MCA in AI & ML – Your Complete Guide

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming industries all over the world by driving innovation and economic growth in areas such as automation, decision-making, and data analysis. It is expected that by 2033, the global AI market will be worth trillions of dollars. Even as organizations adapt to these technologies at a never-before-seen pace, the demand for professionals with AI and ML skills continues to increase. 

An online Master of Computer Applications (MCA) in AI and ML can help meet the demand by blending core knowledge of computer science with specialized training in AI algorithms, neural networks, deep learning, and data-backed problem-solving. 

An MCA in AI and ML from a top platform, such as Online Manipal, can offer the perfect launchpad by combining academic excellence with practical industry applications. This gives an edge to those aspiring for leadership positions.

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What is an MCA in AI & ML?   

An MCA in AI and ML is a two-year postgraduate course offered digitally. These programs are immensely flexible and offer you the most detailed education in AI and ML. The pedagogy equips you with skills to develop intelligent systems and solve real-world problems using data-driven algorithms and technologies.

Key Curriculum and Subjects

An MCA in AI and ML focuses on foundational subjects of computer science, such as data structures, database management systems, algorithms, and programming using Java or Python. These courses also impart lessons on the core topics of AI and ML, such as the following:

• ML Algorithms 
• Deep Learning 
• NLP
• Computer Vision
• Big Data Analytics 

The following table provides you with a good idea of the core subjects in an MCA in AI and ML syllabus:

Semester	Subjects
Semester 1	Mathematics for Computing Business Communication Problem Solving using C Operating Systems Software Engineering
Semester 2	Database Management with Structured Query Language Data Analytics and Visualization with Python Object-Oriented Programming with Java Data Structures and Algorithms
Semester 3	Software Testing and Analysis Web Technologies Mobile Computing ML Methods Research Methodology and Technical Communication
Semester 4	Project

Apart from these, an MCA in AI and ML syllabus offers you the option to choose from the following electives:

• Deep Learning Principles and Applications 
• Big Data Analytics 
• AI
• Computer Vision

Read More: Top 10 High-paying Careers You Can Pursue With An Online MCA In Cloud Computing

Why Choose an MCA in AI & ML?

The delivery of the Online MCA in AI and ML, like the one by MAHE, is designed to help you study at your own pace while maintaining other responsibilities. These courses are also affordable compared to traditional campus-based courses.

• Learning from anywhere: Within these courses, you can learn from your home and office without having to move away. 
• Lucrative opportunities: The course provides you with good scope for working in designations such as data scientists, ML specialists, and AI engineers, where you will be able to earn high MCA in AI and ML salaries.
• Lower costs: The online programs have lower tuition fees than the on-campus programs. You also do not need to incur on-campus-related costs like accommodation and transportation in the online programs.
• Advanced topics knowledge: In these programs, you have advanced knowledge of the key AI areas and ML techniques such as deep learning, NLP, neural networks, and data analytics.
• Establishing diversified relationships: These programs also allow you to establish professional relationships with students from diversified backgrounds, thereby fostering diversified views.

Also Read: Scope Of MCA in Programming and Software Development

Skills You Will Gain with an MCA in AI and ML

Studying in the top MCA in AI and ML colleges helps you gain a wide range of core technical skills in this domain, such as the following:

• ML Algorithms 
• NLP
• Computer Vision
• Data Analysis
• Proficiency in Programming Languages such as Python 

The following table enumerates the skills that you will gain from these programs:

Technical Skills	Soft Skills
ML Algorithms NLP Computer Vision Deep Learning Data Interpretation and Analysis Programming Languages Database Management Cloud Computing Cybersecurity	Critical-Thinking and Problem-Solving Communication Business Acumen Collaboration and Teamwork Self-Discipline

These programs also help you develop professional and practical skills such as knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and tools, adaptability, and project development. All these skills are beneficial in various ways, as may be enumerated below:

• ML Algorithms: Knowledge of ML algorithms helps you build intelligent applications and extract data from systems. 

• Critical-Thinking and Problem-Solving: Your analytical and logical reasoning skills help you tackle the complex challenges and real-world problems that you will encounter as an AI professional. 

• AI/ML Frameworks and Tools: In these programs, you gain hands-on and practical experience with frameworks and tools that are actually used in the industry. 

Check This Out: BTech vs MCA: Differences, eligibility, admission, jobs, salary in 2025

Career Opportunities after MCA in AI & ML

Once you complete your online MCA in AI and ML, you can take up roles such as AI/ML engineer, ML engineer, data scientist, and AI solutions architect. There is high demand for professionals in these roles in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and retail. 

After graduating from an online MCA in AI and ML, you will be able to find gainful employment in the following industries:  

• Medical Technology and Healthcare 
• Financial Technology (FinTech) and Financial Services 
• Automotive 
• Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) and Retail
• Telecommunications 
• Educational Technology (EdTech)
• Defense and Aerospace 
• Information Technology 
• Utilities and Energy 
• Agricultural Technology (Agritech) and Agriculture 

The following table offers you an indication of the MCA in AI and ML salaries that you can expect in different job roles in this domain:

Job Role	Annual Average Salary
AI Solutions Architect	INR 39.8L
ML Architect	INR 29.4L
ML Operations Engineer	INR 15L
Operations Manager AI Team	INR 11L
Chatbot Developer	INR 8.2L
AI/ML Engineer	INR 8L
AI Developer	INR 6L
Robotics Process Automation Engineer	INR 4.8L

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Eligibility and Admission Process for an MCA in AI & ML

To be considered eligible for an online MCA program in AI and ML, you usually must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of around 45%. If you wish to study in the best MCA in AI and ML colleges, this minimum requisite percentage can go up to 50%. In some programs, you might need some work experience for admission as well. The following are some other eligibility criteria you should be aware of:

• Apart from a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Bachelor of Engineering (BE), these programs are also accepted. However, it must be from a recognized university. 
• You must have studied math in higher secondary or in graduation. 
• If you are a foreign candidate, you will require an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). 

Usually, the admission process of these programs starts with an online application followed by the submission of necessary documents. After that, you may have to take a university-specific entrance exam, pass it, and offer proof of proficiency in English.

Duration, Fees, and Return on Investment (ROI) of an MCA in AI & ML

An online MCA in AI and ML usually has a duration of a couple of years, and the fees of these programs vary depending on the institution offering the program. 

• Since most of these programs are two-year degrees, they are divided into four semesters.
• Each semester lasts over six months, including an examination at the end. 
• The total fees of the program depend on the university. For example, at the Manipal Academy of Higher Learning, the course fee is INR 220,000 or INR 55,000 per semester.
• The domains of ML and AI are experiencing a massive surge in demand from businesses, which creates a commendable requirement for qualified professionals.
• By specializing in AI and ML, you can land jobs that pay high salaries, such as an AI engineer and a data scientist.
• These programs equip you with practical and hands-on skills in the newest technologies like TensorFlow, Python, and various cloud platforms. This enables you to have a future-proof career.
• Online MCA courses in ML and AI are more affordable and flexible compared to their offline equivalents, hence providing you with a faster ROI.

Industry Trends and Future Scope of MCA in AI & ML

Widespread use of AI and ML technologies across sectors for diverse purposes has made it a popular specialization with a shining future – one that encompasses high MCA in AI salaries as well.

• The deployment of AI and ML is no longer reserved for big businesses. Various industries, including medicine, retail, banking, and transportation, are embracing these to improve customer experiences and operations in general.
• Businesses are using AI and ML to automate their processes, such as fraud detection in finance, automated testing in software, and customized suggestions in retail.  
• They use AI and ML to make customized experiences for customers, such as AI-backed chatbots for support and personalized product suggestions.  
• The demand for ML and AI specialists is booming, which explains the high MCA in AI salaries being paid to these professionals. Job postings are increasing at a high rate, fueling the demand for graduates of such programs.
• Having an MCA in AI and ML can help you land lucrative roles like AI engineer, ML specialist, data scientist, and business intelligence analyst.  

Conclusion

Studying an online MCA in AI and ML can be an excellent pathway for you if you want to learn how to utilize cutting-edge AI technologies in conjunction with advanced computer applications and advance your career. These programs provide you with in-demand skills in deep learning and ML. This helps you land high-paying and diverse jobs in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and finance. 

Studying these programs also helps you become a specialized expert in areas like research, innovation, and solving difficult data-based problems. These skills make you valuable assets in a technology-backed and evolving world, which is always a great trait when it comes to landing the best jobs.

The Online MCA in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education offers you the most comprehensive online learning experience in these domains. The course, also on Online Manipal, focuses on applications in real life of AI and hands-on skills with generative AI platforms and Python, etc.

FAQs

1. What is an MCA in AI and ML?

An MCA in AI and ML is a postgraduate MCA program that specializes in AI and ML and is delivered via an online medium for flexibility. 

2. What is the eligibility for pursuing an MCA in AI and ML?

To study an online MCA in AI and ML, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least 45-50% marks in graduation.

3. Which subjects and topics are covered in the syllabus?

Following are some of the subjects and topics covered in the syllabus of these programs:

• ML
• Cloud Computing
• Big Data Analytics 
• Data Science 
• Data Structure  

4. How is an MCA in AI and ML different from a regular MCA?

The online MCA programs are web-based programs that specialize in AI and ML in relation to computer applications. At the same time, regular MCAs are on-campus programs that have a more functional and broader syllabus focusing on computer science only.

5. What are the career opportunities after completing this program?

After completing an MCA in AI and ML, you can work in high-demand careers such as:

• Data Scientist
• ML Engineer 
• AI Engineer 
• AI Research Scientist
• Robotics Engineer 

6. What is the average salary of graduates in AI and ML roles?

Your annual average salary in AI and ML roles can vary between INR 4.8 lakh and INR 39.8 lakh per annum, depending on your job role.

References:

https://www.ambitionbox.com
https://www.glassdoor.co.in