2025 Guide to PGDCA Courses – Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Application
This article will guide you through the PGDCA syllabus, types of PGDCA courses, and offline courses available in different universities.
Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) is a computer-related course for undergraduate passouts, preferabbly those who have completed an online BCA course. Or even a regular BCA. Also known as a PG degree in India, it's a globally accepted curriculum that provides advanced, job-ready skills. Known universities (online and offline) primarily offer PGDCA courses but accredited independent colleges and training organisations also do. Explore more about PGDCA below.
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What is PGDCA?
PGDCA's full form is a postgraduate diploma in computer applications.
A PGDCA course lasts one year and focuses on advanced theoretical and developmental knowledge of computer science and computer applications in information technology for students of IT and Software and even other backgrounds.
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Why Opt for the PGDCA Course?
PGDCA is the perfect course for students who want to become professionals in computer-aided drafting. It provides a comprehensive foundation in word processing, graphics and design, database management systems, spreadsheets, internetworking, and business applications. Apart from this, it also covers the latest trends, such as cloud computing and big data, which are essential for tomorrow’s professionals.
Here are some good reasons to join a PGDCA course.
- Save in Career Time: PGDCA is a one-year graduate program. It is shorter and more viable if you compare to other similar courses such as two-year MTech and a two-year online MCA. The PGDCA course consists of a comprehensive curriculum that not only saves time but also helps provide fierce competition to students in other courses.
- Learn More in Shorter Span: In all specialized courses, students usually choose a master’s degree over a graduate degree. This makes the PGDCA course an excellent career choice as it is relatively less competitive than other specialized courses. Also the PGDCA syllabus is quite in-depth but cramped into one year that offers good learning opportunities.
- Improve Career Opportunities: Some companies, especially in these cost-cutting times, may choose PGDCA graduates over BTech graduates simply because BTech graduates expect higher salary packages than PGDCA students.
Types of PGDCA Courses - Full Time and Part Time
PGDCA course is divided into two delivery formats. One is Full-time PGDCA and the other, Part-time PGDCA.
The full-time PGDCA program offers courses for 12 weeks a year and the Part-time PGDCA program offers courses for 8 weeks in a year.
Learn more about the PGDCA courses.
1. Remote PGDCA
Distance/remote learning can be more relaxing. Remote PGDCA courses are cheaper and students can enroll in their home country or near the center.
Some of the top distance PGDCA colleges offering distance education in India are:
- IGNOU, New Delhi
- Amity School of Distance Learning, Noida
- Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar
- Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai
- University of Delhi
2. Regular PGDCA
This is usually done weekly in a normal classroom environment. Enrolled students can exchange ideas more often with their teachers and colleagues. The quality of teachers is also better in regular classes, and there is more energy behind them.
3. Entrance exam-based entrance exam
There are several universities in India that enroll students in PGDCA courses based on entrance exams. Some marks are set to pass that entrance test. The minimum pass marks and syllabus of the entrance test will depend upon the university conducting that test.
4. Merit-based admission
For merit-based PGDCA enrollment, students are evaluated based on their undergraduate grades, such as BSc, BA, BCom, BCA and BTech. Some universities and research institutes require students to have a PI round or personal interview after screening students based on their grades.
5. PGDCA distance learning
Distance learning is primarily used by students who find it difficult to study in regular courses due to financial and time reasons. PGDCA distance learning focuses on providing students with a variety of specialized skills related to computer science.
The qualification criteria for participating in PGDCA distance learning are that students must complete an undergraduate course at an accredited university with a minimum of 50% total credits or equivalent CGPA.
Have a look at the importance of accreditations
PGDCA Entrance Exam
| JMIEEE-Jamia Millia Islamia |
| IISER-Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research |
| NEST – National Entrance Screening Test |
| DUET-Delhi University |
PGDCA Distance Education
Many colleges and universities offer online courses that are also referred to as distance education (DE). Distance education is a type of learning that occurs when students learn through correspondence or when students learn in a setting other than their institution’s physical location.
While many aspects of a PGDCA can be implemented via distance learning, this approach does have limitations. Many institutions use a hybrid model that combines both on-site and distance education approaches. Students attending an institution on-site can complete some aspects of the course via correspondence, while others are taught face-to-face in class locations at the institution.
| College/University | Fee |
|---|---|
| University of Delhi | 7,000 |
| IGNOU, New Delhi | 21,600 |
| Osmania University | 5250 |
| Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai | 10,000 |
| Lovely Professional University | 59000 |
| Sambalpur University, Odisha | 12,000 |
| Annamalai University | 6900 |
| Jaipur National University | 21800 |
| Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar | 6,000 |
PGDCA Top Recruiters in India
| Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) | Unisys |
| HCL | TCS |
| Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) | ASUS |
| Cisco Systems | Boeing BEL |
| Robert Bosch | Dell |
| Siemens | Lenovo |
| Qualcomm | Sasken Communications |
PGDCA Course Syllabus 2025
| Object-Oriented Programming | Foundations of Computer Programming | Computer Organization and Architecture |
| Software Engineering | Advanced Communication Skills | Introduction to Linux |
| Computer Networks | Basic Financial Management | Introduction to Internet Technologies |
| Data Structure | Database Management Systems | System Analysis and Design |
| Web Programming | Operating System | Visual Basic |
Top Institutions for PGDCA Course (offline)
| University | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Punjabi University Guru Kashi College | Punjabi University Gurukashi Campus, Damdamasahib and Tarwandisabo are the largest suburban campuses of Punjabi University Patiala. It is a major institution dedicated to advances in Punjabi, literature, culture, engineering and science, helping students achieve excellence in higher education. | 1 YEAR |
| Dibrugarh University | Dibrugarh University offers a variety of UG, PG, Diploma, and PhD courses. At the UG level, universities have various disciplines of B.Ed, B.Pharm, BCA, B.Li.Sc, B.P.Ed, BBA, BA (Performing Arts), B.Tech programs, and integrated B.Sc—Offers M.Sc and BA-LL.B courses. | 1 YEAR |
| Lovely Professional University | In addition to the core curriculum, the course offers subjects such as communication, analysis and soft skills to improve personality and employability. Encourage students to have maximum industrial exposure through problem identification and visits to new technologies | 1 YEAR |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdulkalam University | Dr. A.P.J. Abdulkalam University is located in the green area of the new Indore-Dewas Bypass. It is about 10 km from Indole Station. All department heads and faculty are experienced, enthusiastic and educated, and have achieved their goals of providing students with excellent careers and values to become responsible citizens. | 1 YEAR |
| The University of Delhi | The University of Delhi, is recognized by the UGC as the “Institute of Excellence”. The University of Delhi is ranked 13th among the best universities in India according to the NIRF 2022 ranking. DU has grown to be one of the largest universities in India with a total of over 7,000 students. DU has two campuses, the North Campus and the South Campus. There are 90 affiliated universities, 86 faculties, 23 centers, 16 faculties and 5 other research institutes. | 1 YEAR |
Jobs after completing PGDCA Course(with salary from AmbitionBox)
| Role | Description | Avg Salary(According to AmbitionBox) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Support Executive | Responsible for Technical Troubleshooting and Training Users.Should be well versed with Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Skills in Software | ₹ 2.6 LPA |
| Software Engineer | Develop applications, build enhancements and fix issues in applications.Prepare and conduct code reviews. Code – documentation / implementation documentation creation. Bug fixing for application/application maintenance | ₹ 5.3 LPA |
| Php software developer | Good knowledge of Javascript/ JSON/AJAXBasic knowledge of any JS framework.Good understanding of DBMS and relational databases. | ₹ 3.6 LPA |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | Ensuring product complaints into our quality tracking system accurately and on time to ensure that our quality system is reviewed and maintained. Report definition, development, and maintenance to support decision-making. Work closely with business users to understand your data analytics needs/requirements. | ₹ 5.3 LPA |
| Business Analyst | Understanding of how to interpret customer business needs and translate them into an application and operational requirements.Develop requirements specifications, proposals, and project document Collaborate with developers and subject matter experts to establish the technical vision | ₹ 7.0 LPA |
| Web Designer | Familiar with HTML5 and CSS3 hand-coding; Familiar with bootstraps for responsive web design Familiar with web standards, cross-platform and cross-browser issues Development and testing experience across multiple browsers and devices. Experience in photo editing for website layouts. | ₹ 2.7 LPA |
Conclusion
The range of professions that can be reached through a PGDCA degree depends on how well your training has prepared you for those qualifications.Students who have already completed their undergraduate education can gain absolute benefits from studying this type of course since they are already familiar with all required areas of study. After successfully completing Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Application course, most graduates go on to secure highly-paying jobs in any field where computer proficiency is needed. And, if you want to learn the latest trends around computer science, explore Your Guide to Start a Career in Machine Learning. And learn some subjects in PGDCA with free online courses.
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