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 Sep 15, 2025 15:31 IST

The DCA course is a foundation course that deals with teaching the fundamentals of computer applications, including programming languages, database management, web design, system analysis, office tools, and more. The course enables learners to acquire practical skills necessary in entry-level positions in IT, administration, and business processes. The following includes complete details on the DCA course: eligibility, syllabus, duration, fee structure, and career options.

Diploma in computer applications (DCA)
Table of contents
  • About DCA
  • DCA Computer Course: Know About Specialisation
  • DCA Course: Highlights
  • DCA Course: Check Eligibility Criteria
  • DCA Course: Syllabus
  • DCA Computer Course: Top Institutes
  • DCA Course: Career Prospects
  • DCA Computer Course FAQs
View More

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.

DCA Computer Course: Know About Specialisation

Generally, this program 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: Check 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 give students an edge over others.

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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

DCA Computer Course: Top Institutes

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:   What are the minimum passing marks of the MAH MCA CET?
A:

There is no mention of the minimum passing marks for the MAH MCA CET in the information brochure as released by the Maharashtra CET Cell. Admission is given on the basis of merit and the marks obtained in MAH MCA CET and graduation. The percentile scores in MAH MCA CET and the percentage in graduation are used to arrive at an All India Rank, which will be used for admission at the institutes.

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.

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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 a DCA Course:

Q:   Will I be eligible for MCA? I am a B.Com graduate and had statistics as my subject. I appeared for MAH MCA CET in past for MCA.
A:

Hi Vivek, For being eligible to apply for MCA, you have to have mathematics as one of the subjects at 10+2 level or statistics as one of the subjects at graduation level. If you fulfill these criteria you are eligible for MCA. As far as other information regarding MCA is concerned, we would like to state that most of the entrance tests are conducted in April or May. Notifications are out in January or February. The combined MCA entrance tests held in India are: NIMCET for NITs, CET Maharashtra for Maharashtra colleges, UPMCAT for most colleges in UP, Andhra Pradesh CET for Colleges in AP,Orissa State MCA Test for all Colleges in Orissa, MET for All college under Punjabi Univ. GNDU, & PTU in Punjab, MP-Pre MCA Test for all colleges in MP, Kerala MCA Test for all colleges in Kerala. The most reputed universities and colleges offering MCA degree in India are: Delhi University, Pune University, Jawahar Lal Nehru university, New Delhi, IIT Roorkee, NIT Trichy, VJTI, Mumbai, Banaras Hindu University, MNNIT Allahabad, ICSE Indore, Thapar University. Other colleges offering MCA are NITs, Vellore Institute, PSG Coimbatore, Hyderabad Central University, BITS Mesra, Jalgaon University, and Punjab University etc. Hope this helps. Wish you luck.

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. 

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for BVP B-MAT?
A:

Before BVP B-MAT registration, the candidates are advised to check the official eligibility criteria. If the candidates are found ineligible, then their admission will be cancelled by the authorities. The important BVP B-MAT eligibility criteria are listed below.

  • Candidates should have passed BCA/BSc (Computer Science)/BSc (IT)/BE (CSE)/BE (IT)/BTech (IT) or equivalent degree OR
  • Passed any graduation degree preferably with Mathematics at 10+2 level or at Graduation level. 
  • Candidates should have obtained minimum 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST category candidates) in the qualifying exam.
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

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.
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About the Author
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Rashmi Karan
Manager - Content

Name: Rashmi Karan

Education: M.Sc. Biotechnology

Expertise: IT & Software Entrance Exams

Rashmi Karan is a Postgraduate in Biotechnology with over 15 years of experience in content writing and editing. She speciali

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Comments

(45)

M

Mr Banti

4 months ago

Dca karke salray kya milti hai

Reply to Mr Banti

s

sweety

2 years ago

Thank you for this article, This is very helpful for DCA ( Diploma in Computer Application ) students. a Diploma in Computer Application at IFDA institute/a

Reply to sweety

U

Umal Shifana

3 years ago

I am 10 th pass so I can study in online for diploma in computer application

Reply to Umal Shifana

a

abbas hasan

a year ago

Will you be my gf

S

Sushama Sharma

2 years ago

What