Frequently asked questions about MCA degree

What is an MCA degree?

MCA is a two year postgraduate degree in computer science and information technology. The MCA program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in various areas of computer science, including software development, database management, networking, and systems analysis.

It provides participants with up-to-date, industry-relevant computer science knowledge. Many colleges and institutions of higher learning provide Master of Computer Application courses, which produce a vast supply of competent IT personnel.

What is the scope after MCA?

Considering our country’s fondness for technology, this MCA has great potential in India. As IT and technology fields are rapidly growing, MCA graduates’ employment trajectory is expected to grow in the next few years. Candidates with an MCA education could get work in top IT organisations and consulting firms. MCA degree has a broad range of applications in both the public and private sectors. Also, MCA is a professional and technical qualification, and candidates with this level are tough to replace. They can choose from a variety of profiles based on their talents and qualifications. In addition, MCA graduates may be able to get work in start-ups. MCA graduates have a plethora of prospects in the startup world, thanks to the growing tendency of the start-up environment.  Aside from the major enterprises, startups and small businesses are also willing to pay a large fee to truly exceptional techies. MCA grads earn a substantial wage compared to most other applicants who have completed master’s programmes in other specialised careers. 

The top employment prospects available to MCA graduates are:

• Senior Software Engineer
• Senior Technical Consultant
• Database engineer
• Cloud Architect
• Business Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Technical Writer
• Web Developer
• IT Architect
• Software Consultant

READ MORE: Career opportunities after MCA

What is the salary of MCA graduates in India?

The average salary of an MCA graduate in India is INR 9 LPA. The remuneration is more than most base incomes, and with experience and progress, earnings can skyrocket. As most MCA graduates work in the IT business, the career advantages are outstanding, and their pay may differ based on the role and the individual’s technical knowledge. With considerable development in the IT industries, MCA graduates have many prospects in the current scenario.

Job title	Average pay
Software Developer	INR 8.5 LPA
Systems Analyst	INR 8 LPA
Database engineer	INR 8 LPA
IT Architect	INR 21 LPA
Cloud Architect	INR 21 LPA

Source: Glassdoor

What are the different MCA courses?

Regular MCA, online MCA, and distance MCA are the three most common types of MCA in India.

Regular MCA – Most institutes in India offer offline MCA classroom instruction. The curriculum lasts two years for BCA graduates, while for individuals from other backgrounds, it lasts three years. The cost of an MCA program normally ranges between INR 1 lakh and INR 5 lakh.

Distance MCA – This curriculum might last two to five years. A bachelor’s degree is required to enrol in this program. Educational merit and entrance exams are used to determine admission. 

Online MCA – Individuals, especially professionals, nowadays prefer to get their MCA online. This program could span anything between two years and four years, and academic performance is used to determine admission. Applicants for this course must have a graduate degree. The cost of an online MCA program normally ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000.

What is an online MCA?

The online MCA is among the top postgraduate qualifications available that allow learners to deepen their understanding while also providing them with excellent employment options. The online MCA program takes two years to complete and is divided into six semesters. This virtual programme will provide you with a broad understanding of the computer world, which will enable you to succeed. It is the best-designed curriculum for students who wish to gain a degree and a promising career.

A bachelor’s degree in computer applications or similar discipline and mathematics as a subject in 10+2 is required for admission to the online MCA program. Students can earn an MCA online without having to quit their jobs. They can learn while working, which will increase their productivity. Online MCA costs between INR 50,000 to 1,50,000. The expense of this course varies depending on the university you attend.

Is an MCA online degree valid?

Many people still believe that online programmes are invalid and that their certifications do not have any value. But as per the UGC (University Grants Commission), online degrees are valid, and UGC has authorised full-fledged online courses in 38 universities across India. As per the UGC, institutes certified by the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) with a score of 3.01 on a scale of 4 can provide entirely online programs.

So an MCA online degree is equal to a regular MCA if the university is AICTE, UGC-DEB recognised. Online MCA from Manipal University Jaipur has received an A+ rank from NAAC with a 3.28 CGPA. This grade identifies MUJ as a distinguished institution by recognizing its academic model, world-class amenities, instructional approaches, and educational excellence.

Why should I consider online MCA?

The following are some of the most compelling reasons to take MCA courses online:

• The participants will be capable of taking this course from the comfort of their own homes, where they will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and have more time to pursue other interests.
• Because there is less time spent travelling, it is easier to work and study simultaneously.
• The course is self-paced, so students can learn independently without feeling pressured to compete with other students.
• Compared to traditional classes, the fees are lower, benefiting the participants.

With these online universities on your side, you’ll find it a lot easier to grasp and master your program components by having access to e-learning resources and coaching provided by industry experts. Thus, an online MCA program will help you climb the professional career ladder in no time.

Which is the best online MCA?

The online MCA course offered by Manipal University Jaipur and the online MCA offered by Sikkim Manipal University can be among the best choices for you. These programs deliver you a plethora of options to develop new skills and master computer applications. You will be exposed to an industry-oriented curriculum, learn in-demand tools and skills, and become job ready.

What are the subjects covered in MCA?

The MCA curriculum is structured in such a way that individuals get more understanding of computer software, hardware, and management with each successive year. Following are the core and elective subjects of MCA. 

Core subjects

• Computer Programming with C
• Discrete Mathematical Structure
• Database Management System
• Unix and Shell Programming
• Software Engineering & TQM
• Operation Research & Optimisation Techniques
• Object-Oriented Programming with Java

Elective subjects

• Advanced Database Management Systems
• Operational Research
• Numerical and Scientific Computing
• Distributed Systems
• Software Project Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Multimedia Technologies
• Advanced Computer Architecture

Can I do M.Tech after MCA?

Yes, of course. MCA graduates with a passion for technology can enrol in M.Tech courses to advance their careers. M.Tech is an excellent choice for anyone seeking hands-on experience with theoretical concepts. It is a professional program that focuses on applying conceptual understanding in the real world and develops research experts. M Tech helps you to be more proficient at work.  You can pursue a career in education, start your own business, teach, or work for a corporation.

M.Tech after MCA will help you get jobs in top tech businesses and industries such as IT, banking, engineering, government, and business. Students must pass entrance exams such as GATE, BITSAT, HD, PGEE, PGET, and others for admission to M.Tech programmes. To be considered for M.Tech, an applicant must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Can I do MCA after B.Sc.?

Yes, after completing a B.Sc. in computing science, you can pursue an MCA. Many entrance tests, like the BIT MCA, VIT MEE, MAH MCA CET, UPSEE, and others, are used to determine merit-based admission. The average fees range from INR 1 to 5 lacs. The course focuses on the most current programming languages and technology for developing faster, more responsive apps.

The lateral entry MCA program is open to students with a bachelor’s degree in computer applications or a bachelor’s degree in science (B.Sc ). You can work as an IT Analyst, Software Developer, Network Engineer, System Engineer, Computer Operator, Technical Assistant, Technical Engineer, Technical Writer, and other computer science and programming positions after graduating.

Can I do MCA after BBA?

Yes, you can. After earning a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), you can apply for MCA entrance exams at reputed colleges. For admission to MCA programs, certain reputed universities hold entrance tests. However, MCA will be challenging for BBA grads because they have not pursued a BCA course and lack basic understanding. Subjects of BBA and BCA differ a lot. BBA deals with business administration, while BCA deals with computer applications. MCA is the advanced study of subjects covered in BCA. Still, if you think you can handle it, MCA is the way to go.

Candidates must have completed their BBA with a minimum of 60% and completed mathematics at the 10+2 level or the graduate level. Different universities have their own set of requirements. As a result, some colleges would allow students to pursue MCA after BBA if they studied Mathematics, Statistics, Business Maths, or Business Statistics as a subject in high school or at the 10+2 level levels

Which is the best – MBA or MCA?

MCA vs MBA is a conundrum that several students face after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. A student may find it tough or perplexing to choose between MCA and MBA. These two postgraduate degrees are the most popular choice among BCA graduates. Both courses are professional programs with a variety of specialities that can lead to higher salaries and greater job chances. 

Both MBA and MCA are widely regarded as important courses in today’s corporate world. However, an MBA is a better choice for a candidate who wants to pursue leadership and management jobs. An MCA is a better choice for students who want to enhance their technological expertise. An MBA qualifies you for several of the company’s top management positions and is a highly adaptable degree that can lead to opportunities in a variety of fields. 

MCA, on the other hand, is a highly specialised education that focuses on technical facets of computer development and the IT business. Writing software, providing custom technology solutions for a customer’s requirements, taking care of a client’s network demands, managing a business’s IT department, and so on are all tasks that MCA graduates are employed for. Tech or software development firms frequently employ MCA graduates. So, depending upon your interests and career path, the choice is yours.

Which is best – M.Sc. or MCA?

In today’s job world, M.Sc. Computer Science and MCA have promising career prospects. Graduates of both courses have a solid reputation in the professional world and are more likely to be hired at leadership levels because of their expertise. The MCA curriculum includes a higher level of coding and networking fundamentals and exposure to machine learning. MCA students will gain more practical experience, and M.Sc students will have more research opportunities. Also, MCA electives are tailored to meet contemporary IT industry needs. M.Sc. CS is the best computer science education for graduates interested in research and maintenance, and testing. Similarly, MCA is the degree to take for graduates enthusiastic about expert-level programming and automation. M.Sc. Computer Science vs MCA has long been a hot topic among graduates. Both courses are valued in every way. So, when deciding, they should evaluate their interests and objectives, as well as the mentioned aspects.

Can I get a job at Google after doing MCA?

Yes, you may certainly seek employment at Google after completing your MCA. You must give Google a cause to consider you for a position. So you can achieve it if you have exceptional abilities and knowledge. No matter how little you believe it is, MCA has an excellent opportunity to establish a name for itself because Google is known for recruiting employees with exceptional talents. A critical challenge is that the IT industry changes and requires new skills, especially for MCA graduates who will work on the same projects as degree holders. Many IT companies are changing their employment priority toward MCA graduates, arguing that they can handle most technical aspects. 

As a result, the demand for an MCA is increasing in India and around the world. At Google, you must be capable of thinking beyond the limit to succeed. MCA grads with high levels of inventiveness who always look at all aspects of a situation and use what they learn to come up with solutions and methods that not everyone would have thought of are always welcomed by all tech giants, including Google.

Is it possible to work as a software developer after completing an MCA?

Yes, one out of every three MCA grads is a software developer. It is among the most notable work options if you have an aptitude for it. Their principal responsibilities include developing and managing software systems for businesses. They offer Information Technology (IT) solutions tailored to their clients’ demands. Meeting the creative and coding needs is an arduous task, but MCA graduates can handle this well because of their industry-oriented curriculum and training. They entail a slew of duties, like as:

• Meeting the needs of the client
• Troubleshooting and software testing
• Creating technical parts of operating system software 
• Integrating software components
• Coding the programmes

What is the qualification required for MCA?

The following are the qualification required for MCA:

• To qualify for MCA, students should have a bachelor’s degree in computer applications, computer science, or a similar domain with a minimum of 50% marks at the undergraduate level.
• One subject in Class 12 that students must take is mathematics. 

This is just an overview of the qualification requirements for MCA. These qualifications may vary from one institution to another.

What is the procedure of admission for MCA courses?

Admission to the MCA program can be obtained in two ways. 

• Merit-based admission

The merit-based admission to the programme is determined solely based on the candidate’s qualifying examination score. Some colleges create a cut-off list for admission based on qualifying examinations.

• Entrance exam

Candidates are admitted to the course based on their performance on national, state, or college-level entrance exams. Admission is accomplished through a counselling procedure.