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 contents
  • 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 Course
5 L
6.03 LPA
2.2 L
3.8
1 Course
3.8 L
8.1 LPA
2.4 L - 11 L
4.3

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

4.4 L
4.4 LPA
1 Course
4 L
7.5 LPA

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

2.4 L - 11 L
4.3

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

3.72 L - 4.04 L
4.1
3.24 L
2.0
1 Course
4.5 L
6 LPA

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
7.08 L
4.0

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
5.3 L
4.0

MCA Applications open. Apply Now

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

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered Yesterday

RMLAU CUET PG cutoff  2024 was released for admission to the PG-level courses for various categories under the Home State quota. 

For the MCA course, the round 1 cutoff rank was 12695,  and the last round rank was increased to 14092 for the General category students under the Home State quota. 

Note:

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The VNSGU Surat MCA cutoff 2024 was published for admission for various categories under the HS quota. 

For the OBC HS category students, the closing rank varied betweeen 21628 and 21712, according to the first and last round. Students can refer to the table below to know more.

Round 1 (Closing Rank)
Course202220232024
Master of Computer Applications (MCA)213932165521628
Last Round (Closing Rank)
Course202220232024
Master of Computer Applications (MCA)213932154221712

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The Zeal College of Engineering and Research MAH MCA  cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MCA course for various categories under the Home State and All India quota. 

For the General AI quota, the cutoff ranged from 36.5 in the first round to 21.01 in the last round. Students should remembe

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The NIET Noida CUET PG Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the various PG courses for both the All India and Home State quota. 

For the MCA course, the cutoff for the General AI category ranged from 15945 in the first round to 13732 in the last round. Please remember that the cutoff for other c

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The SGSITS MPPET cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA and MCA courses. 

For the General AI category, the cutoff for the MA course in the last round was 39. On the other hand, for the MBA course was 157 for the Master of Business Administration (MBA). For the MBA in Hospital Administratio

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The HBTU NIMCET Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the MCA course. The cutoff was published for various categories under the All India quota. 

For the General AI category, the cutoff was 26 in round 1 and 52 in the last round. Please remember that the cutoff will vary for each category and rou

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering Pune MAH MCA CET Cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MCA course for all rounds and categories under both the All India and Home State quota. 

For the General AI category, the overall cutoff ranged from 97.07 to 96.39, according to the first and last rou

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

SRTMUN MAH MCA CET cutoff is for admission to MCA programme for numerous categories under the All India and Home State quota. 

For the General AI category cutoff 2025, the last round cutoff percentile was 49.35. In 2024 and 2023, the last round cutoff was 20.62 and 53.49, respectively. This differenc

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

The fees of MCA course at MEWA Vanguard Business School is INR 4 lakh. However, the amount the taken from official website of college and it is indicative. Hence, it is subject to change.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, VVIT University does offer scholarships for MCA course. The scholarships are as below:

Aggregate marks in BTech 2025 (For MTech)

Fee after scholarship/ year (CSE and Allied)

Fee after scholarship per year (ECE, EEE, ME and CE specialisations)

75% and above

INR 60,000

INR 50,000

65% to 74.99%

INR 90,000

INR 75,000

Scholarship %

ICET 2025 Rank

Graduation Marks

Fee per year After Scholarship

50%

Up to 10000

80% and above

INR 60,000

25%

10001 - 20000

70–79.99%

INR 90,000

Note: This is taken from official sources and can change.

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Candidates can apply for MCA at SIMMC Pune in both online and offline modes. For offline application submission, the form can be downloaded and sent to institute. Candidates can also apply in online mode by visiting the official website to register. The steps after registration are:

  • Login to fill out

...Read more

R

Ranjeeta Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Suryadatta Institute of Management and Mass Communication MCA development fee is INR 12,558. It is for the 2026-27 academic year as per an official document. Candidates may have to pay this fee amount at the time of admission. 

A

Aayush Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

SIMMC Pune MCA fee payment can be done bank transfer as well. Candidates should keep the payment receipt safe for future references. Mentioned below are the details required for bank transfer:

Account Holder's name: Suyadatta Education Foundation

Account No.: 490104000011200

Bank Name: IDBI Bank Ltd. 

B

...Read more

S

Saumya Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

SIMMC Pune MCA fees for the 2026-27 academic year consists of tuition fee and development fee. The total fee as per the sanctioned document is INR 1.01 lakh. Check below the fee bifurcation:

  • Tuition Fee: INR 88,442
  • Development Fee: INR 12,558

V

Virajita Mehra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Aspirants must pass graduation from a recognised university or institute with at least 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for candidates belonging to reserved category) to apply for MCA. Candidates need to appear for an aptitude test conducted by the institute for admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 4 days ago

The total tuition fees for Biyani Institute of Science and Management MCA is INR 1.8 lakh. Candidates need to pay the course fees to confirm their seat. Aspirants must pay the fees in the mode accepted by the institute.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 4 days ago

Bharathidasan University MCA cutoff 2025 was released for admission based on the TANCET entrance examination result in the form of opening and closing ranks. The results were out for all students under the All India quota. Students can refer to the table below to know the cutoff for 2025.

College Cutoff 2025
Government Arts College, Kumbakonam1095 
JJ College of Arts and Science 2511
 Bharathidasan University2181

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

The Vidyasagar University MCA Cutoff 2025 was released in the form of opening and closing ranks for admission to the MCA course. 

For the OBC HS quota, the cutoff was 2408 in the first round and 1378 in the last round. Vidyasagar University accepts the WBJEE JECA cutoff ranks for admission to the MCA

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Mathematics is one of the subjects required to apply for MCA at NHCE Bangalore. Candidates need to complete a bachelor's degree with Mathematics or Statistics or Computer Science or Computer Programming or Computer Applications or Business Mathematics or Business Statistics as one of the optional or

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 5 days ago

The NMU MAH MCA CET cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MCA course for multiple categories under both the All India and Home State quotas. The cutoff was released in the form of opening and closing percentiles based on students' performance in the entrance exam. 

According to the NMU MCA Cu

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Most of the colleges provide a MCA of 2 years divided into 4 semesters. Some colleges like top NITs offer 3 year MCA. A 3 year MCA is more specialised and extensive. 2 year MCA is more common.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Some universities offer MCA lateral, which is a course that allows candidates to enter 2nd year MCA curriculum. Both MCA and MCA lateral are counted as postgraduate course.  In order to be eligible for MCA lateral entry, you have to pass either BSc in Computer Science/ IT or a BCA.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

BIT combines your scores using this formula: (Written Score * 0.4) + (Interview Score * 0.6). You need at least 38 weighted marks in total to qualify.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

You must score 40 out of 100 in online interview. If you score less than this, you won't get a seat even if your written score was perfect.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

Yes. The interview determines 60% of your final rank, while the written exam only counts for 40%. Even a written test topper can get rejected if they don't perform well here.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

You must score 35+ out of 100 in the written test to be eligible for the interview round. But since the seats are limited, you must aim for 60+.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

There is no negative marking. You receive 1 point for each correct answer. Try to score all 100 questions within the 120-minute limit to maximise your score.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, BIT Mesra typically releases a provisional answer key first. Candidates can raise objections through the official BIT Mesra portal by logging in with their Application ID. A non-refundable processing fee (INR 500 per objection) is usually required, along with valid supporting proof. 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 6 days ago

The 'better' course is usually the one that fits your individual needs and career goals best. Here are the top differences between MCA and PGDCA for better decision-making.

MCAPGDCA
Professional PG course offering a deep understanding of the software industry, computer applications, and software development. PG Diploma offering foundational knowledge in Computer Applications, Programming, DBMS, and Computer Science.
Duration - 2 to 3 yearsDuration - 1 year
Ideal for those with a background in a similar field, as MCA contains some advanced-level topics.Ideal for beginners in the field, who are usually looking for a career change.
May offer specializations like Data Science, AI/ML, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Forensic Science, Fullstack Development, DevOps, Ethical Hacking, etc.Offers a beginner-friendly curriculum with specializations like Computer Science, Programming, Big Data & Analytics, AI & Robotics, etc.
Helps to crack managerial and senior roles in the IT sector.

Helps to pivot careers towards the software industry via entry-level jobs in IT and software.

Source - Multiple external/ official sites, data may vary.

D

Diya Nihalani

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The BAMU Aurangabad MCA cutoff 2025 was released in the form of opening and closing percentiles for all rounds and categories. The cutoff was published for both the All India and Home State quotas. 

During the last round, the cutoff for the General AI category ranged from 13.54 to 76.92, wherein the

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

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