MCA
Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a three year long professional post-graduate programme for candidates wanting to delve deeper into the world of computer application development with the help of learning modern programming language. The programme is a blend of both theoretical and practical knowledge. An MCA degree endows students’ an opportunity to work with tools meant to develop better and faster applications.
Designed to meet the shortage of qualified professionals in the IT (Information Technology) industry, an MCA degree - in India - is offered by many colleges. Infact, there are various colleges that also offer integrated MCA programmes as well.
Students pursuing an MCA programme would have the option to choose from the following specialisations:
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Application Software
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Systems Management
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Hardware Technology
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Systems Development
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Internet
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Systems Engineering
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Management Information Systems (MIS)
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Software Development
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Networking
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Troubleshooting
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Eligibility Criteria for MCA
According to AICTE, to pursue an MCA course candidates must have pursued BCA/ BSc/ BCom/ BA degree with Mathematics as one of the subjects at 10+2 level or at graduation.
However, MCA colleges in India might ask you to fulfill the following as well:
- Minimum marks required: 50% to 60% (a CGPA above 6/10 is considered good) in Bachelor's; 55% and above in Class 12th. Class 10th marks do not matter in most cases.
Skillset for MCA
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Good communication and behavioral skills
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A positive attitude
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Confidence
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Strong technical skills
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Good command over programming languages like C, C++, Java, .Net, etc.
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Good programming skills and hands on experience
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Knowledge of data structure and database
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Awareness of latest technology trends
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Course Curriculum for MCA
The basic curriculum of a typical MCA programme includes topics like network and database management, electronics, mobile technologies, financial accounting, mathematics, statistics, cloud computing, Java programming etc.
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Semester 1
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Semester 2
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Introduction in IT
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Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations
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Computer Organisation & Architecture
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Operating Systems
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Programming & Data Structure
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Oral and Wireless Communications
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Introduction to Management functions
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Accounting and Management Control
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Mathematical foundations
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Probability & Combinatorics
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IT Lab
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Business Programme Lab
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Programming Lab
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Unix & Windows Lab
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Semester 3
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Semester 4
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Data Base Management Systems
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Network Programming
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Computer Communication Networks
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Software Engg. I
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Object Oriented Analysis and Design
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Elective I
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Management Support System
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Organizational Behaviour
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Statistical Computing
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Elective 2
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DBMS Lab
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Network Lab
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Statistical Computing Lab
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CASE Tools Lab
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Semester 5
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Semester 6
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A.I and Applications
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Project
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Software Engineering II
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Seminar
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Elective 3
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Elective 4
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Optimisation Techniques
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AI & Application lab
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Optimisation Techniques Lab
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Industrial Lectures Seminar, Project
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MCA: Types of Job profiles and Top recruiters
There is no dearth of lucrative job opportunities for MCA graduates. A candidate with a master’s degree in computer applications along with the right amount of relevant work experience, skill set and caliber can easily find great job opportunities at leading IT firms (both private and government) across India and abroad
Some of the top job profiles for MCA graduates are:
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App Developer
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App developers are individuals designing, building and maintaining mobile application for android, iOS, windows, blackberry platforms etc.
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Business Analyst
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A Business analyst typically mentors people aiming to start a business of their own.
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Database Engineer
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Database engineers are hired by computer systems companies with an aim to design and monitor complex databases. The role revolves around ensuring the operation, validity and relevancy of the data.
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Ethical Hacker
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Ethical hackers are experts who access a network or computer system on behalf of its owner to uncover security vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could possibly exploit.
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Hardware Engineer
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Hardware engineers install and test systems to ensure proper functioning of the internet. These folks are also involved in the testing and production of hardware equipment.
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Manual Tester
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As the name suggests, manual testers physically test software for defects. These individuals are required to play the role of an end user who makes use of almost all the features of the application to ensure behaving accurately.
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Technical Writers
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Being a technical writer, one is expected to write technical documents like product description, design specifications, user manuals and guides etc.
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Trouble-shooters
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Troubleshooters are experts who ensure that technology - both hardware and software - come handy to those who need it. In case of an issue, they resolve the same to make sure that projects are delivered on time
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Social Media Handler
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Companies hire social media specialist to handle their popularity and presence amongst people through the virtual world.
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Web Designer/Developer
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Web developers/designers are mainly responsible for constructing a website. With a creative mind and well versed software skills, these individuals develop and design World Wide Web applications, HTML, Photoshop, Flash etc.
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