BCA Course Syllabus (2025–26): All Semester Subjects List in India

A Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) is the perfect stepping stone for a lucrative career in the field of technology. The undergraduate degree program is a popular offering at many leading universities in India and is typically a three-year course for students after class 12. Manipal University Jaipur offers an Online BCA program on the Online Manipal platform to aspiring students.

The three-year program syllabus covers a host of industry-relevant topics for students. Common Bachelor of Computer Application subjects include C Programming, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Python Programming, Machine Learning, and Big Data.

Additionally, students may choose from a range of electives in the third and final years of the program to pursue a specialization that best aligns with their career goals. This blog takes a close peek at the BCA course subjects for undergraduate applicants.  

BCA 1st Year Syllabus (Sem 1 & 2 Subjects)

The BCA degree is a three-year program, and the first year is foundational, providing students with a basic understanding of core computer applications. The Year 1 BCA degree subjects are designed to prepare students to assume technical roles through a combination of theory and practical laboratory experience.

BCA 1st Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Technical Communication, Environmental Science, Database Management System, Principles of Programming Languages, and more.
• Learning Objectives: Helping students learn core computer concepts along with foundational Math and Environmental Science topics. The aim is to prepare students for advanced IT concepts later in the program and for practical software development applications.  
• Skills Learned By Students: Technical skills such as data structures and programming fundamentals, basic IT concepts like web development, and soft skills covering communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and conceptualization.

BCA 1st & 2nd Semester Subjects

The BCA 1st-year syllabus covers foundational concepts in computer applications. The table below provides insights into the 1st-year BCA subjects. A total of 15 subjects are covered across the first year: the BCA 1st sem syllabus includes eight subjects, and the BCA 2nd sem syllabus covers seven topics.

Semesters	Subjects
1st Semester	Fundamentals of Mathematics Technical Communication C Programming Fundamentals of Computers & Digital Systems Introduction to Web Programming Environmental Science C Programming Lab Web Programming Lab
2nd Semester	Basic Statistics and Probability Data Structures Database Management System Principle of Programming Languages Object-Oriented Programming using C++ Database Management System Lab Data Structures using C++ Lab

Also Read: 10 reasons why you should enroll for an online BCA degree course

BCA 2nd Year Syllabus (Sem 3 & 4 Subjects) 

The second year of the BCA degree program shifts focus to advanced computer applications, integrating practical learning with theoretical concepts. The BCA course subjects also include specialized topics such as Java Programming, AI for Problem-Solving, Software Engineering, and Python Programming Lab. 

BCA 2nd Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Operating Systems, Java Programming Lab, Python Programming, Introduction to Network Security, Operating System Lab, Software Engineering, etc.
• Learning Objectives: To offer advanced learning on data management, programming, web technologies, and operating systems. The BCA course syllabus in year 2 is designed to include a mix of theory coursework and lab practicals. 
• Skills Learned by Students: Technical skills include Database Management Systems, SQL, Operating Systems, Python Programming, and more, while key soft skills developed in the second year include teamwork, analytical thinking, project management, and time management.

BCA 3rd & 4th Semester Subjects

BCA 3rd sem syllabus includes seven subjects, while the 4th semester covers six topics, totaling up to 13 subjects in Year 2:

Semesters	Subjects
3rd Semester	Computer Organization and Architecture Java Programming Data Communication & Protocols Operating Systems Artificial Intelligence for Problem Solving Java Programming Lab Operating System Lab
4th Semester	Python Programming Software Engineering Data Mining & Visualization Introduction to Network Security Python Programming Lab Data Mining and Visualization Lab

BCA 3rd Year Syllabus (Sem 5 & 6 Subjects)

The third and final year of the BCA degree programs focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in Information Technology (IT). A combination of core subjects and electives or specializations is offered at this stage. This enables students to choose a specific field of study to delve deeper into, which best aligns with their future career goals.   

BCA 3rd Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Machine Learning, Mobile Application Development, Wireless Communication, Big Data, and Project are among the main concepts covered.
• Specializations Offered in Year 3: Cloud Computing, Data Science and Analytics, and Cyber Security. 
• Learning Objectives: To help students transition smoothly from intermediate to advanced learning concepts and gain applied skills, preparing them for industry-relevant roles.
• Skills Learned by Students: Core technical skills such as Advanced Programming, Web Development, and Software Engineering, specialized skills like Cybersecurity, Mobile App Development, and Cloud Computing, and soft skills covering system design thinking, logical thinking, and teamwork.  
• Internships and Projects: Internships in the final year of BCA programs are available in data science, web and app development, and cybersecurity, in industry-relevant roles. Projects are a way to leverage evolving technologies and build strategic, practical skills for future career paths. 

BCA 5th & 6th Semester Subjects     

The table below lists all BCA subjects offered in the third year of the program. Both semesters (5 and 6) offer five subjects, with three electives available in each semester. 

Core Subjects

Semesters	Core Subjects
5th Semester	Mobile Application Development Machine Learning Cloud Computing & Applications Machine Learning Lab Aptitude and Technical Development
6th Semester	Wireless Communication Unix and Shell Programming Big Data Unix and Shell Programming Lab Project

Elective Subjects

Semesters	Electives/Specializations
5th & 6th Semester	Cloud Computing Data Science & Analytics Cyber Security

Online BCA Specializations with Key Subjects

To help students delve deeper into the trending industry-relevant computer applications, the Online BCA course offered by Manipal University Jaipur covers three key specializations. These elective subjects help equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the much-desired fields of computer learning. Each of these specializations are tabulated below for reference.

BCA Specialization	Semester	Electives/Specializations subjects
BCA in Cloud Computing	5th Sem	Distributed Systems
	6th Sem	Cloud Storage & Data Management
BCA in Data Science & Analytics	5th Sem	Big Data Analytics
	6th Sem	Data Visualization with Python
BCA in Cyber Security	5th Sem	Ethical Hacking
	6th Sem	Information Systems Security

Also Read: What are the career options after completing a BCA?

FAQs

1. What are the main subjects in BCA taught across all semesters?

Some of the key subjects that are a part of the BCA degree program across all semesters include:

• C Programming
• Database Management System
• Java Programming
• Software Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Big Data

2. How many subjects are there in a BCA program in total?

The Online BCA degree program offered on the Online Manipal platform is a three-year program comprising 38 subjects across 6 semesters, with three electives in the third/final year. However, this may vary for different universities for the same program.

3. How many subjects are there in the BCA 1st year degree, and what do they focus on?

The first year of the BCA program includes 15 subjects. They focus primarily on foundational concepts in computer applications for aspiring learners.

4. Are BCA degree subjects the same across all universities?

No, the subjects covered in a BCA course syllabus may vary for different universities. While the core subjects tend to remain similar across offerings, specializations may vary, as may the overall curriculum.

5. What is the average BCA salary in India for freshers?

The exact salary range may vary by profession, depending on several factors. However, the average starting salary for a common entry-level role offered to BCA graduates, such as a Web Developer, is likely to be around INR 4 LPA (approx).

Source: Glassdoor

6. What is the duration of the BCA course?

The program’s average duration may vary by institution; please check with the specific university at the time of application. For instance, the Online BCA program at Manipal University Jaipur is offered as a three-year program on the Online Manipal platform.

7. What are the eligibility criteria for a BCA degree?

Students applying for a BCA program must have completed a 10+2 qualification from a recognized national or state board. Alternatively, a 10+3 diploma from a recognized institution (national or state) is equally acceptable by most universities offering the degree program.