computer Application

The Master of Computer Application (MCA) is a professional post-graduate program. Students who take admission in this course study computer programs, developing software, computer application development, and many other topics in this course. The duration of this course is 2 years.

Students of the MCA post-graduate program stand out in the ground as this program provides a stable and prosperous future. MCA graduates can work with the top IT industry, which is anticipated to rise by 2.3 percent in 2021. India is the world's leading provider of IT solutions and outsourcing place. This means India will always have a steady supply of job possibilities for MCA graduates soon.

Admissions to the MCA program are either based on merit or an entrance exam conducted by the institution. The minimum qualification a student needs for the course of MCA is a bachelor's degree in computer application (BCA) or should have studied mathematics as a mandatory subject in Class 12. The best MCA colleges in India prefer to accommodate international students.

The average MCA course fee at a private college is between INR 30,000 and INR 2,00,000, although at a government college, the course fee is between INR 1,500 and INR 30,000.

MCA Job salary range between INR 2LPA and INR 6LPA, with the possibility of earning up to INR 13 LPA based on the candidate's knowledge, abilities, and educational record.

Quick Facts about the MCA Program

• Master of Computer Application is the full form of MCA.
• Candidates from several relevant streams can enroll in the MCA program for a length of three years. The MCA program will be two years long for BCA students.
• The MCA program is offered in three formats: full-time, online, and distance education.
• Candidates can enroll in the MCA program online through platforms like Alison and Coursera. They can also enroll in an online course at Amity University or the University of Mysore.
• Java Programming, Data and File Structures, Programming in C, and other main disciplines are covered in the MCA Syllabus, divided into four semesters.
• The University of Hyderabad, University of Calcutta, NIT Trichy, VIT Vellore, Tiruchirappalli and others are among the best MCA institutes in India.
• Working professionals who want to pursue MCA to improve their work chances can do so through distance education.
• Individuals with a 50 percent or higher in their undergraduate course can enroll in the program.
• Admission to the MCA program is based on either a merit list or an admission examination. Most leading colleges admit students based on admission exams.
• Candidates who do not want to pursue an MCA course typically opt for a BCA + MCA Integrated Course, which allows them to complete their course in one go and avoid worrying about getting a job after graduation.
• IPU CET, MAH MCA, NIMCET and TANCET, are the most popular entrance exams for this course.
• In India, the typical course fee is between INR 30,000 and INR 200,000.
• Candidates who wish to study abroad can choose from various courses equivalent to the MCA program. Top institutions in other nations, on the other hand, charge between INR 10,00,000 and INR 35,00,000 each year.
• Candidates are absorbed into numerous job categories in the IT business after completing the course, including Frontend Developers, Backend Developers, Web Designers, Networking Professionals, and many others.

Why should you pursue an MCA degree?

• MCA is a postgraduate program for those who are interested in pursuing a career in technology. Master of Computer Applications programs is growing equally in both public and private sectors, with numerous job prospects.
• The MCA job market is expanding, with 2,05,000 new job possibilities added each year and an annual growth rate of 7.7%.
• MCA graduates have many work options in several industries/sectors and professional roles.
• Candidates would receive a speedy job placement after graduating MCA with a minimum income of INR 4 LPA.

Job opportunities after MCA

As we discussed earlier, MCA provides various job opportunities. After completing MCA, Students have a variety of options, and based on their interests, they can go with one as their career. Their career has a lot of room for advancement. Possibilities for employment after completing an MCA:

• A software Engineer, sometimes called a software developer, is a programmer or a coder who creates computer software.
• A program manager who manages the main program and looks after all work related to program tactics, project delegation, and program execution.
• A web designer is a professional who is in charge of designing a website. A web designer uses skills like world wide web, HTML, photoshop, etc., to develop a new website every time.
• Database Manager, who is responsible for overseeing the complicated database system operations, validity, and relevance.
• Ethical Hackers, who find and manipulate computer system flaws that any other hacker would otherwise use.
• Hardware Engineer is a professional who makes the internet work properly by building hardware equipment, installing it, and testing it.
• Technical writer is a person who oversees writing. The writing mainly includes technical operations, product descriptions and manuals.
• System analyst, who figures out what software or hardware the company needs. Their responsibilities extend beyond software and hardware to the entire IT system.
• An application software developer who develops, manages, and designs mobile applications for Windows, Android, IOS, etc.
• Business Analyst who forecasts firms' strengths, limitations, and growth factors that help to generate a profitable business.
• The Network Administrator who oversees fully supporting, configuring, and maintaining networks and in-house servers.
• System administrators oversee setting up, managing, and supporting servers and other computer systems.

A person can find a well-paying job after an MCA degree. The information technology industry is one of the most profitable, and it is anticipated that more work opportunities will be there as the IT business expands.

MCA's Different Types

After earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as BCA, candidates can pursue a master's degree in the field of computer applications.

Who Should Pursue an MCA Degree?

• Candidates interested in pursuing a career as software developers should enroll in the MCA program. The majority of MCA graduates work in software and application development programs.
• Candidates who desire to work in the IT industry should enroll in the MCA program.
• Working people who want to improve their employment prospects and career progress can also opt for MCA programs online.
• Candidates interested in pursuing a career as a UI Developer can also enroll in MCA programs.
• Candidates who have finished their BCA degree might enroll in the MCA program to advance their careers.
• Candidates from other relevant fields who want to change the trajectory of their career can also enroll in the MCA program.

Eligibility Criteria for the MCA Program

For the course of Master of Computer Applications the eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Students needed to graduate with a minimum of 50% in computer applications, computer science, or a related discipline at the undergraduate level.
• Mathematics is required in Class 12 as one of the subjects.

This is simply a general overview of the eligibility requirements; they may vary in different colleges. For instance in Delhi University's Bachelor of Computer Application program, a minimum of 60% is required.

Admissions to MCA

In India, admission in MCA programs is primarily based on an entrance examination. On the other hand, some colleges admit students based on a merit list compiled from their graduation grades.

Candidates must take a university-level entrance exam, such as the IPU CET, to be admitted to a master's in computer applications program at any university. In some situations, candidates must take a state-level entrance exam, like the MAH CET, to be considered for admission. Further, candidates must go through two admission procedures to pursue MCA from a well-recognized university.

• MAH MCA CET: Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell administers the MAH MCA CET for admission to MCA programs at various colleges.
• IP University/GGSIPU conducts the Indraprastha University common entrance test to admission to MCA and M.Tech programs.
• UPSEE is a common admission exam administered by Uttar Pradesh Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.
• NIMCET: National Institutes of Technology (NITs) provides a common entrance test for admission to MCA programs.
• BIT MCA: Birla Institute of Technology holds an entrance test for MCA and other relevant programs.
• VIT MEE: Vellore Institute of Technology entrance exam for MCA and M.Tech programs.
• Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE): Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE): Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE): Odisha Joint Entrance Exam (OJEE)
• TSICET: Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test, held for admission to various programs, including MCA.

Syllabus for MCA

The MCA curriculum covers some of the most studied disciplines across the country, such as cloud computing, network, JAVA programming and database management, statistics, etc.

MCA Course Specializations

MCA gives students options in their last year of the course to select specializations based on their interests and needs. Below are some specialization courses' list available at various Indian universities:

• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Systems Engineering
• Hardware Technology
• Internet
• Application Software
• Systems Development
• Software Development
• Troubleshooting
• Networking
• Systems Management

Let's see some misconception that prevails among students

There is a difference between an MCA and an MSc in Computer Science

The MCA program gives an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of various computer application topics. With the study of IT, Data Structures, and Mathematics, students learn everything about software, hardware, and networking. In comparison, MSc Computer Science students gain a solid foundation in various computer science topics. They study Maths, data science, Software engineering, artificial intelligence, and other subjects.

When it comes to qualification, Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a 3-year degree program that requires a BCA graduation degree. And MSC Computer program leads to a Master of Science degree in Computer Science in 2 years, which requires a BSc Computer science graduation degree.

MCA vs. MTech in Computer Science

The student of the MCA program will study computer applications, networking, software engineering, hardware research, etc. On the other hand, A Master of Technology in Computer Science (MTech. in Computer Science) is a specialist technical program that offers information and abilities needed to succeed in the computer science and IT fields. MCA requires eligibility related to BCA, and MTech in Computer Science requires skills related to the field BTech in Computer Science.

India's Best MCA Colleges

The following list of top MCA colleges is based upon the NIRF 2020 ranking and admission process, course fees, and placement salary. The colleges listed below are located all over India.

Top MCA Recruiters in India 2021