Comparing PGDCA and MCA: Course Details, Career Prospects, and Top Colleges in India

Factors

PGDCA

MCA

Full Form

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications

Master of Computer Application

Degree Type

PG Diploma

Masters

Depth

Provides foundational knowledge and skills in computer applications.

Provides in-depth knowledge in computer science and applications

Duration

1 year

2-3 years

Modes

Offline and distance

Online, Offline, Distance

Eligibility

10+2+4 or Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution

Math must be a fundamental subject in 10+2 and Bachelor Courses in computers

Entrance Exam

CUET, NEST, LPUNEST, GSET

NIMCET, MAKAUT CET, MAH MCA CET, TANCET, BIT MCA Entrance Exam

Course Focus

Introductory computer applications & programming concepts.

In-depth advanced computer and programming concepts.

Curriculum

It has a rigid curriculum focusing on practical applications.

MCA covers a wider range of topics.

Average Fee

INR 2 lakhs

INR 35K to 2 lakhs

Job Options

Entry-level positions

IT industry jobs

Average Salary

INR 7 lakhs

INR 3 to 10 lakhs

Job Roles

Technical Architect, Software Developer, UX Developer, Programmer, System Analyst, Database Administrator, Independent Consultant, etc.

System administrators, computer scientists, software developers, chief information officers, and more.

Curriculum

Operating systems, database management systems, web programming, and more.

Modern computer technologies, software & app development, UX design, and programming languages. 

Top Recruiters

Accenture, TCS, Infosys, Oracle, Tech Mahindra etc.

Accenture, Cisco Systems, Alcatel, BSNL, Amazon

Top College

Jamia Millia Islamia, Madras Christian College, Lovely Professional University

Amity University, Christ University, Chandigarh University, Shoolini University, Madras Christian College, Jain University

PGDCA Syllabus

2nd Semester

Object-oriented programming

Software Engineering

Computer Networks

Data Structure

Web Programming

MCA Syllabus

Semester 1

Semester 2

Introduction in IT

Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations

Computer Organisation & Architecture

Operating Systems

Programming & Data Structure

Oral and Wireless Communications

Introduction to Management Functions

Accounting and Management Control

Mathematical foundations

Probability & Combinatorics

IT Lab

Business Programme Lab

Programming Lab

Unix & Windows Lab

Semester 3

Semester 4 

Data Base Management Systems

Network Programming

Computer Communication Networks

Software Engg. I

Object Oriented Analysis and Design

Elective I

Management Support System

Organizational Behaviour

Statistical Computing

Elective 2

DBMS Lab

Network Lab

Statistical Computing Lab

CASE Tools Lab

A.I and Applications

Project

Software Engineering II

Seminar

AI & Application lab

Optimization Techniques

Institute

Total Fee Structure

Admission Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Chandigarh University

INR 1.4 LPA

-

INR 21,500 PA

Jain University

INR 2 LPA

INR 1,000

INR 32,000 PA

Christ University

INR 1.8 LPA

INR 5,000

INR 43,394 PA

Amity University

INR 50,000 PA

INR 20,000

-

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

INR 1 LPA

-

INR 1.02 LPA

JNU, Delhi

INR 3.71 PA

INR 1,000

INR 2500

University of Hyderabad

INR 37,630 PA

INR 3,000

INR 8,775

Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

INR 8,500 PA

INR 500

INR 4,500

NIT, Trichy

INR 70,000 PA

INR 5,000

INR 12,000

NIT, Warangal

INR 62,500 PA

INR 1,000

INR 8,000

Sharda University

INR 1.54 LPA

INR 5,000

INR 6,000

UPES

INR 1.10 LPA

INR 1,000

INR 3,500

VIT Vellore

INR 1.4 LPA

INR 3,000

INR 1,000

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

INR 1 LPA

INR 10,000

INR 8,000

GLA University

INR 1.38 LPA

INR 1,000

-

College Name

Total Tuition Fee             

Christ University

INR 6.60 lakh

St. Joseph's University

INR 3 lakh

SICSR Pune

INR 5.05 lakh

Kristu Jayanti College

INR 2.70 lakh

Loyola College

INR 2.94 lakh

MCC

INR 1.02 lakh

PSGCAS 

INR 1.57 lakh

Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication

INR 89,270

Government Arts College Salem

INR 1,545