BCA Syllabus & Subjects List 2026: Download Semester-wise Syllabus PDF

BCA Full Form

Bachelor of Computer Applications

BCA Course Level

Undergraduate

BCA Course Duration

3 years

BCA  Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 pass with at least 50% marks

BCA Admission Process

Merit-based/Exam-based

BCA Entrance Exams

CUET and MAH BCA CET

BCA Course Fees

INR 1,080 - INR 54.21 Lakh

BCA Course Top Colleges

Christ University, Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research, Loyola College, Amity University, and St. Joseph's University.

• Programming in C – E. Balagurusamy
• Data Structures Through C (or C++) – S. Lipschutz (Schaum’s Outline)
• Let Us C – Yashavant Kanetkar

Unix Programming

OOAD Using UML

Graphics And Animation 

Python Programming

User Interface Design

Business Intelligence

Design And Analysis Of Algorithms

Client-Server Computing

Cloud Computing

Multimedia Applications

Computer Architecture

Introduction To Soft Computing

Computer Networks

Students will learn the concept of a data communication system that helps in exchanging data and sharing resources. These network devices use a system of communication protocols to transmit information over wireless technologies.

Computer Organisation

This is a subject that helps in understanding the overall basic computer hardware structure and is also concerned with the structure and behaviour of digital computers. Students will learn about the high-level aspects of a design, like memory system, bus structure, and design of the internal CPU, through this subject.

Mathematics for Computer Science

With these subjects, students learn about high-quality original research papers on the development of theories and methods. This subject focuses on information science, design, implementation, analysis of algorithms, and the tools required for mathematical computation, reasoning, and integration in Mathematics. 

Database Management

Students will learn about mastering concepts and techniques used in designing, programming, and administering. Database systems are also used for security purposes in industries, banks, etc. It helps in managing and structuring collections of data held on computers. 

Fundamentals of Computer Programming

This subject includes concepts of computers and computing, which include an introduction to computer systems, data communication, computer software, database management, and computer network technologies. It deals with algorithms, programming languages, programming techniques, and testing and debugging.

Operating System

Students will learn about the interface between computer hardware and users. This subject also explains the functions of an operating system, like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling, etc.

Java

Java is a programming language that is used for grouping related information for a single entity. Students can learn about Java, which is used for desktop computing, other mobile computing, and numerical computing. Java is also used for server-side language and back-end development projects.

Software Engineering

Students will learn that the subject focuses on the needs and requirements of users to design, deploy, and test new software. Through this subject, students learn to develop applications with the help of languages such as JavaScript, Java, C++, Python, PHP, etc.  

Data Structure

Students will learn about the efficient means of storing and retrieving data within Java programs. The subject includes other topics like array, pointer, structure, linked list, stack, queue, graph, searching, sorting, and programs. Data structure enables data organisation, management, and storage format with efficient modification and access.

Internet Programming

Internet programming involves using programming languages and tools for creating web applications, web servers, and services. This subject also teaches different markup and scripting languages such as DHTML, XML, JavaScript, Ajax, etc.

Animation and multimedia

Students interested in Graphic Design often choose this specialisation. Animation and multimedia aim to teach the principles and concepts of multimedia, animation, and other areas like web design, digital arts, etc.

Accounting Applications

Specialisations in accounting applications allow students to learn in detail about the course, which provides sound practical concepts of computer applications used in accounting.

Web Designer

Students who are interested in web design can choose this specialisation. In this course, students will learn about HTML in web design, cascading style sheets, and JavaScript.

Internet Technologies

In this course, students will learn about the practical skills addressing problems that arise from computer systems and applications. Students can choose this course if they want to make a career in this field.

Music and Video Processing

Students can go for this specialisation for their career in music and videography. Under this, students will learn about the management information system, programming languages, computer graphics, cyber laws, and network systems.

Foundation Mathematics for Computer Science

John Vince

This book covers elementary discrete mathematics for computer science and engineering. The author tries to explain the concepts of mathematics in a simplified manner for its applications in computer science.

Programming, Principles & Practice Using C++

Bjarne Stroustrup

The author explains the useful facts about the language, like developing the operating system, browsers, games, and so on. The author has given a wide range of examples to make it easier for the learners to understand the nuances of programming.

Computer Organization and Design

David A Patterson

This book includes a deep explanation of the high-level aspects of a design that is implemented in computer applications. An award-winning author gives a detailed insight into the concept of the hardware/software interface.

Internet Programming

AA Puntambekar

The author explains the internet application used to connect the client to the server. This book is a comprehensive introduction to the various scripting languages used for writing web pages and web applications.

Cloud Computing Principles and Paradigms

Rajkumar Buyya

Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet.

• The IPU CET BCA entrance exam generally includes topics from subjects of Maths, Computer Awareness, English Language & Comprehension, and General Knowledge. Maths topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus are important. For Computer Awareness, review computer basics, hardware, software, and programming. In English, prepare for grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. For General Knowledge, cover current events, IT, and Science-related topics.

• CUET BCA entrance exam syllabus generally includes the Language Section (English/Hindi) covers reading comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms-antonyms, and grammar. Mathematics includes algebra, calculus, integration, differential equations, probability, linear programming, and vectors & 3D geometry. Whereas Computer Science topics include Python (file handling, exceptions), SQL, data structures (stack, queue), computer networks, Pandas, Matplotlib, and cybersecurity. Physics includes electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism, optics, EM waves, the dual nature of matter, and electromagnetic induction.

• The MAH BCA CET entrance exam syllabus includes Maths concepts like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, and Matrices & Determinants. It also includes Logical Reasoning topics like Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Data Interpretation, Logical Puzzles, and Analytical Reasoning. Additionally, English Language & Comprehension section focuses on Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading Comprehension.

Program Electives

Popular Books

• Let Us C by Yashwant Kanetkar
• C The Complete Reference by Herbert Schildt
• Principles & Practice Using C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup

• Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen
• Operating System Concepts by Silberschatz
• Software Engineering: A Concise Practitioner's Approach by Pankaj Jalote