The Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and the Master of Computer Application (MCA) are undergraduate and postgraduate programs or courses which have guidelines and eligibility set out by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). They are typically three-year programs that span six semesters. They are designed to bridge the gap between the studies of computers and its applications. The master’s program aims to shape computer professionals with the right moral and ethical values and can prepare students to face the challenges and opportunities in the IT industry of India by building strong foundations.
The syllabus focuses on the core fundamentals of computer science, but generally undergoes revision according to the industry requirement with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for students. Admission to both the BCA and MCA can be obtained by clearing the appropriate entrance exams. Having a background in science can help in grasping concepts, and mathematics is a compulsory subject. BCA and MCA graduates can seek job opportunities in fields like software development, web design, systems management, quality assurance and software testing. A MCA or BCA graduate can work in IT companies big and small in various roles.
The Bachelor of Computer Applications course usually consists of core courses in programming with C, algorithm and data structures, advanced programming with C, computer organization and network fundamentals, relational database management systems, Web programming, software engineering and visual programming. Some of the main course highlights are meant to heighten technological know-how, to train students to become industry specialists, to provide research-based training and to encourage software development. The syllabus is intended to not only teach students theory and applications, but can also help equip them with professional and communication skills.
A few of the topics covered under BCA courses are listed below. Each semester has 6 topics to cover so a total of 36 topics are covered in the entire duration of the course. Each semester has Computer Laboratory and Practical work based on the syllabus of that particular semester.
In Master of Computer Applications course, higher level subjects like computer organization, data and file structuring using C, operating system, computer networks, modelling and simulation, visual basic, combinatory and graph theory, computer graphics, system programming and computer based numerical and statistical techniques are generally taught. In the final semester, you will most likely need to specialize in a topic in the form of project work. The course stresses the application of theory and computing principles through project work, case studies, presentations and practical assignments. Some of the popular fields which are generally chosen by students for MCA specialization are application software, hardware technology, systems management, systems development, and management information systems.
A few of the topics covered under MCA courses are listed below. Each semester has 6 theoretical topics to cover so a total of 30 topics are covered in the first five semesters of the MCA course. In the sixth and final semester a student has to submit an industrial project. Each semester has a lot of practical work involved based on the syllabus of MCA.
BCA: Any candidate who has passed their HSC (10+2) exam with minimum percentage of 45% from any stream is eligible to apply for the Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA) program.
MCA: Any graduate from any stream who has cleared the undergraduate exam or is appearing for one is eligible to apply for Master in Computer Applications program. Moreover, it is mandatory for anyone wanting to pursue a course in MCA to have Mathematics as a course in either HSC or any one year of their undergraduate program.
Top Colleges for BCA
Top Colleges for MCA