MCA (Master of Computer Applications)

Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a three year long professional post-graduate programme for candidates wanting to delve deeper into the world of computer application development with the help of learning modern programming language. The programme is a blend of both theoretical and practical knowledge. An MCA degree endows students’ an opportunity  to work with tools meant to develop better and faster applications.

Designed to meet the shortage of qualified professionals in the IT (Information Technology) industry, an MCA degree - in India - is offered by many colleges. Infact, there are various colleges that also offer integrated MCA programmes as well.  

Students pursuing an MCA programme would have the option to choose from the following specialisations:

Application Software	Systems Management
Hardware Technology	Systems Development
Internet	Systems Engineering
Management Information Systems (MIS)	Software Development
Networking	Troubleshooting

Eligibility Criteria for MCA 

According to AICTE, to pursue an MCA course candidates must have pursued BCA/ BSc/ BCom/ BA degree with Mathematics as one of the subjects at 10+2 level or at graduation.

However, MCA colleges in India might ask you to fulfill the following as well:

• Minimum marks required: 50% to 60% (a CGPA above 6/10 is considered good) in Bachelor's; 55% and above in Class 12th. Class 10th marks do not matter in most cases.

Note: The above mentioned eligibility criteria might differ from college to college. This is just an overview.

Skillset for MCA 

Good communication and behavioral skills	A positive attitude
Confidence	Strong technical skills
Good command over programming languages like C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.	Good programming skills and hands on experience
Knowledge of data structure and database	Awareness of latest technology trends

 

The basic curriculum of a typical MCA programme includes topics like network and database management, electronics, mobile technologies, financial accounting, mathematics, statistics, cloud computing, Java programming etc.

Semester 1	Semester 2
Introduction in IT	Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations
Computer Organisation & Architecture	Operating Systems
Programming & Data Structure	Oral and Wireless Communications
Introduction to Management functions	Accounting and Management Control
Mathematical foundations	Probability & Combinatorics
IT Lab	Business Programme Lab
Programming Lab	Unix & Windows Lab
Semester 3	Semester 4
Data Base Management Systems	Network Programming
Computer Communication Networks	Software Engg. I
Object Oriented Analysis and Design	Elective I
Management Support System	Organizational Behaviour
Statistical Computing	Elective 2
DBMS Lab	Network Lab
Statistical Computing Lab	CASE Tools Lab
Semester 5	Semester 6
A.I and Applications	Project
Software Engineering II	Seminar
Elective 3
Elective 4
Optimisation Techniques
AI & Application lab
Optimisation Techniques Lab
Industrial Lectures Seminar, Project

 

There is no dearth of lucrative job opportunities for MCA graduates. A candidate with a master’s degree in computer applications along with the right amount of relevant work experience, skill set and caliber can easily find great job opportunities at leading IT firms (both private and government) across India and abroad

Some of the top job profiles for MCA graduates are:

App Developer	App developers are individuals designing, building and maintaining mobile application for android, iOS, windows, blackberry platforms etc.
Business Analyst	A Business analyst typically mentors people aiming to start a business of their own.
Database Engineer	Database engineers are hired by computer systems companies with an aim to design and monitor complex databases. The role revolves around ensuring the operation, validity and relevancy of the data.
Ethical Hacker	Ethical hackers are experts who access a network or computer system on behalf of its owner to uncover security vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could possibly exploit.
Hardware Engineer	Hardware engineers install and test systems to ensure proper functioning of the internet. These folks are also involved in the testing and production of hardware equipment.
Manual Tester	As the name suggests, manual testers physically test software for defects. These individuals are required to play the role of an end user who makes use of almost all the features of the application to ensure behaving accurately.
Technical Writers	Being a technical writer, one is expected to write technical documents like product description, design specifications, user manuals and guides etc.
Trouble-shooters	Troubleshooters are experts who ensure that technology - both hardware and software - come handy to those who need it. In case of an issue, they resolve the same to make sure that projects are delivered on time
Social Media Handler	Companies hire social media specialist to handle their popularity and presence amongst people through the virtual world.
Web Designer/Developer	Web developers/designers are mainly responsible for constructing a website. With a creative mind and well versed software skills, these individuals develop and design World Wide Web applications, HTML, Photoshop, Flash etc.

 

Other lucrative job profiles one can consider after pursuing an MCA degree are that of a Network Engineer, Project Manager, Quality Analyst, Software Programmer/Developer, Software Application Architect, Systems Analyst, Software Consultant etc.

Top companies hiring MCA graduates

Infosys	Microsoft
Naukri.com	ORACLE
TCS	Polaris
WIPRO Systems	Jeevansathi.com
MAHINDRA	Texas Instruments
HCL Technologies	NTPC
SAP	GAIL
99acres.com	BHEL
D.E. Shaw	Accenture
IBM	Cognizant

MCA - Important FAQs

Q. What is MCA or Master of Computer Application?

A. Master of Computer Applications or MCA is a professional degree in computer science. MCA is a three year long professional post-graduate degree course for students who deeply want to learn computer application development. The MCA course is a combination of both theoretical and practical knowledge. With an MCA degree, students can learn different tools meant to develop better and faster computer applications and software.

Q. What career opportunities are associated with MCA?

A. MCA course will give students an understanding about how to develop better computer applications and software. There are a lot of career opportunities associated with MCA, and students may have great employment options in top IT firms, MNCs and top consultancy firms. Candidate with high computer skills are in high demand in the IT sector. And MCA graduates will also have many opportunities associated with the government sector. Candidates can crack interviews and get the desired profiles as per their skills and caliber. Candidates can get jobs in areas such as banking, networking, IT companies, desktop publishing, and more. Candidates can work on live projects, entry level programmer and maintaining software/application. Candidate seeking options in the teaching profession with an MCA degree is also an option. Candidates can apply for the post of a lecturer in reputed colleges/universities.

Q. What is an average salary of MCA graduates?

A. The salary package after completing the MCA degree on average ranges from 4.5 to 6.5 lakhs per annum. The salary of a candidate also depends on work organisation and education skills. Both the private and government companies provide jobs to qualified MCA course graduates.

Q. What are the job options available for MCA graduates?

A. Candidates can apply for the following profiles after completing MCA course such as Software Developer, Computer System Analyst, Software Engineer or Programmer, Database Administrator, Software Publisher, Software Application Architect, Software Consultant, Hardware Engineer, Web Designer/Web Developer, Senior Technical Consultant and Project Manager. There will be other profiles as well depending on the candidate’s previous work experience. If the candidate is a fresher than the post or designation may vary.

Q. What is the course duration of MCA?

A. The duration of the MCA degree course is three years, which is divided into six semesters. But students who holds a degree in Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA), Bachelor of Science (B Sc) the MCA course duration is two years.

Q. Is Master of Computer Application (MCA) a good career option?

A. It is a better choice for candidates having an MCA degree to grow career in the IT sector. Candidates may get great employment options with top IT companies and MNCs. 

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