In the present scenario, there is the extreme significance of the internet & technology in everyone’s life. People can’t even imagine living without the internet & technology these days. Everyone wants to get everything at their fingertips. With the increasing advancement in technologies, the demand for normal people is also increasing. To meet the demand of the general public, there are ample job opportunities are available in the field of MCA.

Now, what is the MCA course & why is it so important? What are its scope & salary? Well, we are going to discuss everything in detail in this blog.

 

Definition & full form of MCA

The full form of MCA stands for Master of Computer Applications. MCA is a very prestigious degree in the present scenario that adds a specialization to a graduate profile. MCA is basically a 2-year postgraduate degree that comprises theory as well as practical knowledge of the spectrum exposure of computer applications.

In the midst of the course of masters, massive industrial projects are also given to students to test their practical knowledge.

The admission procedure for MCA is entirely done based on various entrance exams like MAH MCA course CET & NIMCET. Aspiring candidates who want to pursue an MCA course have to qualify for the entrance exam to get admission. The minimum eligibility criteria required for MCA is a candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree in computer application-BCA, or any other relevant field with mathematics as a mandatory subject in class 12.

However, students preferred to opt for the full-time MCA course, but there is also the MCA Distant Education in India. Several Universities like IGNOU, TNOU, etc. The fee of these distant Universities is also affordable. MCA degrees from any distant University can be completed in between ₹ 40,000- ₹ 1, 50,000. Moreover, the degree can be extended to 5 years after completion of the course.

The average fee of an MCA course in a private college is generally around ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 2, 00,000. But the course of the government colleges is ranging from ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 30,000.

MCA Syllabus constitutes subjects such as Fundamental of IT, Programming in C, which is nowadays shifting to more sophisticated subjects such as Theory of Computation, Java Programming, Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Linux Programming, Enterprise Computing with Java, etc.

The average salary package for freshers in MCA jobs is around ₹ 2 lakhs to ₹ 6 lakhs & can increase up to ₹ 13 lakhs relying on the candidate’s expertise, skillsets as well as academic performance.

There are ample companies that recruit MCA graduates Google, SAP, Wipro, Microsoft, Cognizant, & many more. Besides that, graduates can also start working in the Public sector.

Aspiring candidates can choose to pursue a BCA+MCA merging course that saves a lot of money & helps the students to complete their double degree simultaneously.

Report of MCA Market Share 2021

 

Major Highlights of the MCA Course

 

MCA Course Full Form	Master of Computer Application
MCA Course Entrance Exams	IPU CET MAH MCA NIMCET TANCET
MCA Course Fee	₹ 30,000 to 2 Lac
MCA Course Salary	₹ 5-7 LPA
MCA Job Areas	Banking Consultancies Web Designing Networking Government Agencies Technical Support, etc.
MCA Top Recruiters	HCL Technologies Wipro IBM HP Accenture Cognizant Capgemini, etc.

 

 

Admission Procedure of MCA course in 2021

The admission process in the MCA course generally depends on the score obtained by the candidates in the University level entrance exams. There are also various state-level entrance exams such as IPU, CET, MAH CET, etc.

• Direct Admission: Usually, direct admissions take place based on the qualification of the MCAcourse program. Several institutes also cater admission based on management quota, which is considered a way of direct admission. Management quota seats are always reserved in every small to a big college. Although, the MCA course fee is usually on the steeper side for management quote seats, unlike the general seats.

 

• Entrance Test: After proceeding with the entrance exam, eligible candidates will be summoned for a counselling session.  Usually, counselling is arranged for allotment of seats in numerous affiliated with the specific University. The admission generally takes place after being allotted the seats in the counselling process.

  

Eligibility Criteria for MCA Course

The following are the eligibility criteria for the MCA course which is mentioned below:

• To pursue the MCA course, aspiring candidates must have to complete the graduation. The candidate requires have specializations in computer applications, computer science, or a relevant field. The candidates have to score a minimum of 50% at the UG level.
• Mathematics is compulsorily required as one of the core subjects in class 12 for applying for the MCA course.

 

Steps of getting admission to a premium MCA College

The following showcase some major points to remember, when it comes to taking admission to a premium MCA college:

• If you desired to get yourself registered in the best college for MCA course, you have to make sure to score more than 55% at the UG level from a recognized University.
• Entrance exams perform an extremely important aspect while selecting a good college. The table which is given below gives an overview of the essential topics for MCA course entrances are as follows:

 

Software Development	Artificial Intelligence	Multimedia Systems
Web-Based Applications	Theoretical Computer Science	Database Management System
Data Communication	Software Engineering	Computer Networks

 

• So, after you complete the proper preparation of the above-mentioned topics, the next step is to practice & solve a minimum of 10-12 timed Mock Tests & sample papers.
• Then start with the preparation for the entrance exam at least a year before to accomplish your goal. Your primary target is to reserve a seat in the best MCA College in India.
• You should start preparing full of vim & vigour to prepare for the next round after the entrance exam. The further process is followed by conducting group discussions & personal interviews.
• Stay updated with current affairs as this will enormously help you in achieving a very good score in the entrance exam.

 

Top College for Pursuing MCA in India

 

 

Why should you kick start your career in MCA?

MCA is generally a 2 year PG course program offered by a spectrum of colleges. It is specifically designed for candidates who want to develop in the modern world of technology. Master of Computer Applications is very prosperous with infinite opportunities in public as well as private companies.

• The MCA job market is flourishing with 2,05,000 new job opportunities every year, & it has a stable growth of 7.7% every year.
• MCA graduates can get ample job opportunities in various leading industries, companies as well as sectors.
• MCA graduate with a high level of knowledge & proficiency will be hired by top-notch MNCs as well as IT companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. An MCA graduate will receive a minimum salary of ₹ 13 lakhs per annum. This salary will rise with the increasing experience of the candidate over a period of time.

Check out: Global Market Size of MCA in 2021

 

Various types of MCA Courses in India 2021

Besides the regular MCA course, aspirants can also opt for the Online MCA course as well as Distance MCA Course. The distinguishing of these courses is explained below in a tabular form which is as follows:

 

Points of Difference	MCA Course Distance Education	MCA Course Online
Mode	Distance Education	Online with the help of web facility
Curse Duration	2-5 Years	6 Months-4 Years
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s Degree	Bachelor’s Degree
Admission Process	Done based on Merit or Entrance exam	It is done only based on merit
Average Course Fee	₹ 40,000- ₹ 1,50,000	₹ 30,000- ₹ 1,50,000

 

 

 

Syllabus of MCA course

The Master of Computer Application course duration is usually a three-year, which is divided into six semesters of six months each. The syllabus of the MCA course comprises classroom study, lectures, practicals as well as various project works. Especially the project work is the most vital part of the MCA study program.

The final year of the Master of Computer Application’s syllabus is entirely based on project work as well as specialization. The students can opt for the specializations as per their preference this semester.

Here, we will have a look at the complete course curriculum of Master of Computer Application (MCA). This course is offered in most of the recognized Universities in India includes both theory & practical subjects. The subjects are mentioned below in a tabular format which is as follows:

Year I	Year II	Year III
Fundamentals of IT	Theory of Computation	Linux Programming
Programming in C	Computer Graphics	Software Testing
Discrete Mathematics	Java Programming	Enterprise Computing with Java
Computer Organization	Data Communications and Networking	Project & Seminar
Data and File Structures	Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Project & Seminar
Object-Oriented Programming in C++	Data Warehousing and Data Mining	Project & Seminar
Operating Systems	Computer Networks	Project & Seminar
Database Management Systems	Object-Oriented Analysis and Design	Project & Seminar
Software Engineering	Web Technologies	Project & Seminar

 

 

 

Basic Difference between MCA & MSc Computer Science

The basic difference between MCA & MSc Computer Science is created based on academic qualification, duration, eligibility, etc. The following table highlights the points of difference between MCA & MSc Computer Science & gives an overview of these two courses.

Points of Difference	MCA Course	MSc Computer Science
Definition	The MCA course provides deep and extensive knowledge about various aspects of computer applications. Students learn about software, hardware, and networking along with the course of IT, Data structures & Mathematics.	MSc Computer Science provides core competence in various aspects of Computer Science. Students are taught software engineering, mathematics, artificial intelligence, data science, and much more.
Qualification	MCA course stands for Master of Computer Applications	This course offers a Master of Science degree in the field of Computer Science
Duration	3 years	2 years
Eligibility	BCA or related field	BSc Computer science or related field
Average Fees (₹)	1,00,000 – 5,00,000	1,00,000 – 3,00,000
Average Starting Salary (₹)	2,50,000 – 5,00,000	3,50,000 – 6,00,000

 

What is the difference between MCA & MTech in Computer Science

MCA & MTech in Computer Science does not have any similarity between them. They are completely different in every aspect such as qualification, course curriculum, fee, etc. But both of these courses provide a variety of blooming career & job opportunities after completion of these courses.

The core differences between these courses are explained below in a table which is as follows:

Points of Difference	MCA course	MTech Computer Science
Course Overview	The MCA course provides basic theoretical and practical knowledge in all aspects of computer applications like software engineering, networking, hardware studies, and much more.	M.Tech. in Computer Science is a specialized technical degree that provides in-depth knowledge and skills required to be successful in computer science and IT field.
Qualification Required	Master of Computer Applications	Master of Technology in Computer Science
Eligibility Criteria	BCA or related field	BTech in Computer Science
Subjects offered	Discrete Mathematics, Digital Electronics, and Microprocessor, C programming, Computer Applications, Web Technologies, Operating Systems, etc.	Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Advanced Database Systems, Soft Computing, Computer Graphics, Embedded Systems, etc.
Average Fees	1,00,000- 5,00,000	2,00,000- 8,00,000
Average Starting Salary	2,50,000 – 5,00,000	3,50,000 – 8,00,000

LNCT GROUP PLACEMENT RECORD 2020-21 BATCH

 

MCA Course Specializations

Students can choose a spectrum of specialization in the final year of the course program.   The following points provide a helicopter view of a variety of specializations that are offered in every University of India:

• Systems Management
• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Systems Development
• Systems Engineering
• Networking
• Internet
• Application Software
• Software Development
• Troubleshooting
• Hardware Technology

 

 

Job Profile	Job Responsibility	Average Salary (₹)
Software Developer	The key responsibility of a software developer is to design, install, test, and monitor the software in a firm.	4,85,000
Web Developer	A web developer designs the look, layout, and innumerable features of a website. Those professionals require to have a deep understanding of graphic design as well as computer programming.	2,81,000
Systems Analyst	The work of a system analyst is to thoroughly analyze what software or hardware is required by the company. Their job role extends beyond just software or hardware to the greater extent IT system	6,54,000
Network Administrator	Network Admin is accountable for fully supporting, configuring, maintaining networks and in-house servers.	3,67,000
Mobile App Developer	Their primary role is to develop various mobile apps as per the customer’s needs.	4,41,000
System Administrator	System Administrators are generally assigned with installing, supporting, and maintaining servers or other computer systems. Other duties comprise scripting or light programming, project management, etc.	3,04,000
Hardware Engineer	The responsibility of a hardware engineer is to carefully observe the hardware configuration of a computer.	3,78,000
Technical Writer	A technical writer is almost similar to a content writer that writes about fundamental technical pieces of stuff. These professionals are in high demand for writing several technical blogs and product descriptions to be written about.	4,93,000

 

 Jobs & scope of MCA in future

With the rapid rise & advancement in IT as well as software industries, there are amplifying career opportunities for MCA graduates. Apart from MCA graduates, there are also a plethora of lucrative career opportunities for MCA professionals as well. A massive number of Master of Computer Applications jobs are available in top-notch leading IT & several consultancy firms.

Candidates who have completed their MCA post-graduation have an unlimited demand by various gigantic companies & even small startups.  The trend of startups has become quite popular in the last several years. It is really is a blessing in disguise for various professionals of MCA & this trend is booming day by day.

Besides the leading IT sectors, in the present scenario startups or even a small company recruits tech-savvy professionals. These companies also offer remunerative compensation to these tech-savvy professionals.

The average salary package for a fresher in Master in Computer Applications ranges between ₹ 2.5 to ₹ 3.6 LPA. Even in an average IT company, the salary package starts from ₹ 2.5 lakhs per annum. But the core factor is that at present there is a reverberation in IT industries.

Hence, after receiving an MCA degree from a prestigious & recognized University there are bounteous fruitful career options. With the ample increasing job opportunities in this world of technology, the job vacancies will see a drastic rise. In the next decade, the demand for an MCA fresher as well as professionals will reach a peak.

Nowadays, MCA is a boon to meet every requirement in the sophisticated world of technology. MCA directs innumerable paths for various job opportunities in various government & private industries like the IT industry, cybersecurity, security companies, etc.

 

List of Top Recruiters of MCA freshers & professionals in India 2021

Job profile	Top Recruiters in India
Software Developer	TCS Wipro Infosys Cognizant Tech Mahindra IBM HCL Accenture
Hardware Engineer	Hi-Tech Solutions Ericson, Robotics and Scalability Technology
Software Consultant	TCS Wipro Infosys Cognizant Tech Mahindra IBM HCL Accenture
IT Support	Wipro Infosys Cognizant Tech Mahindra IBM HP
Web Designer	Wipro Infotech Deloitte

 

Average Salary Package Offered by the Top MCA Recruiters

Name of the Top Recruiters	Average Salary package (₹)
TCS	5.40 LPA
Wipro	6 LPA
Infosys	3.60 LPA
Cognizant	6.70 LPA
IBM	4.50 LPA
Tech Mahindra	3.90 LPA
HCL	3 LPA
Accenture	3.8 LPA
Hi-Tech Solutions	5 LPA
Ericson	3.4 LPA
Robotics and Scalability Technology	6 LPA

 

Other Pedagogical Options after pursuing MCA course

Students who have already completed their MCA course program & holding a degree can facilitate higher education. Students can pursue any course based on their points of interest. After completion of the MCA course, students have an evident option to pursue M.Phill or Ph.D. degree. To opt for a Ph.D., you will require a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score. These two degrees are considered pre-doctoral or doctorate in the field of Computer Applications.

These courses are offered by almost every renowned University across the country. Apart from these courses, students can also opt for a Master in Computer Management (MCM) or Master’s Degree in Information Management (MIM). MCM & MIM are great options for students to progress & enhance knowledge in this technological field.

However, for those students who are inclining more towards the managerial exposure of an organization, MBA is an outstanding course for them to pursue after completion of MCA. To handle the managerial aspects, MBA in Information Technology is the accurate course to opt for. You can pursue this course from a renowned & reputed Business Management School in India.

 

 

Distinctive Career Options for an MCA graduate

1. Application Developer

According to the data report of techARC, a market research firm, India has approximately 502.2 million smartphone users as of 2019. This means more than 77% of Indians nowadays have access to wireless broadband via smartphones.

(Source: The Hindu)

 

Therefore, in today’s world, mobile applications have been performing a crucial role & a core focus for all brands. Nowadays, every type of product or service can be offered through mobile applications. For instance: PharmEasy for purchasing medicines.

 

The general public is purchasing a massive number of products online through various apps. This was considered to be next to impossible a few years ago also. But now with advanced technology, nothing seems impossible for us. We can purchase any kind of product through mobile applications right at our fingertips.

 

Thus, ample companies are coming into the race of developing mobile applications & reach out to huge no of audiences. You can find your daily needs product also in mobile applications.

 

If you want to work in this field, then you will be assigned with developing various mobile applications for Android, iOS, Windows platforms.  You must have a piece of deep knowledge & a strong grasp of programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, etc.  You have to be adaptable to the latest trend in the market to become a successful Application Developer.

 

It is one of the most desired career choices after completion of the MCA course. The average salary package of an App Developer ranges between ₹ 4 lakhs to ₹ 15 lakhs per annum. There is a bright scope for rising in job opportunities in near future which is not so far.  With the increase of your proficiency, your salary will also increase.

 

2. Cloud Architect

In the forthcoming years, it is predicted that all storage requirements for firms will transfer to the cloud. Operations in this area of computing will also shift to cloud servers.

 

It is extremely crucial to access a sound design to improve & balance the storage requirement efficiently. It has also a wide scope in this modern era of technology. According to the data of PayScale, the average salary of a Cloud Solution Architect is approx. ₹ 13, 00,000 per annum.

 

A Cloud Architect must possess a set of technical skillsets in this area which is as follows:

• Database skills
• Operating systems such as Windows or Linux
• Quality assurance
• Cloud Migration
• Have a sound command of various programming languages such as Python or Java
• DevOps
• Information Security
• Networking
  3. Web Designer/Developer

The scope of website designing is rapidly blooming these days. With the increasing importance of online marketing along with the advancement of the internet, there are innumerable job opportunities available in the field of UI/UX Development.

 

If you want to work as a Web Designer then it is required to have a strong command of HTML, Flash & Angular JavaScript. In addition to that, this field needs a creative mind with adequate expertise in using Photoshop appropriately.

 

Now, when it comes to the salary aspect, the average salary for a Web Developer is usually ₹ 3, 21,800 per year (₹ 412.43 per hour).

A Web Developer is expected to get an average starting salary of ₹ 1, 17,000. There are some exceptional cases where the average salary can increase up to ₹ 8, 50,000.

4. Software Developer or Software Programmer

An MCA graduate can also start working as a Software Developer. Their responsibility assembles designing & monitoring software systems for companies.

 

Their key role is to cater to Information Technology (IT) Services as per the client’s requirement. However, this job role is inclusive of many obstacles to fulfill the creative requirements & the coding requirements.

 

The job profile of Software Development comprises massive duties & responsibilities which are as follows:

• Fulfilling the requirements of the client of the organization.
• Solving problematic issues along with appropriate software testing.
• Make sure to monitor the systems once they are functioning.
• Designing a variety of technical exposures of software.
• Integrating vital components to software to make it more effective.
• Coding for various programs & other references.

 

If you have an instinct for the aforesaid pointers, then this job profile will an ideal & eminent for you. Also, the salary is quite promising for this job.

 

According to a data of PayScale:

The top recruiters for the job profile of Software Developer are usually from the companies such as:

Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Amdocs, Inc, & Cognizant.

 

 

5. Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers are usually responsible for installing, testing to manufacture any kind of hardware equipment. These engineers work with a computer hardware system that comprises computer chips, keyboards, routers, circuit boards, hard disks & wires.

 

Their specific goal is to increase the effectiveness of the computer system by tweaking components, structure & layout. If you have a knack for fixing errors, examine test data, & remodeling to achieve rewarding positioning as a hardware engineer.

 

There are a large number of MCA graduates serving as professional computer hardware engineers. The scope is also very extensive for MCA graduates who have a knack for working as Hardware Engineers. The average salary package that is offered to a Hardware Engineer is ₹ 5, 15,600 per year. That means the salary is ₹ 42,965 per month.

 

6. Data Scientist

According to the data released by UpGrad India is the second-highest country recruiting ample employees in the area of data science or data analytics, etc. with over 50,000 positions available.

 

As it is quite familiar to us that the business environment is dynamic, it keeps changing with the latest advancements. The business environment mainly depends on numerous externalities. It is also next to impossible to accurately predict & function in time. But with the boon of Data Science, it is possible these days.

 

With all the data which is stored, the companies can Opportunity?, perform an efficacious SWOT analysis ( Strength, Weakness, & Threats). Their job duty is to make predictions of future market conditions & suggest the directors grab the beneficial opportunities & eliminate threat impacts.

 

It also provides enormous help to companies to figure out their strengths & weaknesses & properly utilize them for their perks.

 

Mandatory Skillsets required:

• In-depth understanding & knowledge of algorithms, statistics, mathematics, & machine learning.
• Have a strong command over various coding languages such as R, Python, SQL, SAS, & Hive.
• The propensity of asking the appropriate questions to procure correct interpretations & predictions.
• Must possess powerful communication skills.

 

The average salary package of a Data Scientist is around ₹ 7,08,012. A fresher Data Scientist can expect a salary of around ₹ 5,00,000 per annum who has experience of less than one year. Initial level Data Scientist with minimum 1 to 4 years of experience earns approx. ₹ 6,10,811 per annum.

 

A mid-level Data Scientist with experience of 5 to 9 years can receive ₹ 10,04,082 per annum in India. As you will learn & develop skills & knowledge in this field, your salary keeps increasing. A senior-level Data Scientist can easily earn more than ₹ 17,00,000 per annum in India.

 

Top Government Job Recruiters for MCA graduates

Following refer the list of top government jobs placements for MCA graduates which are mentioned below:

• Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)
• National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited
• NIC
• Government of India
• Public Sector Banks

 

These companies are amongst the best public companies recruiting MCA graduates in various profiles like Consultant, Programmer, System Analyst, & IT officer.

 

These top-notch public companies offer a decent salary of ₹ 35000- ₹ 50000 per month along with various allowances & perks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an MCA course?

MCA (Master of Computer Application) is generally a 2-year post-graduate degree/diploma in Computer Applications.  In several institutes in India, this course is also best known as PGDCA, PGDIT, etc.

2. Which is the best MCA course or MBA course?

When it comes to flourishing careers in the software field, this is the classical dilemma often faced by candidates. But, you will be astonished to know that the answer is quite simple. Just ask a question to yourself, i.e. Should I opt for a technical field or managerial field? And the answer to this question would be the accurate answer to your dilemma.

MBA is a field that is very active in successfully implementing top & middle-level management IT projects. To fulfill the targeted goals, he would prepare a solid plan for management’s growth objective. The primary responsibility & job role is to meet the system’s requirements which need to be accurate.

So, to enable the aforesaid objectives, he/she would need an MCA graduate who would design plans for system requirements. The key role of an MCA graduate is to design & implement the plan to fulfill the system’s requirement.

Therefore, there is no similarity between these two courses. MBA actively involves the managerial aspect, whereas MCA involves the technical aspect.

 

3. What are the career options after completing MCA?

In the modern world of advanced technology, there are a plethora of career paths open for students:

• Can work in a consultancy firm like TCS, or a large corporation accumulate an in-house system department like TUL
• Can make their career as a System Developer in any organization.

 

4. What are the specializations available in the MCA course?

MCA course program offers a variety of specializations which are as follows:

• Systems Management
• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Systems Development
• Systems Engineering
• Networking
• Internetworking
• Application Software
• Software Development
• Troubleshooting
• Hardware Technology

 

5. Is it mandatory to possess prior computer knowledge to opt for the MCA course?

The answer is yes. It is required to have adequate knowledge to pursue an MCA course. MCA course involves actively uses of computers & tech-savvy person. Institutes that offer this course across India require to possess a deep-rooted knowledge of computers as an eligibility criterion.

 

6. Does the MCA course have scope in the future?

Massive lucrative job opportunities are there in the field of MCA. Candidates holding an MCA degree can get marvelous employment opportunities in leading IT companies. MCA perhaps also starts their career, as an entry-level trainee programmer. At the beginning of their job career, they will have to work in different areas.

Conclusion

In this specific article, we have thoroughly explained the importance of the MCA course in today’s technological world. With the rapid advancement of technologies, the demand for MCA graduates is at its peak. So, if you have a knack for software and various sophisticated technologies, then this course is ideal for you.

The admission procedure for MCA is entirely done based on various entrance exams like MAH MCA course CET & NIMCET. Aspiring candidates who want to pursue an MCA course have to qualify for the entrance exam to get admission. The minimum eligibility criteria required for MCA is a candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree in computer application-BCA, or any other relevant field with mathematics as a mandatory subject in class 12.

After completion of the MCA course, students have an evident option to pursue M.Phill or Ph.D. degree. To opt for a Ph.D., you will require a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score. These two degrees are considered pre-doctoral or doctorate in the field of Computer Applications.

Nowadays, MCA is a boon to meet every requirement in the sophisticated world of technology. MCA course directs innumerable paths for various job opportunities in various government & private industries like the IT industry, cybersecurity, security companies, etc.