MCA: Eligibility, Syllabus, Career Scope & Other details

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

In this article, we will have an in-depth analysis of the course MCA. MCA stands for Master of Computer Applications. It is a PG course that graduates of any stream (with Science stream background) may pursue after completing their Graduation program. In this article, you will be able to find information such as basic course details, eligibility criteria, important subjects, scope and job opportunities.

Students who have an interest in programming, Software development and computers may pursue this course. Some alternatives are M.Sc. Computer Science, M.E./M.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering. But unlike the above mentioned programs, MCA course focuses more on development of software applications that could be used in various sectors and spheres of life. Thus, it is safe to say that Software Development, Maintenance and Testing are some key areas where Master of Computer Applications course focuses on.

In the next section, let us take a look at some of the important and basic course details and course duration details.

MCA- Basic course details

It is a 3 years long Post Graduate Level program. The 3 years’ duration is divided into 6 semesters, with each semester lasting a period of 6 months. During each semester, a student will have to face different sets of theoretical subjects as well as practical lab sessions. In the last 2 semesters, project work will also play an important role. It is during the last year that students have to select elective subjects and thus choose an area of specialization! After completion MCA course, students are awarded Master’s Degree.

MCA course can be said to be an advanced and more detailed version of BCA course. Also, MCA course allows students to specialize in various disciplines/areas. The program revolves around topics and concepts such as- Software and Applications Development, Hardware, Networking, Mobile Computing, Computer Science, Programming languages, Algorithm, Internet Technologies etc.

Also read: BCA after 12th Science (all details)

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To get a better idea about Master of Computer Applications course structure, I’ve listed some of the important subjects present in the program. This has been done with the aim of providing a basic idea about the course structure and nature of the course to the readers!

MCA- Important subjects present

• Programming using C Language
• Computer Organization
• Web Technology
• Common Software
• Algorithm Design
• Data Structure
• Object Oriented programming using C++
• Computer Network
• Visual Basic
• Operating System
• Advanced Java
• System Design and Analysis
• Software Engineering
• Web Scripting and Programming
• .NET Framework
• Mobile Computing
• E Commerce
• Data Mining
• ASP.NET
• Advanced Image Processing
• Embedded Systems
• Operations Research
• UNIX System Programming
• Computer Graphics and Multimedia

Those were some important theoretical subjects present in MCA program. Note that some of them are elective programs. Students will have to select them and they will decide the area of specialization.

Apart from theory classes, practical lab sessions also are present in the program. In the last two semesters, project work and Industrial training will also play a key role.

Eligibility Criteria

Since this is a PG course, Bachelor’s Degree is required to be considered eligible to pursue MCA course. Any graduation Degree will do, provided that the student has 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects under his/her belt. Usually, it would be better to pursue MCA after going through a relevant Bachelor’s Degree program that is related to Computers, Networks, Programming and Web Technology.

Regarding the 10+2 Science stream schooling requirement, some exceptions exists. For example, B.Com. Computer Science and B.Com. IT Graduates (who had Commerce stream schooling in 12th standard) may also pursue MCA program!

Career Scope, Salary and Job opportunities

After MCA, job opportunities exist in Government as well as Private sector. Also, self employment options are available too. After MCA, graduates may take up Government jobs that require a Graduation Degree.

Starting salary is generally around 20-30k Rupees per month. This figure depends a lot on the profile of the Employer as well as the Institute (quality and reputation) from which the Employee completed from the course.

When it comes to Private sector, Software MNCs are the prime recruiters. Web hosting, IT sector and Electronics Industry are some other sectors that recruit MCA folks. One may take up the following posts in the above mentioned sectors-

• Software Engineer
• Software Tester
• Database Management professional
• Project Manager
• Information Security professional
• Information Management professional
• System Administrator
• Lecturer (Government or Private Colleges)

One may also become self employed, by becoming freelance or independent software developer, software security expert, consultant etc. One may also go for advanced course such as PhD and eventually take up a job in Research and Development sector associated with this field! That’s it! I think I have covered all important details about MCA course that any aspirant would like to know. Do also check out relevant articles mentioned in this post.

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.