Master of Computer Application (MCA): Career, Scope, Jobs, Salary

Are you dreaming about working for big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, or Meta? Have you ever wondered what course or qualification one must possess to land a job there?

The answer is pursuing a course related to computer science such as BCA, B.Tech or MCA. 

A master’s in computer application abbreviated as MCA is one of the popular Postgraduate specializations in the field of computer science.

The MCA course is designed to provide advanced knowledge in computer programming, software development and IT infrastructure.

For admission in the MCA programme, candidates have to pass a bachelor degree with Mathematics as a subject at 10+2 or graduation level.

Before you choose any course for pursuing higher studies, it is important for the candidates to know about the course details, specializations, career benefits and job opportunities in the future.

In this article we have covered, in-depth guide about MCA course, eligibility criteria, admission process ans top colleges in the country.

So let’s explore career after MCA and job opportunties!

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MCA Course Details

MCA (Master of Computer Applications) is a professional master’s degree in computer science. It focuses on providing a theoretical as well as practical training to students in the related field.

The course duration for MCA is 2 years, divided into 4 semesters. Though some universities offer a 3 year MCA course divided in six semesters. The course curriculum covers subjects like

• Operating Systems and Networking
• Programming Languages (Java, Python, C++)
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Cloud Computing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Data Analytics and Big Data Technologies

Below is the overview of the MCA course

MCA Program	Courses Details
MCA Full Form	Master of Computer Application
MCA Course Level	Post Graduation
MCA Course Duration	2 years, 3 years for universities
MCA Course Fees	INR 2 Lakh – INR 8 Lakh
MCA Courses Admission Process	Entrance Exam + Counselling Process
MCA Course Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate Degree with Mathematics at 12th or graduation level
MCA Entrance Exams	NIMCET
Top MCA Colleges	NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal, BITS Pilani
MCA Jobs	Software engineer, system analyst, Web developer, Cloud engineer
MCA Salary	INR 6 LPA – INR 18 LPA
MCA Top Recruiters	Infosys, TCS, Amazon, Meta, Google, Adobe, IBM, Accenture

Also Check: Artificial Intelligence Courses After 12th

Eligibility Criteria

For admission to the MCA degree program, candidates need to fulfil below mentioned eligibility conditions:

• Students who have done their graduation in any discipline like Science, Commerce, Arts, Engineering, B.Tech (CSE) from any recognized university are eligible to apply for this course.
• Aspirants should have studied Mathematics subject in the 10+2 standard or at graduation level.
• The qualifying examination must be passed with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST category candidates).

MCA Specializations

Students can opt any one the specialization during the last year of course:

• Systems Management
• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Systems Development
• Systems Engineering
• Networking
• Internet working
• Application Software
• Software Development
• Troubleshooting
• Hardware Technology

MCA Admission Process

The Admissions in MCA course is offered on the basis of entrance examinations. The top colleges and universities in India consider NIMCET.

Many top private colleges and universities in India offer direct admission on the basis of marks in the graduation level.

Generally, the entrance examination is MCQ type test, and covers Mathematics, English, reasoning and aptitude related questions.

Some MCA entrance examinations are listed here:

• NIMCET 2025 (National Institute of Technology Common Entrance Test)
• MAH MCA CET 2025 (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
• VITMEE 2025 (Vellore Institute of Technology MCA Entrance Exam)
• IPU CET 2025 MCA (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
• TS ICET 2025 (Telangana State Integrated Common Entrance Test)
• AP ICET 2025 (Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test)
• OJEE 2025 (Odisha Joint Entrance Exam)

Top MCA Colleges in India

Some of the reputed colleges and universities offering MCA program are listed:

• National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
• University of Hyderabad (UoH)
• Delhi University (DU)
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
• Christ University, Bangalore
• Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra
• Pune University (Savitribai Phule Pune University)
• Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Noida

Career & Jobs

Lot of Job opportunities are available in the field of MCA. Candidates having an MCA degree may have great employment opportunities in IT companies and top consultancy firms.

At present, with the advancement of IT & Communication systems, people with good computer application skills are high in demand in the IT sector.

MCA qualified graduates can find job opportunities in both private as well as government sector. The candidates also have the opportunity to work with the startups and also work as an entrepreneur.

The candidates graduating from the top colleges like NIT’s, BITS Pilani, VIT & BHU are offered handsome salary packages by the top IT companies.

Apart from working in the IT & Software companies, candidates can also work in the areas such as banking, networking, Finance etc.

During the initial time of joining, candidates are provided with a few months of training. Thereafter, they can work on Live projects.

MCA candidate can start their career as an entry level trainee programmer. At the beginning, they have to work in different roles and areas. The core responsibilities of an IT professional is to develop, test and maintain softwares/applications.

Candidates with MCA degree can also choose their profession in teaching field. They can also work as a computer science lecturer in reputed colleges/Universities.

Skills Required

• To be a good programmer, you must have a good command in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, .Net, ASP.NET, Python etc.
• If you have an interest in web designing field, then you have to focus in languages like PHP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, etc.
• If you want to go in networking field, then you have to skilled in SQL, LINUX, etc. Apart from studying subjects during the course, interested candidates can also get certification in CCNA, CCNP, CCIE to get good position in organization.

Job Profiles After MCA

After completing MCA, candidates can work in the following profiles:

• Software Developer
• Computer System Analyst
• Software Engineer or Programmer
• Database Administrator
• Software Publisher
• Software Application Architect
• Software Consultant
• Hardware Engineer
• Web Designer/ Web Developer
• Senior Technical Consultant
• Project Manager
• Cloud architect
• Data scientist
• Business analyst
• Technical writer
• IT Architect

Recruiters

The postgraduates in MCA are hired by the private IT companies as well as government organizations. The recruiters are as follows:

• Amazon
• Flipkart
• Google
• Infosys
• Wipro
• TCS
• Meta
• Oracle
• Cognizant
• IBM
• American Express
• HCL
• HP
• Accenture

Salary

The salary of IT professionals is among the highest in the country. A fresh graduate, may start their career with ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per annum.

The salary for MCA graduates in India depends on factors like experience, job role, location and the company. Generally, product based companies like Google, Meta, Apple pays much higher than the service based companies.

Candidates with 3-5 years of experience, can earn in the range ₹8,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum. Those who are working in the leadership roles like Director, CTO or Managerial positions earn in the range ₹18,00,000 – ₹30,00,000 per annum.

Software engineers having expertise in a specific technology are high in demand in the US, UK and Australia. The average salary of IT professionals in USA is between $80,000 – $120,000 per annum.

Books & Study Materials

• MCA Master of (Computer Application) Entrance Exam by R. Gupta
• MCA Entrance of All India Universities by G.K.P.
• The Pearson Guide to MCA Entrance Examinations by Edgar Thorpe, Showick Thorpe
• Introduction to Computers by Norton Peter
• Fundamentals of Computers by Rajaraman V
• Guide to MCA Entrance including JECA by Dr. Sakti Pada Nanda
• MCA Entrance Examination: A Complete Guide by Anand Kumar
• A Complete Study Package MCA Entrances of All Indian Universities by Amit M.Aggarwal

Career in MCA FAQ’s

If you have any other queries related to Master of Computer Applications (MCA), you may leave your queries below.