(BCA) Bachelor of Computer Applications

Mode: Full-time | Duration: 3 Years

The full form of BCA is a Bachelor’s in Computer Application. BCA is a three-year undergraduate degree program 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 program, one need not have Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as subjects in Class 12th. 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 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 a merit basis, the others admit students on the basis of personal interview and written examination.

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

BCA: Course Highlights

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 Marketing, etc.
Average Course Fee: INR 70,000 to 2,00,000 lacs
Average Starting Salary: INR 2 to 8 lacs

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
Teamwork
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 program across 6 semesters:

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
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)
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 as public sectors.

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 program 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 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 at 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.