What is BCA
The full form of BCA is Bachelors in Computer Application. BCA is a three year undergraduate degree programme for candidates wishing to delve into the world of Computer languages. One of the most popular options to get started with a career in Information Technology, the course gives you an insight into the world of computers and its applications.
A BCA degree is considered to be at par with a BTech/BE degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. The degree helps interested students in setting up a sound academic base for an advanced career in Computer Applications.
Eligibility for BCA Course
To pursue a BCA programme, one need not have Physics, Chemistry and Maths as subjects in Class 12th. Infact, candidates who have pursued Arts or Commerce in class XII can also join the course.Basic eligibility requirements for a BCA course:
- Aspirants must have passed 10+2 from any stream with English as a subject with minimum 45% to 55% marks in aggregate (the pass percentage might vary from college to college)
- While some colleges/universities admit aspirants on merit basis, the others admit students on the basis of personal interview and written examination.
BCA: Course Highlights
Tabulated data below represents some major highlights of the course.Course Level | Undergraduate |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester System |
Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognized university |
Admission Process | Counselling after qualification of entrance examination |
Top recruiting organizations | IT & Software Companies |
Top recruiting areas | Software Development, Testing, Digital Markting, etc. |
Average Course Fee | Rs 70,000 - 2 Lakh |
Average Starting Salary | Rs 2 Lakh - 8 Lakh |
Required Skillset for BCA
Strong programming knowledge |
Sound knowledge of Computers and IT |
Ability to develop applications for practical aspects |
Analytical Thinking |
Strong communication skills |
Creativity |
Team work |
Strong database concepts |
BCA Syllabus
The basic course curriculum of BCA, typically lays emphasis on database management systems, operating systems, software engineering, computer architecture, web technology and languages such as C, C++, HTML, Java etc.Here’s an overview of the topics you would likely study in a BCA programme across 6 semesters:
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Hardware Lab (CIA Only) |
Case Tools Lab (CIA Only) |
Creative English |
Communicative English |
Foundational Mathematics |
Basic Discrete Mathematics |
Statistics I For BCA |
Operating Systems |
Digital Computer Fundamentals |
Data Structures |
Introduction To Programming Using C |
Data Structures Lab |
C Programming Lab |
Visual Programming Lab |
PC Software Lab |
|
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
Interpersonal Communication |
Professional English |
Introductory Algebra |
Financial Management |
Financial Accounting |
Computer Networks |
Software Engineering |
Programming In Java |
Database Management Systems |
Java Programming Lab |
Object Oriented Programming Using C++ |
DBMS Project Lab |
C++ Lab |
Web Technology Lab |
Oracle Lab |
Language Lab(CIA Only) |
Domain Lab (Cia Only) |
|
Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
Unix Programming |
Design And Analysis Of Algorithms |
OOAD Using UML |
Client-Server Computing |
User Interface Design |
Computer Architecture |
Graphics And Animation |
Cloud Computing |
Python Programming |
Multimedia Applications |
Business Intelligence |
Introduction To Soft Computing |
Unix Lab |
Advanced Database Management System |
Web Designing Project |
|
Graphics And Animation Lab |
|
Python Programming Lab |
|
Business Intelligence Lab |
BCA Jobs & Top Companies
In the ever growing IT industry, the demand for BCA graduates is increasing rapidly. With a BCA degree, candidates can find lucrative job opportunities in private as well public sector. Some of the leading IT companies recruiting BCA graduates include Oracle, IBM, Infosys and Wipro. Government organizations like the Indian Air Force(IAF), Indian Army, and India Navy hire a large number of computer professionals for their IT department.
Some of the job profiles that one can bag after completing a BCA programme is that of a:
- System Engineer
- Software Tester
- Junior Programmer
- Web Developer
- System Administrator
- Software Developer
As far as the salary is concerned, a fresher working for a leading MNC might get a salary ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month. However, it was reported that IT giants like Facebook, Microsoft etc pay a six figure salary to fresh graduates they hire.
What after BCA?
This is one of the most common questions asked by candidates. You could give an instant thrust to your career by pursuing MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) after BCA.However, there are other options too that you could consider doing after completing your BCA degree:
- Prepare for CAT and go for an MBA in IT Management
- Complete your Master’s degree by studying MSC (IT)
- Go for a networking diploma and prepare for CCNP or CCNAcertification
- Prepare for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Certification or Redhat certifications and work as a System Administrator or Desktop Technician or Help desk Assistant.
- You could also improve your teaching skills and work as a computer teacher/instructor in school, universities and colleges
- If you are good in web programming then improve your coding skills and make your career in Web Development. You can also work as an independent web designer.
- A lot of BCA graduates also go for government jobs. You could consider one too.
BCA Course Fees:
Bachelor of Computer Application [BCA] average fees structure in India is 15k to 2 lakhs per annum. Some of the government colleges require less amount of fee and it may also vary based on the institution standards.BCA Course Syllabus:
Bachelor of Computer Application [BCA] course syllabus is giving basic knowledge about database, networking and programming languages. This helps the student to get a job in IT and other computer-related jobs. The following table shows the subjects which have been thought for students in common
BCA Course Eligibility:
Bachelor of computer application [BCA] is equivalent to B.Tech or BE Computer engineering. The students who had passed 10+2 with the minimum marks of 45% to 60% in any recognized board of education are eligible for BCA admission in colleges.
Some universities or colleges will conduct BCA entrances to evaluate the student's knowledge and based on the eligibility giving admission to their colleges. The person who is more interested in computer skills and this course is more suitable for them. There are no common entrances for BCA courses it is separately conducted by the colleges. There are specific colleges like BIT Mesra, Amity University, etc. which take admission purely based on marks scored in the 10+2 examination.
BCA Specialisations:
Specialisations for BCA Course are listed below- Computer Graphics
- Programming Languages
- Database Management
- Systems Analysis
- Word Processing
- Internet Technologies
- Animation
- Cyber Law
- Software Testing
- Music and Video Processing
- Personal Information Management
BCA Job Opportunities:
Bachelor of Computer Application [BCA] consists of subjects like Introduction to programming using C, Statistics for BCA, Algebra, Digital Computer Fundamentals, Calculus, Operating Systems, Data Structures, Computer Networks. So they can able to work as an- Web Developer
- Web Designer
- Network Administrator
- System Manager
- Computer Programmer
- Software Developer
- Software Tester
- System administrator
Companies like TCS, Infosys, Cognizant are hiring BCA freshers to work in their company. One can also pursue higher education after BCA is Master of Computer Application [MCA] which can able to provide better knowledge about programming skills and better salary packages.
List of BCA Colleges:
Bachelor of Computer Application [BCA] is one of the popular courses all over India for those who want to make their career in MNC companies and IT companies. One should get a good quality of education to make their future good. Here are some of the top colleges to pursue their BCA.
Sl.No | College Name |
---|---|
1 | Symbiosis Institute of Computer Science and Research, Pune |
2 | Christ University, Bangalore |
3 | Loyola College, Chennai |
4 | Amity Institute of Information Technology, U.P |
5 | Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore |
6 | Women’s Christian College, Chennai |
7 | Stella Maris College, Chennai |
8 | Presidency College, Bangalore |
9 | DAV College, Punjab |
10 | Madras Christian College, Chennai |