MCA Course: Fees, Duration, Admission, Distance & Online Learning

Updated on Jul 17, 2024 11:58 IST
Diya Nihalani

Diya NihalaniContent Author

Master in Computer Application or MCA is a 2-year post-graduate program specializing in the field of computer software and its applications, computer architecture, operating systems and other IT related fields. Some institutes like NITs also offer MCA as a 3-year duration program. MCA course is a very popular choice among students interested in IT, particularly in application software, operating systems and computer architecture.

Candidates having a BCA degree or any graduate degree in Mathematics/Science can take admission in the MCA course. Many institutes also allow non-science/BCA degree students to pursue the MCA program. The course can be pursued in regular as well as distance mode. The average course fee of the MCA program ranges from INR 30,000 to 50,000.

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MCA Course Highlights

Particulars

Details

Name of Course

Master in Computer Application (MCA)

Duration of Course

2 Years

3 Years

Mode of Education

Regular and Distance

Mode of Admission

Entrance Exam/Merit

Course Fee

INR 30,000-50,000

Types of MCA Courses

There are different types of MCA courses being offered by the institutes in form of regular, distance, online and part-time modes. Candidates can opt for any type depending upon their feasibility and choice.

Regular MCA Program: In this type of MCA course, candidates have to take admission in an institute and attend the classes regularly.

Distance MCA Program: Candidates opting for distance mode courses need not go to the college regularly. Candidates may be asked to attend a few important practicals and lab work at the college.

Online MCA Course: In an online course, candidates have to attend the classes through the internet and the complete course will be taught online.

Part-time MCA Course: This type of MCA course is preferred by working professionals who can not attend regular or distance programs.

Popular MCA Course Specializations

Master in Computer Application course has many specializations which students have to select in the last year of their program. Some of the popular MCA courses are

  • Application Software

  • Software Development

  • Troubleshooting

  • Hardware Technology

  • Systems Management

  • Management Information Systems (MIS)

  • Systems Development

  • Systems Engineering

  • Networking

  • Internet working

MCA Degree Course

The postgraduate degree program in computer application or MCA is the most popular and preferred course among students interested in learning software building, operating systems, hardware technology, networking etc. MCA course is a two-year degree program although many institutes also offer MCA of three years duration.

Top Institute for MCA Degree Program

S.No.

Name of Institute

1

Delhi University, Delhi

2

Banaras Hindu University, Vranasi

3

Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi

4

National Institutes of Technology (NITs) at Jamshedpur, Surat, Tiruchirapalli, Warangal

5

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

6

Jamia Hamdard, Delhi

7

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi

8

University of Hyderabad

9

Aligarh Muslim University

10

PES University Bangalore

Distance MCA Course

Students who can not attend the regular MCA degree course can opt for distance mode. There are many good institutes that offer distance MCA programs at an affordable cost. In distance MCA courses, students have to attend the classes as per the pre-decided timetable. The annual/semester exams will have to take at the institute.

Top Institutes for MCA Distance Program

S.No.

Name of Institute

1

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi

2

University of Mumbai

3

Bangalore University

4

Annamalai University, Chennai

5

University of Madras

6

Madurai Kamraj University

7

Sikkim Manipal University

Online MCA Course

Many students nowadays are opting for online MCA programs. In this type of program, candidates can complete their course and examination online from the comfort of their home. Online programs are AICTE and UGC approved and are accepted all throughout in education and career field.

Top Institutes for Online MCA Program

S.No.

Name of Institute

1

SRM University Chennai

2

Manipal University Jaipur

3

Jain University Bangalore

4

Mysore University

5

SASTRA University

6

GNDU Amritsar

7

BSAU Chennai

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Entrance Exams for Admission to MCA Course

Admission to regular MCA courses is primarily through entrance exams or merit of marks in qualifying degree course. Students can appear in any of the below listed MCA entrance exam as per the college in which admission is desired.

S.No.

Name of Exam

1

NIT MCA Common Entrance Test (NIMCET)

2

Maharashtra MCA Common Entrance Test (MAH MCA CET)

3

West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam for MCA (WB JECA)

4

Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)

5

CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is MCA course worth doing?

A. MCA is a very popular course in IT with a very bright career prospects. As MCA course covers the software, operating systems, networking, students can easily get jobs in IT companies.   

Q. Which is better, regular or distance MCA?

A. Candidates can select among regular or distance depending upon their feasibility or choice. The course structure of MCA program is mostly the same around the institutes. 

Q. Which institute is best for MCA degree?

A. Candidates can go for JNU Delhi, BHU Varanasi, or Jamia Milia Islamia for MCA degree programs.

Q. How can I get admission in MCA program?

A. Admission in MCA program in most institutes is through entrance exams. Many institutes also offer admission on the basis of marks in qualifying degree.

Q. Which institute is best for distance MCA program?

A. Candidates can go for IGNOU which happens to be the preferred destination for many distance courses along with MCA.
Table of content
  • Popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India
  • Popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India. Learn more about these MCA (Master of Computer Applications) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.84 L - 3.85 L
3.8
2 Courses
4.66 L
6.03 - 6.14 LPA
2.74 L - 10.97 L
4.5
1 Course
3.35 L
8.1 LPA
1 Course
4 L
7.5 LPA
4.04 L
4.5 LPA

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Private MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India

2.74 L - 10.97 L
4.5
3.8 L
6 LPA
2 Courses
5.18 L
5.0
1.7 L
4 Courses
1.8 L
4.0
2 Courses
2 L - 3.5 L

Popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Specializations

Following are the most popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

JNU MCA eligibility criteria: BCA/ Bachelor degree in computer Science engineering or equivalent degree with at least 55% marks.

Or B.Sc/B.Com/B.A with Mathematics at 10+2 level or at graduation level with at least 55% marks.

The admission will be based on CUET PG conducted by NTA.

98646070
pradeep kumar

Scholar-Level 18

Answered a month ago

With a rank of 7421 in Karnataka PGCET for MCA, here are some colleges you might be able to get into (general category), based on recent cutoffs:

? Possible Colleges

Administrative Management College — cutoff ~ 7990. 

Amity University – MCA cutoff ~ 7080-7090 last year. 

Angadi Institute Of Technology A

...Read more

97463964
Kamera Kalyani

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

If you want to join the MCA AI & ML programme at Chandigarh University, the first step is checking if you're eligible. You should have a graduation degree in CS, IT, BCA, or any related course. Even non-IT students can apply if they had Maths before. You need 50% marks or more. Next, you have to app

...Read more

J

JEEVAN JYOTI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

For MCA in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Chandigarh University, you must have a graduation degree like BCA, B.Sc (IT/CS), B.Tech, or even B.Com/BA if you had Maths in school or college. You need at least 50% marks (less for reserved category). The admission is mainly through CUCET

...Read more

C

Creative architects

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Placements for the Master of Computer Science Engineering at Chandigarh University are consistently strong, reflecting the program's industry relevance. Around 250+ multinational companies participate in recruitment every year, offering roles such as Cloud Solutions Architect, Database Administrator

...Read more

r

rashmi gupta

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Chandigarh University's MCA cloud computing and DevOps programme has proven to give students a strong edge in placements. With ABET accredition and NBA approval, the programme meets global education standards. Industry tie-ups with IBM, AWS academy and Virtusa ensures that MCA students don't just st

...Read more

a

akhil Saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Yes, Mathematics is compulsory to get admission in the MCA programme provided at Hillwoods Academy of Higher Education. Students need to have studied the subject in either Class 12 or during their Bachelor's degree. Eligible students can apply online for Hillwoods Academy of Higher Education MCA adm

...Read more

N

Nishtha Hazarika

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hillwoods Academy of Higher Education MCA eligibility criteria is as follows:

  • BCA or equivalent degree from a recognised university
  • Must have studied Mathematics in either graduation or in Class 12

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, one month would not be enough for MAH MCA CET preparation. Because the syllabus of MAH MCA CET is so vast, covering all the topics and memorising them requires a lot of effort. If you have been or are a BCA student, then it can be less challenging for you since most of the subjects of MAH MCA CE

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, you must follow the MAH MCA CET exam pattern while preparing for the exam. You must understand the exam pattern very carefully before starting the preparation process. With the knowledge of the exam pattern in advance, the candidates will be aware of how the examination will be taken and prepar

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, the MAH MCA CET cutoff is released online. Candidates can able to check the round-wise MAH MCA CET cutoff during the counselling process. Separate cutoffs will be released for the different rounds of MAH MCA CET counselling, CAP I - IV, along with vacancy Position After CAP Round IV. These cuto

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

The list of documents required for the MAH MCA CET Counselling Process is mentioned below:

  • MAH MCA CET 2025 Admit card 

  • Printout of MAH MCA CET 2025 application form

  • Mark sheets of class 10th and 12th standard

  • Passing certificate of class 10th and 12th standard 

  • Graduation certificates

  • MAH MCA CET 2025 sc

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

No, you can't get direct admission to an MCA programme in Maharashtra. You would need to qualify for the MAH MCA CET and also meet the MAH MCA CET cutoff. Some private colleges do offer admission through management quota, but they require a lot of extra money to get into. 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

TANCET MCA exam have questions from four sections. As many as 100 questions appear in the TANCET MCA exam from the below mentioned sections:

  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Computer Awareness

Candidates can refer to the previous year's question papers to know the type of ques

...Read more

R

Rohini Bisht

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Anna University conducts TANCET exam for MBA and MCA courses seperately. TANCET MCA exam has a total of four sections. Candidates have to answer questions from all sections of TANCET exam within the given timeframe. As many as 100 questiosn appear in the TANCET exam. In the TANCET MCA exam, each sec

...Read more

V

Vikram Tyagi

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Yes, TANCET MBA and MCA have a distinct question paper. Since the test structure for both MBA and MCA differs, candidates will fidn different question paper for MBA and MCA.

J

Jaya Katariya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

MCA placement is very good in top government university and colleges. 

  1. Delhi university- offers highest LPA 20
  2. Techno india university- offers highest lpa 16
  3. It depends on college to college 

MCA placements lead to diverse roles like Software Developer, Data Scientist, and Cloud Architect, with average

...Read more

S

SK AMAN

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a month ago

Candidates who have passed BCA/ Bachelor's Degree in CSE or BSc/ BCom/ BA with Mathematics at Class 12 or graduation level and must have obtained a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for candidates from Karnataka belonging to SC/ST and Category-1) can apply for MCA programme at NMIT Bangalore.

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Yes easily you can get admission in Andra university.  And for pwd candidates, many benefits offered to the candidates so Tha they can study well. Plus with pwd certificate,  you can get good job offers from top companies.

  1. With pwd certificate,  you will go to that university
  2. Then after showing this y

...Read more

S

SK AMAN

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a month ago

In this university, mca placement is excellent than any other colleges.  Here cognizant,  Microsoft come to recruit students and offered high package . Highest package is 42 lpa and lowest package 12 lpa

  1. Top companies like TCS, WIPRO COMES TO HIRE.
  2.  Also top roles offered to candidates like graduate t

...Read more

S

SK AMAN

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a month ago

NIT Agartala MCA cutoff 2025 was released based on NIMCET rank. The cutoff was released for different categories belonging to the All India quota. The cutoff for the General AI category was closed at 763. For OBC AI category candidates, the closing rank for MCA admission was closed at 763. For the S

...Read more

S

Shruti Divya

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

NIT Raipur closing score for MCA 2025 for the General AI category candidates is 625 as per the last round closing cutoff score. For the OBC category, the cutoff was capped at 721. For other categories, the last round cutoff score will vary. For more details, refer to the table below. 

CategoryLast Round Cutoff 2025
General625
OBC721
SC3160
ST6754
PWD10693
EWS752

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The MCA Cutoff 2025 has been released in the form of scores for all categories and rounds. Different categories will have different cutoff scores accordingly. For the General AI category candidates, Master of Computer Applications (MCA) has closed its admission at the last round cutoff score of 625.

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Candidates who have completed their graduation (BE, BTech, BA, BCom, BSc or BCA) in any stream are eligible to apply for MCA programme at ECB Bikaner. Aspirants must have relevant documents proving their eligibility at the time admission. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

Getting a regular MCA seat in Andhra University with a rank of 1514 in the Andhra Pradesh ICET is unlikely to happen in the general category. The cut off for MCA over the years has been in some years as low as 150 and below for general, whereas in the reserved categories (for example SC, ST or BC) o

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

No, the MCA course fee does not include cost of any textbooks or any other study material unless mentioned in the fee structure handed to you at the time of your MCA admission. Though when it comes to online MCA, generally, the digital study material is provided to you by the mentors. In case of an

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

MCA course fees usually include the lab fees within the tuition fee structure known to students at the time of admission. However, students should still check the specific MCA fee structure of their chosen college, as additional costs for other facilities, examination fees, and more miscellaneous ex

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some central as well as state-specific scholarships are found on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) along with other schemes from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) like AICTE Pragati and Saksham scholarships.
These scholarships are available for various courses with MCA - Maste

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are more than 200 Distance MCA colleges in India, of which around 25 colleges are government and 100 are private entities. The course fee of each college may differ depending on its rating, placement record, faculty rating, infrastructure, etc. However, the average course fee ranges between IN

...Read more

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Please refer to the table below for the best MCA colleges in India that provide low fees and high placement in India:

College NameTuition FeeAnnual Package Offered
Dravidian UniversityINR 30,000 - INR 37,500INR 51.36 LPA
Institute of Distance and Open Learning, University of MumbaiINR 49,330INR 15 LPA
Dr. Harisingh Gour VishwavidyalayaINR 4,800INR 9.5 LPA
A K Choudhary School of Information Technology, University of CalcuttaINR 12,000INR 9.2 LPA
University of KalyaniINR 40,000INR 9 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

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