MCA Syllabus & Subjects List 2025: Download Semester-wise Syllabus PDF

Diya NihalaniContent Author
The MCA syllabus is divided into 4 equal semesters, following the 2-year curriculum. MCA or Master of Computer Applications is a PG degree program that offers comprehensive knowledge about IT-related subjects such as application development, mathematics, data mining, and programming languages.
Students who wish to join the IT workforce without studying engineering can opt for an MCA program. Amity University, Galgotias University, Christ University, MIT-WPU, Parul University, Jain University, etc., are some of the top MCA colleges in India. The average MCA course fee ranges between INR 432 to INR 22 Lakh. MCA postgraduates can find jobs in various sectors, including BFSI, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Healthcare, etc.
Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more MCA course syllabus details.
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MCA Syllabus 2025
The MCA syllabus combines elective, core, and lab subjects, which may vary depending on specific colleges and specializations offered, however, candidates can take a general overview from the table below:
|
MCA 1st Sem Subjects 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| Python Programming | Web Technologies Through PHP |
| Software Engineering and Project Management | Business Communication and Ethics |
| Domain Elective 1 | Python Programming Lab |
| Web Technologies Through PHP Lab | - |
|
MCA 2nd Sem Subjects 2025 |
|
| Data Base Management Systems | Operating Systems |
| Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML | Venture Ideation and Entrepreneurship |
| Domain Elective 2 | Domain Elective 3 |
| Java Programming 1 | DBMS Lab |
| Domain Elective 2 Lab | Java Programming Lab |
| Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML Lab | - |
|
MCA 3rd Sem Subjects 2025 |
|
| Modelling and Simulation | Computer Networks |
| Domain Elective 4 | Domain Elective 5 |
| Domain Elective 6 | Computer Graphics |
| Domain Elective 5 Lab | Domain Project |
|
MCA 4th Sem Subjects 2025 |
|
| Full-time Industry Project and Seminar | - |
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Core MCA Subjects
The core subjects in the MCA program are the common topics generally covered in every MCA specialization. Here are some core MCA subjects:
|
MCA Core Subjects |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science |
Statement (Proposition), Logical Connectives, Conditional, Bi-conditional, Converse, Inverse, Contrapositive, Exclusive OR, NAND, NOR, Tautology, Contradiction, Satisfiable, Duality Law, Algebra of propositions, Mathematical Induction; Set Theory, Combinatorics and Discrete Probability. |
|
Database Management System |
Database System Applications, View of data, Advantages, Database languages, users and Administrator, Architecture, SQL, Data Definition, Basic Operations, Basic structure of SQL queries, Set operations, Aggregate Functions, and Null values. |
|
Object Oriented Programming |
Elements of Object Oriented Programming: Object, Encapsulation & data abstraction, Classes, Inheritance and Polymorphism. Programming Basics, Type conversion, Loops and Decisions, Structures, Enumerated Data Types, and Simple functions. |
|
Operating Systems |
Simple, multi-programmed batch systems, distributed systems, time-sharing & real-time systems, Algorithms thrashing Deadlocks, and Concurrent Processes. |
|
Software Engineering |
Software Product, Development approaches and team structures, Process models and SRS: Various Process models, Requirements Functional and non-functional, Software Document, Requirement Engineering Process, Feasibility Studies, Software Prototyping, Functional models, Structured Analysis, Design Concepts and Principles. |
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Java Programming |
Java Development Kit, Java Runtime Environment, Java Virtual Machine, Bytecode. Java data types, keywords, operators, Type conversion, Arrays, Ragged arrays, and array lists. |
|
Data Structures and Algorithms |
Pseudocode, The Abstract Data Type, Model for an Abstract Data Type, ADT Implementation, Algorithm Efficiency, Time and Space Complexities, Asymptotic Notations, Recursion, Queues, Trees, and Graphs. |
|
Web Technologies |
Introduction to HTML, Structure of HTML Document, Semantics of HTML Elements and Attributes, HTML Tables and Forms, Introduction to CSS, Types of Styles, Selectors, Style Cascade, The Box Model, Text Styling, PHP Controls, PHP Functions, and PHP Arrays. |
|
Data Analytics |
Data science, steps in data analysis projects, need for analytics, Data- sources of data, data warehouses, data sets, data types, privacy & confidentiality, transformation, samples vs. population, dimensionality reduction, Data Analysis and Visualisation. |
|
Machine Learning |
Introduction, Applications, Probability, Parametric Classification, Regression, Tuning Model Complexity, Clustering, regression. |
|
Computer Networks |
Need for layered architecture and comparison between ISO/OSI, and TCP/IP layered models. Significance of Data Link layer and protocols. Network layer functionalities, classless IP addressing, classful, address allocation and role of forwarding module in forwarding the packet using the routing table. |
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MCA Elective Subjects
Check out some common elective subjects covered in the MCA course syllabus:
|
MCA Elective Subjects |
Subject Details |
|---|---|
|
Microprocessors |
Inductive learning, Learning Concepts and rules from Examples, Learning by analogy, Learning from observation and discovery, Learning by experimentation, Learning by training Neural Networks; Genetic-Based Machine Learning (GBML), Learning Classifier Systems (LCS), Genetic Programming.; Analytical learning |
|
Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms |
Review of basic data structures, Dynamic data structures, Approximation, Algorithms, and Analysis of the expected time complexity of the algorithms. Probabilistic Algorithms & Randomised Algorithms. |
|
Advanced Computer Architecture |
Register Transfer and Micro operations: Register Transfer Language, Register transfer, Bus and Memory Transfer, Arithmetic Micro operations, Logic Micro operations, Shift Micro operations and Arithmetic logic shift units, computer arithmetic |
|
Web-Based Programming |
World Wide Web – introduction, Web servers, Client-Server model, Browser architecture, Browser Interface, optional clients, Search engines, optimization of search engines, caching in a web browser, CGI interface; Scripting languages – JSP, ASP; Hypertext – HTML, DHTML, HTTP; Web Programming- Java language, Java Beans, Java Swings, Java utilities, Servlets, Applets, and RMI. |
|
Cloud Computing and IoT |
Cloud Computing Fundamentals, Cloud services: Benefits and challenges of cloud Computing, Types of Cloud, Key Characteristics of Cloud Models, Grid Computing, Cluster Computing, Grid Computing v/s Cloud Computing. |
|
Compiler Design |
Overview of a Compiler, Lexical Analyzer, Syntax Analysis: PDA, NPDA, Construction of Top-down and Bottom-up parsers from CFG, Recursive descent parser, Operator precedence parser, LR parsers, Semantic Analysis, code optimization. |
|
Wireless Networks |
Introduction to Wireless Networks, Wireless Transmission, Modulation techniques - analogue modulation and digital modulation, Spread Spectrum technology, Wireless Medium Access Control, Mobility and Mobile IP, TCP Over Wireless Networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks. |
|
Parallel and Distributed Systems |
Parallel systems, hardware, SIMD, MISD, MIMD, Multiprocessor systems, Parallel algorithms, Shared memory, message passing, and data parallel programming, Shared memory multiprocessors, Synchronisation, Distributed object-based systems, Distributed file systems. |
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Popular Specializations
An MCA degree forms the foundation for working in the IT sector. Students can opt for a specialisation along with their regular MCA program. Studying a specialisation helps to provide detailed knowledge about a particular sector that interests the student. Some of the specialisations offered in MCA are as follows:
|
MCA Specializations |
Specialization Subjects |
Specialization Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Mining |
|
Students learn to process and analyse data, create models and algorithms and use data mining techniques. |
|
Internet of Things |
|
This includes IoT physical design, communication models and IoT-enabled technologies to create applications. |
|
Artificial Intelligence |
|
Review and analysis of complex systems by developing an understanding of the issues involved in defining and simulating perception, comparing and contrasting different AI techniques. |
|
Wireless And Mobile Networks |
|
Formation of basic wireless systems, their functioning, network architecture, data communication, and the functioning of mobile hardware. |
|
Data Science |
|
Developing analytical skills to carry out research, improve businesses, work with large amounts of data, and find relevant information and market trends from the data. |
|
Develop a structured digital marketing plan and select strategic choices for increasing client acquisition, conversion, and retention. To make digital technology more accessible as a tool and possible requirement for competitive advantage. |
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Popular Books and Authors
The books for MCA include coursebooks as specified by the college and reference books to widen the students’ understanding of crucial subjects. These include books from foreign publications, including Pearson and TMH. Here is a list of books to refer to for the MCA course:
|
MCA Subjects |
MCA Books |
Authors |
|---|---|---|
|
Computational Mathematics |
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Database Management System |
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Object Oriented Programming |
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Operating Systems |
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Software Engineering |
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Java Programming |
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Data Structures and Algorithms |
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Web Technologies |
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Data Analytics |
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Machine Learning |
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Computer Networks |
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Internet of Things |
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Top MCA Colleges with Syllabus PDFs
There are around 3,000 MCA colleges in India, of which more than 1,600 are private and 400 are government entities; meanwhile, the remaining are government-aided. They offer MCA programs in various modes and specializations, along with placement opportunities. Candidates can see the tables below offering MCA course syllabus PDFs of top colleges in India.
Top Government Colleges
| Best Government Colleges | MCA Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| DU | MCA Syllabus |
| IGDTUW | MCA Syllabus |
| Jadavpur University | MCA Syllabus |
| Jamia Hamdard University | MCA Syllabus |
| JMI | MCA Syllabus |
| NIT Calicut | MCA Syllabus |
| NIT Jamshedpur | MCA Syllabus |
| NIT Raipur | MCA Syllabus |
| UoH | MCA Syllabus |
| University of Lucknow | MCA Syllabus |
Note: The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Top Private Colleges
| Best Private Colleges | MCA Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| Amity Patna | MCA Syllabus |
| Bhabha University | MCA Syllabus |
| Galgotias University | MCA Syllabus |
| GD Goenka University | MCA Syllabus |
| IUL | MCA Syllabus |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | MCA Syllabus |
| MIT College of Management | MCA Syllabus |
| National Institute of Science and Technology | MCA Syllabus |
| SASTRA | MCA Syllabus |
| SMU | MCA Syllabus |
Note: The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Links useful for the MCA Course Syllabus:
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MCA Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Q. What is the MCA program?
A. MCA or Master of Computer Applications is a postgraduate degree in computer and IT-related fields. Students pursue the MCA program after BCA or any related field.
Q. What is the duration of an MCA program?
A. The MCA program is a two-year-long master’s program approved by the UGC. Earlier, the duration of the course was three years.
Q. What are the subjects included in an MCA program?
A. In an MCA program, students learn about computer applications related subjects such as C, C++, Java, Object Oriented Programming, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Database Management Systems, and Data Structures and Algorithms.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for the MCA program?
A. Most colleges require a minimum of 55 to 60% marks in graduation for admission to the MCA program. Some colleges also require Mathematics as a compulsory subject for admission to the MCA program.
Q. What is the salary of MCA graduates?
A. As MCA is a master's program, the starting salary for MCA graduates is better than those seeking placement after a bachelor’s course. Typically, the average salary of MCA graduates is INR 8.5 Lakhs.
Q. What is the fee of an MCA program?
A. For government colleges, the MCA fee ranges between INR 25,000 to INR 50,000 per annum. For private institutes, the fee range is between INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 per annum.
Q. How is MCA different from Engineering?
A. An MCA degree focuses on IT-related technologies and computer applications while an engineering program focuses on the hardware and software aspects of computers and IT.
Q. Are MCA graduates considered equal to Engineering graduates?
A. MCA graduates receive the same placement opportunities as B.Tech graduates.
Q. Can I enrol in MCA programs without going for an entrance examination?
A. Yes, students can opt for direct admission to MCA programs for some private institutes. There are high-ranking colleges that have direct intake for MCA programs.
Q. What books should I read for the MCA course?
A. Some important books for MCA include Problem Solving Using C, Discrete Mathematics Structure, Fundamentals of Computer Organisations, Introduction to Unix, Introduction to Web Technologies, Programming Using C#, and Object Oriented Programming Using C++.
- 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
MCA Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Private MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Colleges in India
MCA Applications open. Apply Now
MCA Applications open. Apply Now
Popular MCA (Master of Computer Applications) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
54 Colleges
- Cyber Security
43 Colleges
- Forensic Science
7 Colleges
- Fullstack Development
7 Colleges
- Ethical Hacking
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4 Colleges
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Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- Integrated BCA + MCAGalgotias University
- MCA in Industry Oriented Specialization (Computer Network and Cyber Security)Galgotias University
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Galgotias University
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Christ University
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Kristu Jayanti College
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Presidency College
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Amity University, Jaipur
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Mount Carmel College
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Institute of Management Studies, Noida
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)Amity University, Lucknow
News & Updates
Oct 10, 2025
Student Forum
Answered a week 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.
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
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
J
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
C
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
r
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
a
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
N
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
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
R
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
R
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
R
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
R
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
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
R
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
V
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
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
MCA placement is very good in top government university and colleges.
- Delhi university- offers highest LPA 20
- Techno india university- offers highest lpa 16
- It depends on college to college
MCA placements lead to diverse roles like Software Developer, Data Scientist, and Cloud Architect, with average
S
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.
N
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.
- With pwd certificate, you will go to that university
- Then after showing this y
S
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
- Top companies like TCS, WIPRO COMES TO HIRE.
- Also top roles offered to candidates like graduate t
S
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
S
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.
| Category | Last Round Cutoff 2025 |
|---|---|
| General | 625 |
| OBC | 721 |
| SC | 3160 |
| ST | 6754 |
| PWD | 10693 |
| EWS | 752 |
N
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.
N
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
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
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Please refer to the table below for the best MCA colleges in India that provide low fees and high placement in India:
| College Name | Tuition Fee | Annual Package Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Dravidian University | INR 30,000 - INR 37,500 | INR 51.36 LPA |
| Institute of Distance and Open Learning, University of Mumbai | INR 49,330 | INR 15 LPA |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | INR 4,800 | INR 9.5 LPA |
| A K Choudhary School of Information Technology, University of Calcutta | INR 12,000 | INR 9.2 LPA |
| University of Kalyani | INR 40,000 | INR 9 LPA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
D
Contributor-Level 10
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I want to know eligible criteria for MCA in jawahar lal nehru University