Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA): Course Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Career Opportunities

Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA): Course Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Career Opportunities

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Rashmi
Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 4, 2025 11:39 IST
With the growing demand of computers and the role it plays in our life, more and more skilled professionals are required to take care of the finer points. A diploma in computer applications (DCA) is usually a six-month-long course, however, it could stretch up to a year depending on the course curriculum and institution.

Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) is a basic-level course which offers an introduction to computer applications. The course enables learners to acquire practical skills necessary in entry-level positions in the IT and software fields. Learn all about the DCA course, including eligibility, syllabus, duration, fee structure, and career options.

Diploma in computer applications (DCA)
Table of contents
  • About DCA
  • About DCA Computer Course
  • DCA Course: Highlights
  • DCA Course Eligibility Criteria
  • DCA Course Syllabus
  • Top Institutes offering DCA Computer Course
  • DCA Course: Career Prospects
  • Conclusion
  • DCA Computer Course FAQs
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About DCA 

DCA Full Form: Diploma in Computer Applications

The DCA course is a 6-month diploma that covers basic computer applications. It teaches topics like the fundamentals of computer applications, office productivity tools, graphic design and multimedia, programming, and functional application software. After the DCA course, students can pursue employment opportunities in the IT sector, including software engineering, web development, and computer support. This is a basic-level course, where candidates learn computer concepts while developing their practical skills.

About DCA Computer Course

Generally, DCA course offers specialisation in the following fields:

DCA Course: Highlights

Some of the major highlights of the DCA course are as follows:

DCA Course highlight

Course Level

Graduate

Duration

6-12 months

Examination

Yearly

Eligibility

10+2 from a recognised board

Admission Process

Direct admission to colleges

Course Fee

INR 5,000 - 30,000

Average Starting Salary

INR 2 - 5 LPA

Top Recruiters

Randstad, Accenture, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ION, EXL, Fiserv, Capgemini

Top Recruiting Areas

Accounting, Banking, e-Commerce, Insurance, Healthcare, etc.

Top Job Profiles

Computer Operator, Web Designer, Accountant, Back Office Executive, MIS Executive, etc.

Also Read:

DCA Course Eligibility Criteria

Students aspiring to pursue the DCA are required to meet the following eligibility criteria: 

Criteria / Requirement

Details

Educational Qualification

Higher secondary or Class 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognised board; Some institutes also allow Class 10 pass students.

Minimum Marks

40–50% in the qualifying exam (please check institute-wise relaxation for reserved categories)

Eligible Streams

Any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts)

Age Limit

Generally no limit

Choosing Computers as their main or optional subject after class 10 will be advantageous for the students.

DCA Course Syllabus

Check the DCA computer course syllabus below.

Course Modules

Topics Covered
1. Fundamental Concepts of Computers
  • Computer system basics
  • Input/output
  • CPU
  • Types of memories
  • Storage devices
  • Software, hardware,
  • Overview of multimedia.
2. Windows OS (XP vs 7)  
  • Operating Systems basics
  • User interface
  • Windows Explorer
  • File/folder operations
  • Control Panel
  • Accessories
  • Shortcuts
  • Setup
3. MS Office
  • MS Word: Editing, formatting, tables, templates
  • MS Excel: Formulas, functions, charts. PowerPoint: Slides, text, media, effects

4. Internet & Usage 

  • Web Browsing
  • Emails
  • Document Sharing
  • LAN/WAN Concepts
  • Basic Networking Terminology 

5. Multimedia

  • Adobe Photoshop for Image Editing
  • Adobe Premiere for Video Editing
  • Adobe InDesign 

6. PC Assembly & Maintenance 

  • Introduction to Hardware
  • Motherboard
  • BIOS
  • OS Installation
  • HDD Partitioning
  • Device Drivers
  • Troubleshooting
  • Maintenance Tools

7. Basics of Networking

  • LAN/WAN/MAN
  • Topologies
  • Cables
  • TCP/IP
  • Routers/Switches
  • IP Addressing
  • LAN/Wi-Fi Setup
  • File Sharing

Top Institutes offering DCA Computer Course

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India offering the Diploma in Computer Applications course.

University of Madras

Alagappa University

University of Calcutta

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

Panjab University

Jadavpur University

Jamia Millia Islamia

Aligarh Muslim University

Gujarat Technological University

University of Rajasthan

Gujarat University

University of Allahabad

Mumbai University 

Amity University

Banaras Hindu University

Barkatullah University

Lovely Professional University (LPU) 

POPULAR INSTITUTIONS YOU SHOULD EXPLORE THIS YEAR

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal:  Rated as an A+ category institute by the MHRD | Up to 100% Scholarships –  Applications Open.  Apply Now
LPU-Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar:  Ranked No. 1 University in North Zone | Collaboration with Google, SAP, Oracle, etc. to offer Free Industry Training to students. Applications Open.  Apply Now
Q:   How can I fill out my preferred exam centres for BVP B-MAT?
A:

While filling the BVP B-MAT application form, candidates will be able to select their choice of exam cities. The selection of cities must be made in order of preference, as it will be considered for allotment. Out of the total 62 exam cities, the candidates will have to select their preference. The authorities will allot the BVP B-MAT exam centres as per the candidate's preferences and availability of seats. The allotted centre details can be checked through the BVP B-MAT admit card.

Q:   Can I request to change the allotted BVP B-MAT exam centre?
A:

No. The authorities will not accept requests to change the allotted BVP B-MAT exam centre. Since the centres are allotted as per the preferences submitted by the candidates in the BVP B-MAT application form, no changes will be allowed. Therefore, the candidates are advised to be careful while selecting their order of preferences for the BVP B-MAT exam cities in the application form.

Q:   Can I request to review my BVP B-MAT score?
A:

No. The candidates will not be able to request for review of the alloted BVP B-MAT score or ranks. The authorities will carefully check the performance of the candidates in the examination to prepare the BVP B-MAT result. After the results are announced, the authorities will not accept requests to review the scores. 

DCA Course: Career Prospects

The following are a few fields students can look at after pursuing DCA:

  • Networking & Internetworking
  • Database Development & Administration
  • Programming - Development tools, languages
  • Technical writing
  • Software design & engineering
  • Graphic design and animation
  • Web/e-commerce development

Listed below are some of the top job profiles a student can pursue after completing DCA:

Q:   What's next after WBJEE JECA seat allotment?
A:

Once the WBJEE JECA seat allotment is made public, candidates will need to confirm their admission within the deadline. To verify, the candidates will need to initially pay the acceptance fee for the seat and report to their allotted institute. While at the institute, the candidates will need to get their documents verified. All documents must be submitted in their original form, along with a set of photocopies.

Q:   When can I apply for the MAH MCA CET?
A:

The MAH MCA CET 2026 application form will be made available on the official website. The deadline for applying for MAH MCA CET 2026 will be announced shortly by December 4th week, 2025. All the personal, academic and contact details required are to be filled in by the candidates in the MAH MCA CET 2026 application form. The exam authorities will accept no other application mode.

Q:   Why wasnt I allotted my choice of NIMCET exam centre?
A:

This usually happens when there are not enough participants for that particular centre. Authorities then cancel a NIMCET exam centre and allot the exam centre according to the next order of preference of the candidate, or the closest geographically available centre.

Job Role Salary*
Computer Operator INR 1 - INR 4.1 LPA
Web Designer INR 1 - INR 6 LPA
Software Developer INR 2.2 - 20 LPA
Data Entry Operator INR 1 - INR 4 LPA
Office Assistant INR 1.2 - 4.6 LPA 
Technical Support Staff INR 3 - 16 LPA
Graphic Designer INR 1.5 - 7.5 LPA
Tally Operator INR 1 - 4.8 LPA 
IT Lab Assistant INR 5.9 - 7.5 LPA

*Salary Source: AmbitionBox

Conclusion

A DCA helps students gain the most important and practical IT skills and prepares them to start a career in IT and software. The course is designed in a way that it focuses largely on essential applications like the MS Office Suite, operating systems, networking, and basic web technologies. The certification prepares you to take up entry-level jobs such as Data Entry Operator, Office Assistant, or IT Support, and offers a strong foundation for advanced level certifications like Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications (ADCA), Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Read More: NIELIT 2026 O/A/B/C Level courses

DCA Computer Course FAQs

A. Can a candidate do DCA in six months?

A. Yes, several institutes provides the duration of DCA computer course of six months. 

Q. What types of jobs do candidates get after completing the DCA Computer course?

A. Several jobs a candidate got after the completion of the DCA computer application are:

  • Computer Operator
  • Web Designer
  • Accountant
  • Software Developer
  • C ++ Developer
  • Technical Writing Software Design and Engineering
  • Database Development and Management field, etc.

Q. Mention the DCA course and its full form

A. The full form of DCA is a Diploma in Computer Applications. This course specialises in computer applications. It consists of the fundamental topics that are associated with computer technology and computer applications, including MS Office, Internet applications, operating systems, Database Management System (DBMS), etc.

Q. What is the salary range for pursuing a DCA computer course?

A. The average salary after completing the DCA computer course ranges from INR 2–5 LPA.

Q. List the top institutes that offer the Diploma in Computer Application [DCA] course in the country.

A. Some of the top institutes that offers the Diploma in Computer Application [DCA] course in the country are listed below:

  • University of Madras
  • University of Calcutta
  • Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
  • Panjab University
  • LPU (Lovely Professional University) Jalandhar
  • Aligarh Muslim University, etc.