What is a BCA Course?
BCA stands for Bachelor’s in Computer Applications. As its name suggests, it is about gaining specialization in computers by doing an in-depth study of computer systems, computer languages and various advancements happening all over the world.
In BCA, the focus is not just on teaching the theory but also on the practical aspect so as to impart technical skills in the students along with subjects like emerging technology, languages, software and database management. The project work and practical submissions form a major component of the whole program.
Multiple interdisciplinary electives are also offered to the students to choose from, which are particularly different from engineering, like EVS, business communication, so that students get to experience a holistic knowledge mechanism through this course.
What is The Duration & Structure?
- BCA is a 3-year course divided into 6 years.
- The average period of each semester is around 4 to 6 months.
- The structure of BCA is as follows-
- Core subjects- Core subjects form the heart of the program, and 2-3 are compulsorily taught in each semester. They include a holistic coverage of computers and computer applications.
- General electives- Elective subjects directly or indirectly related to BCA are offered
- Skill enhancement courses- Here, subjects directly related to skill development, like Java, Python, are taught in depth
- Ability Enhancement course- Here, subjects from different disciplines are offered, like entrepreneurship or even economics, for students to gain a multidisciplinary education.
What is The BCA Course Eligibility?
The following is the eligibility criteria for securing admission in a BCA program-
- A student must have passed class 10 + 2 from any recognised board.
- However, he or she has to obtain a minimum percentage of marks, most likely around 45% and 50% of the aggregate marks.
- Along with that, getting a good score in an entrance exam like CUET UG becomes equally important to secure admission in the top central universities of the country.
- However, some institutes have the requirement to have a minimum proficiency in computer and mathematics up to class 10th to secure admission in BCA; this may vary from institute to institute.
What Are The Entrance Exams for BCA?
The following are the popular entrance exams accepted for granting admission in the BCA course-
- CUET UG- First and foremost important undergraduate entrance exam accepted almost throughout the country. After 2020, CUET has taken over the merit system of admissions to many top central universities of the country. CUET is an MCQ-based exam. So, conceptual clarity and MCQ practice are needed to perform well in this exam. It is conducted by NTA every year after the board exams of class 12th are over.
- IPU CET- It is a popular entrance test conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University to grant admissions in the university and all of its affiliated colleges.
- Symbiosis Entrance Test- Symbiosis is a famous private university which conducts the Symbiosis Entrance Test every year to grant admission in the Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies.
- State-level examinations- For example, MAH CET for the state of Maharashtra, TANCET for the state of Tamil Nadu.
- Other university-specific examinations- For example, Sharda University conducts its own entrance exam known as SUAT- Sharda University Admission Test.
What Are The Top Specializations in BCA?
The following is the list of popular specialisations in BCA-
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
- Digital marketing
- Cyber security
- Digital forensics
- Web development
- Cloud Computing
- Blockchain Technology
- Data science
- Database Management
- Internet of Things
- Information Technology
- Software development.
A student should consider the following factors while deciding on a particular specialisation:
- Analyse your interest areas and strengths.
- Look for future growth opportunities in that particular specialisation.
- Research about average salaries and prospects of promotion.
- Get counselling from credible people.
- Look for study resources and university offerings.
What Are The Top BCA Colleges in India With Fees?
Here are the top BCA colleges in India.
| College / University (Type) | Location / Notes |
Approx. Fee (Total / Course/ Year*)
|
| Sharda University (Private) | Greater Noida, UP | ₹ 3.06–5 lakh |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (Public / Open University) | New Delhi / pan-India | N/A |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) (Public) | Varanasi / UP (outside NCR but prominent) | N/A |
| Bennett University (Private) | Greater Noida, UP | ₹ 1- 3 lakh |
| Delhi Technological University (DTU) (Public) | Delhi | N/A |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) (Public central university) | New Delhi / NCR |
₹ 8,000–12,000/year for BCA in many govt colleges
|
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) (Public) | New Delhi / NCR area |
₹ 35,000–50,000/-
|
| KCC Institute of Legal & Higher Education (Greater Noida) (Private) | Greater Noida, UP |
₹ 77,600 per year
|
| Amity University (Private) | Noida / NCR | ₹ 3.54 lakh |
| Galgotias University (Private) | Greater Noida, UP |
₹ 2.70–4.00 lakh
|
BCA Course Fees
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s in computer applications is not as expensive as compared to other technical courses like B.Tech.
- Hence, the fee for BCA is quite affordable.
- In a government college, you can easily complete your BCA within Rs 1 lakh, whereas if you go to a private university, it would cost you around 3 to 4 lakhs for the whole course, or it can be more.
- Return on investment on a BCA course is definitely great because of the rising opportunities in the field of Computer Applications.
- However, it will be much greater if you can develop skills and internalise the knowledge gained during the course of 3 years in college, because that will ultimately provide you with the best results.
What Are The Career Opportunities After BCA?
A BCA Graduate is no short of opportunities after the completion of the course. The need is to be proactive and work on developing skills during college. The following are the career opportunities after BCA-
- Work as a data analyst, web developer, software developer, computer programmer and earn a good salary of around 4 to 10 lakhs per annum in top companies like Google, Microsoft, HCL and TCS.
- Pursue further studies- Mtech or MBA that will add value to your profile.
- Clear NET JRF and start teaching as a professor and earn a good salary.
- Work with the government sector- Many public sector undertakings (PSUs) look for computer science graduates to work for them.
- Seek a job abroad- The skills a student learns during BCA are valued abroad as well. Hence, it is an attractive option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the specialisations offered in BCA?
Ans: Many are there, but the most popular ones are as follows: Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, Digital marketing, Cyber security, Digital forensics, Web development, Cloud Computing, Blockchain Technology, Data science.
Q: What is the duration and eligibility for BCA?
Ans: BCA is a 3-year undergraduate course with minimum eligibility as follows- Class 12th with minimum 45 to 50% marks plus a good score in CUET UG for central universities across the country.
Q: Is it worth it to pursue BCA?
Ans: Yes, definitely it is because the return on investment on BCA is great due to the increasing availability of jobs in the IT sector. The scope and importance of BCA is going to increase only with the advancement in the IT sector, especially in fields like Artificial Intelligence, data science and machine learning.
