MCA: Full Form, Courses, Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Scope
MCA stands for Master of Computer Applications. It is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on computer applications. The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are required to develop and implement computer applications. MCA is a popular choice for students who want to pursue a career in the IT industry. MCA course allows candidates to develop computer skills which are in great demand across various IT and Software companies. Moreover, it is designed to meet the shortage of qualified professionals in the IT (Information Technology) industry in India.
It is a sought-after course after completing BCA which allows candidates to work as IT consultant, Database Engineer, Social Media Handler, and in various other positions. MCA can provide a candidate with in-depth knowledge of programming languages, software development, database management, and computer networks. MCA graduates can find jobs in various sectors, including software development, IT consulting, banking, finance, and insurance. The average starting salary for an MCA graduate in India can range from INR 432 to INR 7 Lakh.
To be eligible for MCA course, the candidate should have completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science or in a related field with mathematics as a subject. Some top entrance exams for MCA are NIMCET, IPU CET MCA, MAH MCA CET, and TANCET. The top colleges that provide MCA course are Amity University, Christ University, Chandigarh University, Shoolini University, Madras Christian College, Jain University.
Latest Updates for MCA course:
- CUET PG 2024 Result (Tentative) would be released on Jul ’24.
- TSICET 2024 Registration has commenced.
- The last date to apply for TSICET 2024 is May 7, 2024.
- TSICET 2024 Exam Date: Jun 5 & Jun 6, 2024
MCA Course Details: Highlights
Candidates can check key points related to highlights of MCA course such as course level, duration, course fees, entrance examinations, average salary, top recruiting companies, top colleges etc. in the table below:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Full Form | Master of Computer Applications |
Course Level | Postgraduation |
Eligibility | BCA with minimum 55% marks and entrance examination |
Duration | 2 year (4 semesters) |
Examination Type | Semester-wise |
Course Fee | INR 432 to INR 7 Lakh |
Top Colleges | Amity University, Christ University, Chandigarh University, Shoolini University, Madras Christian College, Jain University |
Average salary | INR 4 to 7 lakh |
Job Positions | Software Developer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Engineer |
Entrance Exam | OJEE, KMAT, CUET, NIMCET |
Top Recruiting Companies | Accenture, Cisco Systems, Alcatel, BSNL, Amazon |
MCA Relevant Information You Might Be Interested In: Popular MCA Colleges
What is MCA Course?
Master of Computer Application is a two-year postgraduate level course which delves deeper into the specialisations in the branch of computer applications. Technological issues require specialised solutions and MCA course provides hands-on training and skills to address complex issues arising in the domains such as operating systems, computer languages and system administration.
MCA Eligibility Criteria
Candidates can find below the minimum educational qualifications, marks and age requirements in the table given below:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
MCA Academic Qualifications | Completed BCA or BSc or BCom or BA degree Should have studied Mathematics as one of the graduation subjects. |
MCA Marks criteria | Minimum 50% to 60% marks or 6 CGPA in graduation Minimum 55% marks in 12th standard |
MCA Age Limit | There is usually, no age limit |
MCA Work Experience | Some colleges may ask for at least 2 years of work experience in relevant field. |
Top MCA Entrance Exams 2024
Some of the popular entrance exams for MCA include various national-level or state-level entrance examinations. Some of them are as follows:
Name of the Exam | Exam Dates | Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|
SET 2024 | 05 May ’24 – 11 May ’24 | SET 2024 Schedule |
NIMCET 2024 | 08 Jun ’24 | NIMCET 2024 Schedule |
MAH MCA CET 2024 | Exam over | MAH MCA CET 2023 Schedule |
CUET UG 2024 | 15 May ’24 – 31 May ’24 | CUET UG 2024 Schedule |
IPU CET 2024 | May, 2024 – June, 2024 | IPU CET 2024 Schedule |
MCA Syllabus
The basic MCA course curriculum includes topics such as Network and Database Management, Electronics, Mobile Technologies, Financial Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, Cloud Computing, Java Programming etc. Candidates must note that the MCA subjects are subject to change depending on the college
There are two semesters in one academic year of MCA course.
Candidates can find below a table containing semester-wise MCA course syllabus:
MCA First Semester Syllabus | |
---|---|
Introduction in IT | Computer Organisation & Architecture |
Programming & Data Structure | Introduction to Management functions |
MCA Second Semester Syllabus | |
Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations | Operating Systems |
Oral and Wireless Communications | Accounting and Management Control |
MCA Third Semester Syllabus | |
Data Base Management Systems | Computer Communication Networks |
Object Oriented Analysis and Design | Management Support System |
MCA Fourth Semester Syllabus | |
Network Programming | Software Engineering I |
Organizational Behaviour | Network Lab |
MCA Relevant Information You Might Be Interested In:: MCA Syllabus
Top MCA Specialisations
MCA course provides specialisations in many fields related to science and technology. Candidates can choose the specialization based on their interests, abilities and job prospects. MCA specializations are offered as elective subjects in the final year of MCA course.
Given below are some of the popular specialisations available in MCA course offered by many colleges:
MCA Specialisations | |
---|---|
Application Software | Systems Management |
Hardware Technology | Systems Development |
Internet | Systems Engineering |
Management Information Systems (MIS) | Software Development |
Networking | Troubleshooting |
Which degree is better: BTech or MCA?
Choosing between a B.Tech and an MCA can be a head-scratcher, both offering promising careers in the IT realm. But their paths diverge, catering to different strengths and goals. Let’s break down the key differences to help you navigate your decision:
Top MCA Colleges
Some of the top colleges offering MCA course include top private and government colleges. Many engineering colleges provide MCA courses as well. Candidates are advised to select MCA colleges on the basis of their fee structure or the placement opportunities offered.
Top Private Colleges offering MCA
Some of the popular private colleges for pursuing MCA degree includes private universities and other deemed to be universities considered as institutes of eminence across India. They offer expert faculties and excellent infrastructure and placement opportunities. Admissions to these institutes are conducted by the institute’s entrance exam or on the basis of scores of state-level or national-level entrance examination. Some of the top private MCA colleges are as follows:
MCA Private College | Total Tuition Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Amity University, Noida | 5.2 Lakh – 11.2 Lakh |
Chandigarh University | 3 Lakh – 3.18 Lakh |
Christ University | 3.6 Lakh |
D.Y Patil International University | 2.4 Lakh |
Galgotias University | 92,000 – 3.85 Lakh |
Kristu Jayanti College | 2.6 Lakh |
MIT-WPU | 4.1 Lakh – 4.6 Lakh |
Presidency College | 4 Lakh |
School of Computer Science, UPES | 3.68 Lakh |
Vellore Institute of Technology | 2.74 Lakh |
Top Government Colleges for MCA
Some of the popular government colleges for MCA degree include top state and central universities. They are one of the most sought after colleges by students. Some of the top government MCA colleges are as follows:
MCA Government College | Total Tuition Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Banaras Hindu University | 30,530 |
Coimbatore Institute of Technology | 35,000 – 46,050 |
Gujarat University | 6,280 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | 432 |
Madras Christian College | 77,200 |
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda | 27,000 |
NIT Jamshedpur | 1.4 Lakh |
NIT Trichy | 2.1 Lakh |
Panjab University | 70,610 – 2.25 Lakh |
S.S. Jain Subodh PG College | 1.26 Lakh – 1.32 Lakh |
MCA Career Scope and Job Profiles
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 calibre 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 given in the table below.
Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary in INR |
---|---|---|
App Developer | App developers are individuals designing, building and maintaining mobile application for android, iOS, windows, blackberry platforms etc. | 6- 8 LPA |
Business Analyst | A Business analyst typically mentors people aiming to start a business of their own. | 8- 10 LPA |
Database Engineer | Database engineers are hired by computer systems companies with an aim to design and monitor complex databases. | 7- 9 LPA |
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. | 8- 10 LPA |
Hardware Engineer | Hardware engineers install and test systems to ensure proper functioning of the internet. | 6- 8 LPA |
Social Media Handler | Companies hire social media specialist to handle their popularity and presence amongst people through the virtual world. | 5- 6 LPA |
Web Designer/Developer | Web developers/designers are mainly responsible for constructing a website. | 6- 8 LPA |
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 MCA Recruiters
Some of the leading companies and organisations recruiting MCA graduates include top multinational companies working in the field of IT and Software, Customer Service, Banking and Investment, Business Process or Knowledge Process Outsourcing. Professionals are hired on the basis of their experience and skills in order to address to the issues pertaining to their critical infrastructure and provide solutions to any issues. Some of the top MCA recruiters are as follows:
Recruiters for MCA | |
---|---|
Infosys | Microsoft |
Naukri.com | ORACLE |
TCS | Polaris |
WIPRO Systems | Jeevansathi.com |
Mahindra | Texas Instruments |
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 |
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) |
Syllabus – Important Facts For MCA
- Time duration
MCA is a two-year long program. The two years of the MCA program are divided into four semesters.
- Duration changed from three years to two years
Earlier MCA was a three-year program but in 2020, the All India Board of Computer Science, Engineering/Tech and Applications decided to update the program and reduce the duration to two years.
- Updated syllabus on the basis of CBCS
The revised curriculum was created in accordance with the Choice-Based Credit System or CBCS to improve grading methods. The MCA program has a total of 102 credits. The first three semesters hold 26 credits each, while the last semester holds 24 credits.
- Examination Pattern
The examination pattern is a combination of internal assessments and external assessments. The internal assessments hold about 30 per cent of the total marks and external assessments are carried for the remaining 70 per cent of marks for the final assessment.
- MCA from NIT versus Other Colleges
The MCA program at NITs aims at developing job-ready candidates and creating expertise in the field to support self-employment. The syllabus includes additional subjects to foster business acumen and management skills whilst upgrading their technical knowledge. This includes subjects such as Accounting and Financial Management, Resource Management Techniques, Organisational Behaviour, and new emerging programming languages such as ‘R’.
List of Subjects in MCA
The Masters of Computer Applications program deals with a combination of computer science and information technology subjects. The MCA program also complements subjects such as Mathematics, and elective subjects such as cloud computing and wireless networks.
Here is a list of core and elective subjects in an MCA program:
Typical Core Subjects for MCA
Subject title | 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, Null values |
Object Oriented Programming | Elements of Object Oriented Programming: Object, Encapsulation & data abstraction, Classes, Inheritance and Polymorphism. Programming Basics, Type conversion, Loops and Decision, Structures, Enumerated Data Types, Simple functions |
Operating Systems | Simple, multiprogrammed batch systems, distributed systems, time-sharing & real time systems, Algorithms thrashing Deadlocks, Concurrent Process |
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 |
Java Programming | Java Development Kit, Java RunTime Environment, Java Virtual Machine, Bytecode. Java data types, keywords, operators, Type conversion, Arrays, Ragged arrays, ArrayLists |
Data Structures and Algorithms | Basic Concepts: Pseudocode, The Abstract Data Type, Model for an Abstract Data Type, ADT Implementation, Algorithm Efficiency, Time and Space Complexities, Asymptotic Notations, Recursion, Queues, Trees, 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, 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, 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. |
Typical Elective Subjects for MCA
Subject Title | 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, 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 | Word Wide Web – introduction, Web servers, Client-Server model, Browser architecture, Browser Interface, optional clients, Search engines, optimization of search engines, caching in web browser, CGI interface; Scripting languages – JSP, ASP; Hypertext – HTML, DHTML, HTTP; Web Programming- Java language, Java Beans, Java Swings, Java utilities, Servlets, Applets, 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 optimisation |
Wireless Networks | Introduction to Wireless Networks, Wireless Transmission, Modulation techniques – analog 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. |
Detailed Syllabus For MCA
The syllabus for the MCA program includes core and elective subjects. The students can choose from the available elective subjects as per their preference or specialisation. The detailed syllabus for MCA is given below:
Semester | Core/Elective | Subject title | Subject Details |
First | Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
| Programming in C
Computer Fundamentals
Data Structures
Discrete Mathematics
Computer Architecture
Numerical Methods
| Program design and analysis using the C programming language, basic data types and their operators, control structures, arrays, string, structs and unions, dynamic memory allocation, pointers and pointer arithmetic, and files.
Logic gates, Boolean algebra, K-map, Map simplification, Combinational circuit Design, Sequential Circuit Design, Logic Design, Processor Control Logic Design, Digital Integrated circuits
Classification of Data Structures, Tree and tree operations, Shortest path algorithm, Fundamentals of the Analysis of Algorithm Efficiency, Recursion
Sets, Functions, Relations, Logic operators, normal forms, truth tables, Propositional and predicate calculus, Euclidean algorithms, Boolean Algebra, Fibonacci numbers
Data representation – two’s complement, number system, Arithmetic operations using 2’s and 1’s complements, floating-point representation and arithmetic operations; Input output organisation –I/O verses memory bus, Isolated versus memory mapped I/O, Priority interrupts, DMA, I/O processors; Memory Organisation– RAM, ROM, Associative memory, Cache memory
Data representation – Fixed-point numbers, Finite data representation;Floating-point numbers, Propagation of error, Root finding’ Newton’s methods, Gaussian numerical integration, Solution of systems of linear equations – matrix equation, method of triangular matrics, Gaussian elimination with pivoting, Jacobson and Gauss Seidel; Ordinary Differential equations – Euler method, Multi-step method, Runga-Kutta methods, System of differential equations. |
Second | Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
| Database Management Systems
Computer Networks
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Object Oriented Programming
Artificial Intelligence
Operating Systems | Database Architecture, Database Analysis, Database Design, Normalisation, Lossless Join Decomposition and Relational Algebra, Tuple and Domain Relational Calculus, Concurrency Control and Recovery Techniques, Advances in Database Systems and Technologies
Overview of Computer Network, Data Communication, , Nyquist theorem, Shannon’s formula, modulations, encoding schemes, ALOHA systems, Local Area Networks, Token Ring, Token Bus, FDDI, Routing, congestion control, Application Protocols – FTP, Email.
Some efficient algorithms; Algorithm analysis: worst case and average case analysis, Recurrences and asymptotics; Algorithm design, Efficient data structures, amortised analysis, NP completeness
The Key Attributes of Object-Oriented Programming, The Java Class Libraries, The Java Development Kit. Java’s Primitive Types, The Scope and Lifetime of Variables, Literals, Shorthand Assignments, operators, Type conversion in Assignments, Using Cast. Control Statements, Recursion, Inheritance Basics, Member Access and Inheritance
Overview of AI, Problem solving, various search strategies, Introduction to logic programming, Knowledge representation, Conceptual dependency, Uncertain knowledge and reasoning, Hill Climbing, Simulated Annealing, Best First Search.
Overview, Operating System Structures, Computer System Structures, Process and Process Scheduling, CPU scheduling, Process Synchronisation, Paging, Segmentation, Virtual Memory, File System Allocation methods, Secondary Storage Scheduling and Management, Protection, Security |
Third | Core
Core
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective | Software Engineering
Theoretical Computer Science
Microprocessors
Computer Graphics and Multimedia
Probability and Statistics
Machine Learning | Introduction, Software Process Models, Software Product and Process, Engineering, Requirements Requirements Analysis –Data Flow Diagram, Requirement Specification, Requirement Validation; Design- Concepts, Cohesion, Coupling, User Interface Design, Mapping Analysis to Design, Structure Charts, CASE Tools, Software Maintenance and Reengineering.
Mathematical reasoning; logic; methods of proof; sets, relations, function, Kleen’s theorem, Moore and Mealy models; Turing machine; Pushdown automata; Recursive and recursively enumerable sets models, recursive functions.
Basic Microprocessor architecture, memory systems for microprocessor, bus structure and memory maps, hardware and software interrupts, I/O systems Introduction to Intel family of microprocessor, 8085/8086 microprocessor – architecture, Instruction set, programming.
Graphics devices – random scan and Raster-scan; Bresenahm’s circle drawing algorithm, generation of ellipses, 2-D graphics: polar coordinates, parametric functions, vectors, matrices operations; 3-D graphics: transformation- right handed coordinate system with vertical y-axis, matrices for translation, scaling rotation around axis
Probability – Conditional probability, Axioms, Bayes Theorem, Discrete RV – Binomial, random variables, geometric Poisson, Continuous RV, Hypothesis testing, Curve fitting, Methods of least Squares, Curvilinear Multiple regression.
An overview of Machine learning; Inductive learning, ID3, C4.5; Learning Concepts and rules from Examples; Learning by analogy; Learning from observation and discovery; Learning by experimentation.
|
Fourth | Core | Project | Students have to complete a project by designing a computer application using the knowledge gained during the previous three semesters. |
Specialisations Offered In MCA
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:
Specialisation | Specialisation Subjects | Specialisation Details |
Data Mining | Data Processing Mining Frequent Patterns And Advanced Pattern Mining Classification Techniques Clustering Techniques Outlier Detection and Application | Students learn to process and analyse data, create models and algorithms and use data mining techniques. |
Internet of Things | IoT Introduction IoT Programming IoT Applications Network of Wireless Sensor Nodes MAC, Routing, and Transport Control in WSN | This includes IoT physical design, communication models and IoT enabled technologies to create applications. |
Artificial Intelligence | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Local Search Algorithms Knowledge Representation Game Playing Natural Language Processing | 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 | Wireless Telecommunications Systems and Networks Common Cellular System Components Wireless Network Architecture and Operation GSM and TDMA Technology CDMA Technology, CDPD and Edge Data Networks Wireless LAN/ PAN | Formation of basic wireless systems, their functioning, network architecture, data communication, and the functioning of mobile hardware. |
Data Science | Data, Relations and preprocessing Correlation and Regression Association Rule Mining and Classification Clustering and Time Series Analysis Visualisation and Applications | Developing analytical skills to carry out research, improve businesses, work with large amounts of data, find relevant information and market trends from the data. |
Digital Marketing | Going Digital – The Evolution Of Marketing The Search For Success Search Engine Optimization Email Marketing And Social Media Marketing Web Analytics | 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. |
Books and Authors Related to MCA
The books for MCA include coursebooks as specified by the college and reference books to widen the student’s 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:
Subject | Book Title | Authors |
Computational Mathematics | Discrete Mathematics with Applications Fundamental Approach to Discrete Mathematics | Thomas Koshy
D.P. Acharjya, Sreekumar |
Database Management System | Database System Concepts
Database Management System | Abraham Silberschatz, Henry Korth, S. Sudarshan Raghu Ramakrishnan, Johannes Gehrke |
Object Oriented Programming | The Complete Reference C++
Object Oriented Programming in C++ | Herbert Schildt
Robert Lafore |
Operating Systems | Operating Systems Concepts
An Introduction to Operating Systems | A Silberschartz, Peter B. Galvin and Greg Gagne H. M. Deitel |
Software Engineering | Software Engineering Software Engineering Concepts Software Project Management in Practice | Ian Sommerville Richard Fairley Pankaj Jalote |
Java Programming | Java The Complete Reference Core Java: Volume I – Fundamentals | Herbert Schildt Cay S. Horstmann |
Data Structures and Algorithms | Data Structures – A Pseudocode Approach with C Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Richard F. Gilberg and Behrouz A. Forouzan S. Sridhar |
Web Technologies | Fundamentals of Web Development PHP and MySQL Web Development | Randy Connolly, Ricardo Hoar Luke Welling, Laura Thomson |
Data Analytics | Making Sense of Data I: A Practical Guide to Exploratory Data Analysis and Data Mining Data Mining for Business Intelligence | Glenn J. Myatt, Wayne P. Johnson
Galit Shmueli, Nitin R. Patel, and Peter C. Bruce |
Machine Learning | Introduction to Machine Learning Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning | Ethem Alpaydin
Kevin P. Murphy
Christopher M. Bishop |
Computer Networks | TCP/IP Protocol Suite Computer Networks | Behrouz A. Forouzan Tannenbaum, A.S. |
Internet of Things | Internet of Things – A hands-on approach Architecting the Internet of Things | Arshdeep Bahga, Vijay Madisetti Dieter Uckelmann, Mark Harrison, Michahelles, Florian |
Entrance Exams for MCA
Eminent colleges including the NITs carry out admissions for MCA programs through NIMCET, the entrance examination. Some other colleges conduct entrance exams for MCA like UPSEE, TANCET, and VIT MEE. Most regular colleges provide admission to students on the basis of their marks in 10th and 12th standard, followed by the marks obtained in graduation.
NIMCET
The NIMCET test for admission to the MCA program in NITs is a two and a half hour long multiple choice answer type exam. Each question has four options for the candidate to choose from. Each question carries four marks. There is also a negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer. The test includes 50 questions from Mathematics, 40 questions from Analytical Ability and Logical Reasoning, 10 questions from Computer Awareness, and 20 questions from General English. The students have to mark their answers on an OMR sheet. Admission to the participating NITs is through the rank obtained in the NIMCET exam.
TANCET
The TANCET exam is conducted for admission to MCA programs in Anna University of Tamil Nadu. The test includes questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, and Computer Awareness. There are 100 questions in the test where one mark is awarded for every right answer and ? mark is cut for every wrong answer.
VITMEE
VITMEE is the entrance examination for master’s programs at VIT Vellore. There are a total of 100 questions for 100 marks in the exam. There is no negative marking in VITMEE. The test includes questions from English, Mathematics, and Basics of Computer Applications. Candidates should have a minimum of 60 percent marks in graduation to apply for the VITMEE examination.
Syllabus for Distance Program in MCA
While regular MCA is typically a two-year program, distance MCA is usually a three-year course and students can complete it in six years. The syllabus for distance MCA is the same as that of regular MCA. Students can opt for specialisations in distance MCA to study their preferred subjects or to improve their job profile. The distance MCA offers flexibility in terms of class time, availability of course material, and online examinations. The eligibility requirements for admission to distance MCA programs are flexible as compared to a regular course.
Top Colleges for MCA
The MCA program is a top preference for prospective IT professionals. Several colleges across India offer the MCA program as a leading alternative to B.tech and M.tech courses. Prominent institutions including NITs offer MCA programs to fulfil the increasing demand for skilled IT professionals. Here is a list of the top colleges for MCA as per government rankings, placements, and recent surveys:
College/University/Institution | Syllabus PDFs |
NIT Trichy | Download Here |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | To be Uploaded Soon |
University of Hyderabad | To be Uploaded Soon |
Christ University, Bangalore | To be Uploaded Soon |
Delhi University | To be Uploaded Soon |
Banaras Hindu University | Download Here |
VIT Vellore | Download Here |
Fergusson College | To be Uploaded Soon |
NIT Jamshedpur | Download Here |
NIT Warangal | To be Uploaded Soon |
MCA Admissions 2024: Application Status
Master of Computer Applications is one of the most sought after courses for students who have completed BCA or PGDCA and who wish to enter into the field of academics and research in Computer Applications. Many students pursue this course every year and this course is offered by most of the private and government colleges in India. Infact few NITs also offer MCA courses and the admission process is very competitive. Different colleges and universities conduct their own entrance examinations or accept scores of other entrance examinations for admissions to MCA courses.
MCA Admissions 2024 in NIT 2024: Application Status
Admissions to NITs is done through NIMCET which is called as National Institute of Technology Master of Computer Applications Common Entrance Test. Participating NITs admit students for MCA course through this examination. Around 805 seats are offered by total NITs and more than 20,000 students appear for this examination. This entrance is also accepted by other universities. The registrations for this exam were opened from 5th March-10th April 2023 and the admit cards will be out between 1st June-11th June 2023. The exam shall be conducted on 11th June 2023.
College Name | Exams Accepted | Application Status |
---|---|---|
NIT Agartala | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Allahabad | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Bhopal | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Calicut | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Jamshedpur | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Kurukshetra | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Warangal | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Raipur | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Surathkal | NIMCET | Closed |
NIT Tiruchirapalli | NIMCET | Closed |
MCA Admissions 2024 in Government Universities 2024: Application Status
Most of the central and state universities offer MCA either through merit-based entry or under self-financed mode. Many state-level entrance examinations are conducted which is accepted by these top colleges. Moreover, many other universities also accept NIMCET scores which is generally accepted by NIT. One such example is Indraprastha University, New Delhi. The fee structure is more for the self-financed than the entrance/merit-based admissions. The details of admission and application status are given below:
College Name | Exams Accepted | Application Status |
---|---|---|
BIT, Mesra | BIT MCA Entrance Exam | Closed |
JNTUA College of Engineering | APICET | Closed |
PSG College of Arts and Science | TANCET | Closed |
Madras Christian College | TANCET | Closed |
Guru Nanak College, Chennai | TANCET | Closed |
Government Engineering College,Bikaner | NIMCET | Closed |
Panjab University | PU-CET | Closed |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | CUET PG | Closed |
Delhi University | CUET PG | Closed |
Savitribai Phule Pune University | MAH MCA CET | Closed |
Banaras Hindu University | CUET PG | Closed |
MCA Admission 2024 in Private Universities: Check Application Status
Since MCA is a professional course, therefore to maintain uniformity in the admission process, most of the private universities have started to accept scores of state-level entrance examinations. Many private universities have become popular for their MCA courses. The courses are highly popular and the admission process is very competitive. Few other private insitutions conduct their own entrance examination for admission to MCA courses. Some of these colleges and their application status are as follows:
College Name | Exams Accepted | Application Status |
---|---|---|
MIT WPU | MAH MCA CET | Closed |
GITAM University | APICET | Closed |
Loyola College | TANCET | Closed |
CMR University | Karnataka PGCET | Closed |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management | MAH MCA CET | Closed |
Birla Global University | OJEE | Closed |
Kristu Jayanti College | Karnataka PGCET | Closed |
Presidency College, Bangalore | Karnataka PGCET | Closed |
Sri Sri University, Bhubaneswar | OJEE | Closed |
Silicon Institute of Technology | OJEE | Closed |


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