Master of Computer Applications
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 5.4 LPA.
MCA Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission into MCA course are determined by colleges as per government norms and the universities they are affiliated to. Those candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Computer Applications can pursue this course. Some colleges may also consider a candidate’s Class 12 marks for shortlisting purposes. Some reputed institutes may allow only those candidates for MCA admission who have pursued BCA or BSc in computer science-related specialisations. The students in their final year of graduation can also apply for the course provided the results of their final semester are released before the commencement of the MCA programme.
Why Pursue MCA?
Many students prefer to pursue a Master of Computer Application course for several reasons. Some of these are mentioned below:
- For BCA graduates, pursuing an MCA degree enhances their career prospects.
- MCA graduates and Engineering graduates are usually hired for the same job profiles.
- The average salary of an entry-level programmer ranges between INR 2.8 LPA to INR 8.9 LPA.
- A mid-level Data Scientist can earn up to INR 28 LPA in India.
