BCA

The full form of BCA is Bachelors in Computer Application. BCA is a 3-year undergraduate degree programme that focusses on knowledge on the basics of computer application and software development. 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.The course of BCA includes database management systems, operating systems, software engineering, web technology and languages such as C, C++, HTML, Java etc. The fees for BCA generally ranges from INR 37,500 to 5 lakh. The minimum and most important eligibility criteria for BCA followed across all colleges is 45 per cent marks in Class 12 or equivalent examination. There are no subject level restrictions for pursuing BCA as students with any subjects in Class 11 and 12 can apply for BCA unlike BTech. 

Recruting companies include both big established companies like HP, Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant and new-age technology startups like Flipkart. The average salary package post BCA varies between INR 4 LPA to 10 LPA depending on company and the specific role/designation. A BCA graduate has scope in jobs such as Software Engineer, Web Designer and System Analyst.

To pursue a BCA programme, one need not have Physics, Chemistry and Maths as subjects in Class 12. In fact, 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 Class 12 from any stream with English as a subject with a minimum of 45 to 55 per cent marks in aggregate (the pass percentage might vary from college to college).
• While some colleges/universities admit aspirants on a merit basis, others admit students on the basis of personal interviews and written examinations.

Note: The eligibility criteria might differ from college to college.

Read: Eight things to keep in mind while choosing a college for BCA

The tabulated data below represents some major highlights of the course.

Candidates seeking admission to BCA course should fulfill the eligibility criteria to contest in the entrance examination. Different institutes conduct the entrance examination to admit eligible candidates only. Check the list of some popular BCA entrance examination and conducting body below:

Some popular BCA specialisations available for admission  are:

• Internet Technologies
• Animation
• Network Systems
• Programming Languages (C++, JAVA, etc.)
• Systems Analysis
• Music and Video Processing
• Management Information System (MIS)
• Accounting Application

The basic syllabus 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 syllabus/subjects you would likely study in a BCA programme across 6 semesters:

A number of colleges offer BCA admission and hence sometimes it becomes difficult to choose the best college for admission. Here is the list of some popular BCA colleges in India along with the total fees and average salary offered:

Refer to the infograph for better understanding

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 INR 25,000 to INR 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.

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.

Read: Top specialisations you can opt for 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 CCNA certification.
• 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.

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Q. What is BCA course?

A. BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications is an undergraduate course that will build the knowledge of the students regarding computer language. By completing this three-year course, the students will be able to build their career in Information Technology and Computer Applications field.

Q. I have finished my 10+2 with Arts stream. Am I eligible for BCA?

A. Yes. Candidates of any stream from a recognized institute will be eligible for BCA admissions. English is a compulsory subject that will be required for admissions by many institutes.

Q. What is the scope of BCA?

A. Due to the ever-growing requirement of technology, the demand for BCA graduates is increasing rapidly. After graduation, BCA students can opt to work for leading IT companies or Government organizations.

Q. What is BCA salary?

A. BCA graduates will earn according to the company that they are recruited to and as per their experience. Freshers in Multi-national companies may earn up to INR 40,000 per month and those recruited to top companies will even earn a higher salary.

Q. Can I apply for BCA without Maths?

A. Yes. Students without Maths will be eligible for BCA admissions.

Q. Are BCA and BTech equal?

A. While BCA is the study of computer applications, BTech in Computer Science Engineering focuses on training the students about computer engineering and hardware. Both courses are good programmes to choose from and depend on the interest of the students and their career goals.

Q. Is BCA a good course after the 12th?

A. Students can opt for BCA after 12th if they have an interest in Computer Applications. Since the demand for BCA graduates is on the rise, the students can opt for the course.

Q. Can I get a job in Google after BCA?

Q. What options are there after BCA?

Q. Can I apply for CA with BCA?

A. Yes. BCA graduates are eligible to apply for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), which is the entrance test for CA.

Q. Is BCA easy?

A. Students who have ample interest in this subject may find the programme to be easy. However, the concepts about computer applications require a lot of studying and dedication.