Enroll Now
Back
Information Technology

MCA vs MTech: Key differences

Blog Date
April 24,
2024

If you find yourself at a crossroads deciding between which course to pursue after BTech – MCA or MTech – this blog can help you make an informed choice. Know that this is a common confusion for most students like you. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s in Technology or BTech, a lot of students find it difficult to choose between advancing their skills with an MTech course or opting for an MCA instead. Here we do a detailed MCA vs MTech comparison to enable you to make an informed decision for your career.

What is MCA?

Before establishing the key differences between the two fields of study, let us begin by understanding each of them in detail. MCA is the popular acronym for Master of Computer Applications. The course is ideal for students looking for a career in the IT sector, particularly in the field of computer applications. A professional postgraduate degree, online MCA offers detailed insights into the world of programming languages, database management, software development, and computer networks.

What is MTech?

MTech stands for Master of Technology and is a degree program in Engineering for postgraduate students. The course is primarily focused on developing advanced skills and imparting higher education in technology and engineering to BTech graduates. Students can choose to learn from a variety of specialisations in the field of engineering as per their academic interests and career aspirations.

Eligibility criteria: MCA vs MTech

One of the key differences between the two courses also lies in the admission requirements for each. The table below clearly distinguishes the differences between MCA and MTech in terms of the eligibility criteria:

MCA eligibility criteria MTech eligibility criteria
Maths mandatory in 10+2Relevant entrance exam required for evaluation and selection of students for the relevant streams in the degree program
At least 45-50% required in a qualifying exam for entry Successful completion of BE/BTech qualifying exams
Diploma holders and students with prior work exp can apply

MCA course curriculum

MCA and BTech courses also differ in the program content taught in both. Shared below is the course curriculum for MCA programs taught at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). The program lasts for 2 years and is divided into 4 semesters, covering 15-20 hours per week. The whole course is imparted in 100% online mode. 

Semesters Subjects covered
1Database Management System, Computational Mathematics, Fundamental of Mathematics, Java Programming, Fundamentals of Computers & IT, Operating Systems, Java Programming Lab, Database Management System Lab
2Computer Organization and Architecture, Python Programming, Python Programming Lab, Software Engineering & Unified Modelling Language, Data Structure and Algorithm Lab, Data Structure and Algorithm
3IT Laws and Practices.NET Framework, Computer Network Lab, Computer Network.NET Framework Lab, Elective I (any one)Cloud Computing, Data Warehousing and Data Mining
4Angular JS, React JS, and VUE JS, Mobile Application Development, Project, Elective II (any one) Distributed System and Grid Computing, Machine Learning

MTech course curriculum

The curriculum for MTech courses differs from that of MCA, which can be determined from the table below:

Semesters Subjects covered
1Data Structure & Algorithms, Computer Organization & Architecture, Systems Programming & Operating Systems, Elective 1, Networks & System Programming Laboratory, Data Structure & Algorithms Laboratory, Elective 2
2Advanced-Data Base Management System, Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science, Distributed Computer Systems, Elective 3Elective 4

3
Project Work (Phase-I)Elective 5Elective 6, Electives, Object Oriented Information System Design, Web Technology & E-Commerce, Compiler Construction, Advanced Windows Programming, Advanced Microprocessors, Elements of Robotics, Soft Computing, VLSI System Design, Image Processing & Pattern Recognition, Cellular Automata & Its Applications, Multimedia Technology
4Viva-voce, Project Work (Phase-II) & Seminar, Electives, Enterprise Computing Methodologies, Internet Technology, Cryptography and Computer Security, Software Engineering & Project Management, Parallel Computing, Mobile Computing, Courseware Engineering, Real-Time & Embedded System, Bio-informatics, AI & Neural Network, Digital Signal Processing

Source: https://www.careers360.com/courses/m-tech-master-of-technology#toc_11

Career options after MCA

Students graduating with an MCA degree are eligible to apply for the following job roles:

Expected job role Avg annual salary (approx)
IT ArchitectINR 2,561,820 per annum
DevOps Engineer INR 16,54,365 per annum
Database AdministratorINR 8,13,914 per annum
Web DeveloperINR 8 lakhs per annum
Network EngineerINR 5,55,000 per annum

Career options after MTech

Graduates of MTech degrees are likely to be enrolled in the following job roles after graduation. The corresponding average annual salaries are also listed for reference:

Expected job role Avg annual salary (approx)
Web DesignerINR 20.9 lakhs per annum
Technical ConsultantINR 14 lakh per annum
Data ScientistINR 971,043 per annum
Data AnalystINR 6 lakh per annum
Research AnalystINR 4,44,357 per annum

Choosing between MCA and MTech

We discussed in detail the key differences between the two courses in this blog. After understanding in depth what each course entails, let us reflect on which is better: MCA or MTech.

The answer lies in your interests, career objectives, and academic background. If you have a keen interest in computer applications and programming, and foresee a career in the IT industry, an MCA degree is one of the best options for you. If you have a more technical bent of mind, however, and a background in Engineering, then pursuing an MTech would be a better choice.

Hence, both courses have their distinct advantages. Taking into consideration each of the factors discussed above can help you make an informed decision for your future career path.

Choose Sikkim Manipal University for your online MCA

If you are considering pursuing an MCA degree, Sikkim Manipal University or SMU offers online MCA programs to students worldwide. Offered on the Online Manipal platform, MCA programs by Sikkim Manipal University are offered completely in online and remote learning mode to the students.

This enables students, most of whom are working professionals, the flexibility to study the program in their own time and at their own pace, as comfortable. For this reason, online MCA by Sikkim Manipal is one of the most ideal options for most students.

Furthermore, Sikkim Manipal University offers courses that are approved by the prestigious AICTE. The university is also accredited in A+ grade by NAAC and its courses are entitled by the UGC, which makes the online courses at par with the traditional campus degrees. 

Conclusion

Pursuing a postgraduate degree after completing your Bachelor’s is a wise choice for your career advancement. Whether you choose MCA or MTech depends on several factors, as discussed in the blog above. MCA is relatively higher in demand in the industry, considering the value that practical computer applications bring to the table. Online MCA programs by Sikkim Manipal are highly popular for their flexibility of learning on the Online Manipal portal.      

Disclaimer

Information related to companies and external organizations is based on secondary research or the opinion of individual authors and must not be interpreted as the official information shared by the concerned organization.


Additionally, information like fee, eligibility, scholarships, finance options etc. on offerings and programs listed on Online Manipal may change as per the discretion of respective universities so please refer to the respective program page for latest information. Any information provided in blogs is not binding and cannot be taken as final.

  • TAGS
  • online degree
  • Online MCA
  • online MCA degree in India

Explore our online programs to become future-ready

Know More
Related Articles

Register for Upcoming Webinar

Enroll yourself to attend the upcoming webinar

Register Now

Interested in our courses? Share your details and we'll get back to you.

    Enter the code sent to your phone number to proceed with the application form

    Edit

    Resend OTP

    Edit

    Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
    Manipal University Jaipur


    Enroll Now
    Call
    Enroll Now
    Your application is being created Thank you for your patience.
    loader
    Please wait while your application is being created.