BCA course details: Syllabus, job & salary

Bachelor of Computer Applications is a three-year undergraduate course designed to give learners a well-rounded education in computer science, software technology, and various applications. After completing a BCA course, one can directly start to apply for jobs at top global IT/ software companies or pursue an MCA or MBA to further their career prospects.

Why choose a BCA course

• The Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) course helps students acquire strong foundations in the latest technology frameworks, and other computer science concepts
• A BCA degree gives global career options to aspirants since graduates can be employed in various sectors like healthcare, finance, trading, education, and transportation. As long as there’s an industry that uses technology, a BCA graduate will be needed
• BCA graduates are some of the highest-paid professionals around the world. Computer software engineers can demand salaries of more than INR 5 lakhs a year and this goes up substantially with years of work experience
• There are multiple specialisations available for BCA students ranging from AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, etc.
• A BCA programme offers hands-on experience and better job opportunities to students. It hones their coding skills, covers the fundamentals of IT, mathematics, and computer science foundations, and features virtual labs. Students’ technical confidence grows in each of the domains and there are modules on the principles of financial accounting and management as well.

BCA Course Details Snapshot

Key features	Details
Course	BCA (Bachelor of Computer Application)
Course Level	Undergraduate
Mode of Education	Regular/ Online
Approvals	UGC &  AICTE
BCA Job Profiles	Software EngineerIT ConsultantSoftware TesterWeb DeveloperFull Stack Developer, etc
Eligibility	10+2 (From Science or Computer Science background)
Duration	3 years (6 Semesters)
Average starting salary	INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh
Course Fees	~INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,30,000

What is a BCA course?

A BCA course is a full-fledged Computer Science degree programme designed to give students strong foundations in the latest technologies. Students from science or computer science stream in their 10+2 can choose this course. BCA gives immense opportunities as the course curriculum covers all the major basic concepts in computer applications, and information technology – that is the basis of digital transformation. 

BCA course eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria for BCA course admissions differ from university to university. Some colleges may choose to forgo entrance exams or aptitude tests favouring a candidate’s 10+2 marks and JEE/AIEEE scores. Other educational institutions have a cut-off requirement for the 10+2 scores and may require candidates to take additional tests.

The eligibility criteria for the BCA course are as follows:

• 10+2 from any recognised board of education for Indian students. 10+3 diploma from a state board or state institute is also accepted
• Minimum of 50% marks in 10+2/diploma at the time of graduation (45% for reserved categories)
• For international students, a 10+2/senior secondary education diploma from a recognised board of education/equivalent is accepted for enrolment purposes, with a minimum of 50% aggregate. The international qualification must also be recognised by the Association of Indian Universities
• International students who hold an NRE status may be asked to furnish additional documentation, besides CV, address proof, passport, valid VISA, PR card, etc. They will also be billed an additional international fee for the degree programme they are applying to, in addition to the current course fees, as part of the application processing requirement

Types of BCA courses

Students can pursue BCA courses through full-time, distance, or online modes. The course schedules give learners the flexibility to dictate their learning pace and ensure they are comfortable in grasping various concepts.

The following are the different types of BCA courses available:

• Full-time BCA

Full-time BCA courses require students to attend on-campus and get hands-on learning experience. Professors conduct all the lectures, and the learners take semester-end examinations in person.

• Distance BCA

Distance BCA programmes are designed for students who cannot make a full-time commitment to these courses. Students learn themselves using the study material provided by the university. It involves contact classes on the weekends and going through limited hours of learning. The exams are held in the study centre. There are a lot of projects and assignments included with course modules. 

• Online BCA

These are designed for both students and working professionals alike. Those who cannot commit to full-time learning find online BCA lucrative since learners can complete the course at their own pace. All the semester exams are conducted online, and once students clear them, the university delivers the degree to them.

Subjects covered in BCA

Below is an overview of all the subjects covered in the course.

• Software Development

This covers Computer Science Fundamentals and topics such as networking, threading, database programming, web development, and advanced programming languages like Python, JAVA, Assembly, COBOL, C, Lisp, etc. Students learn how to design and deploy their software applications, including how to debug them.

• Software Engineering 

This segment covers concepts related to data structures, algorithmic thinking, and various procedures for designing and building different software applications. It also goes over software maintenance, development, and the latest engineering practices in the industry.

• Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the evolution of technology and a field where automation comes into play. The role of this subject is to introduce learners to primary topics such as Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and the latest AI-powered applications.

• Web App Development

This subject goes in-depth on HTML and CSS programming, including how to design and develop web pages. The creative side of web app development is covered, and students acquire an advanced understanding of PHP during the learning process.

• Database Management

Database management encompasses the various methods and techniques used to retrieve information from databases. Relational algebra, MySQL queries, database design, data mining, and analytical processing are covered.

• Data Communications and Computer Networks

Signal transmissions, WAN, LAN, multiplexing, data transmission modes, and interfacing are the different topics that build up data communications. How information gets transferred from private/public computer networks to databases, exchange of data from cable/media, and wireless data communications are included.

BCA syllabus – a semester-wise breakdown

Following is a complete semester-wise outline of the BCA syllabus online BCA at Manipal University Jaipur:

First semester

• CIA-based Hardware Labs
• Creative English Communications
• Digital Computer Foundations
• Introduction to C Programming
• BCA Statistics I
• Foundational Mathematics
• PC Software Lab
• C Programming Lab

Second semester

• Basic Discrete Mathematics
• Data Structures
• Operating Systems
• Data Structures Lab
• Visual Programming Lab
• Communicative English

Third semester

• Open Source Technologies
• Database Management Systems
• Advanced Concepts in C Language
• Advanced Mathematics
• Advanced C Programming Labs

Fourth semester

• Web Design
• Data Structures
• Introduction to Linux
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Elective

Fifth semester

• Software Engineering II
• Programming in JAVA
• Python
• E-commerce and Digital Marketing
• Elective
• Advanced JAVA and Python Lab

Sixth semester

• Artificial Intelligence
• Information Security
• Application Development
• Elective
• Project/ Dissertation

Scope after BCA course

A BCA graduate has a bright career in technology and numerous job prospects as a system manager, web developer, database administrator, software developer, etc. A student can earn a decent salary straight after graduation, and one can opt to further pursue an MCA degree after completing their BCA. 

The most important thing to remember is that employers don’t hire students because of their degrees. A strong portfolio is key to landing the best jobs in the industry, and the coursework and project are designed to help out students with that.

BCA degree holders enjoy numerous opportunities in the technology sector and can work in various industries from IT, healthcare, medicine, food and drug manufacturing, etc. There is no shortage of jobs in the market, and companies pay attractive salary packages to these professionals for lending their expertise. You can land a job as an IT developer in banks or work in game design firms with the skills and experience you gain in this course.

Higher education opportunities after BCA

Students who pursue a BCA degree often apply for an MCA afterwards to advance their careers. There are many specialisations in MCA programs, and the added electives let graduates carve out their niches in the industry. Special certifications related to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and more are in huge demand, which means students can apply for them. All these fall under higher education opportunities after BCA, and many international companies offer lucrative internships to BCA graduates where they can study and work towards their MCA simultaneously.

Read more – Choosing between BBA & BCA: What is right for you

BCA scope – jobs & salary

Career and jobs for BCA graduates in India along with salaries are as follows (per annum):

Job Title	Range	Average
Test Engineer	INR 248k – INR 694k	INR 433,730
Data Analyst	INR 228k – INR 891k	INR 461,308
System Administrator, Server	INR 224k – INR 875k	INR 446,813
Support Analyst, Information Technology (IT)	INR 511k – INR 2m	INR 1,092,739
Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer	INR 271k – INR 849k	INR 469,306
Software Developer	INR 278k – INR 1m	INR 588,165

A BCA fresher salary goes up substantially with experience. Professionals with 10 to 19 years of work experience earn as much as INR 11 lacs or upwards a year, depending on the company and job role.

READ MORE: BCA job opportunities

BCA vs B.Tech: Which is a better choice? 

There is no clear answer to this, and it honestly depends on the student’s goals. If a student is interested in programming, a BCA degree will help them prepare for a career in designing computer applications. B.Tech degrees are more oriented toward hardware design, implementation, and maintenance and take a hands-on role in working with technology. Many soft skills related to marketing, entrepreneurship, team-building etc., are taught in BCA courses that aren’t covered in B.Tech degrees.

In terms of job diversity, B.Tech graduates have more options after completing their courses, but BCA students can remedy this by doing an MCA degree afterwards, thus opening up multiple career paths.

BCA vs B.Tech: Syllabus

BCA syllabus makes students adept at the application level of computers, while B.Tech is more focused on the hardware and technology ends. A BCA syllabus also includes management topics and marketing and provides a holistic education in Computer Science foundations. BCA students get detailed knowledge of programming and software, while B.Tech students learn about hardware and software both.

All colleges conduct entrance exams for B.Tech admissions, but this is not mandatory for BCA courses.    

Online BCA: A new generation programme

According to a NASSCOM-McKinsey report, the Indian tech industry is expected to reach revenues of USD 350 billion by 2025. The market is forecasted to grow by 10% every year. Global technology evolution and business services will further grow the market, with many users going for increased adoption of technology devices. This means companies will be developing new digital products, innovations, and the demand for BCA professionals will consequently go up.

An online BCA degree in India is the perfect opportunity for students to upskill and keep up with the latest technology trends. It allows them to study at their own pace and learn what’s going on in the world where technology is concerned.

Read more – What is an online BCA degree all about?

Why should you consider online BCA?

Here are a few reasons you should consider an online BCA program:

• Learn at your own pace without the added stress of timetable and attendance. Attend live classes whenever you want and enjoy flexibility in learning schedules.
• Earn your BCA degree from home. No need to attend the university campus, relocate or visit another region or city.
• Boost your professional value in the IT industry and work in various fields such as database management, software development, mobile and web apps, graphic design, advertising and animation, etc.
• Tons of international career opportunities after graduation. You can pursue an MCA after BCA to advance your career more
• Great networking opportunities with industry experts and mentors, the online BCA programme also provides exclusive career guidance, support, and placement assistance

READ MORE: BCA course benefits

Get online BCA from Online Manipal

Study from the comfort of your home and earn an online BCA degree from Manipal University through Online Manipal. With top companies like IBM, Apple, Google India, PayPal, Motorola, Samsung, and others, hire our graduates regularly, there is no better time to break into the technology industry.

An online BCA degree certificate provides a 360-degree learning experience to students and access to in-depth tutorials. The cutting-edge platform gives personalised mentorships, study materials, and on-demand lectures, which learners can access anytime. There are live assessments, quizzes, and proctored online semester exams that test learners’ knowledge and skills. Students also learn how to build real-world computer science projects and connect with industry experts. 

READ MORE: BCA final year projects

Online BCA course from Manipal University highlights

There are many benefits to getting an online BCA from Manipal University Jaipur. BCA students can learn everything about Cloud technologies hands-on, thanks to the course’s Google Cloud Computing Foundations module, which helps learners build expertise in Big Data, Machine Learning, Application Development, etc.

There is an integrated LMS and extensive e-library that learners can access on the platform. The prestigious Manipal alumni network provides several networking and career opportunities as well.

Available electives for online BCA course

The available electives for the online BCA course are as follows:

5th semester (1st elective)	6th semester (2nd elective)	6th semester (3rd elective)
Computer Design, Graphics, Multimedia, and E-Commerce	Advanced Web Design, Open Source Systems, Cloud Computing	Knowledge Management, Software Project Management, Supply Chain Management

Note: Students have to work on a capstone project related to their elective when they choose one. The project work starts from the 5th semester, and they must complete it before the 6th semester ends.

Online BCA FAQs

Conclusion

BCA graduates enjoy amazing careers in creating and contributing to the latest technology applications and make a mark in the field of Computer Science. To get started on your journey today, be sure to check out the online BCA course details of Manipal University Jaipur on Online Manipal and enrol.