MCA- Eligibility, Syllabus, Scope, Fields, & more
MCA or Master of Computer Applications is a 3 years long course that deals with the study of computer applications and their related terms.
MCA aims at preparing Information Technology experts who could successfully extend their valuable contribution in streamlining the decision-making process and innovation in the areas of Computer Applications.
It is a course that attracts tech-savvy students who are willing to make a career in the field of Information Technology.
MCA itself is enough to fetch you a job in an IT company. All you need to do is exercise mental ability and improve your skills, start working on practical knowledge and try to do some certifications of your choice that is related to your area of interest.
After successfully completing the master’s degree in computer application, the aspirants can choose their own area of interest. Generally, the students will go for a career in the IT industry after the program. Those with determination to study further will choose Doctoral or fellowship programs or certificate courses.
Eligibility for MCA
Eligibility criteria for this degree vary for different colleges/universities. However, here are some common pointers that most institutes follow as criteria-
- The applicant must have completed his graduation in BCA, BSc, or related discipline with an aggregate score required as per the institutes guidelines of admission
- He should have Mathematics as a subject in his Bachelors.
- The candidate must have completed his 10+2 with an aggregate score of 50% or more
- International students with a valid passport and necessary qualifications can also get admission to MCA provided they pass the entrance exam.
Entrance Exams
Some colleges have an entrance test for the admission in the MCA course which is conducted separately by various universities. The exams are usually held in the first half of the year.
NIT MCA Entrance Test (NIMCET) and IIT Jams are national entrance tests conducted by NITs and IIT Roorkee, respectively.
Some states such as UP, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala have a common entrance test for admission to MCA in various state universities and affiliated colleges.
If you are looking to get into some of the most prestigious institutions for MCA, you should consider the following MCA entrance exams:
- NIT MCA Common Entrance Test (NIMCET), NITs
- JOINT ADMISSION TEST FOR MCA/ MSc (IIT JAM), Various Indian Institutes of Technology
- BIT MCA, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra
- IPU CET MCA, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- JNU MCA, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- PUNE UNIVERSITY MCA, Pune University
Obtaining admission to an MCA course at a renowned college is not easy. It is certainly advisable to seek the help of an experienced tutor to help you prepare for the MCA entrance exam.
Syllabus of MCA
The objective of this course is to equip students with the knowledge of the IT applications, technologies, and tools in computer sciences to meet the ever-growing demand for IT professionals.
In MCA, students train in the fields of Application Software Development, Systems Designing, Computer Networks, Enterprise Resource Planning, Web Designing and Development, System Administration, Parallel and Vector Processing, Database Administration, Data Mining and Warehousing, and more.
During your MCA, you can choose to specialize in a subject of your interest. Some of the specialization offered in MCA include:
- Systems Development/ Management/ Engineering
- Software Development
- Application Software
- Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Hardware Technology
- Software Testing
- Troubleshooting
- Networking
- Digital Marketing
- DBA – Big data Hadoop
In the same vein, students will also study subjects like:
- Computer Concepts & Principals of Programming
- Accounting & Financial Management
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Organization & Architecture
- Computer-Based Numerical & Statistical Techniques
- Data Structures
- Introduction to Automata Theory & Languages
- Operating Systems
- Web Technology
- Computer-Based Optimization Techniques
- Cyber Security
- Database Management System
- Computer Networks
- Artificial Intelligence
- Compiler Design
- Computer Graphics & Animation
- Software Engineering
- Cryptography and Network Security
- Cloud Computing
All these subjects give you the apt knowledge of Computer Applications that would be required in the industry. Above all, it can get you a job right after completing your studies in the field.
Fields & Courses after MCA
After completing MCA, a student can either directly get into the industry and start working towards his desired job or study furthermore to enhance his skills and knowledge.
Courses
Most students go for a job after completing MCA. However, if you are looking for further skill enhancement, or you want to pursue a career in academics, you may want to study further. Some of the courses that you can go for after completing MCA include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Technology (MTech)
- MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
- Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)
Career Fields
After you have gained the required knowledge in this field through MCA, you become apt to be working in the industry. So, you can be hired by an Indian firm, as well as, by a global firm who is interested in your offerings.
Following are some of the career options available after completing your postgraduation in MCA-
Software Engineer/ Developer – As a Software Engineer you are responsible for designing, developing, installing, testing and maintaining software systems.
The job involves analyzing a client’s needs and creating solutions to meet those requirements.
A Software Engineer has to apply techniques of computer science, engineering and mathematical analysis to design, develop, test and evaluate the software and the system.
They have to design and develop different types of software like operating systems and network distribution, and software for compilers. Software Engineers instruct a computer to perform the desired function.
They have to possess strong programming skills and develop algorithms and analyze and solve programming problems. Their work is to analyze the needs of the user and then design, construct, test, and maintain computer applications software or systems.
Systems Analyst – As a systems analyst, you will use computers and other systems to design new IT solutions, enhance, modify or adapt existing IT systems and integrate new features or improvements, with the aim to improve business efficiency and productivity.
A Systems Analyst is responsible for an organization’s current computer systems and procedures to help the organization operate more efficiently.
Their work includes consulting with the manager to determine the role of the IT system and research upcoming technologies to determine its efficiency for the organization.
They prepare an analysis of costs and benefits to check how worthwhile the information systems and computing infrastructure upgrades are. Also, they have to devise plans to add improved functionality to existing computer systems and look over the installation and configuration of new systems to customize accordingly. They, in short, bring business and IT together.
Software Consultant – Today, consultancy is a great career option for those with an MCA degree. Software consultants evaluate a business and provide their feedback and recommend software solutions that drive business efficiency. You can either work independently or join a consultancy firm.
A Software Consultant is actually a contractor for a specified period of time and for a specific project. They are employed on a contractual basis. and they have to give guidance and work on managing, designing and architecturally develop high-level projects.
They basically work 90% of the time as a developer and are employed on a contractual basis.
Software Application Architect – If you decide to become a Software Application Architect after your MCA, you will have to make high-level decisions with regard to the design and architecture of IT products.
Also, you will have to develop technical protocols and guidelines such as coding tools, platforms, and standards.
A Software Application Architect is responsible for designing and developing software systems and applications.
They are the high-level decision-makers in the process of determining everything from design to technical standards. Their job is to evaluate and identify software solutions and start by working with the client to discuss what their needs are for custom software.
In addition, they view similar products and revolutionize them. They also conduct research, gather information, interpret data and then create solutions.
Hardware Engineer – If you have a knack for machines, then this is the right job for you. As a hardware engineer, you will get to work with hardware such as circuit boards, hard disk, wires, computer chips, router, and other components.
A Hardware Engineer has to design, test, and update a computers’ hardware. They recommend and keep an eye on the production and assembly of prototypes.
They also modify hardware components for computers and evaluate computer systems and improve models by using complex problem-solving skills. To work at an advanced position as a hardware engineer, you require an MCA degree.
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.
Database Engineer – Database engineers are hired by computer systems companies with an aim to design and monitor complex databases. The role revolves around ensuring the operation, validity, and relevance of the data.
Technical Writers – If writing enthralls you but you also have an inclined interest towards technology, then this is a perfect career option for you! You will have to write about the technical descriptions of products, user manuals, guides, etc.
They have to develop, gather and disseminate technical information among customers, designers and manufacturers. Technical writers determine the needs of the end-users and study product samples to converse with product developers.
They work with the technical staff to organize and write supporting documents to make products easier to use. They also gather feedback from customers, designers, and manufacturers.
Web Designer/Developer – A Web Designer/Developer is someone who is engaged in the working of creating World Wide Web applications. The work of a Web Developer is to design, create, and maintain websites and web applications.
This job can be done by being hired by a company or even as a freelancer if you have the required skills to do so.
A Web Designer is responsible for designing web pages. It takes more than what is visible to the laymans eye in designing a web page. Looking at the aesthetic aspect, it is important to select appropriate colors, font, layout, and images to create the whole look of the website.
The usability of the website has to be kept a priority. The created web page should be relatable to the target market. They are basically in control of the entire website and have to create appropriate images while keeping in mind that the website is easy to use and the information is easily accessible.